BrakeSwitch for Journey

Sammie · 02-09-2013, 04:00 PM

Has anyone recently installed a BrakeSwitch which when wired into the exhaust brake switch will Automate the way the exhaust brake works? I have a 2006 Journey and just want to be sure of the wiring before I start cutting and splicing. I see the four wires going to the rear of the exhaust brake switch but need to know how to make the cut in.

Thanks,
Sammie

phinneyj · 02-09-2013, 07:49 PM

Another interesting question,

Dr4Film · 02-09-2013, 08:00 PM

You don't need a Brake Switch to Automate the way the Exhaust Brake works.

My Exhaust Brake which is a PacBrake is completely automatic when the Exhaust Brake switch is turned on. When I take my foot off of the accelerator pedal, the Exhaust Brake is activated. When I step on the accelerator the Exhaust Brake is deactivated.

I believe by installing and using the Brake Switch, it allows you to have the Exhaust Brake switch activated while using the Cruise Control too. If the Brake Switch is not installed, then it would be impossible to use both at the same time.

Check with Homer Hawks as to the correct wires to splice into on your coach. He is the supplier of the Brake Switch so he should know exactly what to do.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

Sammie · 02-09-2013, 08:06 PM

Thanks Richard, I've already bought mine from Homer, but his wiring diagram doesn't show my particular switch. I was hoping that someone who has installed one on a Journey would chime in with a picture or diagram.

Sammie

1ciderdog · 02-09-2013, 08:53 PM

Sammie, It's been a couple of years since I installed mine so I can't help you except by suggesting calling Homer. Perhaps he can explain the wiring. He doesn't hesitate to talk about the wiring. (I do like the way the brake switch works)
Bob

Dr4Film · 02-10-2013, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammie

Thanks Richard, I've already bought mine from Homer, but his wiring diagram doesn't show my particular switch. I was hoping that someone who has installed one on a Journey would chime in with a picture or diagram.

Sammie

Sammie,

Check here for wiring diagrams to find the one that you have. BUT, I would also recommend that you call Homer Hawks and speak with him directly about how your Brake Switch should be wired into your wiring.

Brakeswitch, A better way to MANAGE your exhaust brake

BTW, I don't think it gets wired into the existing Exhaust Brake wiring, but I could be wrong.

Just my opinion.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

1ciderdog · 02-10-2013, 09:53 AM

It's been awhile but if memory serves me correctly you tap into the wires going to the dash exhaust brake rocker switch.

Sammie · 02-10-2013, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ciderdog

It's been awhile but if memory serves me correctly you tap into the wires going to the dash exhaust brake rocker switch.

Thanks Bob, I do have the wiring diagram from Homer who builds the BrakeSwitch and your right, the wiring does connect right at the exhaust brake switch. My question is that I just want to be sure I'm cutting the right wires on my Journey because Homers diagram is pretty generic. I've got as far as pulling the switch out this morning but I guess I'll have to wait until Monday to call Homer for his instructions.
On another note I have been following your trials and tribulations with your rig as I also like to make modifications and improvements to my rig. I guess it's just a guy thing right?

Thanks,
Sammie

rgvtexan · 02-10-2013, 03:20 PM

If you don't have the wireing diag for your coach, go here.
Wiring Diagrams
Winnie puts wire IDs on the wires.
Search in the Automovie wiring diag.

Pusherman · 02-10-2013, 03:35 PM

Sammie, you can get all the functionality of a Brake Switch by programming options available from either Freightliner or your engine manufacturer or Allison.

I'd send it back and have the programming done. When I had mine done, CAT nor Allison charged me a dime, as it took about 10 minutes each.

Why cut wires when you don't have to?

BobGed · 02-10-2013, 04:05 PM

Pusherman is correct.

The ECM can be programmed to operate the Cat brake in three different modes: manual, coast, and latch.

In manual mode, when the operator removes his foot from the accelerator, the brake system becomes active.

In the coast mode, compression braking does not come on automatically until the operator applies the foot brake, and it disengages as soon as the operator releases the foot brake.

