I'm a Dodge Forum newbie, but I've been active on other forums for years. Three weeks ago I purchased a new 2010 Ram 1500 CC SLT. Love the truck, but like many on this forum, I've hit a snag with the in-dash factory trailer brake controller.

The truck was built in April, 2010. The truck was equiped with the class IV receiver hitch, the tip-out power mirrors and "trailer tow wiring with 4-pin connector". The dealership told me the factory brake controller would work as a dealer installed option since the truck was pre-wired, so I had the controller added to the purchase price. Unfortunately, the controller was on back order so it wasn't installed the day I drove the truck off the lot.

Last Monday the truck went back to the dealer to install the controller. After a two hour wait, I was called back to the service manager's desk where I was told the truck was not wired to use the factory controller. The SM explained the main trailer wire pigtail was present, but a secondary pigtail was not. Upset over this news, I demanded and got my money back for the controller and labor that I had paid for.

Searching this forum, I now understand the problem regarding the second pigtail that provides the canbus connections. Not trusting the dealer's technician, I have since disassembled the dash myself and searched for the missing pigtail. I also went back to the dealership to look at the connector layout. While the second connector is smaller than the main 4-way connector, it's still a significant lump of plastic that should be obvious. I've remove most of the bundling tape on the harness. I'm convinced the canbus pigtail for the controller does not exist on the vehicle.

I have two questions. 1) Has anyone looked for a TSB concerning the installation of brake controllers on these trucks? I'm puzzled that the "trailer tow wiring with 4-pin connector" is worthless asis since it doesn't work with the factory controller and Dodge does not provide with the truck or their parts counter an adapter pigtail for connecting aftermarket controllers. Yes, I could cut off that connector and wire an aftermarket controler directly. In my mind, that is no different than wiring a controller from scratch like I've done on 6 or 7 other pickups in my life.

2) I found this posting

that explains the wire contained in the second pigtail but doesn't map the wires to the lugs on the canbus connector. Would anyone have the correct mapping of the three wires to the lugs on the controller? I also noticed the latest version of the controller (part number 56029431-AG) has 4 prongs on the canbus connector. I realize it could still work with only three wires, but I want make sure no updates have been added to the latest version.

Sorry for the long post, but the in-dask controller option was a major selling point when I bought the truck. I think I can wire the factory controller to work with the truck if I can figure out the complete wire to contoller configuration.

 

Just so you know, Dodge does sell a factory pigtail for an aftermarket controller. the part number was changed for 2010 so you have to get the correct one but it is definitely available. I posted the part number a while back but the dealership should be able to find it also as there was a memo sent to all parts departments about this months ago.

I have all the connector mapping if you need it. Will find and post it later if someone doesn't beat me to it. Based on your build date though, not sure why it is not there on the truck.

 

I had the wiring diagram..... I have since had a computer crash and lost it all. I am proof that it can be done when missing the secondary pigtail since I did it on my truck. Once flashed it shows in the EVIC and works flawlessly.

 

Here is the easiest solution, and a proven controller

One of these:
http://www.tekonsha.com/product/deta...90195&cat=1435
And one of these:
http://www.tekonsha.com/product/deta...?ProdID=3021-P

 

Thanks for the info. I've asked the parts manager at the dealership 3 times, including today when I went in to purchase the controller. He said Chrysler has issued a TSB to dealers indicating an aftermarket kit wiring in the second pigtail is in the works, but no part number has been issued. He repeated that no pigtail adapter is available from Chrysler to plug-n-play standard 4 wire aftermarket controllers. Another funny thing happened. The dealership had originally charged me ~$190 for the controller and bezel as a dealer added option plus another $60 for labor. Today the controller and bezel came to $145.

I'll be looking for it. Again, thanks.

Ken

 

My local parts manages still hasn't been able to locate the Chrysler part number for this pigtail, but I've decided on a seperate course of action...custom wire the canbus harness for the factory controller. I didn't find a third party adpater specifically for the 2010 Ram that would work. Some do list a 2010 adapter, but all I found still use the flat, blue 4-pin connector that was used in 2009 and earlier.

FYI, for those with 2010 Ram 1500 considering the use of an aftermarket controller and (like me) wish to keep the original, square 4-pin connector, I have discovered that Ford uses the very same connector on the Superduty and maybe the newer F150. Drawtite makes an generic adapter pigtail:

http://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Contro...ite/20267.html

See thumbnail picture below. Other brands may offer these as well for the Ford. Be aware that Ford maps the connector differently than Chrysler, so the wire colors will not match to the wire colors on the vehicle side of the connector for a Dodge. You will have to be careful in making your connections to the aftermarket controller.

 

I'm patiently waiting on my dealership to fix the one installed in my truck, and already paid for. I say patiently for now, it gets closer to me going home and being able to use it, I might have to pitch a bitch about it. I gave him the heads up, hell, I already paid! I wouldn't except less money back then you gave, you don't have a receipt? That, and they need to give you back the factory cubby hole that goes there. I'd put a controller behind my shifter if THEY can't make a factory one work.

 

It appears that at some point in the past 6 months, Chrysler decided that if the in-dash controller wasn't ordered with the vehicle and installed at the factory, then the second connector wasn't necessary. The term "trailer tow wiring with 4-pin connector" on build sheets is literal, the truck is only wired for standard 4 wire controllers. There may be some relationship to trim level, but I can't say. All the Laramie trim trucks on my dealer's lot already had the in-dash controller on them. Nearly all the SLT trim trucks had the same build sheet description as mine, and the parts manager did say those were trucks they were having trailer brake issues.

I may have solution for making the in-dash unit work on trucks without the second connector. I'll post once I confirm on my own truck that it solves the problem without frying the wiring harness.

 

If you purchased the truck with the trailer brake as an option and its not there, I would not have accepted the truck till it was.

 

I am curious. Some mention they have the 4 pin connector , but make no mention of the 7 pin connector above the bumper. My truck has the dual connector 4 pin and 7 pin. I am about to put in the brake controller and I have checked for the dual plugs for the controller and they are there on the harness. Don't all class IV hitches have the dual plugs????