AlfaOBD settings not saving

[CRUS8R]

New to the forum...I have a 2023 Ram 1500 Laramie 5.7 Hemi. I read all of the threads regarding AlfaOBD and purchased the appropriate bypass cable, MX+ bluetooth programmer, and AlfaOBD app from the Google App store. I watched several videos on backing up my factory setting and performing some of the common changes on Rams. Anyway, I go out to my truck to do a simple adjustment (disabling my seat belt alarm) after performing a backup just to test the capability before making a serious adjustment. After making the adjustment a performed a cycling of the system by turning off my truck, opening/closing my door to turn the radio off, and waiting about 2 minutes. After that, I replaced the cables into their original ports and took it for a test ride in the neighborhood. After maybe a tenth of a mile, the seat belt alarm started dinging (change failed). I repeated the same sequence a few more times, but to no success. Then I tried to change the steering wheel setting to high, low, off, and that did not work either. I know my AlfaOBD works b/c I was able to retrieve my factory setting and upload to my google drive, but I don't know what I may be doing wrong.

So, my question is, what is going on with such a simple change not working? Has anyone heard of this, and do they know the fix to get these program changes to stay in the settings within the truck's computer? Thank you in advance if someone has encountered this and can point my in the right direction!

I ask this b/c I'm about to get a lift and new tires...And I don't want to have to take my truck to the dealer to get the tire size, ABS, and any other programming done to my truck to make corrections that AlfaOBD is supposed to do.

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

You can disable the seat belt alarm without alfaobd.

See below

RAM HOW TO TURN OFF SEAT BELT CHIME 2019+

Quick tutorial on how to turn off 2019+ Ram Seatbelt ChimeWebsite: www.weekndgarage.comInstagram: @weekndgarageEmail: [email protected]

youtu.be

 

[RamDiver]

So, my question is, what is going on with such a simple change not working? Has anyone heard of this, and do they know the fix to get these program changes to stay in the settings within the truck's computer? Thank you in advance if someone has encountered this and can point my in the right direction!

If you check the settings you changed in AlfaOBD, do they reflect the last adjustments you made, but the tweak doesn't function?

AlfaOBD is not perfect and has a few idiosyncrasies to help keep us on our toes.

Some changes require multiple ignition cycles before they become set. I'm sure I've waited about a week for certain tweaks to arrive, but I'm retired and periodically don't drive too often.

One aspect that I would advise caution is to be careful about the ignition state and whether or not the engine is running. AlfaOBD will mention the required state of the ignition or engine for some tweaks, and for most that I perform, I leave the ignition in the off position unless it says otherwise. Sometimes, I cycle it when finished without starting the truck.

I once had a bad experience with tweaking while the engine was on. A long story short, I wasn't thinking clearly on that hot day and had everything on, including the AC. The simple wheel circumference tweak that I've completed many times caused a DTC storm when the RF Hub went bananas and wiped out several other functions, including the speedo, power brakes/ABS and EPS. LOL

AFAIK, when the stealership makes adjustments using a wiTECH device, the changes are immediate. I'm happy to not spend the $ for a wiTECH unit and be happy with the inexpensive AlfaOBD.

When you make a backup of the truck's BCM config, don't forget to make an English version of that backup with features on the status tab. I use AlfaOBD for windoze, I'm not sure where this English backup is located on the Android version.

BTW, I use a KaodTech Security bypass cable, and it hasn't been removed in the past 2 years.
It is connected directly to the CAN bus ports, and has the install it and forget it feature.
The installation took a few minutes (3 or 4 minutes), but only because I'm picky about wiring.


And, welcome to Ram Forum.

.

 

[CRUS8R]

Update...I've been tooling around with the program today to see if I could get the setting on the seat belt alarm to take. The initial change did not work again, so I did some internet research with the search term of "alfaobd android version changes are not working" and the AI on the Microsoft Edge browser returned the result of:

Step‑by‑step troubleshooting:

1. Re‑run the change procedure in AlfaOBD.
2. Turn the ignition off for 30 seconds after the “procedure complete” message.
3. Wait a few minutes, then check again.
4. If no change, disconnect the negative battery for 30 minutes, reconnect, and try again.
5. If still no change, verify your interface is working and update its firmware.
6. Document the change in AlfaOBD’s log for future reference.

After performing step 4 I went out the truck and connected the battery. I reconnected back to the BCM, and the AlfaOBD screen on my phone said that the current setting that I had inputted prior to the battery disconnect was set to "disabled". BTW, I only disconnected the negative battery terminal. I took my truck for a test drive in the neighborhood, and the alarm never dinged. I also looked at the heated steering wheel option that I had changed yesterday, and it was set to "high/low/off". However, it did not perform the way I saw it in YouTube videos. It was just on or off when I used my finger to activate it, so not sure if it actually worked temperature wise.

When I get my lift and tire change, my plan is to perform the changes as shown in videos on YouTube. When I get home I will take look at again to see if my changes stayed in the truck computer. If they did not, I will make the changes again and go through the battery disconnect procedure to see that works like it did before. I know it seems like a lengthy way of getting things changed when the videos make it seem way easier, but I don't want tear anything up on my truck after having those major modifications done.

Here were some additional comments from the AI return on my query:

 

[Rayzr]

Following, CRUS8R, good information. Ill be following this as i purchased the alphaobd app but havent bought the bypass cable and MX+ yet. I think i know the youtube channel that makes it look very simple. I changed my fuel tank to 190L and will soon be putting 33"'s on when the factory tires are worn and need to make some changes in BCM for my upgrades. Hoping you have success.