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Front Air Dam Removal

@BostonBLS and anyone else interested in a blank plug

I just removed my active air dam along with the air dam on the bottom of the bumper in order to clear my plow frame. I love the look but I wasn't happy about just taping the active air dam connector so I did some digging and I think I found a solution to make my own blank. I just ordered a part number 0535451528 which is sold as a Mercedes-Benz plug housing but from what I can tell it's the exact same connector. I found a used one on ebay for $5 so I figured I'd give it a shot. I plan to fill the connector pin holes with epoxy to seal them and then just plug it in.

I'll also through this out there-
I found these which appear to be the same connector as well but they were a bit more expensive. I also can't tell what the difference is in the MA vs MB connectors
https://shop.hirschmann-automotive.com/connectors/2070/4way-1.2-sealstar-ma-connector
https://shop.hirschmann-automotive.com/connectors/2071/4way-1.2-sealstar-mb-connector
https://www.amazon.com/Davitu-Connector-Hessmann-872-617-541-805-122-541/dp/B07LD5YRHW
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Connector-...F-Temp-Oxygen-Sensor-HIRSCHMANN-/254655726572

I noticed most of these come from overseas so the shipping time may take a bit. I was lucky and found one in the US.

So I will let you all know either way when I get it, and if it does fit I'll post pictures of the outcome.
This is one of the main reasons I haven’t done this... let us know how it goes. If it works I’ll try and find a premade block off plug and do the same.
 
I nailed fat raccoon a month or so back and thought I came away unscathed.......that was until I was under my truck a few days ago changing the oil (btw.....who is the mouth breather who thought that was a good place for the oil filer?) and saw the fractured support on the right and the AAD assembly hanging on by the fragments. I yanked the lower valance and the entire AAD assembly today. I did like the others and wrapped the connector in electrical tape and ziptied it up and out of the way. So far, no codes thrown. I was surprised at how much better it looks!
 
Anyone feel any difference in the steering or the way the truck rides at freeway speeds once you removed both pieces. Just curious.
 
Any skid plates made for this yet?? It’s been 2-3 years since this body style been out
 
Does anybody have a pic where the AAD harness branches of the main wiring harness? I can’t seem to find the AAD connector...
 
The AAD connector is on the lower front left of the engine bay, near the driver side frame rail. I don't have a pic of where it branches off the main harness, but I have a pic of mine taped over another wiring harness to keep it from just hanging there...

Active air dam wiring.jpg
 
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@BostonBLS and anyone else interested in a blank plug

I just removed my active air dam along with the air dam on the bottom of the bumper in order to clear my plow frame. I love the look but I wasn't happy about just taping the active air dam connector so I did some digging and I think I found a solution to make my own blank. I just ordered a part number 0535451528 which is sold as a Mercedes-Benz plug housing but from what I can tell it's the exact same connector. I found a used one on ebay for $5 so I figured I'd give it a shot. I plan to fill the connector pin holes with epoxy to seal them and then just plug it in.

I'll also through this out there-
I found these which appear to be the same connector as well but they were a bit more expensive. I also can't tell what the difference is in the MA vs MB connectors
https://shop.hirschmann-automotive.com/connectors/2070/4way-1.2-sealstar-ma-connector
https://shop.hirschmann-automotive.com/connectors/2071/4way-1.2-sealstar-mb-connector
https://www.amazon.com/Davitu-Connector-Hessmann-872-617-541-805-122-541/dp/B07LD5YRHW
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Connector-...F-Temp-Oxygen-Sensor-HIRSCHMANN-/254655726572

I noticed most of these come from overseas so the shipping time may take a bit. I was lucky and found one in the US.

So I will let you all know either way when I get it, and if it does fit I'll post pictures of the outcome.
Following up on my post for you all.
I finally got the plug and had time to get it installed. It worked great, and fit perfectly. So if you’re looking for a plug solution for the active air dam harness, here is what I did.
1. Ordered Mercedes part number 0535451528. Got mine from eBay used for $5. (See links in previous post)

2. assemble two parts of the plug
45E8AB7C-37D2-4229-9ECA-1C411AC5CF5C.jpeg
125C78F2-5B70-4167-BAD3-8D4E938D1C2C.jpeg
3. Epoxy the end with 4 holes to seal it. I used 60 second epoxy because I’m impatient and it was thick enough not to run out the small pin holes for the connectors on the opposite end of the plug. Careful not to epoxy it on to your truck 😂
1314553E-2DD3-420F-9C0C-C5C74D13F0CA.jpeg
4. I put dielectric grease in the end that goes over the active air dam harness. Probably too much but you get the idea.
3BBC00AB-822A-413C-9879-ABD942837053.jpeg
5. Install until it clicks and press the white clip in to secure it like is was from the factory. Then zip tie it up or let it flop around, whatever you want to do.

