2018 RAM 2500 Remote Start Pre-Wired?

[BuggyMasters]

I ordered the remote start for my 2500 Laramie. In the instructions they say if there is already working there that you should use the included wires instead and run the new wire into the drivers footwell to plug the one pin into the BCM However, I have seen in other places that some believe the factory wiring that is a,ready there is in fact just fine. So can anyone say without doubt that if you have the wiring already there on a 2018 that you are fine to use it as it is? Just install the hood latch, swap key overlays if needed, and get dealer to add the sales code? I mean I’d be fine running the wire but if it is known for a fact that the pre wire works without issue...I’m a fan. Anyone done it as a matter of fact on a 2018 2500?

PS to Ram/Mopar: If all the guts for remote start are already there...why not just have it as a default option for this trim level?? Seems kinda silly not too. Just sayin’......

 

[BuggyMasters]

No one has done this?

 

[BuggyMasters]

Just an update...I did the install. Will take to dealer in next couple of days for programming. Gotta say...the part of adding that wire to the BCM was a complete PITA. If you don’t like working in confined spaces, with no room to work, and positions that would make an acrobats back hurt, this is not an install for you. I invented many a cuss words. There was in fact a wire already in slot 11 of the connector too. I think it was purple with blue stripe. If in fact that is the wire that others have said goes to some connector (grey) in the engine bay, by all means go that route. I have the stereo amp that had to be removed just to be able to get to the BCM. Putting that back in was the opposite of fun. Same thing for working with the upper left connector which is where you have to put the hood wire.

Here’s the kicker: the truck already had an aftermarket remote start on it. I found an aftermarket controller of some kind in the foot well area but I was already halfway through the install by the time I discovered it so I wasn’t stopping. Plus I had no FOB or anything so I assumed the original owner just didn’t include it. After several hours and then completing the install I looked up what this aftermarket module was for and lo-and-behold it was in fact a remote starter.....made to work with the factory key. Just hit the lock button 3 times to make it start. Now I know....live and learn!

 

[mtnrider]

I wonder if the previous owner removed the factory remote start and put in that after market unit? Find it hard to believe that a Laramie didn't come with it from the factory? My Big Horn even did.

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[Jimmy07]

If it has an aftermarket remote start installed, try pressing the lock button on your factory fob three times and see if it starts.

Never mind. I should have read your ENTIRE post!!!

 

[BuggyMasters]

If it has an aftermarket remote start installed, try pressing the lock button on your factory fob three times and see if it starts.

Never mind. I should have read your ENTIRE post!!!

Ya I honestly had never heard of such a thing until I was done and came inside to see what that module was. Im guessing that’s a normal thing with aftermarket remote starts. I just didn’t know that! I’m sure it probably worked just fine! I do like OEM stuff on such a new truck but knowing what I know now, I likely would have been just fine with that aftermarket setup seeing how it was already there. Just that no one mentioned anything about it so I’m not so sure the dealership even knew it was in place.

 

[BuggyMasters]

I wonder if the previous owner removed the factory remote start and put in that after market unit? Find it hard to believe that a Laramie didn't come with it from the factory? My Big Horn even did.

.

You make a great point. Ram SHOULD be putting remote start and the locking rear differential on every Laramie. I mean the remote start is nothing more than the hood switch being in place! What in the world were they thinking?

 

[SixFOURhemiHD]

Just an update...I did the install. Will take to dealer in next couple of days for programming. Gotta say...the part of adding that wire to the BCM was a complete PITA. If you don’t like working in confined spaces, with no room to work, and positions that would make an acrobats back hurt, this is not an install for you. I invented many a cuss words. There was in fact a wire already in slot 11 of the connector too. I think it was purple with blue stripe. If in fact that is the wire that others have said goes to some connector (grey) in the engine bay, by all means go that route. I have the stereo amp that had to be removed just to be able to get to the BCM. Putting that back in was the opposite of fun. Same thing for working with the upper left connector which is where you have to put the hood wire.

Here’s the kicker: the truck already had an aftermarket remote start on it. I found an aftermarket controller of some kind in the foot well area but I was already halfway through the install by the time I discovered it so I wasn’t stopping. Plus I had no FOB or anything so I assumed the original owner just didn’t include it. After several hours and then completing the install I looked up what this aftermarket module was for and lo-and-behold it was in fact a remote starter.....made to work with the factory key. Just hit the lock button 3 times to make it start. Now I know....live and learn!

Where did you run the wire through the firewall I’m stuck on that step...