AlfaOBD Troubles

[justace]

2022 ram 1500 classic 5.7
I've just put new Alpha Rex headlights in and they started throwing a Parking Light Out code, went and bought an OBDmx+ and the AlfaOBD app, followed an online guide on how to enable LED park lamps, but it keeps saying this. Anyone know what's going on?

 

[RamDiver]

2022 ram 1500 classic 5.7
I've just put new Alpha Rex headlights in and they started throwing a Parking Light Out code, went and bought an OBDmx+ and the AlfaOBD app, followed an online guide on how to enable LED park lamps, but it keeps saying this. Anyone know what's going on?

Have you installed a security bypass cable and if so, which unit?

.

 

[justace]

.

 

[justace]

Have you installed a security bypass cable and if so, which unit?

.

I have not, I didn't know I needed one. Can you point me in the right direction?

 

[RamDiver]

I have not, I didn't know I needed one. Can you point me in the right direction?

Any 2018+ Ram requires a security bypass cable, there are a few to choose from.
If your truck is a Ram Classic, it is a 4th gen.

A frugal user might choose the less expensive 12+8 style that connects directly to the Gateway module. If that module is behind/beside the OBD connector like several 5th-gen, no biggy to remove before visiting a dealership.

My '21 4th gen has the Gateway module mounted behind the radio, hard pass for me.

I use a KaodTech Security bypass harness. It plugs in directly to the CAN BUS connectors behind/beside the OBD connector. Plug it in once, and forget it other than coil it up and suspend it behind the dash. Mine has never been removed since I installed it and the OBD2 connector is not altered/available for the dealership.

http://kaodtech.com


And, to RamForum.


@Mpgrimm2 Do you have any idea when the 4th gen Security bypass cables will be available? TIA

.

 

[justace]

Any 2018+ Ram requires a security bypass cable, there are a few to choose from.

A frugal user might choose the less expensive 12+8 style that connects directly to the Gateway module. If that module is behind/beside the OBD connector like several 5th-gen, no biggy to remove before visiting as dealership.

My '21 4th gen has the Gateway module mounted behind the radio, hard pass for me.

I use a KaodTech Security bypass harness. It plugs in directly to the CAN BUS connectors behind/beside the OBD connector. Plug it in once, and forget it other than coil it up and suspend it behind the dash. Mine has never been removed since I installed it and the OBD is not alertered/available for the dealership.

http://kaodtech.com


And, View attachment 557550 to RamForum.

.

Thank you for the info, I'll definitely order one when they get back in stock!

 

[RamDiver]

Thank you for the info, I'll definitely order one when they get back in stock!

You're most welcome.

Hopefully, Mpgrimm2 will have some ideas on when they will be available and provide a guesstimation. There are other alternatives but, this would always be my first choice.

.

 

[2016 2500]

I see this is several months old, however I have a similar issue and I hope something has been found for a fix. to start I have had led in all my outside lights for years, I recently upgraded to the 7 inch EVIC and now when the lights are on and I turn on the blinker and hit the brakes I get a flash with park lamps out with a ding sound this gets really annoying it goes away quickly until the next time I hit the brakes with the blinker on, but only when the headlights are turned on. my truck is a 2016 so no security bypass cable needed and my front marker lights, hell all my lights are set to led.

 

[justace]

I see this is several months old, however I have a similar issue and I hope something has been found for a fix. to start I have had led in all my outside lights for years, I recently upgraded to the 7 inch EVIC and now when the lights are on and I turn on the blinker and hit the brakes I get a flash with park lamps out with a ding sound this gets really annoying it goes away quickly until the next time I hit the brakes with the blinker on, but only when the headlights are turned on. my truck is a 2016 so no security bypass cable needed and my front marker lights, hell all my lights are set to led.

The security bypass cable thing worked for me, but if you don't need one just head into Alfaobd, go to CBC Features and change whatever LED option to Yes that applies to you. However, within the past week after having no issues for months, I've started getting the parking lamp out error aswell straight out of the blue. I've tried going back into Alfaobd but everything is still set to LED. I will update if the problem goes away or if I find a fix

 

[RamDiver]

I see this is several months old, however I have a similar issue and I hope something has been found for a fix. to start I have had led in all my outside lights for years, I recently upgraded to the 7 inch EVIC and now when the lights are on and I turn on the blinker and hit the brakes I get a flash with park lamps out with a ding sound this gets really annoying it goes away quickly until the next time I hit the brakes with the blinker on, but only when the headlights are turned on. my truck is a 2016 so no security bypass cable needed and my front marker lights, hell all my lights are set to led.

