Troubleshooting Curt Echo Brake Controller Working with 2018 Volkswagen Atlas

Updated 05/23/2022 | Published 05/22/2022

Products Featured in This Question

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

(1771)

$279.95

Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(927)

$135.95

Manual Override Button for Curt Echo Brake Controller

(96)

$62.95

Pollak Replacement 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket - Vehicle End

(732)

$16.16

Question:

I have had a lovely time trying to get my 2018 VW Atlas to be a towing vehicle. Its an SEL with factory tow package. Pollack 7-way plug item# PK11893 was installed so now it will accept a 7-way plug from my new camper. I purchased a Curt Tri-Flex, after finally getting the correct harness to plug into the factory tow harness in the driver side kick panel, I was able to have a functioning tow vehicle. The Tri-Flex seems buggy and will click and flash a number intermittently while Im driving, almost as if its activating the trailer brakes while Im not pressing the brake pedal. After looking at reviews, I decided on the Curt Echo. I have the app downloaded, Echo is Bluetooth-paired to my phone along w/ the manual override stick-on button on my dash. Prior to that, I disconnected the Tri-Flex from the factory harness. For whatever reason when Im hooked up to my camper via the Echo, the brakes on the camper are fully engaged and it will not budge. Ive gone through the setup procedure numerous times. The indicator light on the Echo do not show any faults. Luckily I still had the Tri-Flex mounted and I just had to reattach the harness in order to pull my camper from storage. Any insight is greatly appreciated.

asked by: Matthew F

Expert Reply:

Let's get you in a good spot so you can safely tow your trailer with your 2018 VW Atlas.

The Curt Tri-Flex # C24VV is a decent controller but it acting erratically like that either means your wiring for the controller is shorting out or the controller is bad and needs to be replaced under the limited lifetime warranty.

When it comes to your Curt Echo # C51180 and Manual Override Button # C83HR I just need to confirm that you've gene through the process correctly; go ahead and unplug everything and delete the app on your phone (and restart your phone so the deleted app takes effect).

When you go to reinstall everything be sure to install the Echo into the 7-Way on your Atlas so you have the blinking Blue lights. Reinstall the app and then pair your phone with the Echo. Once the pairing has been completed go ahead and plug in your trailer 7-Way and test to see if everything is correct.

If that doesn't fix what's going on then we need to check the wiring on your vehicle. The Curt Echo requires 12V power as well as the trailer light functions to work properly. Try testing the Pollak 7-Way # PK11893 light functions with a circuit tester to make sure everything is on the up and up.

Usually brake controller troubleshooting involves fixing some wiring. The Echo is a little different since it's wireless but hopefully these steps will help fix the issue. If they don't let me know and I can help you look into this further.