Replacing the 7-Way Connector on a 2006 Dodge Ram Truck

Updated 01/09/2017 | Published 01/06/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Deka Ring Terminal - Heat Shrink - 16-14 Gauge - 1/4" Ring ID - Nylon Insulation - Blue - Qty 1

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7-Pole and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Sockets w/ Mounting Bracket and Wiring - Vehicle End

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Hook Probe Circuit Tester

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Question:

I have a 2006 ram mega can 3500 . someone had cut the factory plug from the 7 blade plug in the rear bumper . They installed a wire junction box like on a tractor trailer and then ran new wiring to a plug in the bed. The plug in the bed must have ran power to a trailer they wired them selves . I want to do away with the plug he had and install a new 7 blade and 4-5 flat back in the bumper. But I can not get the turn and stop lights hooked up so that the stop dont over power the turn . I need a diagram of the wiring and if there needs to be a resister that dont let it feed back to the truck ? What can I do to solve this . Thank you

asked by: Andrew K

Expert Reply:

Sounds like your 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 was wired to be used with a 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer. If you are wanting to switch the 7-way plug back to its original location, then you will need to use the 7-Pole and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Sockets w/ Mounting Bracket and Wiring, # HM40975-11998. This product will allow you wire your Dodge for both a 7-way and 4-pole flat and relocate the plug back to your bumper.

Since someone has altered the factory plugs, you will have to hard wire your existing wiring to the wiring kit. If a tow package was originally installed on this Dodge, all you will need to do is wire the tow wiring on the truck up to the 7-way connector of the # HM40975-11998 kit. The kit uses an OEM style plug that will plug into the back of the 7 way-4 flat trailer connector. The connector will allow you to use either a 7-way plug or a 4-flat trailer connection.

You could still use the junction box to wire in the new 7-way. All you would need is ring terminals, like # DW05737-1, to connect the 7-way connector's wiring to the junction box. I recommend checking the electrical signals coming in the box to make sure all is functioning correctly before using it with the new connector. You can use a tester like # PTW2993 to check the wiring. Using the junction box will make installation easier, but if it is not functioning corrected then I would bypass the box and hard wire into the trucks original tow wiring.

As for the tail and brake lights, your truck's wiring will be wired to distinguish between the two functions, if it has the tow package wiring.

I have included an article that show diagrams and color codes of a typical trailer wiring set up.