Installing Mopar brake controller

[geekything]

Me again.

I watched a couple of Youtube videos on installing a third party brake controller and it seems pretty simple (remove dash under steering wheel, find cable, install controller, mount it). Pretty simple stuff.

The Mopar controller obviously requires the upper centre console to be removed as that's where it lives. I'd prefer this controller over the third party ones just for aesthetics. Call me vain.

How hard is it to remove the centre console? The dealer wants $600 to supply and install whereas I can buy it for $229.

Thanks in advance.

 

[AFMoulton]

I paid 190 for the factory controller, and mounted it from underneath, took a little while but I was able to do it. Not worth $600 IMO

I didn't remove the center console, as I'm not about doing extra work just because.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kltk1]

My dealer charged me one hour labor for the install. $98. Same Mopar brake controller in my 2016 Ram 1500.

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

 

[maxx442]

You still have to pay the dealer for the BCM flash to make it work.

 

[HvyDuty]

Just make sure to order the correct kit/module. 2013-14 use a different part number, 2015 has its own part number and 2016+ use yet another different part number. None are cross compatible

 

[S0CAL]

they moved the Brake controller to center console? My 2010 has it under dash, left hand side under light switch. Took 5 minutes to install ... just need it dealer flashed now.

 

[CrispyBacon]

they moved the Brake controller to center console? My 2010 has it under dash, left hand side under light switch. Took 5 minutes to install ... just need it dealer flashed now.

Yep it's down where the switches are for the heated seats, traction control, etc...

 

[AFMoulton]

Control is in the center dash area under HVAC controls and the module is above the accelerator pedal


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[lukedukem]

Me again.

I watched a couple of Youtube videos on installing a third party brake controller and it seems pretty simple (remove dash under steering wheel, find cable, install controller, mount it). Pretty simple stuff.

The Mopar controller obviously requires the upper centre console to be removed as that's where it lives. I'd prefer this controller over the third party ones just for aesthetics. Call me vain.

How hard is it to remove the centre console? The dealer wants $600 to supply and install whereas I can buy it for $229.

Thanks in advance.

I wont call you vain, I did the same thing. i have some pics below to help if you want. i paid 235.00 for my kit from my dealer, so that sounds about right for what your paying. took about 2 hours to install. the only pain was mounting the Module under the dash, above the gas pedal. it has screws but they are not easy. i just used zip ties, it works just as good.
The kit comes with instructions, but here are some pics and tips.

Pics
1. top red circle, you pop off the plastic tray and there are two screws, the bottom circle is for the console, they are under the rubber mat liner. the third circle is to the right and the screw is in that cubby, remove the liner.
2. the two screws mentioned in the first pic are in the top circle, the second circle is the last screw holding the console in. after removing all three for the console, it lifts up. you'll have to use a bit of force. unplug the charging port and put the console aside.
you can then pull the dash towards you. and start to remove connections
3. its what it will look like with it all removed. then you just swap the blank spot for the controller and re assemble.
4. its where the module will mount, its a beast to try to use the screws but you can try.
hope this helps


Luke

 

[HvyDuty]

The Factory controller works great on the 1500s, not so much on the HDs (acts differently due to programming)

It costs more than aftermarket, but with the Factory controller you get a lot of added perks. No banging your knee on an aftermarket, a choice of 4 different settings (Light Electric, Heavy Electric, Light Electric over Hydraulic and Heavy Electric over Hydraulic) Also, saving the configuration for multiple different trailers and the addition of a trailer trip odometer. It shows the gain and controller status right in front of you on the EVIC too.

 

[GsRAM]

the factory ITBC works real good on my 17. not sure what issues your referring to?

 

[Metalizer]

My factory ITBC works great on my 2014 1500. I've pulled several trailers with no problems.

I bought it off eBay, installed myself and dealer programmed it. Less than $300 for everything done

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

 

[HvyDuty]

the factory ITBC works real good on my 17. not sure what issues your referring to?

Its a known issue with 2013+ HD trucks. Many guys have swapped to aftermarket.

I know first hand the difference as I own both a 1500 and a 2500. With the exact same trailer, I can lock up the brakes with the 1500 controller and gain set on light electric lvl 6, works great.

With the 2500 I can have it set on heavy electric and gain set on full 10 and they barely seem to respond at slow speeds. No problems with stopping the rig its just set up differently IMO. I believe the HD controller is proportional to vehicle speed and other variables. Its a much less linear experience vs. 1500 and aftermarket controllers.

 

[GsRAM]

Its a known issue with 2013+ HD trucks. Many guys have swapped to aftermarket.

I know first hand the difference as I own both a 1500 and a 2500. With the exact same trailer, I can lock up the brakes with the 1500 controller and gain set on light electric lvl 6, works great.

With the 2500 I can have it set on heavy electric and gain set on full 10 and they barely seem to respond at slow speeds. No problems with stopping the rig its just set up differently IMO. I believe the HD controller is proportional to vehicle speed and other variables. Its a much less linear experience vs. 1500 and aftermarket controllers.

interesting, i don't have that issue with mine. it seems to brake as well as my prodigy P3. maybe not quite as strong, but not bad either

 

[BossHogg]

Its a known issue with 2013+ HD trucks. Many guys have swapped to aftermarket.

The issue affected 2015 and early production 2016s. RAM came out with a software fix for the issue which required reflashing the ITBM and ABS modules in November 2016.

70-page thread on the issue here;
http://www.ramforum.com/f119/brake_controller-71708/

 

[GsRAM]

The issue affected 2015 and early production 2016s. RAM came out with a software fix for the issue which required reflashing the ITBM and ABS modules in November 2016.

70-page thread on the issue here;
http://www.ramforum.com/f119/brake_controller-71708/

Thanks BH, that makes sense. I recall that thread now.

 

[HvyDuty]

The issue affected 2015 and early production 2016s. RAM came out with a software fix for the issue which required reflashing the ITBM and ABS modules in November 2016.

70-page thread on the issue here;
http://www.ramforum.com/f119/brake_controller-71708/

That's the thread its 2015+ not 2013+. The TSB states ALL Rams (1500/2500/3500 etc.) with a build date before April 13, 2016. My 2016 2500 was built in July 2016 and it definitely has the issue.

What's interesting is I also owned a 2015 Ram 1500 and the brake controller worked great on the same trailer (though I installed it after purchase).

My TT only weighs 7500 lbs so I can live with it. The thread also has posters stating they got more voltage on light electric vs. heavy electric. I guess i'll be switching to light electric, 10 gain. When I upgrade to a 5th wheel I'll be going with an aftermarket controller...