P0571 and Brake Switch No.2 Location

[laiden13]

Thanks to everyone for having such a great forum. 

 

I have a 2009 Dodge Journey SXT, 3.5l, FWD. I've been going over everything and getting ready to sell it. I've had one nagging problem this whole time though and that is a ESP/BAS light that will not leave me alone.

 

So far I've replaced all four ABS/Speed sensors and the brake light switch right behind the brake pedal. I have no idea why I didn't do this earlier, don't judge, but I finally broke out the OBDII scanner. I guess the lack of CEL threw me. Long story short, a P0571 code. In case this may help, besides the obvious symptom of the ESP/BAS light coming on, the engine will not rev past 2k-ish RPMs in park or neutral... typically. Sometimes is hits the rev limiter just find and even during times that it will not, if I hold the gas down long enough it will struggle and eventually hit full rev. If it is at the low rev, I can clear the P0571 and it revs just fine(the reason why I contribute the revving to the code). I'm a bit weary to take it out on the road for more than a test drive as ESP issues can get scary, so I've read. During test drives it seems to have some issues at higher accelerations, but not bucking or too awful sluggish. I did replace all spark plugs and fuel injectors because that was my first thought in regards to the acceleration and to the low rev RPM's. 

 

Just for a reference, these are the suggested fixes.

 

P0571 CODE DEFINITION:
· Brake Switch "A" Circuit

 

6 POSSIBLE CAUSES
·
· Brake switch 1 or Brake switch 2 circuit is open
· Brake switch 1 signal circuit is shorted to ground
· Brake switch 2 signal circuit is shorted to voltage
· Brake switch power (12v) fused circuit is open
· Stop lamp switch has failed (mechanical failure - stuck off)

 

TOP REPORTED FIX:
· Replaced Brake Light Switch

 

FREQUENTLY REPORTED FIXES:

· Replaced Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

 

OTHER REPORTED FIXES:
· Replaced Brake Switch
· Repaired Fuse Box Wiring

 

I've replaced the brake light switch. I did a clear code after the new switch too, which did remove a handful of other codes but this one is the only one left. Before I go out tracing wires underneath the dash, could someone point me in the right direction of the brake switch 2? Is this inside the ABS control module or is there an actual switch elsewhere? 

 

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I've spent hours reading over the ESP/BAS light and the P0571 code and answers are all over the map. 

 

Thanks for any help and/or any advice on the matter.

[Armando G]

First of all I would like to say thank you for being thorough on your post and on your diagnosis of the issue. From what it seems, you are at the point of trying to narrow the issue down and pinpoint the actual problem. Personally I would want to take it into the shop to either figure out what the problem is, or repair the issue. If you are selling it, you don't want anyone coming back to you if they have a problem, unless you are trading it in to a dealer with a shop available to them. You also don't want anything bad happening to the new owner. If the problem is fixed and comes back after you sell it, you can simply have them go back to the shop who did the work too correct it and no headache for you. Most shops will warranty their work for a certain amount of time.

I am sorry I can't offer a fix, but like you started, these codes come with many possible fixes and would not want to suggest one that is not the issue. In similar situations with other cars I've owned, it's become a hit or miss situation and it hasn't always been a hit on the first try.

Good luck...Hopefully you're selling to get a newer model DJ ;-)