Installing Factory Trailer Brake Controller and DIY Software Update

[RAM/Cudaowner]

1.) Thank you for creating this guide. Only tips I'd offer is long and short screw driver handy, make sure seat is 100% back before you cut power, and a fluffy pillow to lay the center unit on while you pull the plugs.
2.) Just thought I'd ask again, has anyone used the autel plugs? It's significantly cheaper, unless someone wants to loan me their bypass module on my dime of course (central Florida, Ocala)
3.) RAMCUDA you must of lit them up, I emailed them to cancel my order, and they 2 day'd my parts in response. So I got my parts for 116$ shipped.

Picture for what I'm talking about bypass wise.

Good for you!
I got my stuff in Texas, But I had to pay 4 Bucks more.
Either Way...I did get my Stuff.
Thanks for the pillow and Seat tips...I will do mine tomorrow.

 

[RAM/Cudaowner]

1.) Thank you for creating this guide. Only tips I'd offer is long and short screw driver handy, make sure seat is 100% back before you cut power, and a fluffy pillow to lay the center unit on while you pull the plugs.
2.) Just thought I'd ask again, has anyone used the autel plugs? It's significantly cheaper, unless someone wants to loan me their bypass module on my dime of course (central Florida, Ocala)
3.) RAMCUDA you must of lit them up, I emailed them to cancel my order, and they 2 day'd my parts in response. So I got my parts for 116$ shipped.

Picture for what I'm talking about bypass wise.

So...If I was to use the Wire Cable Connectors shown,I would not need the Bypass Module??

 

[RAM/Cudaowner]

Damn ram. I ordered from the same people. I'm going to ask for a refund now.

Interesting.....You asked for a refund on the 25th,and they called me on the Phone on the 26th to apologize ,a day after, And you got Free Shipping.
I am glad I got their Attention.
Glad you got your stuff.

 

[randaza1]

Hello everyone,
This post is regarding the trailer brake module. I just purchased a 2019 RAM 1500 Big Horn (manufactured October / 2018 aka 10/2018). I have all the necessary parts for the brake controller, I also have the OBDLink MX ( NOT the MX+ ). Many of you mention the Security Gateway Module or SGW.
My question is simple:

1. Please post the part number or exact name, of the Security Gateway Module By-Pass you used.
2. Will I be able to use this same By-Pass for any other factory options I may want to install later.

Thanks Tony

 

[vegasherb]

Can a person use a brake control like the ones that attach under the dash?

 

[bhurst10]

Yes my buddy has the 1500 Rebel and he installed an aftermarket one in his truck amd it works fine.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

 

[RockYacht2020]

Hello everyone,
This post is regarding the trailer brake module. I just purchased a 2019 RAM 1500 Big Horn (manufactured October / 2018 aka 10/2018). I have all the necessary parts for the brake controller, I also have the OBDLink MX ( NOT the MX+ ). Many of you mention the Security Gateway Module or SGW.
My question is simple:

1. Please post the part number or exact name, of the Security Gateway Module By-Pass you used.
2. Will I be able to use this same By-Pass for any other factory options I may want to install later.

Thanks Tony

1. https://www.infotainment.com/products/fca-security-gateway-module-bypass
2. Yes.

 

[RockYacht2020]

Yeah, but it's not as cool. Don't you wanna be cool, man?

 

[slicktop]

Maybe this is a dumb question, but for those of us that are still missing the factory brake controller... what happens when we plug a trailer in to the 7 pin trailer connector and hit the brakes? The brake lights come on, but nothing else happens? The trailer brakes don't work at all? Or...?

 

[RAM/Cudaowner]

Maybe this is a dumb question, but for those of us that are still missing the factory brake controller... what happens when we plug a trailer in to the 7 pin trailer connector and hit the brakes? The brake lights come on, but nothing else happens? The trailer brakes don't work at all? Or...?

Wont work without the controller module Parts and Programming.
I installed my parts, But I still need to program it.

 

[McRib]

Thanks for the great write up and all the information in this thread. I was able to install the controller this morning, now I'm waiting on the mail to deliver the bypass module.

Whoo Hoo!

 

[slicktop]

Wont work without the controller module Parts and Programming.
I installed my parts, But I still need to program it.

That's insane to me. As lawsuit happy as this country is, I can't imagine installing a 7 pin and giving people the idea that they actually have SEVEN WORKING PINS but not making it work. I just can't.

 

[RockYacht2020]

That's insane to me. As lawsuit happy as this country is, I can't imagine installing a 7 pin and giving people the idea that they actually have SEVEN WORKING PINS but not making it work. I just can't.

Yeah, but they'll gladly get your hardware working for either $295 in the assembly line or $600-700 afterwards. But you bring up a good point: why put in SOME of the hardware, but not all of it? They have the wiring harnesses pre-installed on every model, regardless of whether you have the TBC option or not, but they leave out the inexpensive switch hardware. Why not have just a 4-pin connector in the back with a space-filler for the 7-pin like they do for the switch? The decision-makers for assembly lines are weird.

 

[slicktop]

Yeah, but they'll gladly get your hardware working for either $295 in the assembly line or $600-700 afterwards. But you bring up a good point: why put in SOME of the hardware, but not all of it? They have the wiring harnesses pre-installed on every model, regardless of whether you have the TBC option or not, but they leave out the inexpensive switch hardware. Why not have just a 4-pin connector in the back with a space-filler for the 7-pin like they do for the switch? The decision-makers for assembly lines are weird.

I just find it hard to believe no one has hooked up to a large trailer yet, wrecked it, and found out after the fact that their 7 pin didn't activate the trailer brakes and then sue FCA and win.

 

[RockYacht2020]

I just find it hard to believe no one has hooked up to a large trailer yet, wrecked it, and found out after the fact that their 7 pin didn't activate the trailer brakes and then sue FCA and win.

It's the "and win" that would be really tough. The CYA is pretty solid, even if the 7-pin doesn't "work." Just like if you drove with too heavy a load for your truck. The onus would be on the operator to know their equipment. FCA isn't liable for the buyer's not knowing what they're doing. The trailer you buy/operate would come with warnings about the brakes and TBC. If you don't heed those warnings, FCA dissolves themselves of liability.

I think. I don't actually know any of that for sure. I'm not a lawyerologist.

 

[McRib]

It works!!! Got my security bypass in and made the update.

Thanks all.

 

[RAM/Cudaowner]

It works!!! Got my security bypass in and made the update.

Thanks all.

Where did you get your Security Bypass from, and how much was it???
I could use any info on what you had to do to program yours.
Thanks in Advance.
Eric

 

[RockYacht2020]

Where did you get your Security Bypass from, and how much was it???
I could use any info on what you had to do to program yours.
Thanks in Advance.
Eric

I used the one from infotainment.com and had no issues following the OP instructions at the beginning of the thread. The bypass itself doesn't require any programming, just plug and "play." As long as you have the OBD bluetooth adapter (I also used the one from BAFX on amazon) and AlfaOBD (available from Google Play and I assume iTunes, but I'm an Android user). Just don't get too excited when you see all the options in there. I'm pretty sure you can make your truck turn right instead of left and have your seat warmers shock your wife in the passenger seat if you're not careful (or if you're spiteful).

https://www.infotainment.com/products/fca-security-gateway-module-bypass

 

[McRib]

Where did you get your Security Bypass from, and how much was it???
I could use any info on what you had to do to program yours.
Thanks in Advance.
Eric

I used the one from infotainment.com and had no issues following the OP instructions at the beginning of the thread. The bypass itself doesn't require any programming, just plug and "play." As long as you have the OBD bluetooth adapter (I also used the one from BAFX on amazon) and AlfaOBD (available from Google Play and I assume iTunes, but I'm an Android user). Just don't get too excited when you see all the options in there. I'm pretty sure you can make your truck turn right instead of left and have your seat warmers shock your wife in the passenger seat if you're not careful (or if you're spiteful).

https://www.infotainment.com/products/fca-security-gateway-module-bypass

^^^What he said! $50, reach up under the dash, pull the two plugs out, plug them into the bypass and boom, you're ready to go.

 

[DDJRAM]

Hello Forum,

So, I called around to several Houston area dealerships and kept getting quoted ~$700 for the purchase and install of a factory trailer brake controller. This seemed outrageous to me, and so I set out to find information about what all was involved in this installation. In the process of doing this I found a lot of information, and I just wanted to share my experience from start to finish including flashing the software myself in order to add the trailer brake controller to UConnect so that I don't have to go to the dealership for anything.

If you are interested in finding out how you can do this yourself at home and in under 2 hours (even if your neighbors keep dropping by and it is 100 degrees outside) then here we go!

Step 1: is to order the parts from whatever vendor you feel like ordering them from. I have the 12" touchscreen (as you will see in the pictures) and these are the parts that worked for me. Individual mileage may vary, but I think that you should be fine with these unless you have some kind of weird unicorn 1500 that takes special parts or something.

PART LIST (original from staffcurtis, but updated by me):
68277136af trailer tow module $79.07
68309259ac (this is the right one at this time for the 12" and probably others) switch instrument panel $28.69
68346572ab module bracket $1.39
6510468aa x3 nuts $0.61 each
6101946 x3 screw $0.54 each
OBD2 Reader (I used BAFX products OBD2 Bluetooth Reader from Amazon) ~$25
FCA Security Gateway Bypass Module ~$50
AlfaObd (From the app store) ~$50

All in price: ~$237.60 (including the software update)

Step 1: get the parts (If you don't want to do the software yourself, or your local dealer will flash the software for less than $100 you can save some money by taking it in to the dealer for the flash. The advantage to having the AlfaObd and the other hardware is that you can read engine codes and clear errors plus add other software updates besides the trailer. There may be some value in that for some people and not for others. Individual mileage will vary.)

Step 2: Disconnect your negative battery terminal. See pics below. Use a 10mm wrench, or something equivalent.

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Step 3: remove the center stack of the dash. This is not as scary as some people make it out to be. Remove the 2 screws at the top. Place on hand in the cupped area at the top and one at the bottom of the piece. Pull straight out (toward the back of the cab) it will come out, and it is a sturdy piece, you wont break it unless you are being a gorilla. Don't be a gorilla.
View attachment 31400
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For the connector pictured below I used a very small screwdriver to depress the latch to remove it. You may or may not need to, but I have sausage fingers so I had to. You will have an easier time if you disconnect all of the plugs on the back of the console. It is not a lot of connectors, and it just reduces the chances of damaging wiring or the console...it also makes it much easier to deal with.
View attachment 31406

Step 4: Unwrap that sweet connector that is all covered in cloth tape. You will need it to connect to your trailer brake switch later!
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Where did you get the FCA bypass module to allow self programing of the dash? Good instructions. I‘ve got a 4th gen truck which I’m installing the FCA controller in. The dealer here charges $180 minimum to program a self installed item.