Troubleshooting the Curt Echo Brake Controller Not Working on a 2015 Nissan Frontier

Question:

Just got a curt echo brake controller and it doesnt work on my 2015 Nissan Frontier 7 pin adapter. Plugging the trailer in directly - all lights work. Plugging the controller into another car with 7 pin - works. Doesnt work means: indicator light on top does not light and bluetooth cannot find the device. My suspicion is that the Frontier 7 pin is not functioning fully - and that the 4 pin functions are working, but not the pins that actuate the brakes. Suggestions on how to debug? test the theory? Thanks,

asked by: Aaron C

Expert Reply:

From the issues you are describing it sounds like you are not getting 12v power to your 7-way and that is what is causing the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180 to not work correctly.

You can take a circuit tester like the Hook Probe Circuit Tester # PTW2993 to test your 7-way. On the Nissan's there is a known issue of the Black wire (power wire) and Blue wire (brake wire) being reversed. Use the circuit tester and test the 12v pin, if you do not get power then test the Brake pin. If you get power on the brake pin then you will need to cut the black wire and the blue wire and then use butt connectors like the # DW05745-5 to reconnect the wires in the correct orientation. This is most likely the cause of your issue. If it is not, you can use the circuit tester to continue checking the power wire for an issue.

I have also included a picture that shows the location of each pin on the 7-way.

expert reply by: Scott S