Used Alpha OBD software, Now Radio Volume and Channel Knobs No Longer Work?

[greast]

Hi Guys - been a lurker for many years and attempted to look for an answer to this using search, but no joy so far.
I have a 2020 RAM Limited, 6.7 diesel with the 12" GPS/Radio screen. Somehow, I lost my heated seat option usually on the screen at startup in colder weather. I used my Alpha OBD software to get the heated seat screen to come back up at start and of course, looked at a few other options to 'adjust.'
I must have made another adjustment somewhere to NOT allow the radio volume OR channel adjustment knobs to function as they did.
I have read other posts regarding the Automatic Noise Control setting forcing this and also a radio reset might fix this, but neither of those made any difference in my case.
The arrows on the touch screen will adjust the channels, but I have NOT figured out how to adjust the volume of the radio. Thankfully, it was at a medium volume when it failed, so the radio is audible, but lower than I would like during driving.
I have tried adjusting all the radio settings I can recognize in the Alpha OBD list but have yet to get either the volume or channel knob to return of function.
Also, holding down the on/off switch DOES NOT RESET THE RADIO. I can get it to go into DEALER MODE, but that doesn't reset the radio? I could disconnect the batteries to see if that would reset the radio, have NOT done that yet. Any help or the correct computer setting you might recommend for me to get the knob function back would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!
Thanks for all help - in advance! greast (as in Lightning) aka chuckw

 

[jeremyallendean]

Did you save a log of your truck before you made changes. If so find out what you changed that your truck doesn’t like and switch back. If you can’t figure out how to get it working you can take it to the dealer and they can restore it to factory settings and get everything working again. Then pull a log and save it and start making changes with alfaobd again

 

[greast]

Hi Jeremy - Thank you for your reply!! For other searching for a similar fix, I will update you and others with what has transpired since my first post. I wound up taking it to the dealer and their mechanic "thought" a radio replacement would fix my problem. I ordered a "remanufactured" radio to replace the original unit and installed it myself. Really, the unit is just plug and play, but the company that provides the refurbished radios to RAM does advise you to disconnect both batteries BEFORE installing the radio AND perform TWO factory resets immediately after installation. The dealership was going to require a $1,000 deposit for the radio core, so I elected to remove and replace the radio in the dealer parking lot. After installation, I was UNABLE to do the factory resets, because the screen was NOT communicating with the radio and after the remanufactured radio was installed EVERYTHING remained as it was before. Still NO VOLUME OR CHANNEL CONTROLS. Touch screen operated the same as it did BEFORE the radio swap. I immediately returned to the dealer following the installation and was informed that "electronic parts" ARE NOT RETURNABLE and they would NOT accept a return or allow me access to the radio core I gave them to avoid the $1,000 deposit.
FYI - one of their DEALER supplied "remanufactured radios' runs around $700.
NOW, my only other option is to replace the screen which (I think) includes the center console screen, switches, climate control buttons, and auxiliary bottom switches, etc. Not really sure about this until I get the new insert to see what I will need to remove and replace in the 'new' replacement part. I would guess that the OE bottom switches will need to be removed and installed into the new insert. I will try to update with what RAM sends and what was required to make the swap. The installation of the insert appears to be plug and play, similar to the radio installation and I expect to accomplish the install myself. The cost of a new center console screen is $1475.
I have to say, $2200 seems a bit much to get the radio volume and channel knobs to work. But what other options are we offered from RAM? There is a navigation system included with the 12-inch screen, along with all the apps which we all paid dearly for? Mind you, the above figure does NOT include shop labor hours at $185/hour.
All this to say, I am hopeful that the 'new' replacement screen will allow the radio volume and channel selector knobs to operate as intended.
Again, thank you Jeremy! I will update you and others as to what is provided with the replacement screen and regarding the final results.
greast - chuckw

 

[greast]

Update after Screen Replacement. NO CHANGE, both knobs, volume and channel selector still do not work.
Upon determining the replacement screen did not fix the issue, I immediately removed the new screen and reinstalled my original screen. Wow, not sure how to proceed at this point?
The screen will still allow me to select different radio stations, along with the switch on the left rear steering wheel. I did discover I can adjust the volume ONLY by using the switch on the right-side rear of the steering wheel, so at least for now, adjustment is possible. Lots of money spent, items not repaired, and dealer/service writer/techs don't have any other suggestions??
I do have a brand-new screen available, Part #68370849AC. PM me if you're interested.

 

[RamDiver]

Sorry to hear about your grief.

Was the radio working 100% before the AlfaOBD tweaks?

I don't recall seeing any response to the question posed about an AlfaOBD log file, do you have anything recorded on the OE state before or changes made?

AlfaOBD and its use with Ram trucks is not always precise or straightforward.
Unexpected outcomes are not unusual with procedures not commonly executed.

I once tweaked a setting for a cargo light that completely disabled the power steering.

As a personal SOP for any AlfaOBD adjustments, if I haven't created a recent log file within the past 48 hours, I create a new log file before and after tweaking.

Plus, I record the specific location in AlfaOBD and details in a Notepad file every time.
I use AlfaOBD for windoze.

I've heard it said more than once, don't change more than 1 or 2 items at a time until completing several ignition cycles to determine the reaction.

.

 

[greast]

Certainly all good advice! Thank you Michael!
Yes, the radio was working well before, both volume and channel dials, no problems.
I'm really NOT sure it was due to any of the AlphaOBD changes I made. Could have been coincidental, but it did follow my changing a few parameters. I have recently updated my copies of existing settings, but unfortunately failed to do one just before my mid-December changes.
Your recommendation about not doing more than 1 or 2 changes at a time is one I have read before and that may have been the case then, but I just can't recall what parameter(s) were changed. I will implement your suggestion of a note pad. That record would have helped IF the AlphaOBD changes were/are the culprit.
Thanks again, I DO APPRECIATE the time you took to help me out.
greast (aka chuckw)

 

[RamDiver]

You're most welcome.

Given that you're uncertain of the AlfaOBD tweaks just before these radio adjustment issues started, instead of firing a parts cannon to find a bizarro problem, I would make an effort to restore the OE configuration first. It could be free and a fun adventure.


You're not the first member to have an AlfaOBD adventure without having a backup OE file.

If you can locate another OE backup file from another user with the same or similar truck, I've read more than a few success stories.

Obtain a donor OE backup file.
Make a backup of your current configuration, then load the donor file.

I've never completed a restoral via a loading of the configuration backup but I've read several success stories and stayed at a Holiday Inn.

The alternative is to print off the donated OE backup file and your current backup, then go through them line by line.

I have used programs that compare xls or PDF files, highlighting the differences but, don't have any suggested programs, too long ago.

.

 

[greast]

Very much appreciated, ALL great suggestions!! Thank you for your time and trouble. greast

 

[RamDiver]

Very much appreciated, ALL great suggestions!! Thank you for your time and trouble. greast

You're welcome, no trouble at all.

Most of us here are just attempting to keep our brains functioning so that senility doesn't creep in sooner.

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