ALPHA OBD 101

[thePLANEfxr]

Howdy,

Well, the time has come to teach this old dog new tricks. I have done some preliminary research and it seems almost any mod done to these trucks benefits and in some cases mandatory software tinkering with the use of ALPHA OBD seems to be the preferred method.

2023 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman

First off.. I have no idea about this kinda stuff... and I am a learn by example kind of guy. Second problem, I am an apple user so Android is a bit cumbersome for me also. But I do have a google account and am familiar with their hosted suites of software.

For those of you who are pros with the ALPHA OBD, I need your help. I have purchased the app on my Chromebook which seams to run ok, and from what I can tell I can either use OBD USB hardwire cable, or OBD MX + to link to my truck.

Also something on the internet about FCA Security bypass... is it a physical device to be removed? Do I need to pigtail in another OBD port?

I have checked out YouTube, looked for basic guides but I do not see any basics or 101 videos/instructions to get my head wrapped around how it all works. Ill get the beer as this can be a long one.

Thanks everyone

 

[darrellthomas]

Be careful, the "ALPHAODB" on the apple store is a spoofer fake of the real ALPHAOBD. Hope ya'll don't fall for the scam. The real one is alfaobd.com

 

[HemiLonestar]

There's a pretty lengthy thread on the subject on this site.

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

Howdy,

Well, the time has come to teach this old dog new tricks. I have done some preliminary research and it seems almost any mod done to these trucks benefits and in some cases mandatory software tinkering with the use of ALPHA OBD seems to be the preferred method.

2023 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman

First off.. I have no idea about this kinda stuff... and I am a learn by example kind of guy. Second problem, I am an apple user so Android is a bit cumbersome for me also. But I do have a google account and am familiar with their hosted suites of software.

For those of you who are pros with the ALPHA OBD, I need your help. I have purchased the app on my Chromebook which seams to run ok, and from what I can tell I can either use OBD USB hardwire cable, or OBD MX + to link to my truck.

Also something on the internet about FCA Security bypass... is it a physical device to be removed? Do I need to pigtail in another OBD port?

I have checked out YouTube, looked for basic guides but I do not see any basics or 101 videos/instructions to get my head wrapped around how it all works. Ill get the beer as this can be a long one.

Thanks everyone

I'll give you the benefit of my 2024 warlock 1500 classic journey with alpha to date.

I'm an android user, so I'll skip that part except for the dongle. Spring for the MX+. Don't cheap out. It works best, is Bluetooth and connects quickly.

Bypass cable. You need one. It not overly expensive but it does cost $$. Get this one.

Security Module Bypass | KaodTech

Will Ship 3-5 Business Days after OrderIf you have a 2018 - 2024 RAM and would like to perform diagnostics or make changes to the modules of your truck using tools like AlfaOBD or AutoEngenuity, this bypass is for you.Does this allow access to all modules?It has been tested connecting to the BCM...

www.kaodtech.com

Put in you model and pay the fee.

You install it once, if you leave it. Multiple times if you don't. Everything works afterwards with alpha when it's connected.

Last, and this is important. Make a backup of you original configuration. Then spend some time reading if you have not already.

Post in thread 'AlfaOBD' https://www.ramforum.com/threads/alfaobd.123982/post-2950820

Good luck. I've made multiple changes to my 2024 classic. Everything from mirrors to HIDs, to the splash screen, etc. It works but you really need to move slowly and research before you make changes

 

[RamDiver]

Ditto to everything Bigskyroadglide covered but I'm not a fan of the Bluetooth interface, especially when purchasing from Canadastan.

I prefer the USB interface, OBDlink SX because it's faster, more reliable, and cost less.

I also use the Windoze version of AlfaOBD because I don't trust Android. My Windoze laptop has a modified OS for those Windoze phobic types.

$75 or $210 up here for the interface from Amazon.ca .

OBDlink SX

OBDlink MX+
.

 

[Guitar Guy]

Re: programming with AlphaOBD (or any other aftermarket programmer) BEWARE - if you have a newer Ram, I think maybe from 2023 on, and you need access to any parameters that involve anti-theft security, such as remote starter or key fob, you will not be able to access them. Period. Ram now uses a "rolling PIN number" that changes every few hours. The only way to get to these settings is to have it done at an authorized dealer or a shop that pays a fortune to Ram for this ability and will have to charge you an arm and a leg. I learned the hard way!

 

[Mojo88]

I am also a noob, carefully considering the AlphaOBD for my '19 Longhorn 1500 Non-eTorque. At the same time, I am considering HPTuners and I would be buying a brand new unlocked ECM from HPTuners to play with.

HPTuners will, of course, be modifying the new ECM. Does AlphaOBD also make changes in the ECM, or does it modify a BCM? I'm just wondering if one will interfere with the other??

Thanks

 

[RamDiver]

I am also a noob, carefully considering the AlphaOBD for my '19 Longhorn 1500 Non-eTorque. At the same time, I am considering HPTuners and I would be buying a brand new unlocked ECM from HPTuners to play with.

HPTuners will, of course, be modifying the new ECM. Does AlphaOBD also make changes in the ECM, or does it modify a BCM? I'm just wondering if one will interfere with the other??

Thanks

AFAIK, there is no alteration to the ECM using AlfaOBD, only the BCM or other modules.

Some users prefer to reset all the options to OE before adding the tune and then readjusting afterwards. It would likely be best to discuss this topic with your tuner.






.

 

[Mojo88]

@RamDiver - thanks, very helpful. I am not doing full tune, just tweaking things, so I'd be doing it all myself...... very carefully and slowly, haha

Thanks again!!

