Locating Brake Controller Install Connector on 2004 Dodge Ram 1500

Published 02/28/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Dodge

(962)

$18.66

Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers

(159)

$57.14

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.27

Question:

My 2004 dodge ram 1500 5.7 hemi with tow/haul button and factory class 3 hitch with both 4 prong and 7 prong plug mounted in the rear bumper , but does not or at least I cant find the factory plug under dash to plug my controller in, has anyone found this plug any where else then to the left of the steering column ? With eveything factory iam sure it has the towing package

asked by: Steve B

Helpful Expert Reply:

If your 7-way says 'Mopar' on it, it should be the factory 7-way although it might have been a dealer installed instead of a factory installed option. Only vehicles with the factory installed tow package will have the blue under-dash connector for plugging in the brake controller.

Take a look at the photo I've edited for you. Right behind the emergency brake pedal, on the firewall, there will be a white plastic junction box. The blue brake controller connector should be next to, or on top of that white box. If it's not there, then the truck probably doesn't have the factory tow package.

If that's the case, all's not lost. You can still install a brake controller by hardwiring it in place. You'll need a wiring kit to install the brake controller, part # 5506. Install the controller to the dash, preferably to the right of the steering column. Be sure to follow the brake controller manufacturer instructions regarding the proper positioning of the controller. The controller will have 4 wires exiting the back of it. The black wire provides power to the controller and would connect to the positive battery terminal via the 30-amp circuit breaker included with the install kit. The white wire would ground to the negative battery terminal. The red brake controller wire will tap into the stop lamp switch wiring at the top the brake pedal. The switch will have several wires exiting it. Turn on the vehicle ignition and use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 on the wires exiting the switch. There should only be one wire that lights up the tester when the brake pedal is pressed. Tap the red wire from the controller to this circuit. The blue wire would be ran through the firewall, and under the vehicle to the 7-way at the rear and would connect to the brake output pin of the 7-way.

I'll link you to some articles that will help walk you through the process.

expert reply by: Mike L