Troubleshooting Curt Echo Brake Controller Not Working 2019 VW Tiguan and New Tear Trailer

Question:

I purchased a 2019 VW Tiguan from a local VW dealership a couple of months ago here in BC. As part of the deal I asked for a tow package, as I was taking delivery of a commercially produced Tear trailer. The VW dealer supplied a new Echo Bluetooth wireless brake controller C51180 and installed a 7 blade wiring harness. I setup the brake controller following the instructions provided and the unit paired without a problem with my iPhone. I tested the Turn signals, break lights, running lights etc and all worked as expected. However, when trying to engage the brakes either manually by pressing the button on my iPhone or the brake pedal, nothing happened. The iPhone app shows brake activity both manually and when pressing the brake pedal. I have checked the 7 blade wiring harness as installed by VW and find that the blue wire that would be normally be attached to an under dash Brake controller is taped off along with the yellow wire for reverse lights or auxiliary power. The black wire for the 12 volt power source for the 7 blade connector appears to have been spliced into a 12 volt cigarette lighter style outlet behind the rear seat. This is used for plugging in a cooler. From postings I have read on your website, the Curt Echo wireless brake controller requires a direct 12v connection to the battery through a 20 Amp fuse to the black wire on the 7 blade harness. It should not be spliced into the car wiring harness. Could this wiring setup be why the brakes are not engaging, as there is not sufficient power to engage the brakes? I look forward to your thoughts.

asked by: Chris T

Expert Reply:

It is very possible that your issue is that the power wire isn't connected to a power source that can provide enough amperage and that's the problem. I would assume that the fuse for this circuit would have blown by now and the controller wouldn't even power on or show in the app.

I would use a circuit tester like part # PTW2992 to test the brake output of the controller when the manual override is activated. Or you should be able to hear a click a the wheels when you do this as well since that's the brake magnets grabbing the drums. Since the trailer is brand new I wonder if the brakes aren't adjusted properly. If they are self adjusting assemblies all you would need to do is repeatedly apply the brakes while the trailer is moving forward.

To see how to manually adjust trailer brake assemblies check out the video I attached, fast-forward to the 4:35 mark of the video.

expert reply by: Jameson C