CURT 51190 Echo Under-Dash Trailer Brake Controller Installation Guide

51190 Echo Under-Dash Trailer Brake Controller

Product Information

The product is a brake control module designed to be installed in tow vehicles to control the braking of trailers. It comes with a main module, a main module adhesive pad, and four 8 zip ties. The device contains license-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s license-exempt RSS(s). The product is not compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, it will not interfere with these features. It is designed to provide a Bluetooth connection, without obstructions, up to 50 ft.

The product has a 30-amp, auto-reset circuit breaker that needs to be mounted as close to the battery as possible. The wiring should be passed through an existing grommet when passing wires through sheet metal. If there is no grommet, install one or use silicone sealant to protect the wires from sharp edges.

The product also comes with two small switches located at the front of the unit next to the port on the module. One switch controls the unit’s brake light activation feature, while the other controls the manual control output.

Product Usage Instructions

Before beginning the installation, it is important to read and follow the installation manual carefully. Failure to do so could result in damage to the brake control unit, loss of trailer brakes or poor brake performance.

It is important to disconnect the electrical plug between the trailer and tow vehicle before testing a breakaway switch. Failure to disconnect may damage the brake control unit. The brake control module should also not be mounted near a CB radio or other RF transmitter.

The main module must be mounted firmly in place to avoid improper operation and/or brake failure. The main module’s positive (with 30-amp circuit breaker) and ground wires must be connected directly to the tow vehicle’s battery using a minimum of 10-gauge stranded wire. Connecting to existing wiring or an alternate ground may damage the vehicle’s circuits, lead to failure of the brake control module, loss of trailer brakes, or vehicle fire.

The product comes with a wiring diagram that should be followed during installation. If the device application cannot connect to the unit due to an incorrect or missing PIN, contact CURT product support. They will need the serial number located on the label of your unit.

The product has two small switches located at the front of the unit next to the port on the module. One switch controls the unit’s brake light activation feature, while the other controls the manual control output. The factory default setting for the brake light activation feature is the ‘ON’ position with the switch down. This setting activates the tow vehicle and trailer brake lights when the manual control is actuated. Moving the switch up to the ‘OFF’ position turns off the brake light activation feature and the brake lights are not activated when the manual control is actuated.

Once installed, it is important to conduct an initial setup test drive and adjustment to ensure proper operation of the product. The product also comes with a bench test and troubleshooting guide that should be followed in case of any issues.

NOTICE
This device contains license-exempt transmitter(s) / receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s license-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

CONTROLS & COMPONENTS

1. Main module
2. Main module adhesive pad
3. (4) 8″ Zip ties

BEFORE YOU BEGIN
One or more of the following may be needed to complete the installation:

• Brake control harness, supplied with the tow vehicle (if equipped)
• CURT quick plug harness – custom connector for specific vehicles (see the CURT catalog for availability)
• CURT #51515 / #51516 – quick plug with pigtails
• CURT #51500 – universal brake control wiring kit
  IMPORTANT: Read and follow installation manual carefully.

Failure to do so could result in damage to the brake control unit, loss of trailer brakes or poor brake performance.
Disconnect the electrical plug between the trailer and tow vehicle before testing a breakaway switch. Failure to disconnect may damage the brake control unit. Avoid mounting the brake control module near a CB radio or other RF transmitter.
WARNING The main module must be mounted firmly in place. Failure to do so could lead to improper operation and / or brake failure.
WARNING The main module’s positive (with 30-amp circuit breaker) and ground wires must be connected directly to the tow vehicle’s battery using a minimum of 10-gauge stranded wire. Connecting to existing wiring or an alternate ground may damage the vehicle’s circuits, lead to failure of the brake control module, loss of trailer brakes or vehicle fire.
Note: Removal of the factory quick plug can void the warranty.
This product IS NOT compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. however it will not interfere with these features.
This product is deigned to provide a Bluetooth connection, without obstructions, up to 50 ft. connection may also be limited by the Bluetooth signal of your device

WIRING
Disconnect the tow vehicle’s negative battery terminal from its battery post before beginning the installation process. Most trucks and utility vehicles are equipped with a plug from the factory that allows quick brake control installation. Check the vehicle owner’s manual for plug availability, location and installation. If the mating plug supplied with the vehicle is no longer available, a CURT quick plug can be used. See the CURT catalog or visit curtmfg.com for application information. For tow vehicles not equipped with a factory brake control plug, we suggest purchasing the CURT universal brake control wiring kit #51500.

