OEM Bed LED Installation Question

[SixFOURhemiHD]

So I went to install my OEM bed light kit in my 2018 2500 Tradesman and as I was starting to run the harness noticed 2 plugs, both capped, one on each side of the truck right where the LED pigtails drop down. The connectors are identical to the ones in the kit harness. I plugged them in and it all looks factory. Now I’m thinking MG the truck already had the wiring installed. The LEDs don’t work, so the sales code needs to be flashed still.

My question is, am I correct in my assumption that my truck actually came with the OEM harness installed?

 

[Chach]

You're correct, the harness is already wired for them. I have a 2017 2500 and just installed the bed lights a couple weeks ago. I used the AlfaOBD app to activate them and it worked perfect. Or you can go to the dealer and have the sales code flashed

So I went to install my OEM bed light kit in my 2018 2500 Tradesman and as I was starting to run the harness noticed 2 plugs, both capped, one on each side of the truck right where the LED pigtails drop down. The connectors are identical to the ones in the kit harness. I plugged them in and it all looks factory. Now I’m thinking MG the truck already had the wiring installed. The LEDs don’t work, so the sales code needs to be flashed still.

My question is, am I correct in my assumption that my truck actually came with the OEM harness installed?

 

[Chach]

Here's the thread on the AlfaOBD app, it has a lot of useful info in it.
www.ramforum.com/threads/alfaobd.123982/

 

[Cesar592]

[emoji106]


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[SixFOURhemiHD]

You're correct, the harness is already wired for them. I have a 2017 2500 and just installed the bed lights a couple weeks ago. I used the AlfaOBD app to activate them and it worked perfect. Or you can go to the dealer and have the sales code flashed

Thanks! Wonder why the harness comes with the kit if the truck already had it? Maybe some do some don’t?

I read the AlfaOBD thread. Is there any disadvantage to using the alpha instead of having the dealer flash, besides the cost the dealer will charge?

 

[Chach]

Thanks! Wonder why the harness comes with the kit if the truck already had it? Maybe some do some don’t?

I read the AlfaOBD thread. Is there any disadvantage to using the alpha instead of having the dealer flash, besides the cost the dealer will charge?

As far as I know all 2017+ are prewired for the bed lights. The wiring that came with the kit is for older years.
The only disadvantage is the code won't be in the dealership computer tied to your truck. If they have to reflash your BCM, you will most likely lose that setting. You would just have to reactivate it through the app.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, I'm not 100% positive

 

[jarred]

So I went to install my OEM bed light kit in my 2018 2500 Tradesman and as I was starting to run the harness noticed 2 plugs, both capped, one on each side of the truck right where the LED pigtails drop down. The connectors are identical to the ones in the kit harness. I plugged them in and it all looks factory. Now I’m thinking MG the truck already had the wiring installed. The LEDs don’t work, so the sales code needs to be flashed still.

My question is, am I correct in my assumption that my truck actually came with the OEM harness installed?

where did you get the lights from? any pictures from the install on where the wiring harness was located in the bed?

 

[4eyedconekiller]

where did you get the lights from? any pictures from the install on where the wiring harness was located in the bed?

I’m with him. Part number?

 

[SixFOURhemiHD]

I will get you some pictures. I ordered the OEM Mopar kit from Amazon. It came with the lights and the harness. If you read the instructions, it tells you where to secure and route the harness. When I got under there, there were already connectors in the exact spots on each side where the instructions said to secure the harness connectors. So I plugged the light pigtails into the existing harness plugs and once I added the sales code, the bed lights worked.


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[SixFOURhemiHD]

I’m with him. Part number?

82214870AB


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[jarred]

I went out and crawled under the truck after I read this and sure enough there they are, hopefully mine will be done by Saturday.

 

[78Staff]

I went out and crawled under the truck after I read this and sure enough there they are, hopefully mine will be done by Saturday.

Shoot I looked on my '16 and didn't see the connectors, but maybe I am looking in wrong place? Where are the connectors actually located on yours?

 

[jarred]

Shoot I looked on my '16 and didn't see the connectors, but maybe I am looking in wrong place? Where are the connectors actually located on yours?

they were probably just one foot in from the bed side wall, were clipped into some of the structure. mine didn't have any caps on them but were pretty apparent.

 

[mjf6175]

Shoot I looked on my '16 and didn't see the connectors, but maybe I am looking in wrong place? Where are the connectors actually located on yours?

I believe Rams with the pre-wired harness with 2 plugs, one on each side of the truck right where the LED pigtails drop down, is only on the heavy duty ( 2500 / 3500 ) Rams. And only HD Rams from year 2016 and newer. So if you have a 1500 (any year) or a HD Ram older than a 2016 you need the full kit ( 82214870AB ).

If you do have a Ram pre-wired then you can use just the LED lights (they have a long pigtail): 5182672AA and 5182673AA.

Ironically if you shop on the internet and price the full kit and the 2 LED lights, you will find that some vendors offer the full kit at a price very close to (or even cheaper) than just getting the 2 LED lights from the dealer.

Also keep in mind that you need to activate the truck bed lights in either case.

 

[78Staff]

Ah that must be it then, I don't see anything on my '16 1500. I'll probably just go with aftermarket then - the oem ones seemed like a plug n play quick solution/easy add with the AlfaODB. Probably just go with Access strip lights powered via the trailer hot instead - something like https://www.accesscover.com/truckbedlight/

 

[SixFOURhemiHD]

Ah that must be it then, I don't see anything on my '16 1500. I'll probably just go with aftermarket then - the oem ones seemed like a plug n play quick solution/easy add with the AlfaODB. Probably just go with Access strip lights powered via the trailer hot instead - something like https://www.accesscover.com/truckbedlight/

I’ll sell you the OEM harness from my kit that I didn’t need.


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[78Staff]

I’ll sell you the OEM harness from my kit that I didn’t need.

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Thanks, but as mjf6175 mentioned the kit is cheaper than buying the two lights, so if I decide to go with the Ram lights I'll just grab the entire kit.

 

[McBroom]

I’ll sell you the OEM harness from my kit that I didn’t need.


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How much?? PM me


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road

 

[SixFOURhemiHD]

How much?? PM me


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road

I dunno maybe $25-30 bucks plus shipping. Kit was like $86 for harness and light. I figure someone could use the harness for aftermarket LEDs. I would think the OEM harness would work as a clean option to wiring LED strips and such in the bed. It’s a 2 wire harness, so one is for ground and the other can be pinned OEM style or could be wired to a switch.


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[Razzman]

I did mine myself and installed them in a way that made sense, not hooked up to the system and no flash required.
https://www.ramforum.com/posts/1712576/