Echo Controller

[jimsyled01]

I agree with everything that has been said about trying to hookup a controller to the 2" wire provided. How cheap can you get not to include a $.50 connector to allow hookup. I have a new 2019 Ranger XLT and have added a hitch and 7pin plug to the truck.

My problem(s)
1. After working for four days and spilling much blood, I purchased an Echo 51180 controller which plugs into the seven pin connector and the Curt 7pin wiring harness that includes the 7 pin connector. Problem is that there is no power to the controller. Does anyone know where this controller picks up its 12 volts. I assumed it was the black wire(aux 12v) at position 1.
2. The excellent owners manual (not) not not say anything about the source of the 12v for the 7pin. I have checked the three fuses that shave been suggested and they are all good. Does anyone know which fuse feeds this lead? Does anyone know of a wiring diagram for the Ranger that shows the feeds to the 7pin?
3. Again referring to the excellent users manual, when I go through the dash setting Vehicle/Neutral Tow, I get the message "Preconditions not met. see manual". I see the manual put can find nothing on the error. Searching the internet brings up nothing but preconditions for medical issues. (Doctors weren't any help in resolving issue). Any idea what this error message means.

Numbers 1 & 2 have maybe been answered. Curt responded that the light on the controller won't light without a load. Problem now is my trailer is 150 miles away and blue tooth won't work at that distance. Would have been nice if they included that in the instructions. Problem 3 is still open. Thanks to Mike at Etrailer for the answer to 1&2.

Any help is appreciated

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[Jamesb]

I agree with everything that has been said about trying to hookup a controller to the 2" wire provided. How cheap can you get not to include a $.50 connector to allow hookup. I have a new 2019 Ranger XLT and have added a hitch and 7pin plug to the truck.

My problem(s)
1. After working for four days and spilling much blood, I purchased an Echo 51180 controller which plugs into the seven pin connector and the Curt 7pin wiring harness that includes the 7 pin connector. Problem is that there is no power to the controller. Does anyone know where this controller picks up its 12 volts. I assumed it was the black wire(aux 12v) at position 1.
2. The excellent owners manual (not) not not say anything about the source of the 12v for the 7pin. I have checked the three fuses that shave been suggested and they are all good. Does anyone know which fuse feeds this lead? Does anyone know of a wiring diagram for the Ranger that shows the feeds to the 7pin?
3. Again referring to the excellent users manual, when I go through the dash setting Vehicle/Neutral Tow, I get the message "Preconditions not met. see manual". I see the manual put can find nothing on the error. Searching the internet brings up nothing but preconditions for medical issues. (Doctors weren't any help in resolving issue). Any idea what this error message means.

Numbers 1 & 2 have maybe been answered. Curt responded that the light on the controller won't light without a load. Problem now is my trailer is 150 miles away and blue tooth won't work at that distance. Would have been nice if they included that in the instructions. Problem 3 is still open. Thanks to Mike at Etrailer for the answer to 1&2.

Any help is appreciated

Did you end up figuring this out? I see this in the latest Curt installation info:

I recently got the same controller and am interested in your experience and how to.

Cheers,

James

 

[Leftcoast]

I don’t know if this helps. I have trailer brake controller tester. It tests everything from brake lights to trailer brake pressure. It initially didn’t work until I read the fine print. For some reason it needed the lights on for it to wake up the system. I can’t recall if it was parking lights or headlights. Regardless that was the trick.

 

[Big Blue]

OK, you said you added the 7 pin connector to the truck. Did you add the Ford connector and harness or did you just add an aftermarket connector to the 4-pin plug. I'm assuming your truck didn't come with the factory tow package as that would come with the plug wired.

If you added an aftermarket plug, you will need to run a wire to the 12v+ (aux) contact in the plug from the battery with a fuse. If you install the OEM connector setup it will be tied into the trucks harness and will not power up until the trailer is plugged in and the truck recognizes the trailer and the engine is running.

Hope this helps with questions 1 and 2. As for as question 3. Are you going to be flat towing your Ranger behind another vehicle? If not, why are you trying to put it into Neutral Tow? That has nothing to do with your Ranger towing a trailer. Simply push the Tow Haul button on your console.

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