Troubleshooting Solid Blue Light on Curt Echo Brake Controller

Updated 09/23/2025 | Published 07/01/2019

Question:

I used the echo brake controller for two weeks with my airstream and a my mercedes class E. I work fine at the beginning But.... Yersterday I began to have difficulty to adjust the echo. No difference if I change sensibility or output. At low speed the trailer seems to stop roughly. The brakes was adjust the week before. This morning I realize that I have no output from the 7 pins. A fuse was blowing in the mercedes. I change it and all seems ok. After that, I try to connect the echo to my trailer, but the light on the echo stay steady blue. Was supposed to be steady green. The trailer was connected. The light of the trailer turning etc. works but no brakes. Whats going on???? I seem that the echo didnt recognize the trailer

asked by: Jean B

Expert Reply:

The solid blue light on the Curt Echo # C51180 means that the controller is paired to your smart device but the controller isn't sensing that the trailer is connected.

Since your trailer was working just fine a few weeks ago and the controller is still paired to your smart device this leads me to believe that there is an issue with the wiring on your trailer. Try checking to make sure that your trailer connector is clean and free of any debris or corrosion. If that looks good then check the wiring on your trailer, including the grounds, to make sure it is all secured and nothing looks worn out or broken. It would also help to check the grounds and wiring for your brakes as well since the trailer lights are working but your brakes aren't working.

Let me know if you are still having issues after troubleshooting and I can help you out further.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Dustin

2/19/2020

I am using curt echo. It connects to phone. Brakes work if I hit the manual button. Brakes don’t work by just pushing brake pedal

Chris R.

2/20/2020

If you're testing the Echo with the tow vehicle and trailer parked, the brakes won't activate by pressing down on the brake pedal. The Echo sends power back based on deceleration, so the only way to fully test it would be to take the trailer out for a test spin. The manual button will always send back full power no matter what. Just let me know if this is how you're already testing the controller or if you continue to have issues!

Richie G.

3/18/2021

@ChrisR Why do I lose connection once I sit in my car on my echo brake controller . It happens overtime

Kef G.

3/23/2021

@RichieG You might have something blocking the connection. Even though Bluetooth can "go through walls," sometimes obstructions can interrupt the connection. Also, if you're using an older phone, it might have an older version of Bluetooth. Older versions don't have as strong of a connection as the newer ones.

See All (7) Replies to Dustin ∨

Billie

4/9/2020

I have the echo wireless brake controller and I cannot get it to link Bluetooth to my phone on my 2008 Toyota Tundra. The blue light is flashing but it will not go solid. When I first connected it and downloaded the app it asked for that PIN number after putting it in the controller was still blinking now I cant get it to do anything?

Chris R.

4/11/2020

You may have already checked this, but make sure you have Bluetooth enabled on your phone. Are you at the point of "scanning for devices" through the Echo app? If so, does it locate your unit or does it just continue to search? If it just keeps searching, also make sure your Tundra's ignition is on. Please let me know what you find and we'll go from there.

Billie

4/12/2020

I called the factory and the problem that I was having was caused by me trying to sign on in the Bluetooth area. I shut that down and now I only sign on through the app and it does fine thank you for the comment I appreciate it

Chris R.

4/13/2020

That makes sense. Connecting to the Echo through your phone's Bluetooth (instead of through the Echo's app) does tend to cause issues. I'm glad you got it figured out. Happy towing!

Justin

5/18/2020

My echo brake control worked last year this year I can’t get any lights to come on it’s unresponsive and won’t work is there any way to reboot it or anyone know why it won’t work?

Chris R.

5/21/2020

I wonder if the 12V circuit on your tow vehicle's 7-Way is active. You could test the 12V pin with a circuit tester to see if it's getting any power, or check under the hood to see if the fuse tied to this circuit is blown (replacing if needed). Let me know what you find and we can go from there.

Justin A.

5/21/2020

@ChrisR the trailer lights work plugged strait into the 7 way and also the lights work through the echo but the light doesn’t come on on the echo nor can I get into it on my phone so the lights work but know breakes it’s strange

Chris R.

