Here I am

Installation of Factory Backup Camera Kit - Alfa OBD Enable?

Attention: TDR Forum Junkies
To the point: Click this link and check out the Front Page News story(ies) where we are tracking the introduction of the 2025 Ram HD trucks.

Thanks, TDR Staff

Extended Warranty and FCA "Customer First Award for Excellence"

Bought a new RAM 2020 Mega dually 4x4 AISIN.

Status
Not open for further replies.
Since I have the Uconnect radio and frequently hitch up to a travel trailer, I really would like a backup camera.

I bought the kit from a Dodge dealer and am almost done with the install. It is not a simple installation! You have to remove pins from a connector below the tailgate and install in the new harness, route the harness down the frame rail by the main body harness - just labor intensive.

I am almost done, but have run into two snags. Below the main harness where it enters the firewall on the drivers side the instructions have you cut a rubber nipple and feed a small harness through to the cab to connect to the body module and radio. Haven't had much success here. Anyone know of a trick for getting this harness through?

After taking a break from trying to get the harness through the dash, I decided to enable the camera and connect in with the OBDLinkMX+ and Alfa OBD app on the tablet. I found a setting to enable the camera gridlines, but am not able to find a setting to enable the backup camera. Is it possible to enable the backup camera with the Alfa app or do I need to take to the dealer to enable?

Appreciate any and all help.

Thanks again!
Mark
 
For pushing wires through the boots, I used a small stiff wire when I installed my factory add on remote start. Wasn't much fun but doable. I transited from the wire to a piece of fishing line to pull the wire through. Once the wire was through, I dabbed a bit a silicone sealer on the boot. Hope that helps.
I'm in Alfa sitting here and in the body computer Customer Config, ECUConfig3: Rear camera present option would be the first thing to try and see if that enables since it's a yes/no option. Make sure that you do a config print out to keep track of what you've done through Alfa so that you can go back to what's been done if a problem pops up! Keep us posted on you progress.
 
I see 2 settings for the camera. On my 2018
vehconfig 1: Rear View Camera: set
ECUConfing 3: Rear Camera Present: set
Radio & Connectivity: Trailer Hitch Camera: set

If it doesn't show up immediately in the radio display I would give it a day or so for the radio to realize it is there. Some time radio settings take awhile for the radio to acquire them.
 
I've noticed when making change with Alfa, Sometimes it's there right away or could take 20 - 30 minutes. Hopefully the steps that you took will allow it to function as should. If not, maybe try a post with the guys athttps://www.ramforum.com/threads/alfaobd.123982/ . There's a lot of info and trail and error with those guys, but very helpful! Good luck with your endeavor!
 
Success. Camera is installed and working. Like everything else, once you've done it you learn a few tricks. Thought I would share with the group the tricks I learned.

  • The most difficult part was sneaking that harness through the rubber "nipple" below the main harness on the firewall. After I cut the tip off the nipple I took a 1/4" drill bit and turned it by HAND to enlarge it. Being careful to not go too deep - there is a harness on the other side a few inches back. Next step was to take a 5/16" dowel rod and lightly coat it with WD-40 and work it and out a few times. Worked like a champ, harness went right through after.
  • I bought on an advertisement a connector pin removal tool set. Imported and very cheap looking. But they did help me remove the pins to push in the new pins from the harness that comes with camera. This has to be done in the tailgate and radio connectors
  • Under the Power Distribution Center under the hood I had to splice into a wire. I carefully peeled back the insulation, soldered it and then coated it with liquid electrical tape (Permatex) that Autozone sells.
  • Removing the Body Control Module connector and then soldering a wire in the same fashion was a real challenge under the dash, mounted on the firewall above the emergency brake. Lesson learned, remove the trim panel under the steering wheel to provide more access.
  • Lpennock was right, even after enabling the camera in all three places (THANK YOU!) it took several minutes for it to appear on the radio screen.
I tried to upload to this posting the instructions for the kit, but the file is too large. The part number for the instructions is k6862043. If you google that number you will find the instructions.

Mark
 
@Markh1254, Congrats on the success on the install! Alfa has again proven an invaluable resource for our trucks! Biggest take away is to be patient after working with Alfa. Seems like after any change made need to be processed by the computer in the trucks, checked to see if code is there , then allow the function to proceed. Thanks for the part # for instructions. They can also be helpful for issues that someone may have with their camera system. Again, great job accomplished and thanks for keeping us informed both +'s and -'s.
 
Along these lines, I am curious. I have the Limited 2020, it has the cargo (gooseneck) camera and the one on the back (rear view) but they offer a trailer camera. Is there actual hardware involved? It would be a neat feature to have the camera on the back of the 5er. I also was wondering about the trailer tire TPMS, again I dont have that on this truck but it looks like it would be in the EVIC. Aside from buying the sensors for the wheels, is there actual hardware? or are these items that can be changed on Alfa OBD? I know the dealer said they have to be done at the factory,, but it seems like that is true for many of the mods I've been following.
 
@bcbender, I believe on the TPMS for the trailer that I believe would be a separate system and not sure if the RF Hub on the truck would be able to accommodate the extra sensors. With the truck being fairly new, someone with more knowledge might have answer or Alfa to play with on the newer trucks. But with anything, you can always purchase the components and and them to the truck. From what I've seen on my truck, the EVIC has all the trim levels in it and just need to be turned on with parts required. Alfa is a great tool for our trucks since we can customize and diagnosis issues. Anyone with more input willing to share?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top