Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring on 2014 Dodge Ram 1500

Question

Question:

Hello i have a 2014 dodge ram 1500 i have used this trailer extensively and i had lights last time i used it and now nothing i checked the plug and had no power to any of the tabs i checked the fuse and it was fine but had no power going to it on the cover it does not show trailer relays but getting a diagram from the parts store it show it has a relay for right light one for the left light and one for the trailer brake and one more for something else do you think all the relays went out at once/ and these relays are not serviceable. i think they are integrated into the fuse box on the bottom any ideas?

asked by: John

0

Expert Reply:

It would be unusual for all three relays in your 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 (or any other vehicle) to all go bad at once. If this did happen I would suspect the vehicle or trailer wiring/connectors. It is possible for internal corrosion to build up that could cause a short-circuit. This can occur on the visible parts of the sockets or plugs but it can also develop on the inside of these connectors, where it is very hard to spot. With enough exposure to the elements the trailer socket or plug could develop such an issue and to look at these connectors you might never know it.

You may also want to check the wiring/plugs that lead to the socket on the truck. Unplug it and check for damage, corrosion or trapped water - anything that could interfere with signal transmission. You might also trace the wiring on the truck, from the trailer connector as far forward as you can, looking for signs of damage from road debris.

If you have a circuit tester like # PTW2993 you can test the truck wiring at the connector contacts and then continue testing as you move forward; to the wiring that feeds the trailer socket, etc. Doing this will tell you at what point in the overall wiring setup the signals are being lost.

You can also test the trailer by itself when it is not connected to the truck. Use the truck's battery or a well-charged spare if you have one to apply 12V power directly to the trailer's plug. Apply power to one circuit at a time to see if they function. If not then the issue could be on your trailer, say a bad short that took out your relays/fuses. In this case repair/replace any damaged wiring on the trailer.

If you need a new 7-way plug it is easy to install one using the # HS381-9000 which has a 7-way plug and a junction box for handy splicing.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

Answer 1

If your 2014 Dodge Ram Pickup has a factory-installed 7-way trailer connector, then the reverse light circuit should be connected. The common configuration for RV-style 7-way sockets is for the center pin to carry the reverse light signal. Please…

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Answer 2

To check the pins on the vehicle side 7-Way, you can use a circuit tester or the volt meter. The circuit tester will show you if a signal is coming through on the pin you are testing while the volt meter will tell you that and how much voltage is…

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Answer 3

Stabilizer jacks are not designed to carry the full weight of trailer so I can not recommend using them as a way to hold the trailer when you work on it. Having it connected to your truck would be the way to go.

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Answer 4

You will want to test your vehicle's 7-way and the trailer separately to find out where your lighting power loss is occurring. Use a circuit tester like #PTW2993 to test each lighting circuit on the Ram's 7-way socket. You can refer to the…

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Answer 5

If your Ram's OEM trailer brake controller actually sends out a brake signal when you press the pedal (meaning you can feel the trailer's brakes engage when you're driving) but it does NOT send out any signal when you press the manual…

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Answer 6

The light that indicates that the 12 volt circuit is hot is normal and it will not drain the battery. Think of it as the battery having a really long positive terminal that just extends to the rear of the vehicle. If nothing is drawing power from it,…

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Answer 7

The most likely cause for the incorrect behavior of your trailer lights, where activating one turn signal causes all trailer lights to blink, is an insufficient ground (or a short to ground) on either the vehicle or the trailer. Since you re-wired…

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Answer 8

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 9

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 10

It could be a tow package fuse on the vehicle. Use the owners manual to find the locations of fuses/relays related to the tow package wiring to check them and replace as needed. If the issue is not a fuse or relay then you can test the vehicle side…

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Answer 11

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 12

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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