 

[RamDiver]

@RamDiver - thanks, very helpful. I am not doing full tune, just tweaking things, so I'd be doing it all myself...... very carefully and slowly, haha

Thanks again!!

You're most welcome.

I'd still advise having the conversation with them about if you should maintain OE settings until you complete the tune process.

.

 

[mwarren]

Re: programming with AlphaOBD (or any other aftermarket programmer) BEWARE - if you have a newer Ram, I think maybe from 2023 on, and you need access to any parameters that involve anti-theft security, such as remote starter or key fob, you will not be able to access them. Period. Ram now uses a "rolling PIN number" that changes every few hours. The only way to get to these settings is to have it done at an authorized dealer or a shop that pays a fortune to Ram for this ability and will have to charge you an arm and a leg. I learned the hard way!

I learned the hard way too. I thought I would get this technology to program a new key instead of paying the dealer's fee and as an added bonus get the features Alfaobd offeres, but it will not pull the PIN because it says the truck uses a rolling 5-digit key and therefore can't program a key among other features. Seems the resalers of Alpaobd forgets to tell you this when you are about to give them your credit card number for a $150+ charge even after specifying you year, make and mode to make the purchase. Shame on them.

 

[RamDiver]

I learned the hard way too. I thought I would get this technology to program a new key instead of paying the dealer's fee and as an added bonus get the features Alfaobd offeres, but it will not pull the PIN because it says the truck uses a rolling 5-digit key and therefore can't program a key among other features. Seems the resalers of Alpaobd forgets to tell you this when you are about to give them your credit card number for a $150+ charge even after specifying you year, make and mode to make the purchase. Shame on them.

It sounds like you didn't research the subject sufficiently and are looking to lay the blame somewhere else.

All of this info is listed in the AlfaOBD thread and endless other forums.

AlfaOBD has numerous tweaks available besides creating new FOBs. I would have bought it to kill the foglamp dropout alone, let alone the numerous other customizations I've been able to accomplish.

And, why would you spend $150 when you can buy the Android version for $49 from https://alfaobd.com/download.html?

Or the windoze version for $56.70 from the same site.

.

 

[mwarren]

It sounds like you didn't research the subject sufficiently and are looking to lay the blame somewhere else.

All of this info is listed in the AlfaOBD thread and endless other forums.

AlfaOBD has numerous tweaks available besides creating new FOBs. I would have bought it to kill the foglamp dropout alone, let alone the numerous other customizations I've been able to accomplish.

And, why would you spend $150 when you can buy the Android version for $49 from https://alfaobd.com/download.html?

Or the windoze version for $56.70 from the same site.

.

I have to buy the bypass cable too. I researched, but never found the info about the 5 digit code. I purchased from weekend garage and all their info said you could program the keys. So I did do my research, but maybe I am not as through as you

 

[mwarren]

It sounds like you didn't research the subject sufficiently and are looking to lay the blame somewhere else.

All of this info is listed in the AlfaOBD thread and endless other forums.

AlfaOBD has numerous tweaks available besides creating new FOBs. I would have bought it to kill the foglamp dropout alone, let alone the numerous other customizations I've been able to accomplish.

And, why would you spend $150 when you can buy the Android version for $49 from https://alfaobd.com/download.html?

Or the windoze version for $56.70 from the same site.

.

oh and thanks for the warm welcome to the forum

 

[RamDiver]

oh and thanks for the warm welcome to the forum

.

 

[mwarren]

RamDiver, I never claimed to be a victim, but if you are so disinterested then why the less than helpful post? I will welcome your disinterest if you are sincerely offering to be disinterested in my post/questions!

 

[Paramedic835]

Hello to all in the forum,

New to AlfaOBD and have a couple of questions. I have a 2021 RAM 1500 Classic Tradesman with the 3.6 l Pentastar engine and would love to do some tweaking to it with the app like enabling the LED lights, enabling lowering the front windows with the FOB, programming new FOB's and so on. Now I know I will need the security bypass cable, the OBDLink MX+ and the app of course. Now, in my year and model will I be able to pull the PIN with the app or am I fried with the rolling PIN thing ? Other than making sure to back up my original configuration and doing one tweak at a time and waiting before doing the next what else should I be aware of when using the app on my truck ? Is this thread the main AlfaOBD thread or is there other I should give a read first and if so do you have the link for it ? Thanks so much in advance for your responses.

 

[RamDiver]

Hello to all in the forum,

New to AlfaOBD and have a couple of questions. I have a 2021 RAM 1500 Classic Tradesman with the 3.6 l Pentastar engine and would love to do some tweaking to it with the app like enabling the LED lights, enabling lowering the front windows with the FOB, programming new FOB's and so on. Now I know I will need the security bypass cable, the OBDLink MX+ and the app of course. Now, in my year and model will I be able to pull the PIN with the app or am I fried with the rolling PIN thing ? Other than making sure to back up my original configuration and doing one tweak at a time and waiting before doing the next what else should I be aware of when using the app on my truck ? Is this thread the main AlfaOBD thread or is there other I should give a read first and if so do you have the link for it ? Thanks so much in advance for your responses.

AFAIK, our trucks from 2021 don't have the rolling PIN code, but I have yet to prove that theory.

I've learned to leave my ignition off unless otherwise directed by AlfaOBD. I usually cycle it once after most changes.

Also, if you tweak your wheel circumference size, read the warning notification during the procedure and be prepared to re-initialize the ABS module.

I adjust my wheel sizes regularly, summer and winter tire sizes are different, and during the last adjustment, I experienced a DTC storm.

Among other things, the EPS and speedo quit working until the ABS module was re-initialized.

The AlfaOBD thread URL is in my signature line.

Have fun tweaking and making it yours.

.