Brake Controller Plug.....WHERE IS IT?????
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: San Diego CA
RE: Brake Controller Plug.....WHERE IS IT?????
ORIGINAL: Palm
kvsmith2004 Wrote:
The question I would ask is, did your truck show the tow package on the window sticker? If it did, then it should have came with the 7-pin plug in the bumper.
There is a problem that I am aware of, where some dealers stuck a hitch on the truck and sold them as having the tow package, when they obviously did not. The true tow package on the 2004 came with the class 4 hitch, 750 amp battery, auxiliary transmission oil cooler (on 4.7L only - 5.7L engines already have the cooler), 7-pin plug, controller harness, and a 4-pin adapter for the 7-pin plug.
In 2004, the truck came with the 4-pin plug under the bumper as standard equipment, and I believe this was true for other model years also. From working on other 2004's, I do know that the plug for the brake controller is under the dash as oldVOR describes, regardless if it was equipped with the tow package or not. The difference is, the wire for the electric brake signal is not carried through all the way to the rear of the truck, it ends in the plug behind the front wheel well on the driver's side, and a new wire has to be installed from that point back to the 7-pin plug when you install it. The kit that can be purchased to convert the 4-pin to the 7-pin comes with all the necessary equipment for the conversion, including the inline fuse to connect the inside plug to the battery. You do have to furnish the wire to run from the aforementioned plug behind the front wheel well to the rear of the truck.
As I have said, some unscrupulous dealers just stuck a hitch on the rear and called it a tow package.
kvsmith2004 Wrote:
OK i bought my truck with the tow pack, I only have a 4 pin connection in the rear should there be a 7 pin?
The question I would ask is, did your truck show the tow package on the window sticker? If it did, then it should have came with the 7-pin plug in the bumper.
There is a problem that I am aware of, where some dealers stuck a hitch on the truck and sold them as having the tow package, when they obviously did not. The true tow package on the 2004 came with the class 4 hitch, 750 amp battery, auxiliary transmission oil cooler (on 4.7L only - 5.7L engines already have the cooler), 7-pin plug, controller harness, and a 4-pin adapter for the 7-pin plug.
In 2004, the truck came with the 4-pin plug under the bumper as standard equipment, and I believe this was true for other model years also. From working on other 2004's, I do know that the plug for the brake controller is under the dash as oldVOR describes, regardless if it was equipped with the tow package or not. The difference is, the wire for the electric brake signal is not carried through all the way to the rear of the truck, it ends in the plug behind the front wheel well on the driver's side, and a new wire has to be installed from that point back to the 7-pin plug when you install it. The kit that can be purchased to convert the 4-pin to the 7-pin comes with all the necessary equipment for the conversion, including the inline fuse to connect the inside plug to the battery. You do have to furnish the wire to run from the aforementioned plug behind the front wheel well to the rear of the truck.
As I have said, some unscrupulous dealers just stuck a hitch on the rear and called it a tow package.
Ok well I did not buy my truck new, I bought it used so it did not have the orginal window sticker. I have a class V5 hitch, I am not sure about the battery I will look at that in the morning, I do have the auxiliary transmission oil cooler, and I have towing mirrors. I can not seem to find a 7 pin plug in the back though, only a 4. Would the VIN# be able to tell me if it came with the tow pckg originally?
Professional
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Alabama/Florida
RE: Brake Controller Plug.....WHERE IS IT?????
kvsmith2004 Asks:
A sure sign that it did not come with the tow package would be the absence of the 7-pin plug that mounts in the rear bumper, and the smaller amperage battery. These are the easiest things to see.
I am sure a VIN check would reveal the original equipment on the truck.
Would the VIN# be able to tell me if it came with the tow pckg originally?
I am sure a VIN check would reveal the original equipment on the truck.
Professional
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 128
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From: Tucson, AZ
RE: Brake Controller Plug.....WHERE IS IT?????
My 05 has everything to tow except for the 7 pin plug, Looks like there was one before but was removed. Does anyone have a part number and brand so I can get another one?
Thanks
Thanks
Professional
Joined: Apr 2006
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RE: Brake Controller Plug.....WHERE IS IT?????
according to my window sticker, i have the tow package, but it only had a 4 pin, and i cant find the brake controller. If someone could post a picture of what it looks like, i would eternally greatful. Thanks
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RE: Brake Controller Plug.....WHERE IS IT?????
With only the 4 pin connector, I’m sure you won’t have the brake controller connector or even the brake controller wire. You can purchase the Mopar 7 pin harness (that includes the brake controller wiring) for $62 at https://www.dodgeparts.com/product_i...5a345c2958c3a9. I’m sure you can find a 7 pin kit cheaper, but this one is specifically designed for your vehicle.
The factory does not seem very consistent with their tow package installations, even within the same model year. My window sticker listed the tow package, but it only had a 4 pin connector and didn’t even have a receiver. Dealer deducted the price and I ordered the Mopar receiver and 7 pin harness assembly for less money. My neighbor’s 05 came with everything except the brake connector under the dash. The blue brake wire was just tagged and taped to a bundle under the dash.
The factory does not seem very consistent with their tow package installations, even within the same model year. My window sticker listed the tow package, but it only had a 4 pin connector and didn’t even have a receiver. Dealer deducted the price and I ordered the Mopar receiver and 7 pin harness assembly for less money. My neighbor’s 05 came with everything except the brake connector under the dash. The blue brake wire was just tagged and taped to a bundle under the dash.
Professional
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 128
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From: Tucson, AZ
RE: Brake Controller Plug.....WHERE IS IT?????
Thanks for the info.
ORIGINAL: DonG
With only the 4 pin connector, I’m sure you won’t have the brake controller connector or even the brake controller wire. You can purchase the Mopar 7 pin harness (that includes the brake controller wiring) for $62 at https://www.dodgeparts.com/product_i...5a345c2958c3a9. I’m sure you can find a 7 pin kit cheaper, but this one is specifically designed for your vehicle.
The factory does not seem very consistent with their tow package installations, even within the same model year. My window sticker listed the tow package, but it only had a 4 pin connector and didn’t even have a receiver. Dealer deducted the price and I ordered the Mopar receiver and 7 pin harness assembly for less money. My neighbor’s 05 came with everything except the brake connector under the dash. The blue brake wire was just tagged and taped to a bundle under the dash.
With only the 4 pin connector, I’m sure you won’t have the brake controller connector or even the brake controller wire. You can purchase the Mopar 7 pin harness (that includes the brake controller wiring) for $62 at https://www.dodgeparts.com/product_i...5a345c2958c3a9. I’m sure you can find a 7 pin kit cheaper, but this one is specifically designed for your vehicle.
The factory does not seem very consistent with their tow package installations, even within the same model year. My window sticker listed the tow package, but it only had a 4 pin connector and didn’t even have a receiver. Dealer deducted the price and I ordered the Mopar receiver and 7 pin harness assembly for less money. My neighbor’s 05 came with everything except the brake connector under the dash. The blue brake wire was just tagged and taped to a bundle under the dash.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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RE: Brake Controller Plug.....WHERE IS IT?????
My 2001 Ran 1500 2WD came with the factory tow package. I bought it used from a guy tha towed a 5th wheel. When he sold thetruck he took out the brake controler. I need to install a controler now and was wondering if the information above is applicable to my 2001. If buddy took the pig tail from under the dash too. What am I looking for the plug the Reese controler into? Thank you everyone.