Brake Controller Connector Location in 1997 Dodge Ram

Question

Question:

My 97 Dodge 1500 Sport 4X4 pickup has a 40 amp Trailer fuse in the fuse box and a seven wire rear connector, but I cannot locate the blue connection under the dash to connect a brake controller. I have looked all around the junction box near the E brake but can find no four terminal plug that doesnt have anything plugged into it already. Can you tell me exactly where to look on a 97? Can a dealer provide the Build Code from the VIN to see it it has a tow package? Since it has a 40 amp fuse, it sure looks like I have it. It sounds on the internet like all 97 Dodge pickups should have the blue connector. Is that true? Thanks!

asked by: Raph E

0

Expert Reply:

Your dealer should be able to provide the details you're looking for based on the VIN. I'd agree, since that fuse is installed, you very likely have the factory 7-way tow package.

Although most 1997 Dodge Ram trucks will have the connector under the dash, not all of them will. If present, the connector will be located atop or next to the white rectangular box on the firewall behind the emergency brake pedal, as shown in the provided photo.

If you've found a flat blue 4 pin connector near the junction box, that is likely the connector you're looking for. If you're not the original owner of the vehicle, it's entirely possible a previous owner had a brake controller installed and simply cut the wires exiting the rear of the controller and tucked them up under the dash. If you've found a blue connector, I'd recommend tracing the wires that lead away from the firewall to see if you can find the cut ends of the wires. The harness plugged in will typically have a red, white, blue and black wire. If that's the case, the red wire will show voltage on it when the ignition is on and the brake pedal is pressed and the black wire will show a constant 12-volts.

expert reply by: Mike L

0

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Answer 1

To install a 7-Way harness on your 1996 Dodge Ram without the factory connector, you will need two separate wiring harnesses because they don't make just one that'll do the job. The first harness you'll need is the Curt T-Connector…

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Answer 2

If your 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 had a tow package with a 7-Way connector from the factory, then your truck is pre-wired and will have a port underneath the dash to attach a brake controller. If the truck came with a 4-Way connector tow package, it will…

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Answer 3

If you are talking about a brake controller, like the Prodigy P3 #90195, sending a small signal then there is nothing to worry about. Brake controllers like the P3 send a small signal to the connector to check to see if there is a trailer connected.…

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Answer 4

If your 1998 Dodge Ram has a factory trailer connector of any kind there will be a connector under the dash to install an electric trailer brake controller like the Prodigy P3 #90195. The adapter to plug into the connector is #3020-P. I've linked…

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Answer 5

I can help you wire up your OEM 7-way on your 1997 Dodge Ram HD, but you are going to have to do it by function and not by color. There is no industry standard for wire colors so your best best would be to use a circuit tester like part #PTW2993 and…

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Answer 6

To have a brake controller function properly you will need to have a 7-way on your vehicle instead of the 4-way. Don't worry, I can help you get your Ram equipped for your RV. Thanks for sending your images, they really helped explain the…

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Answer 7

In order to find a local dealer for installation purposes, there is a way for you to input your location in order to find dealers close to you. That location for this information is right below the product images and videos. Underneath those…

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Answer 8

We don't have a wiring diagram that details what your trailer connector wiring would be based on color but I can give you an easy way to determine this. You will need a circuit tester like part #PTW2993 and you will want to test each of the wires…

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Answer 9

You are correct, you should only be getting output when the brake is applied, or the override switch is activated. It sounds like the controller might be bad, but to make sure, you should probably bench test it before tossing it. Use a circuit…

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Answer 10

The first thing you will need for your 1999 D250 is a 4-way. The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C55317 plugs into the connection points behind your rear bumper and will allow you to power your trailer's signal lights. Once the 4-way is…

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Answer 11

We have a online diagram that will help you understand how the break away system is wired into your trailer. It is actually a simple installation. The system splices into the existing trailer wiring. The break away box will have 3 wires coming out of…

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Answer 12

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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