How to Wire up a 7 Pin Connector and Brake Controller on a 2004 Dodge Dakota Without Tow Package
Question:
How to wire up a 7 pin connector and brake controller.
asked by: Andy H
Expert Reply:
To install a controller in your Dakota, you will need the controller, the # ETBC7 install kit, and a functioning 4-pole trailer connector.
If your Dakota does not already have a 4-pole connector, one can be installed by using part # 118323.
If you do not already have a brake controller, I would recommend a proportional-type controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885.
The 4-pole to 7-way adapter included in the kit would plug into the 4-pole trailer connector once it is installed. The adapter would have 4 additional wires. The white wire is grounded to clean metal on the vehicle, the blue wire would be connected to the white wire in the duplex cable included in the kit, and the black wire on the adapter would connect to the black wire in the duplex cable. The purple wire is usually used to feed the reverse lights on the trailer. If needed, it can be extended with a longer piece of wire and tapped into the circuit feeding the reverse lights on the Dakota. If the trailer does not have reverse lights, the purple wire can be taped off, and bundled up out of the way.
The duplex cable would then be ran under the vehicle to the engine compartment, being careful to avoid any high heat areas like the exhaust and moving parts like steering and suspension components. The black wire would attach to the positive battery terminal via the 40 amp inline breaker included in the install kit., the white wire would be fed into the passenger compartment through the firewall.
The controller itself should be installed under the dash, within easy reach of the driver, typically to the right of the steering column.
The controller will have 4 wires exiting the rear of the unit. The blue wire carries the output voltage and would connect to the white wire ran through the firewall. The black wire provides 12-volt power to the controller and would be ran to the positive battery terminal using either the 20- or 30-amp inline breaker provided in the install kit. The install documentation provided with your brake controller will state which breaker should be used. The white controller wire should be grounded to the negative battery terminal. The red brake controller wire needs to be connected to the cold side circuit of the brake stoplight switch. The stoplight switch is located at the top of the brake pedal. There might be several wires exiting the switch, you will need to use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to probe each wire until you locate the wire that only shows voltage when the brake pedal is pressed. Once the correct wire is located, tap the red wire into it using the scotch lock included in the kit.
The ETBC7 kit includes instructions, I have also provided links to our brake controller install FAQ page, as well as an install video. The video shows the ETBC7 kit being used to install a brake controller on a different vehicle, but the procedure shown would be identical to that of your truck.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
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