Installing a Brake Controller on a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Equipped with a Factory 4-Way

Updated 05/09/2016 | Published 05/07/2016

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Question:

I need a diagram how to hook up a brake controller to a dodge ram 1500 02 I only have 4,wire standard hookup to a 7 way hookup how do I install the other three wires to the vehicle

asked by: Samuel L

Expert Reply:

I can help you install a brake controller and finish connecting the wiring for your 7-way plug on your Ram 1500 that came with a factory 4-way.

Sounds like you already have the 7-way plug with the factory 4-way wires run, similar to the # 37185. So, to complete the 7-way and install a brake controller you will want to get the # 5506 wiring kit. This will include the wire, circuit breakers, ring terminals, and butt connectors you will need to finish the 7-way setup. The center pin wire (often purple) of the 7-way is for the reverse light circuit. If you need this function to work for your trailer then you will need to locate the reverse light circuit on your vehicle, we recommend using a circuit tester like # PTW2993 and testing the wires behind your taillights. If you do not need this function, it can be snipped and taped off as you will see in the video I've linked.

You will also need a brake controller and custom wiring adapter to use the factory port under your dash to enable and control these connections to work with your trailer's brakes. For a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha P3 # 90195, because of its easy user interface. The P3 is a proportional brake controller which means it senses how the tow vehicle is slowing or stopping and applies the trailer's brakes with the same intensity. It also has a full display screen instead of codes that need deciphering. The Tekonsha P2 # 90885 is like the P3's little brother, it has all the great qualities but doesn't have the display of the P3. The custom adapter plug you will need for your 2002 Ram 1500 to connect the Tekonsha P3 or P2 is the # 3020-P.

While we haven't had a chance to do a test fit of this on your particular year make and model, I was able to find a similar installation video done on a '99 Ram. This video will show how to run the wires, install the circuit breakers in the engine compartment, and hook up the P3 brake controller in the cab. I recommend starting at about 4 minutes and 42 seconds into the video because our installer had to also accommodate the powering of a light bar on this particular vehicle.

I've also included an image of a wiring diagram and a few Help Articles to this page for your convenience.