I was applying wool wax to a 2024 Ram 2500 (low spec trim) and the amount of wiring, control modules, and connectors was staggering. I feel dumb as 50% of the things I have no clue what purpose they serve. Overall will these trucks age decently with the vast amount of gibberish wiring and electronics?
Too much wiring on 2024 Ram 2500 Tradesman
- Thread starter Fordiesel69
- Start date
No. I'm working on a '14 Ram 2500 now with a failed (I hope, or my diag is wrong) HVAC module, and that lives behind the glove box in the cab!
I had to explain to the customer what an HVAC module even is, and I'm still not sure he fully understood. I characterized it as a small computer that controls the climate control. It's really not unfair to ask, "Why does that need a module at all?"
Returning to cable-driven (or even vac or electric) driven blend doors with no "auto" temp control really ain't the worst idea......
My scan tool picks up a door module for each door, HVAC, radio, dash, abs, PCM, TCM, BCM, SRS etc on my 1500 Classic Tradesman.
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
Things are moving to IGBT type of controls - yet some don’t understand you have to protect them from moisture - some things from EMI etc …
The way they do things now is better than it used to be. At least failures are relatively isolated.
Remember back in the day when all you had was a PCM/ECM and a BCM controlling everything? If one goes down, you're stuck. Sure, that can technically still happen now if the failure scatters the whole network, but more often than not, one module failing only affects the branch it functions.
Remember back in the day when all you had was a PCM/ECM and a BCM controlling everything? If one goes down, you're stuck. Sure, that can technically still happen now if the failure scatters the whole network, but more often than not, one module failing only affects the branch it functions.
I see yours is a "Tradesman" already.
Even so, this is the exact reason why in recent years, I tend to pick the "lowest" trim of a given vehicle.
Less bells and whistles means less wiring ( and less weight!)
My Nissan Armada 4x4 "S" (which is Nissan speak for base), weighs 160 lbs less than a "Platinum" would have.
Now that you say that, this '14 Ram still insists it can't communicate with either door module. I've never pursued it, plus the owner is broke so he doesn't care
Saw somewhere (here?) a base level Chevy had a non-automatic HVAC head unit, but it just commanded the same electric doors and actuaters as the automatic version. The whole point of it was to shame the buyer into getting the next trim level up-- it didn't simplify anything.
Similarly, they say hand crank windows are actually more expensive than electric ones are, now, parts-wise. They only sell them to upsell something "better."
Don't count on it.
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2025
- Messages
- 663
Too much wiring on 2024 Ram 2500 Tradesman
Probably.Manufacturers are working hard to ensure that no one other than their licensed dealers can plug those technological marvels in for diagnostics. The massive amount of wiring means more sensors, more electronic controls...and so more encrypted and data read locked EEPROMS that no one can access but the dealership. They are close to regaining complete control over key making and remote duplication so that you will once again HAVE to go to the dealership to have a key made and programmed (BIG $$$).
No worries. This will eventually resolve itself. Young people seem to be embracing socialism more and more and that will eventually lead to everyone having nothing. Well, they do have a few cars in Cuba actually.
Yes. The issue is many of the same modules are used and the wiring isn't run-nor is that function programmed in to the ECU. For example-you just cannot add wiring and buy power folding mirrors for trucks-even if the module is already there-many times it is. You can add the mirrors and wiring and since everything is controlled over a CANBUS you have to program-the computer.
There are at least three "black boxes on a truck already.
You can order a stripped truck and it's still PLENTY COMPLICATED!
The difference in trim could be lots of things to make a weight difference.
Spray all connectors inside and out with corrosion block from Lear chemical. You will never have a corrosion issue with connectors.
https://learchem.com/products/corrosion-block.html
Amazon has it repackaged but look at the label it has Lear chemical.
https://www.amazon.com/Corrosion-Bl...rosion+Block&mfadid=adm&qid=1764197886&sr=8-7
https://learchem.com/products/corrosion-block.html
Amazon has it repackaged but look at the label it has Lear chemical.
https://www.amazon.com/Corrosion-Bl...rosion+Block&mfadid=adm&qid=1764197886&sr=8-7
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
Things like miniature VFD fuel pump modules mounted underneath …
Don't worry, if it works, it'll soon be outlawed. Like how I can't get actual brake clean that works in CO and must smuggle in from NM.
Similar threads
