Connecting a Curt 7-way Connector to an OEM Tow Package without Housing

Question:

I have a 2004 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer. It has the factory tow package. The prior owner replaced the OEM tow connect with an aftermarket one. They cut the cables and installed the new connecter. That connector no longer works and I need a new one. I ordered that wrong part from you on order 109978515 and now I need help figuring out what I need to make this work. The colors dont match up the wires but everything did work properly. Do you have diagrams and some info as to how I could make this work ? I have a picture of the issue.

asked by: David C

Expert Reply:

We have a way for you to figure this out! It doesn't include diagrams, but we can get it.

Unfortunately, your 2004 Ford Expedition doesn't have any documentation on what each wire's function is. The best I can do for diagrams is link to a help article that has color standards for 7-ways. Those can change from manufacturer to manufacturer, but you can get an idea for what the wires are supposed to do.

The best thing to do disconnect the old connector and the new one (if you've already installed it). Then, use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to test the function of each wire coming from the vehicle. The functions you should be testing are right turn, left turn, taillight (headlights), and reverse lights. The white wire is the ground, the wire that runs to the front is your 12V power wire (battery hot lead), and the one left over is the brake controller output (if you have a brake controller, you can test this wire along with everything else, if not just use process of elimination).

Once you have figured out which wire from the vehicle does what, connect them to the wires on the connector using the following list (they are the same colors as the "RV Standard" on that help article):

Green: Tail/running lights
Yellow: Reverse lights
Brown: Right turn/brake light
White: Ground wire
Blue: Brake controller output
Black: Battery hot lead
Red: Left turn/brake light

It's a tedious process, but it will help you sort out the mess.