The Results before it got zip tied up:
CB9A512B-130B-4D30-BD58-C30B7D5D1AA0.jpeg
2AB51E5C-0765-4907-AE7B-1B7EB4AAEC01.jpeg
 
The AAD connector is on the lower front left of the engine bay, near the driver side frame rail. I don't have a pic of where it branches off the main harness, but I have a pic of mine taped over another wiring harness to keep it from just hanging there...

View attachment 85093
Thx. Have any idea where that wire (going forward to the rubber mount, I assume) actually ties back into the harness? I can’t find a similar branch...
 
I'll take a look after work if I have time. My biggest issue is remembering :ROFLMAO:
 
Looks like the active air dam harness comes off the main lighting harness in the area behind the lef fog light.

AAD wire harness 1.jpg
 
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Determined my 2020 1500 Laramie doesn’t have that wire.

Anybody have wiring diagrams for that circuit? Hoping to figure out where the AAD wires go pin the fuse box and computer connector...
 
Well I joined the club and removed both my stationary air dam and active air dam. I removed the stationary and its brackets as one piece so I didn't need to remove the front butterfly clips. Took about 45 mins and that was working at a slower easy pace and talking on the phone with a buddy. Could have done it in 20 mins or so.

In the pictures you'll see I removed the wire clips attached to the lower bumper and zip tied them. If I didnt you would see the push pin when looking at the bumper.

To solve the now exposed connector. I had shrink wrap laying around so I just slid that over the connector and then taped it up for added protection. Then zip ties it up high and out of the way.

When I did the removal, I took the active air dam out first as I have seen others remove it after. Let me tell you removing the active air dam makes taking the 10- 10mm bolts and clips out way easier for the stationary air dam I was able to drive on my truck the ramps and then I was able to sit on my butt and work with it and not have to lay down. Way better and easier on your body.

Enjoy.

Before
20200804_164546.jpg


After
20210410_154100.jpg

20200804_164529.jpg20210410_154022.jpg

20210410_135447.jpg20210410_144417.jpg20210410_144401.jpg20210410_144650.jpg20210410_144756.jpg
20210410_145008.jpg
 
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I’d be interested in anyone’s take-off active air dam if you’re looking to get rid of it. I’ll pay the shipping or pick up anywhere near central Florida. Please let me know.
I’m removing my air dam on my ram 1500 2020 night edition. I will be happy to give it to you for free. Is going to the trash anyway.
 
Well I joined the club and removed both my stationary air dam and active air dam. I removed the stationary and its brackets as one piece so I didn't need to remove the front butterfly clips. Took about 45 mins and that was working at a slower easy pace and talking on the phone with a buddy. Could have done it in 20 mins or so.

In the pictures you'll see I removed the wire clips attached to the lower bumper and zip tied them. If I didnt you would see the push pin when looking at the bumper.

To solve the now exposed connector. I had shrink wrap laying around so I just slid that over the connector and then taped it up for added protection. Then zip ties it up high and out of the way.

When I did the removal, I took the active air dam out first as I have seen others remove it after. Let me tell you removing the active air dam makes taking the 10- 10mm bolts and clips out way easier for the stationary air dam I was able to drive on my truck the ramps and then I was able to sit on my butt and work with it and not have to lay down. Way better and easier on your body.

Enjoy.

Before
View attachment 88919


After
View attachment 88945

View attachment 88920View attachment 88931

View attachment 88938View attachment 88939View attachment 88940View attachment 88941View attachment 88942
View attachment 88944Are you having any problems or Engine lights after removing the airdam?
 
No engine light on, dash is clear.

I haven't run my programmer to see if there were any background codes, but I will probably do that sometime this week. But I don't care about those (if any), they are not annoying.
 

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