Troubleshooting an OS and a CS Code On Electric Brake Controller

Question:

journey hd trailer brake controler. Had an oc now Ive got a cs ? any suggestions? Worked great for several years just wondering why it quit. Ive gone through it and changed connections and cleaned same maybe just didnt get to the right one yet?

asked by: Rich

Helpful Expert Reply:

On the Valley Journey brake controller, the OC code indicates that the manual override lever is being applied and there is no trailer connected. The CS code indicates there is a detected short circuit. Often the cause of this is corrosion at the trailer connector. Check the vehicle side and the trailer side for corrosion.

If corrosion isn't the issue, then I would start on the vehicle side. First, do you have those codes without a trailer connected? If not, then we know the problem is on the trailer. If so, then there could be a problem on the brake output wire between the brake controller and the 7-way.

Behind the brake controller, cut the brake output wire (blue wire) about 6 inches back. If that doesn't stop the codes, then the brake controller is likely bad and it will need to be replaced. If that stops the codes, then we know the problem is the wire. The quickest way to solve this problem is to run a new 12 gauge wire, # 12-2-1, back to the trailer 7-way from the brake controller.

If you determine the problem is on the trailer, inspect the brake wire between the trailer side 7-way and the brake assemblies, looking for any damaged sections that could be causing a short. Another quick fix for this would be to run a new 12 gauge wire to bypass the existing wire. I would also check the grounds for the brake magnets and the brake magnets themselves. I have attached a help article that explains how to test brake magnets.

expert reply by: Jason S