underhood location for switches

[DAN V]

I know where the location is for these to be plugged in under the hood as I have read up on these in the ram bodybuilder guide. It tells me what the switches run off of (battery or ignition). I am trying to figure out where I need to plug the connectors into in order to get the right switch inside the truck. I know there has been pics of this on here but don't remember where to plug in. I do have all the wiring and connectors that came with the truck. Will I need to run a solenoid for running cables to my winch on the flatbed or will I be fine with the relays that are built into the switches?

 

[Mingoglia]

I'd like to know this as well. My truck is a couple weeks old and I haven't quite found these mysterious connectors. Yes, I do have the optional switches.

 

[TimBrunett]

Wires and connectors should be in a plastic bag in the drivers side rear storage box under the floor mat. Relays are straight in front of drivers seat on the firewall.

 

[Mingoglia]

Wires and connectors should be in a plastic bag in the drivers side rear storage box under the floor mat. Relays are straight in front of drivers seat on the firewall.

Ahh, that's what those connectors/wires are for! I assumed they were actually, but didn't open them up. Thx. I also recall seeing what you're talking about in the engine bay, and also assumed that might be them. In one of the guides it mentioned being able to program the switches to be momentary contact or on/off, and I believe keyed power or not. Where is that set up? I assumed it was in the settings of the radio or the EVIC but didn't find the settings.

 

[DonFitzwater]

I believe the settings are not programmable by the operator. The switches are on/off and there are a couple in there that are "last known state" meaning they will come back on after a key cycle if they were on prior to shut down.

 

[DAN V]

Ok, so I take it I will not need to run a solenoid for running the wires? I was hoping for some sort of pic of which port under the hood goes to each switch. Just plug in and see what happens.

 

[MattandLana]

From memory, each switch drives a relay. The Ram BBG or online wiring guide at TechAuthority should tell you the amperage of the relays. Can't check on my iPad sorry. But that will tell you whether you need a separate solenoid. But winches draw heaps - hundreds of amps I think, in which case you'll for sure still need the solenoid, and very heavy cables.

 

[DAN V]

From memory, each switch drives a relay. The Ram BBG or online wiring guide at TechAuthority should tell you the amperage of the relays. Can't check on my iPad sorry. But that will tell you whether you need a separate solenoid. But winches draw heaps - hundreds of amps I think, in which case you'll for sure still need the solenoid, and very heavy cables.

Yeah I was pretty sure I need to run a solenoid for the winch and cables. Just gotta do some more research on which relay goes to which switch on the center console.

 

[Bob4x4]

The wiring harness's that come in the c/cs plug into the vism under the dash near the park brake assy.the vism sockets are color coded to match the harnesses,the fuses and relays are what you see under the hood

 

[TimBrunett]

This is a pdf file that is on Ram bodybuilder site. Hope it helps.

tb

 

[mpaulson]

40 amp max out of any of the switches. I've never seen any mention anywhere of making them momentary anywhere. About all these switches could do for you with a winch is provide a switchable power for the controls of the winch unless you wanted to use the switches for in and out and have to be alert enough to hit the switch again to stop the winch. I don't know what your situation is with using the winch on the flatbed but you may be better off setting up the winch with a wireless remote so you can be out there seeing the winch in action.

 

[DAN V]

40 amp max out of any of the switches. I've never seen any mention anywhere of making them momentary anywhere. About all these switches could do for you with a winch is provide a switchable power for the controls of the winch unless you wanted to use the switches for in and out and have to be alert enough to hit the switch again to stop the winch. I don't know what your situation is with using the winch on the flatbed but you may be better off setting up the winch with a wireless remote so you can be out there seeing the winch in action.

I was under the impression I am able to use these switches to turn on the solenoid that powers the winch cable. I am thinking about just going straight to the battery with the cables, but I will feel safer with running a solenoid. Just have to figure out which port goes to the switch I want to use and locate the relay under the dash. In either case I will need to have the truck running as I don't want the batteries to drain. Thanks for all the info. You guys have been great. Never know when I will need some quick info. thanks for all the responses.

 

[jkalchik]

My Heep has had a winch on the front bumper, wired straight to the battery for 10+ years, and no issues. You've already got solenoids to control the motor through the pendant, you're talking about adding another [redundant] solenoid. Me, I wouldn't bother, and I don't know of anybody else who's added another supply side solenoid.

 

[DAN V]

My Heep has had a winch on the front bumper, wired straight to the battery for 10+ years, and no issues. You've already got solenoids to control the motor through the pendant, you're talking about adding another [redundant] solenoid. Me, I wouldn't bother, and I don't know of anybody else who's added another supply side solenoid.

Are you saying there is already solenoids in the motor of the winch? I am now too familiar with Warn winches. Just know how to use them.

 

[Mingoglia]

Are you saying there is already solenoids in the motor of the winch? I am now too familiar with Warn winches. Just know how to use them.

Yes. The winches have giant solenoids and it's relatively common to just use a "standard" momentary switch to activate it from within the cab.

 

[Mingoglia]

40 amp max out of any of the switches. I've never seen any mention anywhere of making them momentary anywhere. About all these switches could do for you with a winch is provide a switchable power for the controls of the winch unless you wanted to use the switches for in and out and have to be alert enough to hit the switch again to stop the winch. I don't know what your situation is with using the winch on the flatbed but you may be better off setting up the winch with a wireless remote so you can be out there seeing the winch in action.

I don't know if it was an addendum or the quick start guide, but it made mention of being able to control the behavior of the switches as a late 2015 addition. I just checked my 2015, and in the EVIC under commercial settings. Under Powersource you can choose if the switch is on battery or with ignition, and as it sounds the "state" is the on/off/momentary contact. If you scroll through the list there's options for Aux1 thru Aux5:

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