How To Find Brake Controller Output Wire on 2004 Dodge Ram 1500

Question:

I have a 2004 dodge ram 1500 with factory tow package and 4 way flat plug in the back. It has the plug under the dash so I bought a brake controller and plugged it in. My question is. How do I know which wire is the right one for the trailer brakes? When I test it is the voltage going to vary the harder I push the pedal? I’m having trouble finding the right wire. I have a few wires I found when I push the brakes they go straight to 12V but not vary as I push the pedal. And I bout a 20 amp circuit breaker for wiring the hot 12v wire. Thanks.

asked by: Matt G

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you might be testing the wires for the trailer connector under the driver's side of the vehicle, right behind the front wheel well on your 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. If that's the case, the wire could have varying voltage depending on how you're testing. If you're using the manual override then you should see pretty much 12 volts. If you're using the brake pedal and you have a proportional brake controller then you would only really see 2-3 volts while stationary as they work on inertia. Once you do find the correct wire, you can hook everything up to the Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole part # 37185.

expert reply by: Conner L