Headlamps & DRLs - rant and fixes

[the.tru.albertan]

Hi everyone and Happy New Year! First time poster here. Was directed over here from RamForumz.

I live in Western Canada and have a brand new 2020 Ram 2500 Laramie with the Cummins. Great truck and perfect for me but alas... the DRL situation. I would love just the 'accent signature lighting' to be the DRL's and the low beam off. Unsure why Ram went this dumb route with the low beam when previous models only had the LED strips as DRL's. My 2014 Ram 1500 only had the amber LED DRL's.

Reading this thread, it appears that changing this involves pulling and re-pinning wires and then configuring using the AlfaOBD?? Man, that's a lot of messing around. Was hoping it would be far more simple than that.

 

[heyguy]

Hi everyone and Happy New Year! First time poster here. Was directed over here from RamForumz.

I live in Western Canada and have a brand new 2020 Ram 2500 Laramie with the Cummins. Great truck and perfect for me but alas... the DRL situation. I would love just the 'accent signature lighting' to be the DRL's and the low beam off. Unsure why Ram went this dumb route with the low beam when previous models only had the LED strips as DRL's. My 2014 Ram 1500 only had the amber LED DRL's.

Reading this thread, it appears that changing this involves pulling and re-pinning wires and then configuring using the AlfaOBD?? Man, that's a lot of messing around. Was hoping it would be far more simple than that.

Alberta here as well. No messing around with wires, AlfaOBD alone will do it. Did it on my Limited.

 

[the.tru.albertan]

Alberta here as well. No messing around with wires, AlfaOBD alone will do it. Did it on my Limited.

Hey there. Where abouts in Alberta are you? I'm in the Red Deer area.

@Jimmy07 posted earlier in this thread about doing the re-pinning unless I'm misunderstanding. Good to know you have already done this using just the OBD. Complicated?

 

[DaveyB]

@heyguy, did you get the lead to plug it in. I think that is what TTA means by the pins.

Hello Tru Albertan (you definitely are with spelling like that I'm an ex-pat Englishman in Medicine Hat, so I notice things like that!), Ram Canada have dropped a massive bollock with those lights! Not only does it look **** (a minor inconvenience), but it is less safe - as the headlights are on at full power all the time, it is easy to forget to have tail lights on if you don't use the auto setting on the switch - not that anyone would as you can't turn the ****ing lights of with it!...

I was told by the dealership it is a regional setting (Canada, so we can blame the Liberals knowing better for us) so needs changing in the ecu and they won't do it, hence 'Heyguy' getting the AlfaOBD and changing it. You can change other things with that such as fog lights with main beam, and few of the niggles like having the gear position indicator on all the time. It may be possible to change some of the performance parameters but there are better people than I to explain that. I think you also need a lead to plug the AlfaOBD into 2020- trucks as there is an attempt to by Ram to lock down the electronics. There is a link on here somewhere.

 

[MSundet]

I addition to this with the accent strips can you keep them at full power when running headlights? I would like to keep my accent strips at full power ruin running with my headlights.

Yes I did read through this thread but might have missed this part... I thought it mostly contained daytime running lights not the accent strips.


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[DaveyB]

It will probably depend on the trim level lights spec. I think in the US mode, you can have accent strips only, but I don't know if they can be fully bright - I would doubt it, you couldn't on the 4th gen amber accent/DRLs.

 

[MSundet]

It will probably depend on the trim level lights spec. I think in the US mode, you can have accent strips only, but I don't know if they can be fully bright - I would doubt it, you couldn't on the 4th gen amber accent/DRLs.

I’m in Minnesota, I have has a 2018 and now a 2020, Laramie 2 package I know that in the Ford world you can adjust all of the lighting when you connect to the obdII I had a fried and the dealership that knew the Ins and outs of them but now that I’m in the Ram world I don’t know anything or anybody that knows so I thought I would ask here.

I love my Ram and won’t go back to anything else such a better HD truck just wish this year got a new cab and new MEGA Cab. I hope they make the next ones with Mega cabs!

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[the.tru.albertan]

Hello again everyone and special "Alberta hello" to @DaveyB .... I tip my cowboy hat to you. lol

This is the required harness to get past the security to change stuff the AlphaOBD?

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

 

[the.tru.albertan]

Also told to look into the Tazer. Comes with the bypass module.

Tazer Ram Security Bypass Modules – Z Automotive

www.zautomotive.com

 

[heyguy]

Hello again everyone and special "Alberta hello" to @DaveyB .... I tip my cowboy hat to you. lol

This is the required harness to get past the security to change stuff the AlphaOBD?

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

Yup that's what you need.

 

[the.tru.albertan]

Ok thanks guys.

 

[EuroRam]

Also told to look into the Tazer. Comes with the bypass module.

