Troubleshooting Curt Echo Brake Controller Not Sending Full Power with Manual Override

Updated 06/07/2023 | Published 06/06/2023

Question:

Cant tell if the unit is working properly. When stopped, foot on brake, in drive, if I push and hold the manual override button and let my foot off the brake, the truck and trailer move forward as if no brakes are applied. Ive bumped up the max output to 80, 90, 100 and it still does this. Also, cannot do a tug test to double check my fifth wheel connection. Is this because of the proportional braking function? I would think that manual override applies the brakes at full power regardless of inertia. I did check that when I push the button I can hear the hydraulic brake pump working EOH brakes, so its sending a signal to the brakes. Thanks for your help!

asked by: Joe P

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you aren't correctly testing the brake output setting on your Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller # C51180.

What you need to be doing is driving 25 mph in an open parking lot and then applying your tow vehicle brakes with the brake pedal and then adjusting from there. Since you're starting off in a stopped position, applying the manual override, and then letting off the brakes, the Echo is likely getting confused because you had the brakes fully applied when you were at a stop.

Try following the "Test Drive & Adjustment" steps found on page 6 and if you're still experiencing issues then we can look into this further.

expert reply by: Jon G