Valley Journey Trailer Brake Controller # 52650 Has Constant Brake Signal at Trailer Connector
Question:
I have a Journey 52650 in a 2004 Ford Sport Trac and there is power all the time at the connector to the trailer on the brake wire, does that mean it has shorted to the on state?
asked by: Rick
Expert Reply:
If your Valley Journey Brake Controller # 52650 delivers a constant brake output signal to your trailer connector you can use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to determine if the fault is in the controller itself or elsewhere. There are several potential causes for this issue. I have linked a help article that will be useful to you as you troubleshoot. Please note that in a separate email I have forwarded the instructions for the now-discontinued Journey.
You can start at the controller itself. The red wire from the Journey connects to the cold side of the brake light switch. This wire carries the signal from the brake light switch that tells the controller to generate a brake signal for the trailer brakes.
Apply the tester to the red wire and press the brake pedal. You should detect a signal only when the pedal is pressed. If there is constant signal on this red wire then either the brake light switch is damaged or the controller is wired incorrectly to the hot side of the switch. If you detect a signal on the red wire only when the pedal is pressed then you can move on to testing the blue wire.
Cut the blue output wire a few inches from the controller. Apply the circuit tester to the blue wire coming from the Journey. Engage the manual activation lever on the Journey. You should detect an output signal on the blue wire only when the manual lever is applied. If you detect an output signal without the manual lever engaged then the controller is damaged and needs to be replaced. If there is output only when the manual lever is engaged then you can re-connect the cut blue wire (use a butt connector such as part # 05731-5 and tape it securely).
Next I suggest you inspect the wiring to your 7-way connector. Look for wires rubbing against metal chassis parts, wires that may be pinched or that have rubbed on the frame enough to wear off or crack the insulation. Correct any such conditions by taping the damaged spots and securing the wires with zip ties to prevent further damage.
Next move on to the 7-way connector itself. Inspect the front and rear side of the 7-way for signs of corrosion or any other condition that could cause a short between the various contacts. Just as with your car battery terminals, the contacts on your 7-way can develop corrosive build-up, and it is possible for this corrosion to actually bridge two different contacts resulting in a short.
If you have this problem only when the trailer is connected to your Explorer, then there may be an issue in the trailer wiring. Perform the same inspection of the trailer connector and wiring for signs of damaged or pinched wires. If there are no problems found in the trailer connector or wiring you can move on to testing the trailer brakes themselves. You may also want to refer to the linked articles on testing trailer brakes and troubleshooting brake controllers.
In the event that you find the controller is damaged, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885, which is a popular and easy-to-use controller.
Products Referenced in This Question
16-14 Gauge Butt Connector - 5 Pack
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Butt Connectors
- 16-14 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
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