How To Prepare a 7-Way Connector for a Brake Controller on a 2001 Dodge Ram

Published 11/21/2009

Question:

I have a 2001 Dodge Ram and I have installed a brake controller and it plugged right up under the dash. My problem is the 7-way plug at the rear of the truck is not hooked up. Is there a wiring harness for that and it is just a plug in or does it have to be hard wired? Also do you have that harness available? Thanks

asked by: Tim G

Expert Reply:

If the 7-Way connector was factory installed, it should all be connected and ready to go. Check the cover or flap on the 7-Way and look for the Chrysler logo. A factory 7-Way should have a connector that will mate up to a harness somewhere in the rear of the vehicle. If it is not a factory installed unit you will have to do some hard wiring. I will include a video of a brake controller install that will show you how to tell if it is a factory 7-Way or not.

The 7 wires on a 7-Way are color coded as follows: White-ground, Brown - tail lights, Green - passenger side brake and turn, Yellow - driver side brake and turn, Blue - brake controller wire, Black - 12V power connected to the vehicle battery. The seventh wire is usually purple or orange. It is an auxiliary wire that can be used as an additional 12V source or reverse lights. It can be omitted if you do not need it. I have also included a link to a video on a 7-Way install with a brake controller on a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500.

If you have a 4-Way connector already and no 7-Way at all, you would need part # 37185.

expert reply by: Patrick B