Parts Needed to Install a 7-Way Connector on a 1997 Ford F-150
Updated 09/13/2011 | Published 09/10/2011
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
my 97 f150 had a plug under the dash for the controller i plugged in and mounted it lights up when i brake i looked under the rear of truck and there is a pair of wires with a plug that has a cap on it that are in the same shield as the factor trailer wiring these two wires are orange and blue where do these go on the new plug
asked by: Davtd H
Expert Reply:
If your 1997 Ford F-150 has a factory 4-Way connector or is without a trailer connector on the rear of the vehicle, you will need to add the Tow Ready Ford Replacement OEM Tow Package Wiring Harness, part # 118242, to get a 7-Way at the rear of the vehicle. This wiring harness will plug into an OEM connector that is located on the drivers side between the back tires and the end of the truck bed. The orange and blue wires that you see are wires that are in the OEM connector. The blue wire is for the trailer brakes and the orange wire is usually for an auxiliary function like reverse lights.
The # 118242 wiring harness will also include some fuses and relays that may be needed to complete your brake controller installation. I am including a link to the installation instructions of the # 118242 wiring harness and a video link of this wiring harness being installed on a 2001 Ford F-150.
I would also recommend the Pollak Mounting Bracket, part # PK12711U. This will give you a mounting bracket for the 7-Way connector.
I am also including a link to a FAQ page on Ford brake controller installations that will describe the wires you have referenced.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Ford Replacement OEM Tow Package Wiring Harness, 7-Way
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Vehicle End Connector
- No Converter
- Factory Tow Package
- 7 Blade
- Plug and Lead
- Plug-In
- Visible
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Q&A: Where is the Red and Blue Wires on a 1994 Ford F-150 for Installing a 4-Way to 7-Way Adapter
- Video: Let’s Check Out the Ford Replacement OEM Tow Package Wiring Harness, 7-Way
- Shop: Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 10' Long
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: How to Install 7 Way Trailer Wiring on a 1997 Ford F-150
- Q&A: How to Add a 7-Way and Brake Controller to a 2008 Ford E-450
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Wiring Needed To Tow a Trailer With Brakes With a 2025 Ford Ranger no Tow Package
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Add 7-Way and 4-Way to 2023 Ford F-150
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Q&A: Installing a 7-Way Trailer Connector on a 2001 Ford F-150
- Q&A: Trailer Stop/Turn Fuse Locations in 1997 Ford F-150
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 6-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)