Troubleshooting a Curt Spectrum That Does not Go Through Calibration Sequence

Updated 02/23/2024 | Published 02/12/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller - Dash Mounted Knob - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional

(410)

$259.95

Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In

$20.82

Question:

2020 Acura MDX SH-AWD. I installed the Curt controller with adapter C51170,C51523. When using the vehicle without a trailer attached the blue lights activate whenever I press the vehicles brakes as mentioned by others in the comments and the manual. I have Nilight 7 way blaed trailer connector tester that includes a brake controller output light. But when I attached the tester to my vehicles hitch the Curt controller does not go through its calibration sequence. My question is should that be happening with a tester attached? I am trying to test that the controller is working before I make a long trip to pick up my camper from a dealer. Thank you

asked by: Patrick N

Expert Reply:

There could be a couple of reasons why your Curt Spectrum # C51170 is not calibrating, but it's likely due to your wiring. Even though you're using a plug in adapter # C51523, there still can be an issue with your vehicle wiring.

I recommend physically checking your grounds, to make sure that it's to a clean secure surface. If your grounds are good, then check the white and black wires on the main module and make sure they're not flipped; If they are flip them and check again. I also recommend checking the socket itself and make sure that the plug is not dirty and is clean.

expert reply by: Bryce D

Patrick N.

2/20/2024

Thankyou Bryce for the response. I will be returning the Curt Spectrum C51170. I ran the following tests and have determined my vehicle's wiring is function and the Curt Spectrum C51170 is not functions. Tests on Vehicle (Acura 2020 MDX) • Under the dash brake connector 1. Volt meter on Black wire under the dash connector - 12 volts i. Proves vehicle is correctly providing power to the brake controller. This did require adding a 20-amp fuse to the rear fuse box location 17. 2. Volt meter test for grounding on White wire to vehicle ground - connectivity good without resistance 3. Volt meter on Red wire i. 0 volts when brake pedal not pressed ii. 12 volts when brake pedal pressed • Trailer hitch connector using hitch connect tester 1. 12 volts indicative active 2. Brake lights left and right active 3. Trailer marker lights active when vehicle marker lights turned on 4. Brake controller (blue wire) not active either when i. Brake pedal is press ii. Vehicle is braking actively iii. Manual brake controller button is pressed. 5. After apply 12 volts of charge directly to under dash brake connector blue wire the brake controller hitch light does activate. Thereby, proving there is not an issue with the vehicle's wiring to transfer voltage from the under dash brake connector to the rear hitch connector. • Bench test of Curt controller C51170 ? After attaching white wire to ground and black wire to 12 volts § Measure voltage from blue is just under 4 volts using a multimeter § Test bulb attached to blue wire and ground is not lighting ? Activating manual brake using Curt controller C51170 does not change test outcome for blue wire ? Applying 12 volts to red wire for a brake pedal push does not change test outcome for blue wire • Plugged in test Curt controller C51170 ? Same results as bench test ? Measured voltage on blue wire is constant less than 4 volts on blue wire at the under dashboard connector end. ? Measured voltage on blue wire is constant less than 4 volts on blue wire at trailer hitch brake controller wire (blue). So that proves the output from the Curt controller C51170 is accurately transferred to the read trailer hitch brake controller line. Therefore, issue is a defective Curt controller C51170