Tazer Ram Security Bypass Modules – Z Automotive

www.zautomotive.com

Any experience with this ? Which one to prefer , the alpha or the tazer ? I am mostly interested in changing the headlights setting

 

[the.tru.albertan]

Any experience with this ? Which one to prefer , the alpha or the tazer ? I am mostly interested in changing the headlights setting

Hi there, I haven't done anything yet. But I'll be using the AlphaOBD with the security module bypass from KaodTech for my '20 RAM 2500.

 

[Brutal_HO]

Any experience with this ? Which one to prefer , the alpha or the tazer ? I am mostly interested in changing the headlights setting

The big difference is the Tazer can do active man-in-the-middle and has features you can't do with alfaOBD like auto-fold mirrors, light show, and a few other things. I believe it also allows NAV in motion.

 

[CdnHD]

I have a Ram 2019 Limited from Canada and I have turned my DRL's off just leaving the top and bottom led strips on. If anyone with a Canadian Ram wants to do the same ask away. I used a SGW bypass, OBD2 Link MX and the AlfaOBD app. Took me a while to work out what to do but could explain it to anyone who wants to do the same.

Once I get mine, I'll be back for that info~~1

 

[Ray Payne]

I have a Ram 2019 Limited from Canada and I have turned my DRL's off just leaving the top and bottom led strips on. If anyone with a Canadian Ram wants to do the same ask away. I used a SGW bypass, OBD2 Link MX and the AlfaOBD app. Took me a while to work out what to do but could explain it to anyone who wants to do the same.

I'd love to know these settings if you could share. (I assume they would be the same for the 2020 model.) I am ordering the parts to change the codes. Driving in Toronto traffic, you either have to keep gaps small in heavy traffic or get cut off constantly as people try to fill the gap. Leaving a small gap blinds most cars in front of me. Any time I'm in heavy traffic it would be nice to turn off the primary headlights and run with the accent strips and fog lights. In addition to the other times already stated people see value in not having them on full brightness.

 

[ram5thgen]

Alright, I see why it’s not working on an HD truck (non-export). The dedicated DRL circuits from the BCM are not used to drive the signature lighting like they are on the 5th gens and exports. You would need to switch two wires around on the bcm connectors to make it happen. This is a big PITA if you have a factory amp because it has to be removed to gain access, but I’ll show what wires they are in case you, or anyone else wants to do it. You have to de-pin the wire in C1/A pin 5, and re-pin it in C1/A pin 22. Then, de-pin the wire in C1/A pin 7, and re-pin it in C4/D pin 15.

AlfaOBD settings will be as follows:

ECUConfig 3: DRL Customer Setting Option Present- Yes

CBC Features: DRL Configuration- Optional DRL

CBC Features: DRL Lamp Location- Dedicated

CBC Features: DRL Dropout Enabled- Yes

CBC Config I/O: Right Dedicated DRL Lamp/Right Signature LED Present/Right Front Turn Signal #2/Headlamp Leveling Output Present- YES

CBC Config I/O: Left Dedicated DRL Lamps/ Left Front Turn Signal #2/Left Signature LED Present- YES

CBC Config I/O Usage: Front Park/Signature Lamp Left Pin A7- NO

2014 CBC Config I/O & Feat.: Bed Lighting Present Pin A5- NO (you might have to switch over to DT MY2020 BCM to get this setting)

CBC Extern. Light Calibration: Signature Light Present- NO

CBC Extern. Light Calibration: Left Side (and right side) DRL Voltage Target- ADJUST HOW YOU WANT FOR BRIGHTNESS

CustSetMenu 1: Daytime Running Lights CSM Present- YES

The above method will get rid of low beams for DRLs, make the signature lighting the only lamps on as DRLs, will make the signature lights adjustable for brightness through alfaOBD, will make the signature light “drop out” on the side that the turn signal is being used, and will be able to be toggled on/off with the DRL radio setting.

Alright, I see why it’s not working on an HD truck (non-export). The dedicated DRL circuits from the BCM are not used to drive the signature lighting like they are on the 5th gens and exports. You would need to switch two wires around on the bcm connectors to make it happen. This is a big PITA if you have a factory amp because it has to be removed to gain access, but I’ll show what wires they are in case you, or anyone else wants to do it. You have to de-pin the wire in C1/A pin 5, and re-pin it in C1/A pin 22. Then, de-pin the wire in C1/A pin 7, and re-pin it in C4/D pin 15.

