Ram 1500 Trailer Brake Controller: Install, ECU Programming, and First Impressions

Here I am installing a trailer brake controller into my 2016 Ram 1500. I am also enabling the controller in the ECU using a bluetooth ODB2 module and the AlfaODB app for android. This install should be similar for Ram 2500 and 3500. Note that AlfaODB is not available for iPhone and that 2018+ Ram trucks require an FCA Security Bypass module to make changes to the ecu, or will have to be enabled by the dealer.
Items featured in this video:
Ram Trailer Brake Controller:
Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 Model years 2016-2018 + Ram Classic 2019+ amzn.to/49S7kWo
Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 Model years 2013-2014 amzn.to/3QllnvB
I don't have a link for Model years 2009-2012, if you have one please let me know.
Vlinker MC+ Bluetooth OBD2 Diagnostic Scan tool: amzn.to/3Pelwzq

[@scottcpan68]

That's definitely an aftermarket kit but as long as it works there's no need to spend the extra money on the Mopar kit. I'd also note that the kit in your Amazon link is for trucks 2016 and newer. Ram has changed the module a few times in the 4th Gens, 2009-2012's share the same module, 2013-2014's share the same module and 2015 uses a module unique for that one year.

[@nothandsomebuthandy]

Great info, I'm going to update the video description with links to modules for all the different years. Thank you

[@123river1]

I’ve done it several times won’t show up on the screen when using + and - buttons in cab

[@nothandsomebuthandy]

@@123river1 do you get a message when the trailer is connected?

[@123river1]

@@nothandsomebuthandy let me try. Also in app. It doesn’t say process successful or unsuccessful just goes back to next. I’ve watched your video maybe 10 times

[@123river1]

@@nothandsomebuthandy no message when trailer connected. I can hear the module in cab when I hit the brakes

[@nothandsomebuthandy]

@123river1 What year is your Ram?

[@123river1]

@@nothandsomebuthandy 2015

[@JHNCV]

Hi thnaks you for the video! You know how cam i get de security bypass or FCA?

[@nothandsomebuthandy]

Do you have 2018+?

[@JHNCV]

@@nothandsomebuthandy yes I have a 2023 ram 2500 Dj, Thanks to your video I have already installed the brake now I am trying to do the update! Do you think it is possible to do it with the alfaOBD demo?

[@nothandsomebuthandy]

@JHNCV I didn't know there was a demo. I imagine it might have limited features and there are several things to change in the ecu and it would suck not to be able to complete all the changes.

[@nothandsomebuthandy]

@JHNCV here is a link to basic instructions for the security bypass: www.obdgenie.com/pages/boxbypassinstructions there are other brands to choose from but install should be similar.

[@Doitright2340]

What app did you use to change the settings? Just the v-linker mc app?

[@nothandsomebuthandy]

@@Doitright2340 AlfaODB

[@nf100]

I have a '13 and am thinking of doing this. I didn'nt check when I changed my heater core but are the connectors already there just secured since not being used?

[@nothandsomebuthandy]

They should be but check first. Under the dash on the driver's side near the radio there should be two connectors wrapped in grey foam. Easy to find without taking anything apart.

[@cooperreynolds]

Is there another app that will work with iPhone?

[@nothandsomebuthandy]

Not that I'm aware of. I think there is something for windows but I'm not familiar with it. I have read that people bought a cheap amazon tablet to run alfaodb rather than source an android phone.