Wiring a Trailer Connector on a 2002 Ford Explorer

Question:

how do i splice in the other 3 wires? no problem with the ground. do you have a diagram?

asked by: Jake P

Expert Reply:

In order to determine what three wires, you need to splice, we will need to know what functions on your trailer connector you currently have.

If you are installing a 4-way trailer connector, then the remaining three wires will be for the left turn/stop (yellow wire), right turn/stop (green wire), and taillights (brown wire). To connect these wires, you will want to locate the taillight wiring at the back of the taillight assemblies and use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to determine the functions of each wire. Once you have located the brake lights, turn light signals and taillight wires you will want to splice in the wires according to function. Keep in mind, that the colors I mentioned, may not be the same colors for your vehicle.

If you are installing a 7-way trailer connector and you already have the taillight wiring connected, then the remaining three wires will be for 12-volt power (black wire), electric brakes (blue wire), and reverse lights (purple or red wire). If this is the case, I recommend using wire kit # 5506, and the 40-amp circuit breaker part # 9510.

The two wiring kits that I mentioned, come with a duplex cable and hardware. The 12-volt power wire and electric brake wire from your 7-way trailer connector will attach to the black and white wire from the duplex cable. You can attach black to black and blue to white. The black wire will be run to the positive post of the vehicle battery via the 40-amp circuit breaker and the blue wire will be run into the cab of the vehicle. The reverse light wire can either be wired into the reverse light circuit or can be tied off if you do not intend on using this function.

I have attached a diagram showing the typical installation of a 7-way trailer connector on a vehicle. This diagram also includes how a brake controller is wired. If you also need a brake controller for electric brakes on a trailer, I recommends looking at the Prodigy P3 # 90195.