Mount the 30-amp, auto-reset circuit breaker as close to the battery as possible.
IMPORTANT: When passing wires through sheet metal, always go through an existing grommet. If there is no grommet, install one or use silicone sealant to protect the wires from sharp edges.
Insert two 10-gauge wires, one white and one black, from the mounted brake control to the battery area. Using a ring terminal, connect the black wire to the ‘AUX’ side of the 30-amp circuit breaker. Leave the white wire to be connected later. Using a
10/12-gauge butt connector, attach the black wire from the ‘AUX’ side of the 30-amp circuit breaker to the brake control’s black wire. Again using a 10/12-gauge butt connector, attach the white wire from the battery area to the brake control’s white wire. Run a 10-gauge blue wire from the tow vehicle’s trailer plug ‘BRAKE’ terminal to the brake control. Using a 10/12-guage butt connector, connect this wire to the brake control’s blue wire.
NOTICE If the device application cannot connect to the unit due to an incorrect or missing PIN, contact CURT product support. They will need the serial number located on the label of your unit.

WIRING DIAGRAM

SET MANUAL CONTROL OUTPUT AND BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES
There are two small switches located at the front of the unit, next to the port on the module. Once accessed, the switch positions can be changed using a small pointed tool. In the illustration above, the switch on the left (#1) controls the unit’s brake light activation feature. The factory default setting is the ‘ON’ position with the switch down. This setting activates the tow vehicle and trailer brake lights when the manual control is actuated. Moving the switch up to the ‘OFF’ position turns off the brake light activation feature and the brake lights are not activated when the manual control is actuated.

In the illustration above, the switch on the right (#2) controls the level of output available to the trailer brakes when using the manual control. The factory default setting is the ‘ON’ position with the switch down. This setting limits the manual control output to the level set using the output control. Moving this switch up to the ‘OFF’ position allows 100% of the output to the brakes when the manual control is actuated regardless of the output control setting.

MOUNTING THE MODULE

1. Once the CURT quick connector or splice-in harness is installed, determine a suitable mounting location for the module.

   • The module must be mounted securely to a solid surface under the dash. The orientation of the module does not matter.
   • This module should be easy to access for troubleshooting.
     It can be installed out of sight to reduce contact with operator.

2. See the ‘Set Manual Control Output and Brake Light Switches’ section in the previous section before mounting the module.

3. Secure the module in place using the provided adhesive pad and zip-ties.

4. Plug in the module to the pigtail harness or vehicle-specific quick plug. If harness is unavailable, hard wiring will be necessary.

DOWNLOAD THE MOBILE APPLICATION
Mobile applications are available for Apple and Android OS. They can be accessed in the App Store or Google Play by scanning the respective QR code below or searching for ‘Echo® Smart Control’.

• Apple OS Requires IOS 5 or higher
• Android OS requires Android 4.3 or higher
• Bluetooth must be enabled on your device for pairing to occur
• After the app is installed, follow the prompts for setup

INITIAL SETUP FOR BLUETOOTH CONNECTION
NOTICE: The vehicle needs to be running or the ignition in the ‘ON’ position with the vehicle in park.
NOTICE: At any moment during setup, if the LED on the Echo under-dash is red, stop and refer to the ‘Troubleshooting Guide’.

1. Enable Bluetooth in your mobile device settings
   NOTICE DO NOT pair the Echo® under-dash through your phone’s Bluetooth menu. Bluetooth connection will be done through the app in step 3.

