Troubleshooting Installation of Curt Spectrum Brake Controller on 2011 Toyota Sienna

Updated 07/16/2024 | Published 01/18/2021

Question:

I installed a 51170 brake controller in my 2011 Sienna, but when I started the vehicle and connected my trailer by 7pin, 51170 did not automatically leveing and calibration.My brake controller doesnt work.I need some one to tell me what happen?and what should I do.

asked by: Dan D

Expert Reply:

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 7 times, which indicates the calibration is occurring. If you've gone through this process and the error occurred, then the lights on the knob can tell you a bit about what's potentially going on. If you're seeing all red lights that would indicate there is an error on the stop light switch somewhere.

I've linked the instructions to the Spectrum, which does have diagnostics of the different potential lights, but if you can tell me a little bit more about what you're seeing on the knob I can assist you in getting the controller working in your 2011 Toyota Sienna. The troubleshooting codes start on page 14 of the instructions linked.

expert reply by: Erik B

Matthew

7/16/2024

Hi Erik, I’ve had a similar problem. I’ve done the bench testing in which the controller checks out. I’ve bought a trailer socket tester in which wiring in my truck is checking out. Every time I connect a trailer, it will start to go through the calibration process then I get a single red light on the left hand side of the knob. It repeats this process every time I step on the brake. There isn't any potential diagnostic listed that helps out with what I’m getting. This was installed on my 21 Silverado RST. Also, this is the 2nd spectrum controller I’ve bought and getting same issue with both. I’ve also tried troubleshooting this on a newer camper and an enclosed trailer, both of which have electric brakes.

Jameson C.

7/16/2024

@Matthew This is unfortunately the nature of Curt brake controllers. They are just not very reliable and are known to have lots of internal problems. So I would replace it with a better controller if you can like the p2 part # 90885.

Matthew

7/16/2024

@JamesonC thank you for the info. I’m tapping out and moving on.