How to Install a Brake Controller in a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 with Factory 4-Way
Published 02/12/2015
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Question:
I have a 2004 Dodge Ram 5.7l 1500. It came with a four pin trailer light connector from the factory. I purchased a Reese Brakeman Compact controller with four wire adapter to plug into the brake module under the dash. I also purchased the 7 pin female connector and installed on my truck. I am having difficulty determining how to wire the remaining wires on the 7 pin connector. I have a few questions regarding this: Using the adapter from the controller to the brake module under the dash, do I need to still wire the 12V from the battery to the 7 pin plug? Where on my truck to I land the blue brake wire from the 7 pin plug? Is the ground on the 7 pin necessary since the four pin is I am connecting to is grounded?
asked by: Rick
Expert Reply:
Start by plugging in the brake control adapter # 3020-P into the OEM harness located under the steering wheel, just to the right of the emergency brake pedal. Then find a place to mount the brake controller. It should be in a position that is easily accessible (See Picture). Connect the wires.
Usually located under the driver's side of the vehicle, right behind the front wheel well is a wire connector. As you can see in the picture there are more wires on the hood side (right side) of the connector than the hitch side. Using a circuit tester you can locate the wire that supplies power to the trailer brakes. Usually it is the blue one. Using a quick-lock, run a wire lead from the blue wire to the back of the vehicle. Enough wire will be needed to make it from the front wheel well to the end of the truck bed. The wire lead will connect to the blue wire on the 7-Way or 6-Way trailer adapter. After mounting the new trailer adapter and plugging it into the original 4-pole connector, installation is complete.
If a hot lead is needed, it would need to be connected to the battery via a circuit breaker # 9510. That wire would then connect to the black wire on the trailer connector adapter.
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