2. The Echo® under-dash is ready to pair with the mobile application.

3. Launch the app and scan for the Echo under-dash. Once the ‘Echo Brake Controller’ is visible, select it. You will then be prompted to enter the six-digit PIN, found under the cap of the brake controller unit or on the provided quick reference card. Once pairing is complete, the LED light will be solid blue.

4. Plug the trailer’s 7-way connector into the vehicle’s 7- way connector while parked on a level surface.
   The LED light on the Echo under-dash will flash yellow for five to eight seconds while calibration occurs. Once the device is calibrated the LED will turn solid green..

APPLICATION SETUP
After pairing with the Echo®, you will be directed to the ‘Towing Profiles’ screen to setup your trailer’s profile. You can create and save profiles for multiple vehicles, trailers and load conditions.
Note: Setting configuration is required when trailer conditions change or the brake controller is being used for a different trailer or vehicle.
Within the ‘Towing Profiles’ screen, there are two different profiles menus for you to access.

1. Controller Profile
   • In this menu, you can access the five most recently used settings. These settings are stored within the Echo device.
   • Your active profile will display at the top of the menu (1A)
2. Application Profile
   In this menu, you can create an unlimited number of vehicle trailer profiles. These profiles are stored within the app on your phone.

ADDING A PROFILE

1. On the ‘Controller Profiles’ menu, select the empty
   ‘Current Profile’ seat at the top of the menu.

2. Name the profile with descriptive information about the trailer you’re towing.

3. Click ‘Done’ to confirm. You will then be directed to the ‘Active Profiles’ menu to begin set-up and adjustment.

4. You are also able to modify an existing trailer name by swiping left on the profile.

5. Repeat steps 1 – 3 for additional trailers (up to five saved on the device).
   Create Profile Edit Profiles

To create additional profiles, 6 or more, access the ‘Application Profiles’ section. This menu will allow you to create and store and unlimited number of profiles within the app. Select ‘Add Profile’ to begin and repeat steps 1 – 3.

ACTIVATING A PROFILE

1. Click on a profile you would like to activate.
2. Follow the screen prompt by selecting ‘Ok’.
3. The profile you selected is now the active ‘Current Profile’.

DELETING A PROFILE

1. In the ‘Application Profiles’ menu, select the profile you would like to delete.
2. Swipe left to open menu option.
3. Select ‘Delete’ to remove.

CONFIGURING PROFILE SETTINGS
In your ‘Active Profile’ screen you can adjust settings.

1. Manual Brake Activation
   Activate manual braking, press and hold the orange button.
   Manual brake controller activation is used in situations where a slow reduction in speed is desirable. As the manual control is activated, the Echo® begins to apply the trailer brakes. Manual output can be activated by pressing and holding the orange button in the app.

2. Brake Output Indicator
   The blue ring indicates current brake output level.
   The blue ring is a visual indicator of the current level of power being applied to the trailer brakes. When the vehicle’s brakes
   are fully applied, the level of power and position of the ring is determined by your Max Output setting.

3. Max Output
   The maximum level of the brake controller.
   The output control establishes the max amount of power available to the trailer brakes when braking. The output should be adjusted during initial setup, when trailer load changes, when different trailers are used or when adjustment is needed for changing
   road or driving conditions.

4. Sensitivity Level
   The sensitivity of the braking power.
   The sensitivity level adjusts trailer aggressiveness when activated during braking. Sensitivity adjustment has no effect on the manual brake controller. The sensitivity can be adjusted for individual driver preference, trailer load changes or changing road conditions.

5. Screen Theme
   Change from light to dark.
   Under the ‘Settings’ menu, the option to change for day or night driving situations or application preference is available.

