Parts Needed to Install a 7-Way Connector on a 1997 Ford F-150

Question:

my 97 f150 had a plug under the dash for the controller i plugged in and mounted it lights up when i brake i looked under the rear of truck and there is a pair of wires with a plug that has a cap on it that are in the same shield as the factor trailer wiring these two wires are orange and blue where do these go on the new plug

asked by: Davtd H

Expert Reply:

If your 1997 Ford F-150 has a factory 4-Way connector or is without a trailer connector on the rear of the vehicle, you will need to add the Tow Ready Ford Replacement OEM Tow Package Wiring Harness, part # 118242, to get a 7-Way at the rear of the vehicle. This wiring harness will plug into an OEM connector that is located on the drivers side between the back tires and the end of the truck bed. The orange and blue wires that you see are wires that are in the OEM connector. The blue wire is for the trailer brakes and the orange wire is usually for an auxiliary function like reverse lights.

The # 118242 wiring harness will also include some fuses and relays that may be needed to complete your brake controller installation. I am including a link to the installation instructions of the # 118242 wiring harness and a video link of this wiring harness being installed on a 2001 Ford F-150.

I would also recommend the Pollak Mounting Bracket, part # PK12711U, and Pollak Hardware Kit, part # PK11926. This will give you a mounting bracket for the 7-Way connector.

I am also including a link to a FAQ page on Ford brake controller installations that will describe the wires you have referenced.

expert reply by: Jeff D