ABS Unit -DRB III Question to the Specialists

[Ozymandias]

Hello
I had a Prblem with the ABS Electronic in my 2004 RAM.
So I bought a used unit from eBay.com and installed it already, fine.
After installation the BCM won't work with this unit (same part#) and tells me "mismatch VIN", so far so good.
Went to my Dealer to have it Programmed - well, Dealer told me he can't program it because its a used unit and new units come pre-programed from MOPAR.

Question; Is the Dealer right or does he just want to sell me a new Unit????????

Any Help would be appreciated.

 

[Wayne M.]

Ozy, I did install a new ABS computer/ module in my '98 Durango with rear only ABS. AT the time I had access to a DRB. Indeed I had to input the tire size and IIRC the VIN. I don't know if a used one can be reprogrammed. That's something I'd like to know myself. I believe your 4 wheel unit needs programming.

 

[Bob4x4]

I have been able to change the vin in used abs units with a drb,the pinion factor or other tire size info depending on year/model

 

[Ozymandias]

Thanks so far, has someone performed this on a 2004-2006 RAM?
I would need the exact way to do this with the DRB III to show it to my Dealer.

Just for Information, I'm in real trouble now because the #5114538AB is in Backorder and without a working ABS I won't get my truck trough the Swiss DOT Checkup and back on the road, at the moment it is sitting in the driveway and is illegal to drive.
I'm a little disappointed.....

 

[Wayne M.]

Ozy, You really need your own access to a DRB. This is a issue for many of us. In the past, Tech Authority rented them for a small kings ransom, but at least it was possible. Now I don't think there's even an offer to do that. I am still searching for a pro quality scan tool alternative to the DRB, at least one that will do diagnostic and Chrysler ABS functions we need. It's frustrating. I'm sure FCA has little sympathy for us independents. You in another country are further away in every aspect!

I have the '98 KH ABS manual for both systems. I don't think there has been a change until witech after '06. I will try to look ASAP.

 

[Wayne M.]

Ozy, here is the flow chart to diagnose code84/ mismatched VIN. I hope it applies to the 04. I looked at the first test, but to get to first base, you gotta have the DRB. I'm also posting the CAB (Controller Antilock Brake) unit chart which goes over programming. Show this to the dealer. Good luck!

 

[Wayne M.]

Sorry about sideways. Phone upload. I will try and edit.

 

[cerberusiam]

Controller Technologies advertises DRB III non-CAN scanners that will do everything the factory tool will. It will even flash the ECU if you subscribe to Tech Authority. There are solutions available.

 

[Wayne M.]

Controller Technologies advertises DRB III non-CAN scanners that will do everything the factory tool will. It will even flash the ECU if you subscribe to Tech Authority. There are solutions available.

It's only $2495. Such a deal! I'd rather get a real DRB with all the scope and attachment goodies.

 

[jfluffy2]

you could rent it for a week for 200.00. that's cheaper than going to the dealer. fix the problem yourself.

 

[Bob4x4]

The drb111 only works on 05 and older.I would guess they should be showing up in the used markets from time to time.but they do fail so be careful about getting one that works.

 

[Wayne M.]

The drb111 only works on 05 and older.I would guess they should be showing up in the used markets from time to time.but they do fail so be careful about getting one that works.

Yes, Bob. That's what happened. The job still owns the DRB. it failed. Seems like the hardware got corrupt. We sent it to HQ to have it fixed but since all the pieces that needed it have been relinquished, they don't want to fix it. Likely never see it again

 

[cerberusiam]

It's only $2495. Such a deal! I'd rather get a real DRB with all the scope and attachment goodies.

Then spend $4000 and get the kit. Take the chance it is good and loose it when it goes bad and you can't find somebody to fix it or it cost too much.

As opposed to getting the software version that runs on your lap top with the scope right there and all the features needed to do 90% of the things you ever need to do.

Hard choice to make; pay almost twice as much for harder to repair harder to find an support solution to get a couple hundred in attachments, or, invest in a software based system that runs on easy to find easy to replace hardware with a few less wires and fittings for 1/2 the price that will do almost all of what is needed without additions. Yeah, I an see how hard that decision is.

Bottom line, the solutions are available. Bottom line, if you think they are too expensive sell the truck cuz nothing you ever do is gonna meet $$ expectations. These trucks are expensive, parts are expensive, good tools are expensive. Suck it up and spend the $$ or join the line looking for a dealer solution. I will spend the $2500 to do something a dealer won't do to so they can pocket a grand or more every time there is a similar problem, won't do cuz Corporate won't let them or train them on it.

Spent more on a 4 day weekend party. Not a hard choice to make.

 

[Wayne M.]

Take a Chill cerb. And the next time you're throwing a party like that invite the guy from Switzerland who we are trying to help.

 

[Ozymandias]

Thanks so far, I look forward with the dealer.
Just as a side Note- Chrysler (FIAT) stopped any support for the DRBIII Unit, no software, no hardware - they killed it.
I mean - this DRBIII System has left Production only around ten years ago - there are still millions of cars on the road that just NEED this Unit to stay alive.

And they stopped it, those crazy morons stopped it.


Those 2495.-$ Unit - have a link for?????

 

[p-Bar]

Here ya go Ozy:

http://www.ctchome.com/drb-iii-emulator.html

 

[cerberusiam]

Take a Chill cerb. And the next time you're throwing a party like that invite the guy from Switzerland who we are trying to help.

Hmmm, looks like that is what I am doing with suggestions for solutions that Ozy is far from the first to have and observe the problems therin associated. What have you contirbuted besides poo-pooing any idea that costs more than a $1.95?

I mean - this DRBIII System has left Production only around ten years ago - there are still millions of cars on the road that just NEED this Unit to stay alive.

Yep, over 7 years and it is history. Basically we are left with a dealer and their hit or miss reluctance, or, buy something that will work. It makes an even bigger difference when one has 3 or 4 vehicles that have the same needs. I have spent more than that on tires, more than that on mods, more than that on updates\changes. I just don't see an issue with the cost, all things considered.

On my list of next purchases along with a set of BBI's. As soon as moving is done and wife is happy with new digs it will be be on the front burner.

http://www.controllertech.com/drb-iii-emulator.html

 

[sag2]

Thanks so far, I look forward with the dealer.
Just as a side Note- Chrysler (FIAT) stopped any support for the DRBIII Unit, no software, no hardware - they killed it.
I mean - this DRBIII System has left Production only around ten years ago - there are still millions of cars on the road that just NEED this Unit to stay alive.

And they stopped it, those crazy morons stopped it.


Those 2495.-$ Unit - have a link for?????

They do not support DRBIII any longer but the dealers all have DRBIII emulator that uses the wi-Tech application. It does not go back quite as far as the DRBIII does, but it works on most vehicles the dealer will ever see.

 

[Ozymandias]

The witech emulator was nor be able to do the software update on the ECM last month, only with the DRBIII is was possible.
So the emulator is not a full, how should I say, solution? for the DRBIII.


Question; Does one of you work with this http://www.controllertech.com/drb-iii-emulator.html ?
Is it really capable to do everything a DRBIII does?
Any operation that I can't do?

I got the PIN for my truck already.

If it really IS capable then I'll buy it.

 

[Ozymandias]

@cerb
That's why I bought the expensive AutoEnginuity Tool, it can do most of the tasks I needed so far. Including some programing and other options.
I'm willing and able to spend that money but I do not want to burn money.