Several owners of older trucks who have had unusual problems related to LED headlights have had success by changing the headlights setting in AlfaOBD to HID.

I'm not in front of my PC with AlfaOBD ATM, it may be called High Intensity Discharge Headlamps present.


And, welcome to Ram Forum.

.

 

[2016 2500]

Thank you. I think I did change the setting to HID, and turned off the low beam led, set it to no, maybe leave it set to yes as well? at least worth a shot.

 

[RamDiver]

Thank you. I think I did change the setting to HID, and turned off the low beam led, set it to no, maybe leave it set to yes as well? at least worth a shot.

You're most welcome.

I've heard mixed reports of some leaving the LED set to yes and others setting it to no.

I have to wonder if the BCM was creating these notifications but you didn't see them until upgrading the EVIC.

Just for clarification, you have no problems with the headlights off. With the headlights on, signal on and brake pressed, you receive tail lights out light on the EVIC with a wake-up ding. Is that correct?

What type of LED headlight bulbs do you have and have you already tested using the original Halogen bulbs? I know switching headlight bulbs is quite the PITA on our trucks.

On second thought, why not switch the tail lights back to incandescent to see if that functions correctly and without fault notifications? You may be required to add load resistors to the tail lights to satisfy the BCM.

Try contacting the seller of the LED tail light bulbs, they may have plug-in resistor packs available, some vendors provide them without cost or for a small fee.

I find what works OK on 1 truck, doesn't always react the same on another. It could be that the BCM in your truck is more picky about the lamp load and isn't satisfied with the LED bulb you've selected.

I know it doesn't make much sense but these BCM's behaviour are rarely consistent with the reaction to after-market mods.

.

 

[RamDiver]

The security bypass cable thing worked for me, but if you don't need one just head into Alfaobd, go to CBC Features and change whatever LED option to Yes that applies to you. However, within the past week after having no issues for months, I've started getting the parking lamp out error aswell straight out of the blue. I've tried going back into Alfaobd but everything is still set to LED. I will update if the problem goes away or if I find a fix

Do you receive the parking lamp out notification when the headlights are off?

Also, did you upgrade all the exterior lighting to LED?

.

 

[justace]

Do you receive the parking lamp out notification when the headlights are off?

Also, did you upgrade all the exterior lighting to LED?

.

I'm unsure if I get it while my headlights are off I'll check next time I'm driving, I always have my headlights on lol. Yes, I have LED tail lights and LED Alpharex headlights, stock fog lights though.

 

[RamDiver]

I'm unsure if I get it while my headlights are off I'll check next time I'm driving, I always have my headlights on lol. Yes, I have LED tail lights and LED Alpharex headlights, stock fog lights though.

I'm trying to establish if your truck's BCM is behaving the same as the member above, 2016 2500's BCM.

And, just for clarification, your truck only had LED for fog lights and all others including the tail lights were incandescent. Is that correct?

If your truck is behaving exactly the same as 2016 2500's, I would suggest you follow my recommendations above in post #12.

.

 

[2016 2500]

You're most welcome.

I've heard mixed reports of some leaving the LED set to yes and others setting it to no.

I have to wonder if the BCM was creating these notifications but you didn't see them until upgrading the EVIC.

Just for clarification, you have no problems with the headlights off. With the headlights on, signal on and brake pressed, you receive tail lights out light on the EVIC with a wake-up ding. Is that correct?

What type of LED headlight bulbs do you have and have you already tested using the original Halogen bulbs? I know switching headlight bulbs is quite the PITA on our trucks.

On second thought, why not switch the tail lights back to incandescent to see if that functions correctly and without fault notifications? You may be required to add load resistors to the tail lights to satisfy the BCM.

Try contacting the seller of the LED tail light bulbs, they may have plug-in resistor packs available, some vendors provide them without cost or for a small fee.

I find what works OK on 1 truck, doesn't always react the same on another. It could be that the BCM in your truck is more picky about the lamp load and isn't satisfied with the LED bulb you've selected.

I know it doesn't make much sense but these BCM's behaviour are rarely consistent with the reaction to after-market mods.

