Troubleshooting Curt Echo C51180 Applying Trailer Brakes Any Time Truck Is Turned On

Question

Question:

I’ve had my controller one year. First year it worked like it was supposed to. Now it applies brake all the time as long as my truck is running. When I cut the truck off it only applies brake when I mash the brake pedal.

asked by: Chris M

0

Expert Reply:

I reached out to my contact at Curt and it sounds like there is an issue with the brake signal wires on your 7-way connector, as that is what tells the Curt Echo # C51180 to know when to apply the trailer brakes.

I recommend checking both your trailer and vehicle connector for any corrosion that may be causing the brake signal wires to get power when they shouldn't.

If you remove the Echo and plug the trailer directly into the 7-way connector, are there any oddities with the lights on the trailer?

How about with the Echo plugged in? If it is powering the brakes constantly the brake lights on the trailer should also be on.

Using a circuit tester like # PTW2993 check the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock pins of your vehicles 7-way connector while the vehicle is turned on, but the trailer not hooked up. If you get power to these pins while the truck is running but no one is applying the brakes, then that is what is causing your problem.

If you are not getting power to those pins, I recommend trying to recalibrate the Echo.

If these steps do not fix the issue let me know and we can go into more in-depth trouble shooting steps.

expert reply by: Samuel C

0

7-Way Connector Diagram
(click to enlarge)

Answer 1

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 2

Hey Ron, congratulations on the new trailer! I have a Jay Feather myself and love it. You're definitely off to a great start with a weight distribution hitch, it will make a world of difference towing that trailer with your F-150. The Weigh Safe…

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Answer 3

Hey Matthew. No one makes a custom fit gooseneck hitch for a Silverado 5500 but we do have a couple of options depending on how your truck is setup. If you have a flatbed truck or one with a regular bed, you can use the B&W Turnoverball Underbed…

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Answer 4

Hey Brandon, I would strongly recommend sticking with the Tekonsha RF brake controller part #TK94FR. We know this works really well and it sounds like it worked well for you too. The Curt Echo is not reliable enough for me to really ever recommend it…

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Answer 5

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 6

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 7

Hey Ray, so we have the part #18159 which would work great to secure the 7-way of the #ETBC7L that you'll be installing with the Curt Echo #C51180. It's also pretty easy to install too.

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Troubleshooting Curt Echo C51180 Applying Trailer Brakes Any Time Truck Is Turned On

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