Alfa OBD and Brake Controller

[gtex1970]

I ordered an OEM style brake controller from eBay. I got it installed. I paid $49 for an Alfa OBD APP for my android phone. I already had a bluetooth adapter (BAFX, a decent unit me thinks). In the APP I can see and connect to the brake controller. But, I'm not seeing about "turning it on" or other settings. And I'm not seeing anything in my vehicle settings about a trailer brake. DO I have to hook a trailer to wake it up? i'll try to get some APP photos in a bit.

2022 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

Any help appreciated,



Even though I paid for the full Alfa OBD App, is it not capable of programming stuff? it's just for diagnostics?

Greg in Texas

 

[jawzs2]

When you say OEM Style - is it aftermarket?

Do you have the bypass cable? Did you add the ITBM in the vehicle configuration?

Plenty of info here

AlfaOBD

Please Read!!! Supported years: 2013 to 2018 Make a backup of your original BCM configuration before making any changes. While we have a few BCM configs to compare with, there is nothing like comparing to your own pre-changes. Instructions: Uploading System ID (BCM) Information: Thank you...

www.ramforum.com

 

[Jimmy07]

I ordered an OEM style brake controller from eBay. I got it installed. I paid $49 for an Alfa OBD APP for my android phone. I already had a bluetooth adapter (BAFX, a decent unit me thinks). In the APP I can see and connect to the brake controller. But, I'm not seeing about "turning it on" or other settings. And I'm not seeing anything in my vehicle settings about a trailer brake. DO I have to hook a trailer to wake it up? i'll try to get some APP photos in a bit.

2022 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

Any help appreciated,
View attachment 506142View attachment 506148View attachment 506147View attachment 506144

View attachment 506143View attachment 506149
Even though I paid for the full Alfa OBD App, is it not capable of programming stuff? it's just for diagnostics?

Greg in Texas

You don’t connect to the trailer brake controller. You connect to the body computer. Then select the car with hood open in the bottom right. Drop the menu down and select car configuration change.
Find these settings and enable them:
P/T Chassis Net: ITBM/HWM Integrated Trailer Brake Module- Enabled
CustSetMenu 2: Trailer Selected CSM Present- Yes
CustSetMenu 2: Trailer Name CSM Present-Yes
CustSetMenu 2: Trailer Type CSM Present- Yes

I didn’t see you mention if you had this or not, but you need a security gateway bypass in order to make any of those changes.

 

[CanRebel]

As it was mentioned above. You need bypass cable or module.

The module from Z Automotive cost more than cable. But it's way easier to put it on and remove it.

 

[gtex1970]

thanks guys! bypass cable has been ordered. hopefully with that and the stuff i have now, I can make the changes I want. Here are potential changes I want now or in teh future:

1. turn on brake controller
2. tire size changes possible down the road
3 bed lights
4. 110v OEM style outlets if the price isn't stoopid

 

[Plainbroke]

Can you post links to the above mentioned ways for bypass?

 

[gtex1970]

Can you post links to the above mentioned ways for bypass?

go up about 3 posts , he posted a link, I'll try to share. lots of information in here and a a link to a bypass cable provider:

AlfaOBD

Please Read!!! Supported years: 2013 to 2018 Make a backup of your original BCM configuration before making any changes. While we have a few BCM configs to compare with, there is nothing like comparing to your own pre-changes. Instructions: Uploading System ID (BCM) Information: Thank you...

www.ramforum.com

 

[gtex1970]

thanks for the help. all systems appear to be Go! just no trailer to test it on at the moment

 

[gtex1970]

I was cheap and didn't pay 2x for the Mopar OEM controller. but this part looks to be built on the same specs.

Fits 2019-2021 Ram 1500 DT Body Style Integrated Trailer Brake Controller Module | eBay

2019 Ram 1500 3.6L 3604CC V6 FLEX. 2020-2022 Ram 1500 3.0L 2987CC V6. 2019-2022 Ram 1500 3.6L 3604CC V6 Hybrid. 2020-2021 Ram 1500 3.6L 3604CC V6 GAS. 2019-2022 Ram 1500 5.7L V8 Hybrid. 2019-2022 Ram 1500 5.7L V8 GAS.

www.ebay.com

My mission was to come in substantially cheaper than paying dealer prices for the part and installation. I may regret the cheaper part at some point. But, for now, I don't actually have a trailer that I'll be towing that often and I have a 1997 F250 PSD if I really need to haul something. but learning how to work this OBD computer programming is potentially a money saver!

 

[clay282]

That's one helluva savings! Ima need you to go test pull a camper this weekend to see if it works LOL!

 

[jvbuttex]

That's one helluva savings! Ima need you to go test pull a camper this weekend to see if it works LOL!

Thank you china imports

 

[eprovenzano]

I agree.... I need to install one in my new 22 1500 and don't want to pay the extra $$$ for OEM... yes I'm a cheap ass...

 

[gtex1970]

I have towed a flatbed trailer with brakes several times now and the brake controller works as it should.
$49 for an Alfa OBD APP
$76 for the eBay brake controller
$55 bypass module
$23 eBay BAFX OBD2 adapter (I already had one)

so, just over $200 invested.