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Installing Factory Trailer Brake Controller and DIY Software Update

Rynofire

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So, confirming the Alpha OBD software works on our 2019 Rams? Which model do we choose in the software?
 

downsjh

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Yes, it works. However, the settings list is for all models, not just the Ram. Using the settings in the post works, my brake controller is now functioning.

All the different options to choose are in the post.


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Hockeygod1225

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So, confirming the Alpha OBD software works on our 2019 Rams? Which model do we choose in the software?
Check the very first post in this thread. His instructions even using the app were great. The feature list in the app is huge so you have to be patient and read them carefully.
 

Rynofire

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For some reason I missed that part of his post. My bad!!! Thx again
 

41magmag41

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If you can get that price I would recommend you do it. I called 5 dealerships in the houston area and was quoted no less than 700 for parts and labor. I inquired about the price if I sourced the parts, 3 of the dealerships refused to install parts I bought elsewhere. The other 2 dealers quoted me 425 to install the parts and flash the software. It was just not cost effective to have it installed. For the price difference I could buy a new one every year for several years since I own the obd reader and the software, and I would still be money ahead.
Like I said, individual circumstances vary. Comfort levels with diy projects vary as well. Do what you are comfortable with. I can appreciate it either way.
go to ebay there are several dealerships selling on line and you can get the kit from anywhere from 169. to 256. as long as its a ram kit any dealer should install it. Mine dealer quoted me one hour labor and flash the computer included for 105 an hour. If your stealership is quoting more than that find a new dealership.
 

brotharon

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go to ebay there are several dealerships selling on line and you can get the kit from anywhere from 169. to 256. as long as its a ram kit any dealer should install it. Mine dealer quoted me one hour labor and flash the computer included for 105 an hour. If your stealership is quoting more than that find a new dealership.
Maybe, but I had fun doing it myself. I got all the parts frlor about $125 and spent a total of $100 for the stuff to install it, and now I have the hardware and software to do other mods and check codes in the future on my truck and the wifes jeep. For me it was better to just do it myself. I also do my own oil changes and mow my own lawn...so, ya know, I am into getting my hands dirty on occasion.
 

41magmag41

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Maybe, but I had fun doing it myself. I got all the parts frlor about $125 and spent a total of $100 for the stuff to install it, and now I have the hardware and software to do other mods and check codes in the future on my truck and the wifes jeep. For me it was better to just do it myself. I also do my own oil changes and mow my own lawn...so, ya know, I am into getting my hands dirty on occasion.

Thats nice but being 66 years old I no longer like to spend time doing work on the truck, besides having the dealer do it its under warranty and if any problems arise its taken care of.
 

brotharon

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Thats nice but being 66 years old I no longer like to spend time doing work on the truck, besides having the dealer do it its under warranty and if any problems arise its taken care of.
Yes, I agree with you 100%. For me, i dont have the time to deal with the dealership, but I can understand the warranty argument. I still believe that you can source the parts yourself and have the dealer put them on if you like for much less than sourcing them from the dealer.
I am not in the business of judging people for choosing one way of doing something over another. We need to work within our comfort zones. For me, this is only a truck and I got a good price on it, so I am not too worried about it. Also the parts were only a little over 100 bucks so if something went wrong I have no issue buying more. I just wanted to help people who want to tackle this project themselves. If you feel that this is beyond your skill level, outside of your comfort zone, or that you may damage your truck I recommend that you have it done by the dealership for sure.
 

41magmag41

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Yes, I agree with you 100%. For me, i dont have the time to deal with the dealership, but I can understand the warranty argument. I still believe that you can source the parts yourself and have the dealer put them on if you like for much less than sourcing them from the dealer.
I am not in the business of judging people for choosing one way of doing something over another. We need to work within our comfort zones. For me, this is only a truck and I got a good price on it, so I am not too worried about it. Also the parts were only a little over 100 bucks so if something went wrong I have no issue buying more. I just wanted to help people who want to tackle this project themselves. If you feel that this is beyond your skill level, outside of your comfort zone, or that you may damage your truck I recommend that you have it done by the dealership for sure.
,
not beyond skill level, just that the truck is less than 6 months old and I would like most work done on her the first year to be under warranty. As I said before, you can source the entire kit on line for around $150 and having the dealer install it, as my dealer doesnt care where the parts come from as long as they are dodge parts, for under an hours labor and that includes the flashing of the computer.
 

Magredvet

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,
not beyond skill level, just that the truck is less than 6 months old and I would like most work done on her the first year to be under warranty. As I said before, you can source the entire kit on line for around $150 and having the dealer install it, as my dealer doesnt care where the parts come from as long as they are dodge parts, for under an hours labor and that includes the flashing of the computer.
This may be true now, but when a lot of us on here were looking to install the controller, the dealers were all on backorder. Hence we purchased the parts individually, and installed them ourselves. Some people were lucky and got the flash done for less than $100, however, some like me were quoted $160 plus for 15 minutes of work, this was at several dealers.
I heartily thank the OP for doing this, as it now means I can flash the truck myself, instead of giving the 'rip off ' dealers in Houston $640 an hour to flash my truck.
Each to their own, but I really appreciate people who will be the guinea pigs, and do a lot of research, so the rest of us can benefit.
Thanks again OP......my flash parts are on order!
 

Magredvet

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Really.....read some of the other TBC threads....seems like you are the one that's "uninformed "......and what wait????
 

202snowman

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Personal attacks on other members are not allowed and the moderators have removed content. Please keep the conversation respectful .
 

41magmag41

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Personal attacks on other members are not allowed and the moderators have removed content. Please keep the conversation respectful .
the other gentleman started the name calling I simply responded. Seems like you have more than your share of trolls and name calling on this site.
 

Partyof5

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Where can I find a Bypass module? looked around with no luck. Installed TBC on Ram today would like to flash ECU myself.

also

anyone try the OBD2 reader below? It comes with OBDLINK app. Not sure if it will work with Ram or If I should stick with the BAFX unit.

Thanks
Nick

OBDLink 426101 ScanTool MX Bluetooth: Professional Grade OBD-II Automotive Scan Tool for Windows and Android – DIY Car and Truck Data and Diagnostics

 

Magredvet

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I got my bypass module from "Infotainment.com" I bought the BAFX reader as it has been proven to work, don't know about the one you linked.
The BAFX definitely works, as I did mine this weekend.
Hardest thing was getting the plugs out of the bypass after I'd finished :)
 

Partyof5

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I got my bypass module from "Infotainment.com" I bought the BAFX reader as it has been proven to work, don't know about the one you linked.
The BAFX definitely works, as I did mine this weekend.
Hardest thing was getting the plugs out of the bypass after I'd finished :)
Great thanks

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mjw930

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One thing to note, if you do the update and they ever have to flash or update your truck it will overwrite the settings. When the dealer does it the software registers the option against your VIN in the Chrysler system so when it’s updated the options are configured.

May never be an issue or you may need to reprogram after every dealer visit that involves them updating your firmware.


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Partyof5

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The only way to register the brake controller with the VIN is to have the dealer do update?
 

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