Is It Normal For Curt Echo Wireless C51180 To Have 5 Volts On Brake Pin W/ No Trailer Connected?

Updated 05/12/2021 | Published 05/10/2021

Question:

With the controller plugged into the car the car is not running and the 7 pin connector has no volts at the brake pin. I plug in the Bluetooth and the brake pin shows 5+ volts. Is this correct and where is the power coming from? Curt Bluetooth brake controller

asked by: Steve H

Expert Reply:

When no trailer is connected it is normal for the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180 to have 5 or so volts on the brake output pin. It gets the power from the 12v pin on the 7-way connector, and uses that voltage to sense if a trailer is connected or not.

With that said, when you are all done towing it is recommended to remove the Echo from the 7-way connector as there is nothing securing it to the 7-way connector so it would be pretty easy for someone to steal it.

I included a video of the # C51180 for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C