Troubleshooting Popping Sound When Plugging Trailer Into Curt Echo Brake Controller

Question:

Very concerned about this issue. I have a 2019 Kia Sorent with a factory installed 4 wire harness. Ive added a 7 wire plug that connecvts to this. Instead of wiring a brake controller, I purchased a Curt Echo, and ran a 40 amp protected Positive from my Battery to the 7 wire, to power the controller. When plugged into the vehicle, it powers up great and can connect to my phone via BluetOOTH. When I attempt to connect the trailer to it, it makes a slight popping sound, and the blue LED goes out completely!! I then losew Bluetooth. It didnt damage anything yet!, but what could be causing this? I cant how there would be a short on the trailer as the previous brake controller worked fine? Am I correct in wiring the 40 amp fuse line from the Positive of the battery to the black of the 7 wire??

asked by: Steven L

Expert Reply:

I reached out to my contact at Curt regarding the issue you experienced when plugging the trailer into the Curt Echo # C51180. He said the popping sound along with the immediate shut down of the Echo indicates some kind of short, likely on the trailer side. From what you described the power wire has been installed correctly on your Sorento from the connector to the battery.

I recommend first just inspecting the trailer side 7-Way to look for any debris or corrosion inside the pins that needs to be cleaned out. Then try and trace the 12V circuit wire coming from the 7-Way back to the trailer mounted battery. Look for any pinched or frayed sections that need to be repaired/replaced. Make sure the main connector ground wire is securely attached to a clean bare metal surface on the trailer.

If the issue persists after doing this please let me know and I will be happy to look into this further.

expert reply by: Chris R