Installing Factory Trailer Brake Controller and DIY Software Update

[Apexbasher]

Okay - AlphaODB sent me an old version of the software without the new body computer profiles.

I used the latest version and turned off all of the controls that I had previously enabled.

I then used the older version and repeated the process - activating the four separate items.

And as expected - it worked perfectly.

I am good - this may be an option for other people until he is able to fix the current version of the software.

thanks everyone!

Looks like we were posting at the same moment. Good news is we have a fix, for now. Glad yours is doing what it should.

 

[Bradleys]

Once he gets the fix in place - I will actually be interested in swapping to the proper profile. Just kind of a thing for me!

I am glad my test could validate the issue - so we can confirm the problem was in the profile and not the operator.

lol

 

[TheFluke88]

Just got word back from Alexey at AlfaOBD...
View attachment 53589
So he is working on a fix and has made v2.1.5.0 (the last version that did the job) available on his site for download until then. This will get you guys back in business!

Okay - AlphaODB sent me an old version of the software without the new body computer profiles.

I used the latest version and turned off all of the controls that I had previously enabled.

I then used the older version and repeated the process - activating the four separate items.

And as expected - it worked perfectly.

I am good - this may be an option for other people until he is able to fix the current version of the software.

thanks everyone!

Thank you for getting to the bottom of this!
I have the same issue as you previously described with all the settings updated but no gauge cluster trailer config information.
I used the AlfaODB Android APP 6 days ago with no luck. Hopefully an update will be coming soon that allows me to select "MY2016-17 PowerNet " and get this thing working.
I was worried I had a bad control box installed...

 

[Bradleys]

Thank you for getting to the bottom of this!
I have the same issue as you previously described with all the settings updated but no gauge cluster trailer config information.
I used the AlfaODB Android APP 6 days ago with no luck. Hopefully an update will be coming soon that allows me to select "MY2016-17 PowerNet " and get this thing working.
I was worried I had a bad control box installed...

Yeah, I can say i was a bit annoyed - but he really is a responsive guy. He posted the link to the last windows version - but I am not sure your android pin will work for that.

He knows about the issue now, so I would expect he is looking into the root cause - so it should just be a matter of time.

 

[Jrholt]

I agree that it is annoying, but when they get all of the software figured out in the future it may allow you to add things like remote lowering of windows and stuff. If you are in the south Houston area I am certainly willing to help out by letting you come by and use mine for the flash. Otherwise, there may be another person in your area who has one.

I am in the same area and would be glad to take you up on your offer if you really don’t mind. I just got finished installing a new brake controller and just need the computer to recognize it. Ron Carter down in ALVIN quoted 143.99 just to update the computer. Very annoying.

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.

View attachment 31398
View attachment 31399

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
View attachment 31403
View attachment 31404
View attachment 31405

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!
View attachment 31407

Which gateway bypass module did you use?

 

[Apexbasher]

Just thought I'd throw my hat into the ring. I have the OBDII reader, bypass and AlfaOBD v2.1.5.0 (the one that still works) for PC and can assist anybody in the NorthEast Florida area with getting their ITBM flashed. Just PM me.

 

[jnc32]

FYI: I live in PA, and got a 2019 bighorn classic. The ITBM will not be available until Sept this year for my truck. I plan on having the dealer do it cause it doesn't look that expensive to have them do. Maybe 500 bucks. I'm fine with that. The big thing here is that The parts will not be Available till September of 2020. That's not a good thing in my eyes. They should already be here... Selling the truck without this was the mistake.

 

[Jtheising]

I got my brake controller installed by dealer for 93.50

 

[uclaure]

I called 3 local dealers and they all quoted me $175 just to update the software. I’m going to call back to see if it’ll be the same price for them to install it (I already ordered the parts).

 

[kunkernator]

For all ya'll having the same issue with AlfaOBD, but on Android, this is what he sent me in response. I installed it, will try it out this evening and report.

 

[RAM/Cudaowner]

I ordered the Parts by the piece Yesterday,since I could not get the Kit,,and BTW,,,Saved a Lot of money this way.
I was asking my Service writer Yestrday this morning...
1) If I install the Kit Myself,Will This void my Truck Warranty?
And
2) Can the Service Department Flash the Computer to Activate the Module,and what would that cost?

All I got in all Caps was "NO SIR"
I sent him another reply to clarify that....since it was a two part Question.
Sounds like he want all $207 or nothing to make my installation a deal.
He said obtaining the parts myself was fine,,,since it was cheaper,and they could not obtain them.
I have only ordered the parts so far since they were not available anywhere.
I have no Idea what he was implying in his response??

 

[RAM/Cudaowner]

I got my brake controller installed by dealer for 93.50

What did you say to them to get that Price??
And Where are you Located??

 

[Mark2020]

Has anyone got this error message..............
FAILED!!!
Interface message: CAN ERROR Connect failed. Verify that key is in MAR and check wiring.
Try to turn key to 'Stop' then to ' MAR' and repeat connect

I am connected to OBDII picked RAM 1500 then Body computer then MY2016-17 PowerNet. Then I hit connect and the message above comes up after it tries to connect on CAN 4 times.

I have AlfaOBD version 2.1.7.8

I suck at this tech stuff but loving the new RAM.......converted Chevy guy

Thanks

 

[Miguel]

Just a heads up my AlfaOBD updated to 2.1.7.9 last night and I enable the 4 things needed for this and it worked instantly so he fix the app

 

[kunkernator]

2.1.7.8 for Android works when it is downloaded via the link in my previous post. It does not appear to be updated yet on the Google Play Store.

I now have trailer brakes!

 

[TheFluke88]

Just downloaded the latest Android version from Google play store and it is version 2.1.7.9. It still connects to the body computer as MY2019 PowerNet no matter which control unit I choose, BUT the activation is now fully successful! All menus available and they showed up right away when I restarted the truck.

 

[Jtheising]

What did you say to them to get that Price??
And Where are you Located??

I just asked them if they could install it for me.
I already had the parts. They said it would be around 100 ended up being a little less. Also when it was done that the newer kit had a better bracket for the module which cut down on time. I'm in southern Illinois

 

[Jtheising]

I called 3 local dealers and they all quoted me $175 just to update the software. I’m going to call back to see if it’ll be the same price for them to install it (I already ordered the parts).

Sounds like your getting shafted

 

[uclaure]

Sounds like your getting shafted

Yeah, pretty much

 

[RAM/Cudaowner]

I just asked them if they could install it for me.
I already had the parts. They said it would be around 100 ended up being a little less. Also when it was done that the newer kit had a better bracket for the module which cut down on time. I'm in southern Illinois

I am going to install the Parts Myself when they get here,But all of my dealers I contacted want at least $145...One of them was so full of Chit for $189, just to Flash the computer.
What is the Name of your Dealer,and Where??