I am getting ready to install a 7-way trailer plug and brake controller on my 97 ram 1500 w/o factory tow package, I've found all the connections I need to make except one. The instructions for the controller say I need to connect one wire to the "cold side of the brake pedal stop light switch". I can't find a diagram for the switch but on the harness for the switch there are six wires:

1. White + pink
2. White + black
3. Red + yellow
4. Red + blue
5. White + brown
6. Pink + purple

I have a picture of the harness wires down below if that would help, I probed each one and wires 1-5 had power but 1, 3, and 5 lost power when the brake pedal is pressed. The 6th wire (pink and purple) has no power whether the pedal is pressed or not.

Lastly the instructions also say to splice the wire "down line from the switch" does that mean cutting the wire somewhere in the middle and connecting both new ends and the new wire together all in one like a "T"? If so what is the best way to do this? I was thinking of connecting two of the three wires into one side of a butt connector and then the last wire to the other side of the butt connector. Would that be alright or is there a better way to do it? I can solder it if that's better but I'd rather use connectors tbh.

 

Grab the service manual for your truck from here. Wiring diagrams are in section 8W. Extremely useful.

 

Butt connectors aren't great. Get a open barrel splice (can get them at hardware stores) then cover in heat shrink

 

Awesome thanks for that I only had a haynes manual, it ended up being the black and white wire.

 

did you figure out which one was the cold wire? I’m trying to hook one up now.

 

I sure did but I don't remember which one right now, when I get off work I can check it for you.

 

ok thanks

 

Looks like it's the brown and white one, second from the bottom in your picture.