Will The Curt Echo Manual Override Button C83HR Work Without The App?

Updated 12/17/2024 | Published 11/10/2024

Products Featured in This Question

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

(1769)

$279.95

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6641)

$169.94

Manual Override Button for Curt Echo Brake Controller

(95)

$62.95

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - BMW

(7)

$75.64

Question:

Hello. I have the Curt 7 pin plug in controller for my BMW X5 with OEM hitch/connections. Before i even plyg it and test on a trailer need to know if I can do everything i need to do WITHOUT the app? The app already does not work correctly and from its 1.6 rating in App store i am not to hopeful. I brought the red button as well. Can i use this without the app working or if get the app to work it might be sporadic. Let me know if need to return. Thanks. Here is now where app blocks me useing it. Asks non stop for bluetooth to be turned on with the phone. Trust me, it is but cycle of dialogue.

asked by: John W

Expert Reply:

Hey John, good question. The app must be running in order for the separate manual override button part # C83HR to work. If your phone is not connected to the controller with the app running, the button will not do anything.

I know the connectivity issues can be frustrating, but it might not necessarily be something you are doing wrong so much as the controller just being unreliable. This is by far the most common complaint we get about the Curt Echo # C51180 wireless controller. Most of the time it works great but a lot of people speak of connectivity issues in our reviews. That might explain the low rating on the app store.

What year is your BMW X5? If it is a more recent model year what I would do is return your Curt controller and use the Tekonsha P3 # 90195 along with the custom harness # TK29FR. The custom harness for the X5 allows you to connect to the OEM connection in the cargo area. There will be a bit of initial installation time required but once you are done you will have a super dependable controller. It has a manual override lever on the bottom that is easily accessible. The controller will work every time and there is no endless dialogue or troublesome app to deal with.

Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.

expert reply by: Jesse M

John W.

11/18/2024

Thanks but my question is not only when useing the ynit olugged in but should it work while in hand with app open? I.e, i can set the settings and then bot ro worried about the app as i also purchased the button. The whole idea was not to beed a 3-4 hour worth of mechanic time to work on a new 2025 vehicle.

Jesse M.

11/19/2024

@JohnW not quite sure what you are asking here, John. The unit must be plugged in to the vehicle and connected to the app in order for you to do any setup or change any settings. Once you set everything up, the controller will remain at its last setting if it loses connection with the app. The manual overrider button on your dash will only work if the app is running, and your phone is connected to the controller.

John

12/14/2024

@JesseM , thanks for response. I went thru install a few times and along with the near useless Curt app for the controller, its not working. Constantly cycles for BT and lights on it are irregular and BT blue light does nothing to connect. So will send back. Will the Tekonsha be relatively plug and play or does harness need to be put under molding and then dash of the X5 to be mounted someplace reachable? The X5 is a 25 40i.

Jesse M.

12/17/2024

@John The Tekonsha P3 # 90195 technically is a plug and play for the 2025 BMW X5 using the Custom Plug In Adapter # TK29FR. This plugs into the vehicle's built-in brake control wiring harness which is located in the rear cargo area passenger side near the tail light. So it does need to be routed up to the dash area.