TEST DRIVE & ADJUSTMENT
Both the output and sensitivity can be adjusted to achieve smooth, firm stops. Output and sensitivity adjustments should only be made while stopped, with the transmission in park or neutral, parking brake applied, foot off the brake pedal, and no manual control actuation. Note: Perform the adjustments in a safe environment with minimal vehicle traffic.
Starting with the output adjustment, drive forward on a dry and level paved or concrete surface. At approximately 25 mph, apply the vehicle’s brakes. If trailer braking is insufficient, increase the max output setting in the brake controller application. If the trailer brakes lock up, decrease the max output. Repeat this process until stops are firm, just short of lock up.
Once the output is set, adjust the sensitivity by driving forward at approximately 25 mph and press the brake pedal. The vehicle and trailer should make a smooth stop. If the stop seems slow and more aggressive braking is desired, increase the sensitivity level through the brake controller application. If the stop seems too aggressive, decrease the sensitivity level in the application.
Make several stops at various speeds and adjust the sensitivity until stops are smooth and firm. Slight adjustment to the output control may also be desirable. Note: If any problems occur during setup, refer to the ‘Troubleshooting Guide’ on the last page of this manual.

LED STATUS INDICATOR
A single LED on top of the Echo® shows the status of the brake controller unit. Refer to the icons and descriptions below.

Device not paired, no trailer connected (flashing blue)

Device paired, no trailer connected (solid blue)

Calibrating Echo®
(flashing yellow)

Device not paired, trailer connected
(flashing green)

Device paired, trailer connected
(solid green)

Wiring error
(flashing red)

Hardware fault
(solid red)

No power
(no light on)

CONDITION NOTIFICATIONS

NOTICE: If a communication error occurs between the mobile application and the brake controller, the ‘Manual Brake Activation’, ‘Max Output’ and ‘Sensitivity Level’ cannot be adjusted and condition notifications from the brake controller will not be sent.
The brake controller will continue to function properly at the most recently programmed settings and braking operation will not be affected.

WARNING: If the Echo® detects an overload to the trailer brakes a warning will pop up on your screen. Safely stop the vehicle, disconnect and reconnect the trailer 7-way. If the message reappears, a trailer wiring inspection is recommended.

DANGER: If the trailer 7-way has become disconnected from the vehicle a warning will pop up on your screen. Safely stop the vehicle and reinstall your connection. Once connections has been restored, the application will resume with the most recently programmed settings.

BENCH TEST

Parts Needed:

1. Standard 1156 automotive bulb in a socket
2. Charged 12V battery
3. Alligator clip test leads OR wire and wire nuts
4. CURT #51515 / #51516 quick plug with pigtails OR push pins

Note: If a quick plug pigtail is not available, push pins can be used to make a direct connection to the female terminals of the Echo® quick plug housing.

CAUTION: Ensure that the brake control wires, quick plug wires, push pins and test leads do not make contact with each other or any other metal surface.
Failure to do so may damage the brake control.

Brake Controller Setup
Connect the quick plug to the main module to provide accessible wires for bench testing. Connect the white ground wire of the main module and the ground wire of the bulb to the negative terminal of the 12V battery. Leave the red brake input wire and blue output wire unconnected.
Connect the black battery wire of the main module to the positive terminal of the 12V battery. If the brake control is wired properly and the Echo is operational, the LED display will flash blue.
Ensure the Echo is level to the bench surface and connect the signal wire of the bulb to the blue brake output wire of the Echo.
The LED display will flash green to indicate that it is connected to a trailer but not yet connected to a mobile device. Once unit is connected to a device it will then show a solid green light, and you can proceed to test manual control and accelerometer.

Manual Control Testing
Adjust the Output and the Sensitivity setting to the maximum (+) setting. activate the manual control button on your device the blue ring will go to maximum output then drop to 10% of the ring. while activating the manual control the brightness of the bulb will correspond with the output on the blue ring. Release to deactivate turning off the bulb.

Accelerometer Testing
While keeping the brake controller level, connect the red brake input wire of the main module to the positive terminal of the 12V battery. The brake control output will activate and the bulb may be dimly lit.
Slowly tilt the main module to about 45° and the brightness of the bulb will increase corresponding with the output shown by the brake controller. Slowly tilt the main module back to level and the brightness of the bulb will decrease, corresponding with the output shown by the brake controller.
After testing, disconnect the wiring from the positive terminal of the 12V battery ensuring the exposed contacts do not make contact. If the Echo does not function as described during the above test steps, return the brake controller for service or replacement.

