Summary of Contents for Curt Manufacturing ASSURE 51160
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51160 INSTALLATION MANUAL ASSURE BRAKE CONTROLLER ™ For use with 12-volt negative ground systems only For trailers with two to eight brakes Read, follow and save this guide for future reference...
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This package includes: (1) Brake controller module with quick plug (4) Mounting bracket screws (1) Mounting bracket (1) Quick reference card (2) Keyed spacer (2) Keyed washer One or more of the following may be needed to complete installation: • Brake controller connection harness, supplied with the tow vehicle (if equipped) •...
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Key Features • OLED display provides detailed brake force output and sensitivity position • Provides automatic and manual trailer braking • Switchable manual control output, 100% or limited to output setting • Switchable manual control brake light activation or no brake light activation •...
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Controls and Components 1. OLED display 2. Load (sensitivity) adjustment 3. Gain (output) adjustment 4. Pressure-sensitive manual control button 5. Quick plug connector 6. Switch for manual control brake activation - allows for 100% output 7. Switch for manual control brake light activation 8.
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Gain Control (output) The gain (output) control buttons establish the maximum amount of power available to the trailer brakes when braking. An exception is when the manual control is set up for 100% braking, see 'Set Manual Control Gain / Output and Brake Light Switches'. As the gain (output) control buttons are adjusted, the screen will show the new gain (output) setting.
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Manual Control The manual control is located on the front of the brake controller at the right side and only applies the trailer brakes. Manual brake control activation is used during initial setup and in situations where a slow reduction in speed is desirable.
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OLED Display The OLED display shows the output setting when the control is activated. It is used to set up and monitor the brake controller and can be used when troubleshooting. Startup / Calibration screen Calibrating Not Connected - Standby mode, Overload - Output circuit, no trailer connected trailer brake system fault...
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INSTALLATION Set Manual Control Gain / Output and Brake Light Switches There are two small switches located at the rear of the controller that can be accessed by removing the rectangular cover. Once accessed, the switch positions can be changed using a small pointed tool.
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Mounting 1. Determine a suitable mounting location. A) The unit must be mounted securely to a solid surface B) The unit must be easily reached by the driver C) The area behind mounting location must be clear so no damage will be done when drilling 70°...
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2. Hold the mounting bracket in the selected position and mark the hole locations through the bracket. 3. Using a 1/8" diameter bit, drill holes in the marked locations. 4. With a screwdriver or a 1/4" nut driver, secure the bracket in place using two of the provided self-tapping screws.
WIRING DIAGRAM Feed two 10-gauge wires, one white and one black, from the mounted brake controller 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 controller's black wire.
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NOTE: Brake light switch connection on Ford vehicles including the Mercury Mountaineer, do not connect to the red wire with a green stripe. Connect to the light-green wire only. For vehicles other than 1989-1991 Ford E- and F-Series trucks and vans with anti-lock brakes, use a test probe to determine which wire on the tow vehicle's stoplight switch is only 'hot' when the pedal is pressed.
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SETUP Once all electrical connections are complete and the controller display is functioning, while parked on a level surface, plug the trailer's electrical connector into the tow vehicle's plug. Connecting the trailer initiates the mounting position calibration mode. The CURT logo with a progress bar may be seen on the display followed by either 'Connected' or 'Not Connected'.
Begin with the output adjustment. Drive forward on a paved or concrete surface that is dry and level. At approximately 25 mph, apply the tow vehicle brakes. If trailer braking is insufficient, adjust the output with the (+) button. If the trailer brakes lockup adjust the output with the (-) button.
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BENCH TEST INSTRUCTIONS Parts Needed: Standard 1156 automotive bulb in a socket, charged 12V battery, alligator clip test leads or wire and wire nuts, 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 Assure quick plug housing.
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The Assure will display that it's checking calibration, that it's calibrating, or that ™ it needs re-calibration by displaying 'Reconnect'. If the 'Reconnect' indication appears, disconnect and reconnect the bulb from the blue wire to recalibrate. It will show 'Disconnect' when disconnected followed by 'Calibration', followed by the 'Connected' icon when complete.
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BENCH TEST DIAGRAM WARNING Read and follow all warnings and cautions shown on the battery CURTMFG.COM PAGE 17 51160-INS-RB 877.287.8634 NEED ASSISTANCE? • • • •...
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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE - TEST WITHOUT TRAILER FIRST No Trailer Connected Condition Display Probable Cause Probable Solution Display does not light Blank No power to controller, Check and repair up when brake pedal or no ground, reversed connections. Refer manual control is used black and white wires, to the 'wiring' section circuit breaker blown...
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With Trailer Connected Condition Display Probable Cause Probable Solution Display shows 'Not No connection between Confirm connection Connected' when power brake controller and trailer to trailer connector is applied to controller. brakes – blue wire circuit Confirm connector No trailer brakes when terminal positions brake pedal or manual Check trailer...
PRODUCT REGISTRATION & WARRANTY 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 NOTES CURTMFG.COM • NEED ASSISTANCE? 877.287.8634 51160-INS-RB PAGE 20 • • •...
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