Having new Power Steering Unit programmed at dealership?

[Want to Drive]

It looks like the electronic steering rack on my 2014 1500 needs to be replaced. The dealership quoted $3,900 for the job. Rock Auto has the unit for $2,000 shipped.

I've read that the new EPS will need to be programmed to the truck and I'm wondering if I can purchase and install the rack myself and have the dealership program it to the truck?

Will the new steering rack be recognized by the truck and steer so I can get the truck to the dealership for programming?

Has anyone installed an EPS themselves and had it programmed elsewhere?

 

[Ken226]

It looks like the electronic steering rack on my 2014 1500 needs to be replaced. The dealership quoted $3,900 for the job. Rock Auto has the unit for $2,000 shipped.

I've read that the new EPS will need to be programmed to the truck and I'm wondering if I can purchase and install the rack myself and have the dealership program it to the truck?

Will the new steering rack be recognized by the truck and steer so I can get the truck to the dealership for programming?

Has anyone installed an EPS themselves and had it programmed elsewhere?

I installed a new one from MoparPartsGiant.com last year. It took about an hour. I used a measuring tape to get the steering alignment close on the new one, then had a local shop do the alignment later.

I didn't have to program anything.

 

[Ken226]

Just to clarify, Im not certain, but I believe that if it is a new steering gear and has never been installed, your trucks PCM will accept it.

If it's a used one, you may have to initialize it with a scanner or AlfaOBD or something, or you'll get a VIN mismatch error. With a rebuilt unit, I have no idea. I'd assume it still has the VIN from its previous life in memory, but maybe the rebuilder cleared it?


OEM is cheaper than $2000 for an aftermarket RockAuto unit. This is the one I used in my 2013.

68628858AA - Mopar Parts Giant

www.moparpartsgiant.com

Note that MoparPartsGiant says it "doesn't fit", my truck. It fits fine and has been working perfectly since Feb 2024.


Edit: To initialize it, connect to Ram 1500 DS, steering, MY 2013+ Powernet:




Then reset vin values



Then hit start.

 

[Want to Drive]

@Ken226 Thanks for the information. To clarify, you did or did not have to go through the process with the alphaobd?

 

[Ken226]

@Ken226 Thanks for the information. To clarify, you did or did not have to go through the process with the alphaobd?

I did not.

Others who have bought used, or rebuilt units have had to use alfaOBD.

Mine was a brand new Mopar unit and worked right out of the box.


Here is my original post from when I did the job

Post in thread 'Anyone know where to find a rack and pinion?' https://www.ramforum.com/threads/anyone-know-where-to-find-a-rack-and-pinion.203728/post-2897608

 

[Want to Drive]

I did not.

Others who have bought used, or rebuilt units have had to use alfaOBD.

Mine was a brand new Mopar unit and worked right out of the box.


Here is my original post from when I did the job

Post in thread 'Anyone know where to find a rack and pinion?' https://www.ramforum.com/threads/anyone-know-where-to-find-a-rack-and-pinion.203728/post-2897608

Cool, thanks. I'll read through that.

 

[davidprestin]

I have the steering problem too. 2014 Ram Limited. I bought the new Dorman from rock auto and put it on myself. it is at the dealer right now getting programed. It did drive right out of the box but it also had a steering angle issue so that threw 2 codes c0051- 26 steering wheel position sensor-signal bias and c0051-62 steering wheel position sensor compare failure. The new unit has a lifetime guarantee. The Mopar parts are rebuilt with a 3yr guarantee. 96,632 miles when it quit working.

 

[davidprestin]

I had the service power steering light and no PS. I got the truck used and it was showing the little steering wheel light at start up which I assume means the was codes in the ecm. a couple of times the was no PS and turn it off and restart would clear the issue. Then the service power steering message. I did my own trouble shooting. I did heat the module with a heat gun and that got rid of the SPS. The next day it was back. The belt was fine, the wiring was good. I took the unit off to see if the was something obvious on the electronic board. Heating it up and it worked means to me the solder is cracked some where. It was clean inside with no signs of moisture. Where the small wires connect to the board there was some corrosion on the facing out side. I couldn't get the board out with all the sealant holding the power connector in place to see the backside. I reinstalled it in the truck and in 3 starts I got the SPS again. I decided to replace the whole thing If I was going to take it out again. Anyone know where to get rid of the core ? I could use some money back! I paid $1739 for the new one.

 

[mlmim3591]

Did the dealer programming work out okay for you? I have a new Dorman and it does not work out of the box. Trying to resolve this.
TIA

 

[Jeepwalker]

I wonder if/when some owner will try relocating the EPS control board up to the side of the fender well (out of the moisture elements) ...inside a ventilated but dry box.... see if removing heat and moisture effects solves most EPS problems for good??