AlfaOBD settings will be as follows:

ECUConfig 3: DRL Customer Setting Option Present- Yes

CBC Features: DRL Configuration- Optional DRL

CBC Features: DRL Lamp Location- Dedicated

CBC Features: DRL Dropout Enabled- Yes

CBC Config I/O: Right Dedicated DRL Lamp/Right Signature LED Present/Right Front Turn Signal #2/Headlamp Leveling Output Present- YES

CBC Config I/O: Left Dedicated DRL Lamps/ Left Front Turn Signal #2/Left Signature LED Present- YES

CBC Config I/O Usage: Front Park/Signature Lamp Left Pin A7- NO

2014 CBC Config I/O & Feat.: Bed Lighting Present Pin A5- NO (you might have to switch over to DT MY2020 BCM to get this setting)

CBC Extern. Light Calibration: Signature Light Present- NO

CBC Extern. Light Calibration: Left Side (and right side) DRL Voltage Target- ADJUST HOW YOU WANT FOR BRIGHTNESS

CustSetMenu 1: Daytime Running Lights CSM Present- YES

The above method will get rid of low beams for DRLs, make the signature lighting the only lamps on as DRLs, will make the signature lights adjustable for brightness through alfaOBD, will make the signature light “drop out” on the side that the turn signal is being used, and will be able to be toggled on/off with the DRL radio setting.

Hi,

Are these Alfaobd settings for the projector led? I have the reflector led, would these settings be the same?

Thanks

 

[snakedoctor00]

No, but you can configure them so they are actually the DRLs. That way you can toggle them on/off with the DRL radio setting.

Jimmy for the above mentioned to work, is that what you were saying to de pin/re pin certain wires within the light?

I would like to be able to turn off all lights when the truck is running and with the mid level reflector LED with signature lights this isn’t possible.

 

[Apock23]

Alright, I see why it’s not working on an HD truck (non-export). The dedicated DRL circuits from the BCM are not used to drive the signature lighting like they are on the 5th gens and exports. You would need to switch two wires around on the bcm connectors to make it happen. This is a big PITA if you have a factory amp because it has to be removed to gain access, but I’ll show what wires they are in case you, or anyone else wants to do it. You have to de-pin the wire in C1/A pin 5, and re-pin it in C1/A pin 22. Then, de-pin the wire in C1/A pin 7, and re-pin it in C4/D pin 15.

AlfaOBD settings will be as follows:

ECUConfig 3: DRL Customer Setting Option Present- Yes

CBC Features: DRL Configuration- Optional DRL

CBC Features: DRL Lamp Location- Dedicated

CBC Features: DRL Dropout Enabled- Yes

CBC Config I/O: Right Dedicated DRL Lamp/Right Signature LED Present/Right Front Turn Signal #2/Headlamp Leveling Output Present- YES

CBC Config I/O: Left Dedicated DRL Lamps/ Left Front Turn Signal #2/Left Signature LED Present- YES

CBC Config I/O Usage: Front Park/Signature Lamp Left Pin A7- NO

2014 CBC Config I/O & Feat.: Bed Lighting Present Pin A5- NO (you might have to switch over to DT MY2020 BCM to get this setting)

CBC Extern. Light Calibration: Signature Light Present- NO

CBC Extern. Light Calibration: Left Side (and right side) DRL Voltage Target- ADJUST HOW YOU WANT FOR BRIGHTNESS

CustSetMenu 1: Daytime Running Lights CSM Present- YES

The above method will get rid of low beams for DRLs, make the signature lighting the only lamps on as DRLs, will make the signature lights adjustable for brightness through alfaOBD, will make the signature light “drop out” on the side that the turn signal is being used, and will be able to be toggled on/off with the DRL radio setting.

Hey jimmy I found this thread while asking you about the signature LED lamps top and bottom output. It caught my eye when you said it will make the signature lights adjustable for brightness with alfaobd. I successfully changed the halogen lights on my tradesmen to the LED midnight edition lights. Will these settings you show work on the 2020 2500 ram for adjustable brightness to the signature lights and do the whole off function when blinker signal is on etc. I feel confident enough as I made my way though alfaobd for the actual headlight swap.

also if I change anything in BCM setting as long as I take picture to undo any of them am I at any risk of changing a setting that will damage my lights?

 

[Jimmy07]

Hey jimmy I found this thread while asking you about the signature LED lamps top and bottom output. It caught my eye when you said it will make the signature lights adjustable for brightness with alfaobd. I successfully changed the halogen lights on my tradesmen to the LED midnight edition lights. Will these settings you show work on the 2020 2500 ram for adjustable brightness to the signature lights and do the whole off function when blinker signal is on etc. I feel confident enough as I made my way though alfaobd for the actual headlight swap.

also if I change anything in BCM setting as long as I take picture to undo any of them am I at any risk of changing a setting that will damage my lights?

I have since discovered that the method I posted above doesn’t work. The dedicated DRL feature doesn’t work on the 2019+ HDs, and signature lighting is controlled by LIN bus, so there’s no tweaking you can do with the signature lighting other than turn them on and off with AlfaOBD.