Troubleshooting Curt Echo Brake Controller Not Getting Power/Not Connecting to iPhone

Question

Question:

I am unable to pair the Curt with my iPhone. When plugged into the receptacle on my vehicles, either Mercedes GLS 450 or Honda Ridgeline with no trailer connected the led on the Curt is NOT ON. Both vehicles are running at the time. Also, when I connect the Curt to the trailer without the either vehicle connected I get the the flashing green led indicating device not paired, trailer connected. I still cannot pair with the iPhone. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks.

asked by: Bob E

0

Expert Reply:

I have a few things for you to check when it comes to not being able to pair your iPhone with the Curt Echo # C51180.

The first thing to do is make sure that you're pairing your phone with the Echo through the app. If you paired it through the Bluetooth on your phone then it won't connect in the right way. If you paired it with your phone then go into your phone settings and forget the Echo, then open up the app and pair your phone through the app.

Next, make sure that you have power to the 12V power pin on your MB GLS 450 and your Honda Ridgeline. Use a circuit tester # PTW2979 to test the pin in the 1 o'clock position. This should always have 12V power, or at least power when your vehicle is on. If you don't have power there then you either need to check your fuses or that circuit simply hasn't been connected and we can look into this further if that's the case.

If you do get 12V power then the next step is simply make sure that your iPhone is running iOS 8.0 or newer. Anything older than that isn't going to be compatible with the Echo; I can recommend a different controller in this case.

Let me know if you do have power and your iPhone runs at least iOS 8.0 and I can help you troubleshoot further.

expert reply by: Jon G

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David R.

7/31/2020

If the plug test 12v what would be another reason the controller doesn't indicate it is not receiving 12v power? I just purchased the Curtis, plugged it in and no power light. I had the male part of the plug doubled checked. I have emailed you previously but I think I forgot to say all of what I wanted to say. Sorry if this repeated info. Thank You very much! Regards

Reply

Jon G.

8/10/2020

The pin locations should match up just fine if you have a standard tow vehicle. If you're for sure getting 12V power then it sounds like your vehicle isn't recognizing that the controller/trailer is connected so you need to use the Curt # C57003 which puts a larger load on your OEM connector and allows it to detect that the Curt Echo # C51180 is connected.

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James P.

6/25/2021

@JonG Also having the same problem here. Confirmed 12v power at pin 1 but no power indicator on the Curt. I scan on the app and no devices present. I will attempt with a trailer tonight but if the only solution is to purchase another Curt device to draw a heavier load on the 12v pin then I’m afraid I’ll have to return this. I’m not apt to throw good money after bad.

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Jon G.

6/25/2021

@JamesP It might also have to do with your tow vehicle. Some of the newer trucks won't send full power back to the12V plug without a trailer present. If this is the case then you'll need to plug your trailer in prior to pairing with the Echo.

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David

7/31/2020

HI, I seem to be having the same problem. The controller never indicates that there is power to the controller. I have had hitch people that installed the hitch and 7 prong plug inspected the plug installation (2) times. Are the controller pins in the controller standardized with the plug? Regards, and thank you.

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Answer 1

It sounds like you are trying to pair the Curt Echo part #C51180 to the Bluetooth on your phone which is why the app is not recognizing it. You want to go into your settings on your phone and make sure you disconnect the Bluetooth from the Curt Echo…

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Answer 2

That would indicate there is something wrong with your trailer wiring most likely. You need to verify that both stop/turn signal circuits on your vehicle 7-way are working like they should. These are the circuits that tell the Curt Echo Mobile…

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Answer 3

In some cases trailer lighting will ground through the hitch ball but that's typically only if the actual ground circuit is insufficient. This is not an ideal setup. It needs to ground through the wiring of the trailer harness. You can test this…

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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…

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Answer 5

The Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller #C51180 gets its power from the 12 volt connection on the 7-way of your car, which is also outlined in the linked instructions. Please note that some vehicles may require a trailer to be connected in…

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Answer 6

To get power to the pin in the 1:00 position of the #PK12703 7-way trailer connector, you'd run a length of 10 gauge wire #10-1-1 which is sold by the foot from the terminal for the 1:00 pin on the 7-way to the positive battery terminal, via a…

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Answer 7

To use the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller #C51180 your vehicle only needs 12 volt, ground, and turn signals connected to its 7-way socket. What this means is you do not need the brake signal from the 7-way. For example, if you used a…

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Answer 8

If your 2011 Ford F-150 came with a factory installed 7-Way trailer connector or even a factory 4-Way trailer connector then you can plug in a brake controller using the proper wiring harness. For a controller I recommend the P2 #90885 because…

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Answer 9

The solid blue light on the Curt Echo #C51180 means that the controller is paired to your smart device but the controller isn't sensing that the trailer is connected. Since your trailer was working just fine a few weeks ago and the controller is…

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Answer 10

I think you are going in the right direction. I would definitely replace the 14 gauge wire going to the trailer brake magnets with 10 gauge wire or larger. Usually larger than 10 gauge is hard to get into the trailer connector though. I would also…

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Answer 11

The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness part #C56431 is an excellent option for a 2019 Ford Ranger. It comes with a 7-way trailer connector so in order to add a 4-way as well while keeping the 7-way you'd need to replace the trailer connector…

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Answer 12

The benefits of an Equal-I-zer hitch over the e2 is primarily the improved 4-point sway control of the Equal-I-zer. The 4-point sway control utilizes steel on steel friction at the arms as well as in the hitch head to stop sway. The e2's 2-point…

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Troubleshooting Curt Echo Brake Controller Not Getting Power/Not Connecting to iPhone

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