How to Determine the Wire Functions for 7-Way Trailer Connector on a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500
Updated 06/28/2018 | Published 06/27/2018
Question:
Im trying to hook up a 7 way plug on a dodge ram 1500, its a 2002. The truck originally had a factory 7 way plug but the factory connector has been cut off and not sure which color wire gos to with pin on the 7 way. Any help would be much appreciated.
asked by: Jake L
Helpful Expert Reply:
The only way to know for sure what the functions of the factory wires are on your 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 is to test them with a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 or a meter if you have one.
Testing the light functions is easy. have someone sit in the truck to operate the lights while you test the wires at the back of the truck. I recommend writing down or labeling the wires for future reference. That will take care of the running lights, turn signals/brake lights, and potentially the reverse lights. But be sure that the emergency brake is on, wheels are chocked, and the person in the truck is holding the brake pedal down while you are testing for reverse lights. Safety first!
There will also be a 12-volt power wire which will have constant power. The truck may have to be on for it to have power though.
The 2 most difficult wires to test are the ground and the brake output wire. If you have a brake controller, then it makes it easy. You would just have someone apply the manual override on the brake controller (on and off, on and off) to find the right wire. That would leave the last wire as the ground. The brake output wire is likely going to be a blue wire.
If you do not have a brake controller, then what you can do is use a separate 12-volt battery and carefully touch one of those 2 wires to the positive terminal. Then, in the truck cab where a brake controller plugs in (see video for location) you can test the terminals to see which one has power. Have some one touch and remove the wire slowly but repeatedly from the battery to ensure you have found the correct wire. Once you have found it the last wire is the ground.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Wireless Monitor - Proportional
- Shop: Demco Surge Brake Actuator w Drop and Electric Lockout - Disc - Zinc - 2-5/16" Ball - 12.5K
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Search Results: bearing 25580 trailer bearings races seals caps
- Shop: Kodiak Disc Brake Caliper - Dacromet - 7,000 lbs to 8,000 lbs
- Shop: Roadmaster Smart Diode Kit for Variable Voltage LED Tail Lights
- Shop: Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 7,000 lbs
- Search Results: 1413040134
- Search Results: f1413040134
- Search Results: 76419
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: 4813100
- Search Results: k2r526s
- Search Results: fold away
- Q&A: Brake Pads For Kodiak 250 Calipers
- Video: Review of Valcrum Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps - Caps - VA45JR
- Video: Review of Kodiak Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps - Caps - KPCAP
- Video: Detailed Breakdown of the Valcrum Threaded Aluminum Grease Cap for 6K to 9K Axles
- Video: Kodiak 13" Hub and Rotor Spec Review
- Video: Roadmaster Variable Voltage LED Tail Lights Wiring Kit DIY Installation - 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Video: Ventline E-Z Lift Ventadome Trailer Roof Vent Feature Review
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Recommended 7-Way Connector for a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/ the Factory Tow Package
on Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