.

interestingly enoguh it isn't the rear lights, it claims it is the front marker lamps. I used alfaobd and went into the bcm this morning and it gave 2 codes, I can't recall the numbers atm but it was front left, front right markers. And yes for clarification with headlights off nothing of the sort happens. also interestingly enough the day I put in the premium evic the only thing that popped up was brake light out, with a picture showing the right brake light out. however when checking they were all working, then I remembered when I put in the led's I received the wrong bulb number for the 3rd brake instead of 921 I received 912, (i think that was the number) same connection style just smaller globe, it fit it worked I was ok with it. so now I am getting the brake light out and they are working so I think it don't like that bulb, go buy a 921 led, replace that and it still don't like it, so I grabbed the original and put that in, so 3rd brake light is now incandescent, stops telling me brake light is out. later that day I am looking at alfaobd and notice the CHMSL led setting and click it to see where it is, turns out I forgot to set that one to led, made that change swapped out bulbs and it had no problem with it. So all is good. and during this time I didn't get that park light out. I was in alfaobd trying to fix what ever I did at some point over the years that now alfaobd wont connect to the integrated center stack. and some setting it didn't like and started this new issue.
Oh and I did notice on 3 occasions with lights on accelerating up the on ramp that park light message and ding, while I had the throttle 3/4 pressed. so it wasn't just on brake press, but the common factor turn signal was on.

 

[2016 2500]

I have some questions I hope someone can help me with concerning the settings, I got alfaobd in 2023 I think and like a ******* I didn't search out online first so I didn't read about backing up your config, and I didn't notice that option so I made several changes and can't recall what, also I made many changes at one time. some didn't even show till later. I want to create a post about it but not sure where the best place to do so would be.

 

[RamDiver]

interestingly enoguh it isn't the rear lights, it claims it is the front marker lamps. I used alfaobd and went into the bcm this morning and it gave 2 codes, I can't recall the numbers atm but it was front left, front right markers. And yes for clarification with headlights off nothing of the sort happens. also interestingly enough the day I put in the premium evic the only thing that popped up was brake light out, with a picture showing the right brake light out. however when checking they were all working, then I remembered when I put in the led's I received the wrong bulb number for the 3rd brake instead of 921 I received 912, (i think that was the number) same connection style just smaller globe, it fit it worked I was ok with it. so now I am getting the brake light out and they are working so I think it don't like that bulb, go buy a 921 led, replace that and it still don't like it, so I grabbed the original and put that in, so 3rd brake light is now incandescent, stops telling me brake light is out. later that day I am looking at alfaobd and notice the CHMSL led setting and click it to see where it is, turns out I forgot to set that one to led, made that change swapped out bulbs and it had no problem with it. So all is good. and during this time I didn't get that park light out. I was in alfaobd trying to fix what ever I did at some point over the years that now alfaobd wont connect to the integrated center stack. and some setting it didn't like and started this new issue.
Oh and I did notice on 3 occasions with lights on accelerating up the on ramp that park light message and ding, while I had the throttle 3/4 pressed. so it wasn't just on brake press, but the common factor turn signal was on.

Please add line breaks in future posts of this volume, I find it difficult to get through a massive block of text.

You have added a significant amount of information. Let's begin with a summary of the facts.
I'm not going to include many of the past state details because I don't think it's important.


You received AlfaOBD and started exploring and changing items without keeping any detailed records of the changes made. You don't have a baseline configuration for your vehicle as strongly encouraged in the AlfaOBD thread. Is this accurate and correct, so far?

A long story short, you have updated all the exterior lighting to LED except the Fog lights that were OE LED. And changed the lamp type settings in AlfaOBD.

The first incident of the right brake light out notification was cleared after a few attempts at changes to the CHMSL.

After installing 921 LEDs and changing the CHMSL setting to LED in AlfaOBD, everything worked perfectly.

How long did everything work correctly before you started tweaking the settings again in AlfaOBD?

Next, more changes were made with AlfaOBD and now you can't access portions of the settings.

I have seen very bizarre and unexpected results after certain tweaks using AlfaOBD.
I don't recall the specifics but I have them all captured in a log file.
I lost the electronic power steering (EPS) after playing with something completely unrelated.

Luckily, as soon as I moved the truck, it was obvious I had no EPS. I removed all those tweaks, the EPS was back.

Unfortunately, if several changes were made using AlfaOBD and no record exists, you have limited options.

Post in the AlfaOBD thread and ask if anyone has a baseline file for your truck.
Visit a dealership and pay $ to have the BCM/ECM reset to OE configuration.
Or, keep exploring in AlfaOBD. Be warned, you may spend a lifetime tweaking.

Regardless of your preferred option choice, BACKUP! BACKUP! BACKUP!

The default backup should include a date & time in the filename as well as informing you of the backup file destination. I use the windoze version, it keeps everything on the SSD.
Android may write to the cloud, I don't recall.

As a strict standard operating procedure (SOP), I religiously make 2 backups every last time I connect to the truck. The first backup is immediately after connecting, the second is after any adjustments. ZERO EXCEPTIONS!

I also keep a running text file with all changes made, including observations or unexpected results.

Some might call this being a nal but having worked in Telecom for more than 3.5 decades, I learned a few things about data.

.

