Wiring a Flat 4 Way Trailer Connector on a 1998 Dodge Caravan with Missing 4-Way Connection

Question:

The van came with the towing package a flat 4 connection. Over the years, the wires broke off and the flat 4 came off. I have the light green, yellow, and Brown from the left side in the back. I have a white and 2 browns from the right side. what is the proper way to connect these? The left and right turns are working but the right side works with the lights on and the left side tail light works with the brake lights on. Thank You.

asked by: Dan H

Expert Reply:

If you are trying to replace the 4-Way connector on the rear of your 1998 Dodge Caravan you will need to wire a new 4-Way connector, item # 18004, by function using a circuit tester, item # PTW2993. Attaching a new trailer connector properly should solve your trailer lighting issues, as long as the converter has not been shorted out due to the wires being exposed from the original connector breaking off.

If the converter, item # 118334, has been shorted it will need to be replaced. This wiring harness installs in line with the vehicle tail lights and does not require any splicing.

Wiring your trailer to work with the 4-Way flat connection on your 1998 Dodge Caravan is done as follows. The green wire is the right turn signal, the yellow wire is the left turn signal, and the brown wires are the taillight signal wires which should run down both sides of the trailer.

If your trailer has different color wires installed on it you will need to use a circuit tester, item # PTW2993 if needed, to determine the function of each wire on your trailer.

Another thing you will want to check if the taillights are still not working properly is the ground connections on the trailer. A bad ground can cause all kinds of problems with trailer lighting.