Difference Between 7-Way Wiring Diagram that Uses Red Wire and Purple Wire

Question:

The 7-way trailer connector on my trailer was damaged by accidentally falling out and dragging on the ground. I am replacing it with a new connector plug . I am following the right-hand diagram I found on your website: https://www.etrailer.com/question-363.html All of the wire colors in my trailer cable match except that there is no purple. There is a red however. I connected the red to the center terminal where the purple would go. Is this going to work? Or am I going to short out some of the wiring? I was unable to gain access to the back of the old connector as it was molded around the wires.

asked by: Gregg N

Expert Reply:

There are actually two ways that 7-way wiring colors are commonly seen. One uses a red wire and the other a purple. The circuits they represent do vary though. So check out the updated diagram I attached to this page and most likely you need to wire the connector up like the center one.

expert reply by: Jameson C

click to enlarge

Mark M.

8/1/2020

I got a 7 way wireing harness with a purple wire but on my 2019 chevy colorado I dont have a purple or a0 red how do I hook it up

Chris R.

8/11/2020

When wiring up a new 7-Way harness you will want to connect by function, not by color. Test each of the factory wires on your Colorado with a circuit tester while somebody flips through the various light and brake functions in the cab to see which wire carries power with each function.