Replacement 7-Way Connector For 1997 Dodge Dakota

Question:

My truck has the factory towing package and has a 7 way connector installed, but it will not work. I would like to replace it with a product similar to 20135 0r hm42190 but I cant seen to find one that fits my 1997. Any suggestions?

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

The first thing you will want to do is find out what is causing the issue with the 7-way connector you have installed on your 1997 Dodge Dakota. You could possibly have moisture or corrosion inside the 7-way connector or in the OEM vehicle harness connector your 7-way is plugged into. I would recommend first carefully inspecting the 7-way connector contacts for any greenish or whitish discoloration that could indicate corrosion and clean the contact surfaces as needed. If the contacts appear in good shape, you can next use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to test the connector.

You can follow the wire from the back of your existing connector and locate the harness it plugs into. Unplug the connector and inspect those contacts as well. Test the pins on the harness to make certain you have signal voltage. If you do not have signals at the harness, you may have a bad fuse. Check your owner's manual, the lid of your fuse box or with your dealership to find the correct fuse location for your trailer wiring harness. I have linked you to a help article on wiring, and also included a photo of a 7-way vehicle side connector.

If a replacement 7-way is needed, I would recommend a harness like the Pollak 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector, part # HM40975-11933, for your Dakota. This harness has a mounting bracket included and is made of abs plastic. It includes both the 7-way and 4-way connectors. It is an exact replacement for Dodge vehicles with the factory 7-way socket.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L