Curt C51180 Echo Wireless Brake Controller Showing 'Vehicle Battery Low' Error

Updated 06/30/2021 | Published 06/29/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1830)

$289.95

12 Gauge Wire - Black Primary - Per Foot

(30)

$2.02

Power Wire Kit for Electric Trailer Brake Controllers - 12 Gauge

(11)

$21.65

Question:

After installing the bluetooth Curt echo trailer brake to my semi truck, The bluetooth does not easily connect to my phone like it’s suppose to and only connects when I step and keep pressing the brakes. Then the screen reads “vehicle battery low”. It immediately disconnects when I release the brakes. I bought the adapter that converts the the trailers 7 blade into the Semis 7 Pin and everything. Am I missing something here? Like a direct battery connection maybe?

asked by: Leo

Expert Reply:

I believe the reason your controller is behaving the way it is is the lack of a direct battery connection. Pressing the brake pedal feeds some power to the unit that disappears once you let off the brake pedal.

In order for the Curt # C51180 to work correctly, it does indeed need a direct battery connection for the pin in the 1:00 position on the 7-way trailer connector. If you don't already have a direct connection, you can set it up using # BRK-ELECKIT which includes the 30A breaker that installs inline on the battery feed, the necessary hardware and 10 feet of 12 gauge wire. If that length isn't sufficient, we sell 12 gauge wire by the foot as part # 12-1-1.

I've linked to an video that runs you through a typical install/setup of the Curt # C51180 wireless brake controller.

expert reply by: Mike L