Troubleshooting Curt Echo Brake Controller that Only Works with Manual Override

Updated 09/26/2024 | Published 04/19/2019

Question:

I have the controller installed but it shows on the phone the brakes are activated. Once the brake pedal is pressed no movement on the brake ring on the app.works when manually activate

asked by: Brad M

Expert Reply:

That would indicate there is something wrong with your trailer wiring most likely. You need to verify that both stop/turn signal circuits on your vehicle 7-way are working like they should. These are the circuits that tell the Curt Echo Mobile # C51180 you are applying the brakes. So if the controller isn't activating like it should that's where the problem would be. Typically this issue is caused by corrosion on the pins of the 7-way which can be sanded off but it could also be caused by a blown fuse.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Earl S.

5/20/2020

Sometimes the controller applies the trailer brake without me having applied the truck brake. Any fix for this? or, is there a way to quickly over ride the brake application?

Chris R.

5/23/2020

I would try adjusting the sensitivity level on the Echo (through the app on your phone). Sometimes it can be a little over-sensitive, sending power back to the brakes during slight deceleration, going up hills, etc. Adjusting this setting should keep that from happening but let me know if the issue persists. There isn't a way to quickly reverse/override braking if it happens when it shouldn't.

Robert

7/16/2020

@ChrisR I’ve had this same issue in my 2019 F150 and have adjusted the sensitivity but can not get this to go away completely. Having a hard time pulling my camper due to this and am looking at other controllers if I can’t figure out a fix.

Jon

3/20/2021

@ChrisR When my tow vehicle running light or headlights is on i get 12 volt on 9 and 3 o clock on echo brake controller even though when I test my tow vehicle without echo it doesn't have 12volt on 9and3 with running light or headlights is this normal? I cannot drive with the trailer at night because of this problem Thank you

See All (9) Replies to Earl S. ∨

David

6/13/2020

I cannot get the brale controller to pair with my phone. Any suggestions?

Chris R.

6/17/2020

When pairing the Echo up to your phone make sure you are going through the Echo's app and not trying to connect through your phone's Bluetooth settings. This is very important and typically why this issue comes up. Let me know if you ARE going through the app and we'll go from there.

Earle

7/6/2020

I'm having the same problem. No blue light and no pairing. Worked the first time I used it and no more. Tried your suggestion and no luck. Any other ideas?

Chris R.

7/7/2020

I would try turning the Bluetooth on your phone off and back on again. Sometimes it just needs to be rest. Let me know if this doesn't work.

See All (6) Replies to David ∨

Austin

7/8/2020

My Echo does not seem to get power when I plug it in. My trailer brake lights and turn signals work fine though. I replaced my Echo with another but still have the same issue. Any ideas?

Chris R.

7/11/2020

Are you sure you're getting power at the 7-Way on the 12V circuit/pin? The Echo needs this circuit to be active because this is how it receives power. You may need to replace a fuse under the hood or manually activate this circuit by running a hot lead up to the vehicle's battery.

Lisa A.

8/9/2020

My echo brake controller is not lighting up to pair with bluetooth. This morning it come on, now nothing... No light at all

Jon G.

8/19/2020

If you look at the instructions for the Curt Echo # C51180 if the LED does not light then the Echo isn't getting power or there is no ground for the vehicle 7-Way. Check the power and ground for your vehicle side 7-Way and make sure that your tow vehicle has the trailer mode activated. Also check to see if your trailer needs to be connected for your vehicle to send power back to the 7-Way.

Bruce S.

4/13/2024

I have the same issue in that I can manually apply EOH trailer brakes with the app big red button however there is no braking on the trailer when pushing the pedal. My trailer is new only 2 weeks off the lot and my friend with a 2023 Chevy truck with a factory brake controller can tow my trailer and actuate the trailer brakes and has normal braking function while driving. Obviously nothing wrong with the trailer. So what could be the issue? Faulty Curt controller?

Bruce S.

4/13/2024

I didnt mention that I followed all the set up steps achieved green light status that indicates trailer connected and curt controller paired to phone.

Jameson C.

4/15/2024

@BruceS Do the brake lights of the trailer function? Most likely it's corrosion on the trailer wiring pins that you need to clean off but if the stoplights aren't both working that would verify this.

Rick

9/12/2024

@JamesonC All lights are working. Trailer brakes are new. All work when controlled by the app, but Do Not engage with the vehicle brake pedal- which is kinda that whole point of the $350 gizmo.

See All (27) Replies to Bruce S. ∨

Gary

8/14/2024

Hi Jameson. So I have a curt echo wireless break booster. The trailer lights work without the booster but not with it. I don’t get anything when I plug the booster in. Not even the blue light to pair.

Jameson C.

8/14/2024

@Gary This is typically caused by dirty pins of the 7-way connectors. Try taking some sandpaper to all of the pins of the Echo and your trailer and tow vehicle to clean off any dirt or corrosion and you should see it work again. Also check to make sure none of the pins are bent or broken.

Rick

9/12/2024

@JamesonC How can the vehicle trigger brake lights, running lights and turn signals, but not actual brake activity?! That doesnt sound like dirty pins.