Fix For Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller Locking Up Trailer Brakes At Low Speeds

Question

Question:

I recently purchased a FreeSolo OG and pull it with my 2013 Jeep Rubicon using the Curt Echo brake controller. I added a 7 way connector with 12V and brake wire to the 4 pin plug and play harness on my Jeep. My camper connections are new and brake adjustment seems correct. I have the Echo set at 10 output and 1 sensitivity. Why are the camper wheels locking up sometimes when I brake at slow speeds? It does not occur at higher speeds and not on all occasions at slow speeds.

asked by: Devin M

0

Expert Reply:

We have actually run into this issue quite a few times in the past, and there is a simple fix.

The reason the Curt Echo Wireless # C51180 locks up the brakes on your camper only at low speeds is due to it being paired incorrectly, usually plugging in the trailer to the Echo before plugging the Echo into the 7-way connector.

You will need to delete the Curt Echo app and start the pairing process over again. Plug the Curt Echo into the 7-way connector on your 2013 Jeep Wrangler without plugging in the trailer and you should get a flashing blue light. Once you see that light then you can pair the Echo to your vehicle via the app and will get a solid blue light. After pairing you can now hook up the trailer connector and you should now have a solid green light.

You can now readjust your controller and you will not have the low speed braking issues.

I included a video of the # C51180 for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C

0

New O.

2/17/2024

This advice worked for me. Thank you so much

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Samuel C.

2/20/2024

@NewO Happy to hear that! If you need anything else let me know

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Richard

3/30/2024

My problem with Echo is that it will pair with phone instead of app there is no “forget this device “ for Echo. Every other device will have that ability. Also I don’t get any blue light unless trailer is plugged in.

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Jon G.

5/2/2024

@Richard Since the blue light isn't lighting up until your trailer is plugged in it sounds like your tow vehicle doesn't activate the 7-Way until it senses a trailer is connected. In this case you'll want to pair the Echo # C51180 while the trailer is plugged in.

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Richard

5/2/2024

@JonG I had to replace the connector on my trailer when I gave up on the Evho and had s Tekonsha professionally installed. The Tekonsha said “no trailer present” until they replaced the trailer connector.

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Jon G.

5/3/2024

@Richard Good to know - I'm glad you were able to get it figured out!

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Aaron D.

5/26/2024

That just happened to me about 5 hours ago. I plugged the trailer into the echo first before pushing it into the 7 way pin......I never did it that way before and my breaks were sticking at low speed. Thanks for the fix.

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Jameson C.

5/29/2024

@AaronD Glad we could help!

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Shar Z.

6/14/2024

Would that be causing a pulsation? My echo worked good for one trip. Now when I brake, the trailer brakes grab hard for a second every two to three seconds. It also seems like one side is braking harder during the pulsation.

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Samuel C.

6/14/2024

@SharZ It shouldn't cause pulsation, but that's not to say its impossible. However it would not be causing braking harder on one side versus the other, as only one wire goes from the brake controller to all brakes, so if that's happening the brakes are likely not adjusted evenly. I'd remove the app and repair. The Echo pairing issues causes all sorts of problems. Make sure you pair the controller before plugging in the trailer, or you're going to get pairing issues.

Reply

David S.

9/2/2024

My controller started locking up my trailer tires after a year of use. After getting home I noticed that the LED light blue or green does not come on. I deleted the app and reinstalled and still no lights, it won't even connect to the app, says device found (ECHO Brake Control (not in range) 94:54:93:12:of:3C) but won't connect. Is the controller shot, it has a lifetime warranty should I get another one and try to see if it works? Thank you

Reply

Samuel C.

9/3/2024

@DavidS Make sure when trying to pair, the the echo is plugged into the 7-way on the vehicle, but do not plug in the trailer side 7-way until it is paired. If you're doing this, and still unable to get it to pair after deleting and reinstalling the app, then I'd reach out to Curt to see if they can warranty it for you.

Reply

David

9/3/2024

@SamuelC I just went ahead and got a replacement since it's a life time warranty. I'll download the app again and see what happens. Thank you

Reply

James S.

5/9/2025

Do I need to go through the pairing procedure again, whenever I shut off the tow vehicle? That is, unplug the unit from truck and trailer, start the truck, plug in the echo and wait for the light, and then plug in the trailer, every time I turn off the truck?

Reply

Jameson C.

5/14/2025

@JamesS That will depend on if the 12 volt accessory circuit of your 7-way turns off when the vehicle is turned off or not. A lot of the time this circuit is active all the time so this would not be necessary.

Reply

Jamess

5/15/2025

@JamesonC, Thanks for the response! Unfortunately, using my voltage meter, I find that the 12V/Aux pin on my truck is only energized when the truck is running. That doesn't work for me. If I need to go through the pairing procedure every time I stop at an overlook, or a gas station, or for a potty break or a bite to eat... it's just not going to happen. I guess I need to install a more conventional unit. JamesS

Reply

Jameson C.

5/15/2025

@Jamess Worth mentioning is that the Echo will still function like normal without being paired as it will simply run off the last settings used.

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Fix For Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller Locking Up Trailer Brakes At Low Speeds

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