Troubleshooting Brake Controller Install Where Brakes Lock Up Any Time Brake Pedal is Touched

Question

Question:

2019 Toyota 4 Runner Hauling a 24 foot Travel Trailer. We went for a test drive and even though all settings were at the there absolute lowest, it was braking at Max with very little Pressure on the pedal, almost locking up.

asked by: Karen A

0

Expert Reply:

Sounds like you have a short on the trailer wiring between a stop/turn circuit and the brake output circuit which is allowing full 12 volts to apply to the trailer brakes any time the pedal is pressed. Best option is to look for exposed wire on the trailer wiring of both the vehicle and trailer that could be causing the short and fix as needed.

I attached a help article on troubleshooting brake controller installs for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Answer 1

Curt has a recommended setup procedure outlined for the Curt Echo part #C51180 that is outlined in their install instructions for this controller but since not all trailer brakes apply the same way there isn't a standard setting you can use…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The Curt Echo #C51180 is a proportional brake controller, so it uses sensors to determine direction of travel and how quickly you're stopping to determine how much power to apply to the brakes; it does not use the brake output wire for any…

view full answer...

Answer 3

Does the controller show that it's applying the full braking pressure or does it show the standard ramp up of pressure but you still experience lock up? If the controller isn't showing the full power I'd suspect you have a short between…

view full answer...

Answer 4

We have actually run into this issue quite a few times in the past, and there is a simple fix. The reason the Curt Echo Wireless #C51180 locks up the brakes on your camper only at low speeds is due to it being paired incorrectly, usually plugging in…

view full answer...

Answer 5

The best option for wireless brake controllers is the Curt Echo #C51180. It is the easiest to plug in and go when you need to use a brake controller with your trailer. Once you have a 7-way connector installed in your vehicle, all you need is to…

view full answer...

Answer 6

This does not sound like a problem with the Curt Echo #C51180. I would look at the trailer and the wiring. The first thing I would check is the 7-way connection. Make sure there is no corrosion present and clean as necessary. I would also check the…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Regardless of whether or not the Curt Echo #C51180 is level to the ground or not, it will still function properly because of the unit's triple-axis accelerometer. The accelerometer is able to sense the angle that the brake controller is plugged…

view full answer...

Answer 8

I think the most likely culprit here is just that the brakes need adjusting; which after 1000 miles of travel wouldn't be completely out of the question. Often times while trailer brakes are being broken in you can get uneven wear on the brake…

view full answer...

Answer 9

I know exactly what you have going on. The Curt #C51180 Echo has been paired incorrectly with your phone, but this is easy to fix. Here's how to fix it. First unplug the Echo from the tow vehicle. Next, unplug the trailer 7-way from the Echo.…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Self-adjusting brakes #AKEBRK-7-SA do not require that you travel in reverse for them to adjust. They can adjust themselves going forward or backward. Keep in mind that even self-adjusting brakes require 1 initial adjustment. You could just install…

view full answer...

Answer 11

It does seem interesting that your Draw-Tit Activator 5100 would start acting up when you hook it up to a new trailer. There are definitely some things we can check out though to help you get back to towing! Start off by checking the amount of output…

view full answer...

Answer 12

According to the manual it says that this occurs when the 7-way is not properly wired. You will need to ensure that 7-way on your vehicle and trailer are wired correctly for the Curt Echo #C51180 to function properly. I have attached pictures below…

view full answer...

Troubleshooting Brake Controller Install Where Brakes Lock Up Any Time Brake Pedal is Touched

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching