Installing Factory Trailer Brake Controller and DIY Software Update

[brotharon]

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

Maybe, that really depends on the dealer. You could maybe find a nice dealer who will add it to your vehicle when you bring it in for service. If not, and you have to reflash it, it is only a 5 minute ordeal and not complicated at all once you get in there. Bear in mind that your dealer shouldnt be reflashing your control module if you bring it in for an oil change or tire rotation. Only for software updates and fixes that require adding/removing/changing features in the computer.
Also, most of the 5 minutes of reflashing will be spent walking to the fridge, getting a beer, opening the beer, and then removing the module after the reflash is done because those little buggers fit tight in the connector.

 

[clam]

Thanks for the write up! I am bound to get this done myself in the future!

 

[Raydar]

I installed the hardware a couple of weekends ago. Flashed the controller in, last night.
Now, all I need is a trailer to plug in to it.

Thanks to everyone who contributed. It was a bit "dicey" (or at least that was my perception) at first, but it worked flawlessly. The hardest part was finding the "ITBM..." line in the dropdown list. After that it was a cakewalk.

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

I bought the same hardware. Works perfectly. Used an old Samsung Tab 4 for my programmer.
And yeah... Unplugging the bypass. OMG! What a pain in the posterior!!

 

[fredrk123]

Step 11: Software Update using AlfaOBD
Follow all steps to sync your phone/tablet/computer to the Bluetooth/wifi device that you are using (your OBD2 reader, and again I recommend that BAFX one because it worked for me)
View attachment 31430

Locate the FCA Security gateway plugs, disconnect them, and plug them into your bypass module. They are driver side to the left of the steering wheel under the dash.
View attachment 31431
View attachment 31433

Now, turn your truck on (remember that you disconnected the battery earlier, and one of the "put it back together implied steps" was to reconnect it)
Open your AlfaOBD app
Select the type of interface you are using and find your device.
Connect to your (OBD Reader) device
Select RAM from the OEM options
Select Ram 1500 from the 1st dropdown
Select Body Computer from the 2nd dropdown
Select Central Gateway Module from the 3rd dropdown
Select connect
Once connected click on the little car with the hood up and navigate all the way to the bottom of this menu
Select "Car Configuration Change"
In the next menu you will need to make the following changes one at a time. Be sure to validate that the change was made by selecting each option and seeing what it is set at according to AlfaOBD after you set the option. The options you need to change and the values for them are as follows:
ITBM/HWM Integrated Trailer Brake Module: Change to "ENABLED"
Trailer selected CSM: Change to "Yes"
Trailer name CSM: Change to "Yes"
Trailer type CSM: Change to "Yes"

/*The information about the settings and the idea that I could do the software update on my own are courtesy of member downsjh*/

My dash display updated immediately and I was able to see the trailer information. Some people have stated that theirs took a few minutes. Your mileage may vary. Turn your truck off, remove your OBD2 reader, and I recommend removing the gateway module bypass.

Now you should have a fully functioning trailer brake controller and 0 trips to the dealership!

thanks for the instructions....I saw the trailer brake controler on Mopar and it was $299 but don't know if it has everything that you listed .

View attachment 31435
View attachment 31437

Thank you for your time. I hope that this helps someone save a few pennies like it did for me. If you have anything you would like to add, or steps that I missed (it is possible, I am part gorilla) please feel free to let me know. I am not a mechanic by trade, just by hobby, so go easy on me please

 

[Ramster]

Just got the hardware installed and truck back together. Going to drop by the dealer for a flash I think if he don't try and rape me. First I didn't think I was going to get the center dash pulled apart but I kept working with it. Then getting out the switch took some time but looking at the tabs on the new switch helped. The bearcat was getting the screws started in straight on the controller bracket. Starting the screws in first and then backing them back out before putting the bracket on does help but if the screws go in crooked the back of the clips won't spread properly and anchor in. Thanks brotharon for starting this thread as I would not have had the guts to do it.

 

[Ramster]

After a week and a half I finally got the truck flashed and all went well. After first quoting me around $100 dollars he only charged $70. That puts me less than $240 for it all, very happy. Now I got to go buy me a camper.

 

[Charon]

Thanks so much for this write up. Just to verify before I order off Ebay the wires for this install are already on board correct?

This should be all I need hardware wise?

19 RAM 1500 DT Body Integrated Trailer Brake Controller Mopar 82215278AE for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 19 RAM 1500 DT Body Integrated Trailer Brake Controller Mopar 82215278AE at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[Ramster]

Thanks so much for this write up. Just to verify before I order off Ebay the wires for this install are already on board correct?

This should be all I need hardware wise?

19 RAM 1500 DT Body Integrated Trailer Brake Controller Mopar 82215278AE for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 19 RAM 1500 DT Body Integrated Trailer Brake Controller Mopar 82215278AE at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

The last digit on my part number is an E

 

[Charon]

Edit: I followed this to remove the dash from the bottom up.

Just pulled the center piece off couple of hours ago that TruckDriver provided documentation. 2 philip screws at top and the entire piece pops off. Do not pull it straight away!!! there is a yellow plug that allows you to pull the panel away approx 6" towards you.

-Start at the bottom underneath the trailer brake (or blank) and the other side where the piano looking buttons are location. Place your thumbs on each side and your fingertips underneath and pull outward with your fingertips while letting your thumbs be the brace points. It will sound ugh but they are the snap in type of clips.

-I then went around from bottom upward popping the snap-ins on each side up to the top. I used my fingertips and try to keep even force spread out to pop the snap-ins kinda like one at a time so as not to torque the center piece too much.

View attachment 27567

View attachment 27572

 

[Charon]

Add me to the list of successful installs, thanks for the guide.
One thing I'd add is a battery impact hits those bracket mounts no problem (don't over torque one ugaduga max). Much better than using a Phillips.
7mm deep socket and a 3" extension on mine.
Use a 7mm nut driver if you can't use an impact.

 

[brotharon]

I am glad that y'all have found this guide useful and have been able to get this working in your truck!

 

[t76turbo]

Got the parts installed. Everything went well. Thank you for the write up!!!

I have one question. In didn’t know what would need to be reset after pulling the negative from the battery so after got it back together and reconnected the battery I started the truck and went through some of the truck settings.
It looks like it saves a lot if not all of the settings (haven’t been through everything yet) BUT I did notice now when using the red and blue buttons to raise and lower the climate control temps it will either go to low or high. But will not show the temp you are selecting. Maybe this is a setting somewhere that wasn’t saved or something else.
Anyone have any ideas???

 

[Charon]

Got the parts installed. Everything went well. Thank you for the write up!!!

I have one question. In didn’t know what would need to be reset after pulling the negative from the battery so after got it back together and reconnected the battery I started the truck and went through some of the truck settings.
It looks like it saves a lot if not all of the settings (haven’t been through everything yet) BUT I did notice now when using the red and blue buttons to raise and lower the climate control temps it will either go to low or high. But will not show the temp you are selecting. Maybe this is a setting somewhere that wasn’t saved or something else.
Anyone have any ideas???

You may have unintentionally hit a setting while adding the TBC. My climate control was not affected.

 

[t76turbo]

Got the parts installed. Everything went well. Thank you for the write up!!!

I have one question. In didn’t know what would need to be reset after pulling the negative from the battery so after got it back together and reconnected the battery I started the truck and went through some of the truck settings.
It looks like it saves a lot if not all of the settings (haven’t been through everything yet) BUT I did notice now when using the red and blue buttons to raise and lower the climate control temps it will either go to low or high. But will not show the temp you are selecting. Maybe this is a setting somewhere that wasn’t saved or something else.
Anyone have any ideas???

Guess the system just needed some time. When I drove it today to go out to lunch (1st time since installing) everything was back to normal.
Temp adjustment now goes by the specific degree (70, 71,72,etc...) instead of hi and lo.

 

[Godtalk3]

So you have to use a security Gateway Module and
the BAFX or will either do the job. I don't want to get started and find that I need to special order yet another item. I alrady have the BAFX

 

[GraniteRam]

You need both.

 

[Godtalk3]

You need both.

Thanks for the speedy response.

 

[Godtalk3]

Thanks for the speedy response.

Next question. Where can I get a FCA Security Gateway Bypass Module? What is the best brand name (around the stated $50) that will function with my BAFX? I appreciate the assistance.

 

[Godtalk3]

It really is annoying that we need the Gateway Bypass Module to program the ECU.

That extra $50 just eliminates the value out of DIY, unless you think you are going to need to do it several times. I looked on-line expecting to see some used ones trading hands at a discounted rate - but no.

I have the brake controller kit and I will install it this weekend, but flashing the ECU will likely wait.

So annoying...

Dumb question, but can the Tazer DT itself be used as the Security Gateway Bypass Module for these purposes? (for use of AlphaOBD, for example)

Go through the tazer dt website they sell Bypass modules there and mine arrived in 3 days.

Tazer DT on their website is well over $300 and is not cost effective. The original poster says you can get one at $50 and I'd love to find one at or near that price.

 

[Godtalk3]

Least expensive one found one for $69