Troubleshooting Bluetooth Loss of Signal for Curt Echo at Short Distance

Updated 03/11/2022 | Published 03/10/2022

Question:

My Echo controller loses its Bluetooth connection if its not within 3 feet of the controller. I have a Titan android phone 1yr old , vehicle is a GMC Yukon 2001. The controller and app set up ok and everything works. It just doesnt stay connected when I put the phone on the dash area. 1. deleted and reinstalled app w/o effect and rebooted the phone. 2. double checked the connectors are all tight and bottomed out 3. if I place my phone inside next to the rear door, it will stay connected. 4. if I open the rear door, I can place it behind the second row of seats w/o loosing the Bluetooth connection. 5. connection is via the app, NOT the phone, Ive d the history record of prior connections w/o effect. Suggestions? Thanks for any assistance.

asked by: Chris K

Expert Reply:

It's quite odd to have connection being lost at such a short distance with the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180, so I called Curt to see if this was something they had issues with, and was told they have never heard of connection being lost at such a short distance.

They just said that on occasion they had heard of interference if the vehicle has a lot of cargo in it and the connection is unable to travel through all the way to the top for whatever reason, but that it was exceedingly rare. They told me that they were only able to recommend ensuring there wasn't a lot of "mass" between the front of your Yukon where you have the phone and the Echo # C51180.

Otherwise, there weren't suggestions or technical reasons they could offer in regards to why the connection was not stable since you had checked the many common reasons, connection is lost. It is also possible there is a fault with the controller somehow that is causing this due to the issue being one that is highly uncommon.

expert reply by: Kyle S