Troubleshooting Curt Spectrum Brake Controller that Shows 3.4 Volts on Output at All Times

Question

Question:

Ive hooked up the spectrum controller to my 2010 f150 and I get 12v when applying the brake into the controller. But for some reason it sends a constant 3.4v out to the 7pin. Brake pressed or not. I have running lights but no brake lights working..

asked by: Ray A

0

Expert Reply:

If you are getting a constant 3.4 volts on the brake output circuit of your brake controller without the brake pedal pressed that's a malfunction of the brake controller. Curt controllers are known to be a bit more prone to internal bugs so the first thing I would try is to unplug the controller for a few seconds to see if a hard reset fixes the issue. Here's how to test a brake controller completely to determine where the problem is:

Testing the brake controller is fairly easy. Sever the blue brake output wire near the brake controller leaving enough room to reconnect it and then apply the manual slide. Using a circuit tester like the Quickee Tester, part # PTW2993, you should get output to the controller side of the wire you severed. If the manual slide activates the trailer brake output wire properly, try the brake pedal. If the brake pedal activates the brake output properly also then the problem is farther back either in the vehicle wiring or on the trailer.

If either the brake pedal or the manual slide are not functioning properly you will need to test the wires going into the brake controller. Make sure you have power entering the brake controller on the black wire. On the red wire you will only want power when the brake pedal is pressed.

If there is power on the red wire before the brake pedal is pressed you have connected the red wire from the brake controller to the wrong circuit. You would then need to find the brake switch wire that has power ONLY when the brake pedal is activated.

If these connections check out and the brake controller is properly grounded then there is possibly a problem inside the brake controller.

I am including a link to a video that will show you how to test the wiring on a brake controller.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

It sounds like the sensitivity needs to be adjusted on your Curt Spectrum #C51170 since it is too aggressive leading to the jumpy stop. To adjust the output and sensitivity you want to follow the instructions. This means you only make adjustments…

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Answer 2

I attached a picture of a 7-way wiring diagram for you to check out to help show you where all of the pins of the connector are. If your 7-way is upside then yes the diagram would need to rotate 180 degrees. You can use the notch of the 7-way to…

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Answer 3

The calibration process of the Curt Spectrum #C51170 should only happen after initial installation and should be run before you plug in the trailer to your tow vehicle. You should have seen the green lights on the knob light up in a clockwise motion…

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Answer 4

The Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional - Dash Mount #c51170 will flash blue on its control knob when the brakes are applied with no trailer or when it senses the trailer has been disconnected. If you look at the…

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Answer 5

Hey Jim, Those part numbers unfortunately didn't come back to anything so we'll need to check a couple of things to ensure you're getting the correct fit. The GAWR I'm seeing for a TAG XL is showing up as 2,200lbs so you'd most…

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Answer 6

I reached out to Curt who informed me the single red light on your Curt Spectrum Brake Controller #C51170 indicates there is an issue in the wiring for your vehicle going to the trailer. This could still mean the controller itself is faulty. A bench…

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Answer 7

According to the instructions for the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller #C51170 there are 2 reasons why the lights should be flashing. The first is if it's flashing red and yellow which means the brake controller is overloaded or there is a…

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Answer 8

It sounds like your Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller #C51170 is working properly. You are not getting an error code, but the number of red lights should increase as more brake power is asserted. The actual number of red lights that appear…

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Answer 9

What type of brake controller do you have? Is it a proportional or time delayed? Also, are you using the brake pedal or the manual override? If you have a proportional brake controller and you are using the manual override then you should see a full…

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Answer 10

That is a great question Andy and I can understand your confusion as we do have the Technical Bulletin which I have linked near the bottom of the page next to the instructions. You will be able to connect the Curt Spectrum #C51170 to your 2010…

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Answer 11

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…

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Answer 12

You are correct, you should only be getting output when the brake is applied, or the override switch is activated. It sounds like the controller might be bad, but to make sure, you should probably bench test it before tossing it. Use a circuit…

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Troubleshooting Curt Spectrum Brake Controller that Shows 3.4 Volts on Output at All Times

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