Parts Needed to Hardwire Trailer Brake Controller in 1998 Dodge Ram Pickup

Updated 06/15/2017 | Published 06/14/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3398)

$121.18

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(274)

$37.16

Question:

I have 98 dodge 1500 truck trying to install a tekonsha I think 9030 brake controller, the controller has 4 wire blue, red, black, white... under dash I found unused blue, red, white, black wires I put them together but get no power any suggestions?

asked by: Stanley J

Expert Reply:

On a trailer brake controller the four wire functions are as follows: the black wire connects to the battery + terminal through a circuit breaker to deliver operating power to the controller; the red wire connects to the cold side of the brake light switch (the side that goes hot only when the pedal is pressed) which provides the signal that tells the controller you're braking; the blue wire carries the controller's brake output power for the trailer brakes back to the vehicle 7-way socket; the white wire grounds to the battery negative post.

To install a brake controller in a truck like a 1998 Ram 1500 that does not have a factory-installed 7-way trailer connector you'll use our universal installation kit # ETBC7 along with a 4-pole harness (unless the truck has a 4-pole already). If you need one use # 118329.

The two linked articles will give you all the information you need to wire in a brake controller.

expert reply by: Adam R