In the latch mode, compression braking operates as in coast mode, except that it remains on when the operator releases the foot brake.

cbeierl · 02-10-2013, 04:17 PM

You can also program the ECM to allow the exhaust brake to come on when cruise control is active, or not.

Pusherman · 02-10-2013, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobGed

Pusherman is correct.

The ECM can be programmed to operate the Cat brake in three different modes: manual, coast, and latch.

In manual mode, when the operator removes his foot from the accelerator, the brake system becomes active.

In the coast mode, compression braking does not come on automatically until the operator applies the foot brake, and it disengages as soon as the operator releases the foot brake.

In the latch mode, compression braking operates as in coast mode, except that it remains on when the operator releases the foot brake.

I have mine programmed to 'Latch' mode. It works great for me.

1ciderdog · 02-10-2013, 06:17 PM

On another note I have been following your trials and tribulations with your rig as I also like to make modifications and improvements to my rig. I guess it's just a guy thing right?

Thanks,
Sammie[/QUOTE]

Sammie, I think you are correct. If it weren't for the RV project's my wife would have me doing dishes all the time (not that there is anything wrong with doing dishes) We have a pink, blue & purple jobs. Short list is: Anything that she would/should normally do is pink - like make the bed, vacuum dust, laundry. Anything we both do is labeled purple - we both cook a bit, do dishes take out garbage, walk the dog. The blue things are mechanical repairs, washing the RV, filling the fuel tank, etc. She will not even slightly consider the possibility that emptying holding tanks could be purple! LOL?

Sammie · 02-10-2013, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ciderdog

On another note I have been following your trials and tribulations with your rig as I also like to make modifications and improvements to my rig. I guess it's just a guy thing right?

Thanks,
Sammie

Sammie, I think you are correct. If it weren't for the RV project's my wife would have me doing dishes all the time (not that there is anything wrong with doing dishes) We have a pink, blue & purple jobs. Short list is: Anything that she would/should normally do is pink - like make the bed, vacuum dust, laundry. Anything we both do is labeled purple - we both cook a bit, do dishes take out garbage, walk the dog. The blue things are mechanical repairs, washing the RV, filling the fuel tank, etc. She will not even slightly consider the possibility that emptying holding tanks could be purple! LOL?[/QUOTE]

Bob, The last one sounds like it could be a "Brown Job" to me. Yuck!

Sammie

Sammie · 02-10-2013, 06:40 PM

Thank you to all that have replied. I went as far as pulling the exahust brake switch out of the dash this morning to get a better look at it. I will be calling Homer at "BrakeSwitch" tomorrow morning to discuss the wiring of his product. I am aware of the reprograming of the transmission to "latch mode" but don't like the Freightliner shop near me as they tend to work on big rigs and thumb their nose at motorhomes in my opinion.
If I do install the BrakeSwitch I will be back with an update to my progress.

Thanks, Sammie

phinneyj · 02-10-2013, 07:53 PM

This automatic brake switch upgrade sounds like a good one. I think having one that when on only activates when I touch the brake pedal instead of activating when I go into coast. I find myself hitting the rocker switch when I only want to coast. I have the oddball R Chassis 04 Journey 39K with the Cummins ISC CM850/ISC 8.3L motor. Does anyone know if the ECM on my rig can be reprogrammed like the Cat C7?

Sammie · 02-10-2013, 08:12 PM

phinneyj, Boy that is an odd chassis / coach combination although probably a very desirable one. You might try looking through your paperwork that came with your coach for a booklet on the allison transmission that you have. I think ( but I may be wrong ) the programing for "latch mode" is an Allison thing. Pusherman may have some better input on that since he has had it done on his coach and will probably comment on this tomorrow.

On another note, I see you live up near Sacramento, CA. Have you ever gone camping up at Lake Almanor? It's our favorite place to go.

Sammie

phinneyj · 02-10-2013, 08:55 PM

We have been through there for an Eagle Lake trip. It is beautiful up that way. If it is an Allison thing then I will check into it. Thanks

cbeierl · 02-10-2013, 09:50 PM

Here's a link to Programming Cat Electronic Truck Engines which has all of the programming info for the Cat ECM.