Understanding Dodge Ram wire harness color codes is essential for anyone working on electrical systems, installing aftermarket accessories, or troubleshooting issues in these popular trucks. This comprehensive guide covers wire color codes across different Ram generations, from classic Dodge Rams to modern Ram trucks.

harness dodge ram wire color codes
🔧 Dodge Ram Wire Color Code Guide
📘 Factory Color & Circuit Coding
Dodge (RAM) trucks use a systematic code combining wire color, gauge, and circuit function. Here's how to interpret it according to the official RAM Body Builder guide:
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A: Circuit identifier (e.g., A = Battery Feed, L = Lighting)
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B: Wire gauge (e.g., 18, 20)
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C: Base color
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D: Stripe color (if any)
Base Color Codes (C):
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BK = Black
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BL = Blue
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BR = Brown
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DB = Dark Blue
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DG = Dark Green
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GY = Gray
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LB = Light Blue
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PK = Pink
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RD = Red
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TN = Tan
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VT = Violet
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WT = White
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YL = Yellow ramtrucks.com
For example, 18 LB/YL = 18‑gauge, light‑blue wire with a yellow stripe.
🛠 Circuit Abbreviations
Common circuit codes (first position in “A”):
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A – Battery feed
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F – Ignition-switched power
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L – Exterior lighting
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M – Interior lighting
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N – Fuel pump, cooling fans
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Q – Power options (e.g., windows)
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X – Audio systems
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Z – Grounds
…and more ramtrucks.com.
This alphanumeric system helps identify both function and electrical specs.
🚗 Real-World Wire Colors in Dodge Rams
While factory codes show how to read the wiring docs, actual wire colors on the truck may vary by model or harness section:
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2001–2008 Dodge Rams (radio harness):
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Constant 12V = Pink
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Switched 12V = Brown or Red reddit.com
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7-pin trailer connector (e.g., 3500 models):
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Actual colors often don’t match generic 7-pin standards
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2018 RAM Dually: Yellow, Black, Pink w/ Purple stripe, etc. ramforum.com
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1998 RAM stereo speaker wiring:
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LF+ = Dark Green
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LF– = Brown/Red
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RF+ = Purple
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RR– = Dark Blue/Red the12volt.com
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🔄 How to Use This Guide in Practice
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Refer to factory wiring diagram for alphanumeric codes (based on gauge, color, function).
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Inspect actual wires in harness; match color + stripe to chart above.
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Verify circuit using multimeter/test light — never rely solely on color.
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Consult forum notes (like trailer or radio wiring) for real-world wire color info.
🧩 Quick Reference Table
Task | Factory Code System | Real-World Colors (Examples) |
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Identify circuit & gauge | e.g. A‑18‑LB/YL = battery, 18 AWG, L‑bl/Y‑str | Use diagram to find harness location |
Radio constant power | F‑ gauge‑ color code | Pink wire |
Trailer connector diagnostic | Factory drawing by pin number | Yellow or Black or Pink/Purple stripe wire |
Stereo speaker wiring | X‑ gauge‑ color code | LF+ = Dark Green, RF+ = Purple |
✅ Summary & Best Practices
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Always use factory manuals to decode harness using alphanumeric codes.
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Note real wire colors may not match simple tables; they can vary by model/year.
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Test every wire before making modifications or connecting aftermarket gear.
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Label wires and take photos before disconnecting anything—it saves time and avoids mistakes.