RAM 2500 Truck 2WD V8-5.9L VIN Z (1997)
Trailer Adapter Kit: Technical Service Bulletins
Trailer Tow - Wiring Information
NO: 08-33-96
GROUP: Electrical
DATE: Oct. 11, 1996
SUBJECT:
Trailer Tow Wiring Information
MODELS:
1994 - 1997 (BR) Ram Truck
DISCUSSION:
Chrysler Corporation has offered optional trailer tow packages on all 1994 through 1997 Dodge Ram Trucks and has made trailer tow packages available
through Mopar for vehicles that were not built with the trailer tow package. Several changes to the trailer tow wiring have occurred since the Dodge Ram
Truck was introduced. This bulletin identifies these changes and provides part numbers for the trailer tow wiring harnesses, relays, and flashers. In
addition, this bulletin identifies the part numbers for the Mopar trailer tow packages required to adapt trailer wiring to a vehicle that did not have the
trailer tow package installed as original equipment from the factory.
TRAILER WIRING IDENTIFICATION
The trailer tow wiring 7-terminal connector (located on the receiver hitch), is configured with the circuits as shown.
Some of the circuits of the 7-terminal connector may be somewhat difficult to identify. The following explains those circuits that may be somewhat
confusing.
Cavity-2 Trailer Tow Electrical Brake Output
This circuit provides a connection between the trailer tow 7-terminal connector and an electric trailer brake system. An electric trailer brake kit was
introduced at the beginning of the 1996 model year. The kit includes an electric trailer brake jumper with unterminated leads, heavy duty flasher, a
7-terminal to 4-terminal adapter, and an instruction card. The instruction card identifies that the trailer brake circuit mating connector is located in the
instrument panel near the steering column. This kit is utilized throughout Chrysler Corporation on several different vehicle applications and on the
Dodge Ram truck, the mating connector can be located behind the fuse block near the dash panel, not near the steering column as stated by the
instruction card.
Cavity-3 Trailer Tow Relay
The trailer tow relay circuit provides a 30 amp circuit (40 amp for 1996 and 1997) to feed the trailer's tail/park lamp circuit. This circuit is connected to
fuse 7 in the Power Distribution Center (PDC). The relay is also located inside the PDC. The relay is energized anytime the park lamp switch is turned
ON. The park lamp switch provides the necessary current to operate the trailer tow relay coil.
WARNING:
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE TRAILER TOW RELAY BE UTILIZED WHEN OPERATING THE TAIL/PARK LAMPS ON THE TRAILER.
THE CURRENT CARRYING CAPACITY OF THE HEADLAMP SWITCH IS LIMITED TO THE LAMPS UTILIZED BY THE VEHICLE
ONLY.
Cavity-4 Fused B+