 

[2016 2500]

Please add line breaks in future posts of this volume, I find it difficult to get through a massive block of text.


Some might call this being a nal but having worked in Telecom for more than 3.5 decades, I learned a few things about data.

.

That is great advice, I trimmed so it wasn't just a long repeat of you post, Ok I will first stick with this topic and tell about my experiments and findings on this parking lamp out issue, because it is an issue. To start my truck is a 2016 2500 SLT, 6.7 Cummins I bought it used so unknown what if any changes were made to it prior, However I found it very odd the truck as I got it did not have tow mirrors on it. I did purchase tow mirrors and had a dealer install and program them so I had working turn signal and puddle lights in the mirror housing, I give this background because at that time I did not know about AlfaOBD and I actually had to make a second trip to the dealer because the turn and puddle lights were not functioning when they gave back the truck, they apologized and flashed the computer and away I went with working lighting.

Now, today I spent a few hours looking at all the settings in the bcm related to the lights I had all exterior lights set to led, including 3rd brake light, I know previously it was not, that is why with the new dash it gave me the error, looking in the body control fault codes it was there. So baseline today all lights are set up as led but beyond that I also had it set so no DTC's were reported for the stop lamps the rear turn lamps the rear park lamps, the licence plate lamps and the reverse lamps. I also had no DTC reported for the head light bulbs, at least the High beam for sure, not sure if that setting is available for the low beam to be honest. The front parking lights DTC is also disabled. So I went and enabled all of those things and I found that the BCM would send a fault code for most of those, Not the reverse lights and not the plate lamps. But every thing else.

So even though led was set up it still throws DTC I either don't have the right led's or the bcm is very very picky. Ok so I went back in and changed all the lights off LED and let the truck give all the DTC's I then went back and put all back to LED and hitting the brake does not give brake out turn signals without lights does not hyperblink or give DTC but as soon as you turn the lights on you get the DTC and if the disable DTC's is not setup you get all park lamp dtc's front and rear. however the setting to disable the rear park lamp DTC once it is disabled no more DTC there is a setting to disable front park DTC but even with that set the bcm DTC is for front marker light right or left, they are separate DTC's.

So What I have found is they don't have a setting in the BCM for front marker light DTC disable which would be handy. So I have 3 (or 4 i guess) options 1) I put the stock bulbs in, 2) I buy loadresistors fro the front. 3) I buy better LED bulbs or 4) live with that dang ding and message, and the bcm will have fault codes for front side marker out right and left.

Ok as to my stuff, your mostly correct. 2 years ago after getting alfaobd I started changing things without knowing much about the program, including the backup feature. I changed all the exterior lights to LED's and made all the corresponding changes in alfaobd, except CHMSL I did not know what that was. yeah I look back and think duh center high mount stop lamp, but at the time I didn't know so left that setting alone. with the base dash, 3" evic no errors were showing so I didn't worry, I made some changes to various settings, mostly following forum members instructins after the led swap. for example I was going to see if I could get remote start working. Found out not possible on my truck, without a newer RF Hub. I then tried enabling rain sensing wipers, thought it was just a few settings in alfaobd, didn't know the hardware wasn't in my truck, figured out it didn't work. a few other things like that. If it required hardware to make it work I was not able to do it. At this time I could access all the modules and made a few changes that didn't require hardware, one interesting change I don't know how I did was to put icons of the HVAC on the radio screen.

Right now I have obx mx plus for the adapter, I used to use elm27, I still have that but it doesn't access all the modules, like the doors but it stopped being able to access the climate control module, I have single zone manual, and it can't access the amp, don't know if I even have one to be honest, and No longer access the integrated center stack, the MX plus will let me access the climate control, but not the amp, just times out, and the ICS it just times out. I don't have navi but I can access that however the controls there are not very much. however that shows me a fault code U11B8 loss of communication with ICS However everything on the radio works as it should, touch screen, buttons sound. it has me confused.


Ok so I did all that several years ago, then I left it all alone until recently when I got my 7" EVIC I put that in and programed the mileage and tried to program the hours, which kinda worked but didn't quite. I programed in the idle hours, it worked I then took the drive + idle and put that number in for lifetime hours. here is a pic of my old dash just prior to taking it out of the truck When I entered that combined number which should be 66247 this is what ended up on the new EVIC So I didn't think that was right so I redid it and played with the numbers until it entered. I don't know why it didn't work right I ended up putting in 65535 and it took that. Oh and as a last thing I had not got the park lamp out because at that point I had not driven it after the lights came on.

 

[2016 2500]

I went and put my stock front turn signal marker bulbs in. No more issue with that ding and park lamp out, and no more codes in the bcm