Installing Brake Controller on 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4

Updated 01/22/2013 | Published 01/20/2013

Products Featured in This Question

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(108)

$1.65

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Dodge

(966)

$20.54

Question:

been looking at controll harness for my 08 dodge ram 1500 4x4 and it seems to show a flat 4 pin adapter to plug into the vehicle plug under the dash.....my blue plug is a 5 pin.....3 and 2 female end....can you help me on the part I need....thanks.

asked by: Patrick C

Expert Reply:

Thank you for sending the photo, it really makes things easier!

The connector you show in your photo is not the connector for installing a brake controller. If you look on the firewall behind the emergency brake, you will see a white wiring junction box. The blue female connector that accepts the # 3020-P brake control wiring adapter is located alongside or on top of this junction box, as you can see in the photo I have edited for you. I have also linked you to an install video that shows the location of the connector.

The connector will only be present if your truck is equipped with the factory installed 4-pole or 7-way trailer connector. If you have the factory 7-way, and are using a Tekonsha brake controller like the Prodigy P2, part # 90885 or P3, # 90195 you would simply plug one end of the # 3020-P wiring adapter into the rear of the controller and the other end into the connector next to the junction box, at which point you should be good to go.

If your truck is equipped with the factory 4-pole, the brake output circuit is not ran to the rear of the vehicle. You will need to cut the blue wire on the adapter, and use a butt connector to attach a length of 10 gauge wire long enough to reach the 7-way at the rear. You would also need to use an adapter like part # 37185 to convert your 4-pole to a 7-way.

expert reply by: Mike L