Reprogramming computer ro install auxiliary trailer brake controller

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Monkeyman76

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So I took my Ram 2500 into dealer because the plugin for the trailer brake controller doesnt have a hot wire. Now the dealer is telling me its gonna be $185 for them to program the computer to make the wire hot. My truck didn't come with a controller installed but the jumper to add one came with the truck. Shouldnt the plug be ready to plug into regardless? I mean thats why they provide you with a jumper. The plug next to the trailer brake control had a hot wire. I dont understand its a 2017 ram purchased in march. They say warranty doesnt cover because it wasnt factory installed option. Anyone experience similar problems?
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crash68

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Sounds like you need to find a different dealer to do business with. You may have to pay for them to add the sales code but $185 is armed robbery. The warranty part is BS also, ram even states OEM* added parts come with a 12/12K warranty.
There is two plugs for the factory brake controller, you can install it before going to a dealer to have the sales code added.
 

RubberFrog

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They have to turn on the feature, but $185 is a no lube **** job.
 
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Monkeyman76

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It's an aftermarket trailer brake controller. Im installing because I didn't want to get hosed buying one from the dealer. But yeah it seems ridiculous.

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DeereGuy

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I added an aftermarket P3 controller to my 2016 truck and didn't have to have the dealer do anything. I can see if you were adding the factory brake controller because the BCM would need a code added to recognize the controller, but with an aftermarket the BCM shouldn't have anything to do with it. Did you verify the fuse was good in the fuse box?


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Monkeyman76

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I checked fuses they looked good. I might have overlooked one though. Since its a new truck I figured i would take it back in to get it looked at but it seemed like they just wanted to charge me for something. The 6 pin plug under dash has power but the 4 pin doesnt. It didn't make sense that they had to reprogram the truck in order for the plug to have power. I guess I have to try and troubleshoot it myself.

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Monkeyman76

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I appreciate it. Yeah I had the controller in the truck ready to hook up and I got no power. So I checked the wires for a lead and got nothing. It has to be a fuse. Im gonna check tomorrow. Ill post the outcome.

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Monkeyman76

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I think I found the culprit. F11 in the fuse box. ITBM/trailer tow brake. Fuse was busted. I still cant believe how dishonest the selling dealer was to try to get me to reprogram the computer. I probably would have paid an all they would have done is change the fuse. SMH.......76b9595be30819f18e43beb01449e759.jpg

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Monkeyman76

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Smh.....Put a new fuse in today and what do you know, I got a hot wire. Sure glad I remapped the computer.........yeah right. I almost want to take the truck back with the brake controller installed just to show the techs. It worked and I didn't even have to spend 185 dollars. Freaking dealerships. Live and learn.b13d2b9ea899b310b2c99b9128b6e4dc.jpg

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DeereGuy

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Smh.....Put a new fuse in today and what do you know, I got a hot wire. Sure glad I remapped the computer.........yeah right. I almost want to take the truck back with the brake controller installed just to show the techs. It worked and I didn't even have to spend 185 dollars. Freaking dealerships. Live and learn.b13d2b9ea899b310b2c99b9128b6e4dc.jpg

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Glad you got it figured out. Think I'd be looking for a new dealer lol


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Monkeyman76

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Final. Plug and play. e30a50ef6739db7ee212fca9505d9e46.jpgfdd0ee78aee4195379554fc9282298ef.jpg

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Farmer Fran

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What dealer?, so we all know to stay away
 

hunter99

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Wow, that's complete crap. The only reason the factory one is activated is because it's integrated into the EVIC. When I installed my factory one they truck knew it was there just wouldn't let it apply trailer brakes because it wasn't activated.
 

John Jensen

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Your dealer either flat out lied or is totally incompetent. Either way, the dealer is guilty of an outrageous diagnosis & estimate and should be reported. Dealers hate it when customers complain to FCA (I know as my grand son is a dealership general manager). Please, call Chrysler and report your dealership experience.
 

Hardracer

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Why was it busted/broken or blown being only a couple months old?(i would be asking that to myself)
I would think that warranty Covers bumper to bumper for at least 12 months right?
 
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