Trailer Connector on 2019 Ford Ranger Not Powering Curt Echo Brake Controller

Updated 08/20/2019 | Published 08/18/2019

Question:

so i pugged this in my new Ford 2019 Ranger with pre wired tow package. lights and turn signal work fine but no power to the echo at all. is there anything else i need to wire to make this work ? thanks

asked by: Olaf

Expert Reply:

The newer Ford trucks feature what's dubiously referred to as a 'smart' trailer connector. The connector won't send any power back on the 12-volt accessory circuit (which powers the Echo) until the vehicle is turned on, the transmission is placed in gear and the brake pedal is applied. Once this is done, that 12-volt feed becomes active and the brake controller should be powered up. In some cases, you'll also need to go through the 'settings' menu on the dash display to turn on the 12-volt circuit.

A much less likely possibility would be a blown or missing fuse in either position 87, 73 or 64.

expert reply by: Mike L