Curt Echo Brake Controller LED Indicator Not Illuminated While Towing Skyline Aljo Camper

Question:

I have a 2002 Ford Ranger Pickup truck for towing a Skyline Aljo camping trailer. We have tried to use the Echo brake control but the LED on the unit isn't illuminated. We have tried it on two other vehicles 2005 Toyota 4Runner and 2011 Ford Edge and it works fine. Is there something we are missing?

asked by: Brittney

Expert Reply:

By trying the trailer on different vehicles and having a different result, you have effectively eliminated the Curt # C51180 Echo as being the problem (good job!)

The Echo depends on getting 12-volts from the pin in the 1:00 position in the 7-way trailer connector. With the igntion on, you should be getting 12-volts on that pin. If not, there are a few things that could be causing the problem.

The 7-way could be internally corroded, preventing the signal from getting through. Find the wire feeding that 1:00 pin behind the trailer connector, which should show 12-volts. If it does, it means the 7-way is bad and needs replacement. I'd recommend the # HM40975 as a replacement. This is what Ford is now using as the OEM connector.

If you don't see any power on that wire, you could trace it up to the front of the vehicle but given the age of the vehicle, you'd be best off just abandoning the circuit that provides that function and running a new one. You'd need a length of # 10-1-1 wire, a 40 amp breaker, part # 9510, two # 44-5310A ring terminals to connect at the breaker and most likely a # DW05705-1 ring terminal for the connection to the positive battery terminal.