Where is the Brake Controller Plug on a 2008 Dodge Ram Pickup

Question:

The standard harness for this truck, as indicated on the packaging, does not fit the blue factory installed connector under the dash. The one they say will fit has 4 female receptacles in a flat configuration. However, the blue factory installed connector has 6 holes with 5 of them having male connections in them in a square configuration, 2x3. It seems that Chrysler did something a little different on the 2008 model than any other year. I even saw someone installing to the blue connector in a YouTube video, but no one has ever indicated how or where to get the right harness to match. I have ordered online and gotten the standardfoot one which I had to return. I have been to two locals, one specializing in hitch installation, and both were baffled, never having seen the blue connector. What say ye?

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

I cannot be sure as to what the plug you have found is for but I can assure you it is not for a brake controller. The brake controller plug (if equipped) for a 2008 Dodge Ram is rectangular with four pins like the photo I have attached for you, there are no exceptions. If you just randomly look under the dash of your Ram, there are going to be several unused connectors. That is why it is important to look in the correct place which can be seen at the 0:50 mark in the attached video. This is a rather common occurrence for brake controller installs.

With that being said, if you cannot find the above plug then you may not have it. Not all 2008 Dodge Ram's came with the brake controller plug from the factory, only the ones equipped with a factory trailer connector. If you have a factory trailer connector and have a Tekonsha Brake Controller then you will need the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers part # 3020-P.

If your truck did not come with a factory trailer connector then you will need to hardwire the brake controller using the Universal Installation Kit part # ETBC7 and the Hopkins Tail Light Converter Kit with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # HM48925 if you don't already have a 4-way.

expert reply by: Conner L