IMPORTANT: Read and follow all warnings and cautions shown on the battery.

TROUBLSHOOTING – CONNECTING ECHO® UNIT TO THE APP

1. If you see the following error notification: ‘Error in Connection: No Device Found’, verify distance (see bottom of page 2) and check your unit for a blinking light. If the unit does not show a blinking light, check the connection and / or fuse for trailer brakes per owner’s manual. Selecting ‘Stop connecting’ will cancel the connection process.
2. Selecting ‘Reconnect’ will attempt to reconnect to the last Echo used. If you use multiple Echo units, resetting the device allows you to clear the Bluetooth cache and connect to the unit you wish. In order to connect, the Echo unit needs to be connected to a power supply. Some vehicles will not have power until they are running.
   The Echo unit must be within the Bluetooth range for the app to connect.
   None of the trailer profile setting will be changed upon resetting the Bluetooth cach.

IN-APP INSTALLATION MANUAL
The instruction manuals for the Echo® unit and the manual override button are available to access within the Smart Control app. Select the menu icon in the top left of the app, and then select ‘Instructions and User Guides’. From this screen, you can select which instruction manual you would like to view.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Check vehicle power and ground wiring Trailer mode not activated for vehicle

Vehicle requires trailer to activate 7-way power

Unable to connect to mobile devices| No power to brake controller, no ground on vehicle 7-way Invalid Bluetooth PIN

Bluetooth cache needs to be reset

| Check Echo LED status for power

Input PIN from label or quick reference card Enable Bluetooth or grant permissions Check smartphone compatibility

To reset bluetooth cach, go to the device list at the bottom and select ‘Reset Device’- This will not effect previous profile settings, it will only effect the Smart Control app log in

Solid red LED for more than 10 seconds| Hardware fault| Contact CURT Product Support
Flashing red LED| Contamination in trailer plug socket| Check for clean and dry trailer plug
Short in trailer brake wiring| Locate and correct short
Accelerometer error| Unplug the brake controller and plug it back in
Short or overload in trailer brakes| Troubleshoot trailer brake circuit per brake manufacturer’s instructions
No trailer brakes, pedal or manual| Mis-wired 7-way connector Improper or corroded trailer wiring Weak or missing ground| Confirm vehicle and trailer 7-way connections
No trailer brakes, pedal or manual (device notification of error)| Loss of trailer connection, unplugged or bad wiring| Confirm vehicle and trailer 7-way connections
No response on manual override or brake output| Mis-wired 7-way connector Improper or corroded trailer wiring

No or intermittent power to brake controller Weak or missing ground

Wireless connectivity error

| Confirm vehicle and trailer 7-way connections Check Bluetooth and application settings
Reduced braking power on manual override or brake output| Weak or missing ground

Improper max power or sensitivity settings Improper or corroded trailer wiring

| Confirm vehicle and trailer 7-way connections Check Bluetooth and application settings Increase max power or sensitivity settings
Trailer brakes on all the time (LED shows red)| Mis-wired 7-way trailer connector| Confirm vehicle and trailer 7-way connections
App signals ‘low voltage’| Low battery voltage| Check vehicle battery and replace if needed Confirm vehicle 7-way connections and wiring
App signals a ‘disconnect’| Trailer connector is disconnected| Reconnect the trailer connector
Confirm vehicle 7-way connections and wiring
App signals ‘overload’| Trailer brakes are overloaded| Reconnect the trailer connector Confirm vehicle 7-way connections and wiring Check trailer brake wiring for short circuits

PRODUCT REGISTRATION
CURT stands behind our products with industry-leading warranties. To get copies of the product warranties, register your purchase or provide feedback, visit: warranty.curtgroup.com/surveys

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!
Share the love and your experience with Echo by leaving a review on curtmfg.com/51190.

References

• CURT: Trailer Hitches - Trailer Wiring - 5th Wheel - Gooseneck

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