5/25/2020

@Justin The signal lights work - but what about the 12V circuit pin on the 7-Way. This is the pin at the 1 o'clock position when looking at the front and is what actually powers the Echo (you won't see any lights unless this pin is active). I would test this pin with a circuit tester to see if you're getting any power - if not, there's likely a blown fuse under the hood. Check your vehicle's owner's manual for the right location.

Tanya

5/25/2020

We bought a new suv, trailer and Curt Echo last year and used it without any problems, but this year the light on the Echo doesn’t come on, and the app can’t find any device to link to via Bluetooth. It’s plugged in, the engine is running. What gives?

Chris R.

5/27/2020

For some reason the Echo isn't getting any power from the 12V circuit on your 7-Way. Check in your owner's manual for the fuse location of the trailer 12V circuit - it's very possible it just needs to be replaced. If it's not a factory 7-Way and instead something you installed yourself, make sure the hot lead up to the battery is still securely connected.

Tim L.

6/25/2020

I have a 2017 mercedes GLS and the trailer breaks lock up even if the echo set at sensitivity 1, max output 30. when i stop on gravel at 5 mph this setting will put 2 inch trenches in gravel. also i can hear the trailer wheels skidding against the pavement when i am on the freeway if i set the sensitivity to 1 and max output above 40. this doesn't happen if i set the max output to 20 or below, but the breaks don't slow the trailer down very well when's output is set at 20.

Chris R.

6/30/2020

That aggressiveness on the controller definitely isn't normal. I would try to inspect the 7-Way connector on your Mercedes just to see if there might be any corrosion or debris built up inside the pins, possibly leading to a short - cleaning out as needed. If this all looks okay there may be an internal issue with the Echo that requires a replacement (which would be under warranty).

Tony

6/28/2020

I have a curt echo Bluetooth connector. Bought it for a 2019 Dodge Durango. I connect a 4 Prong wiring harness to a 7 prong adapter. I attempted to connect the curt Bluetooth adapter to my phone app with no luck. I have checked all the wiring, changed the fuse etc. at the 7 prong 1 o’clock position there is no power. I was under the impression that the 4 prong would power the the appropriate port on the 7. Am I mistaken by this? I am about 3 days out of having to tow so any help is appreciated.

Chris R.

6/30/2020

The Curt Echo Brake Controller needs the 12V pin to be active on the 7-Way. This is how it actually receives power for operation. In addition to plugging in the 4-Way to 7-Way adapter, you'll need to run some 10 gauge wiring # 10-1-1 from the 7-Way's 12V pin up to the positive post of the Durango's battery via a breaker like # 9510.

Sandy

8/1/2020

Q: I have a 2019 Ram 1500 and 2002 Casita camper. The turn signal lights on the camper work when directly plugged into 7 way on truck. When I have the Echo break controller in the mix, with solid green light on, my turn signals on camper do not work. Why? thank you for your time!

Jon G.

8/11/2020

What you'll want to do is unplug your trailer and test the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock pins (with the label facing up) on the Curt Echo # C51180. I reached out to my contact at Curt who said that those pins basically run straight through the unit so there shouldn't be any problems with them. If you see power on those pins then you'll want to double check the wiring on your trailer (including your grounds) but if you don't get power the Echo is defective and you're going to need to get it replaced.

Robb R.

8/13/2020

I purchased the Curt Echo to use with my '19 Jeep Rubicon Unlimited (with towing package). I noticed significant "grabbing" at low speed braking--when we are in town and approaching a stop sign, for instance. We also noticed grabbing at highway speeds--this was more concerning. We took the time to follow the Curt instructions for set up and have adjusted both the sensitivity and gain without any change in the grabbing condition. I can't imagine this is normal. The jerking stops at low speed are annoying and the high speed grabbing seem dangerous. Any suggestions?

Jon G.

8/28/2020

Since this aggressive braking is happening at both high and low speeds it makes me wonder if your trailer brakes are needing some adjustment? You should see/feel/hear a slight drag when free-spinning your trailer wheel. If your trailer brakes are adjusted properly let me know and I can help you look into this further.