Hardwired Lockers with OEM Knob

[BlkWgn]

getting antsy

[05PWrockcrawler]

Nice.


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[05PWrockcrawler]

Nice, will be nice once you figure it out.


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[myoung84]

Grrrr!

I was looking at the wiring for 2010 and the 14 pin connector that houses the rear locker wires has a slightly different configuration than 2011-2012. Luckily the pins associated with the lockers are the same but some of the other wires are different sizes. This isn't a huge deal, but one pin on the 2010 is a 14 gauge wire where the 2011-12 is an 18 gauge wire. I'll just have to build the harness to handle the worst case scenario. I still need to confirm the 2013-2014 trucks...

[Pit Slave]

Oh there's more differences throughout the years. Just look at the wire diagrams.

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[RAM4ROKS]

I have no clue on pricing but, whatever it ends up being, I am VERY interested!!!!!!! Another great thing to spend $$$ on, LOL!

[myoung84]

More bad news: Looks like 2013's are different!

1. The 14 pin connector behind the drivers headlight that has the rear locker wires is gone. Two of these wires are in a 34 pin connector and the other two are in a 4 pin connector that I am unable to source. This isn't a deal breaker since I can build the harness to run all the way back to the rear axle. Bigger pain in the ass for installation, but doable.

2. Now for the bigger issue. The 10 pin connector that has all the wires for sensing the knob position and for the LED's looks like it might have also changed. There's some incomplete info on the wiring diagrams. Can one of you 2013 guys check for this connector behind the passenger side headlight area? Need to make sure it's the same connector. I hope they didn't change it because that really throws a kink in things... While we're at it, can some of you 3rd gen guys check for this as well?

Since I really don't want to get into making several different harnesses and there's already several differences, would everyone be willing to run a cable from the hood back to the rear axle? I know this makes installation a bit harder but it makes the system more compatible with all the years, including 3rd gens. Cost wise, it will be about the same. There will be more wire which costs more money, but the 14 pin connector under the hood and all the associated pins are pretty expensive. The Molex plugs at the axles are cheaper. This will be a complete harness wrapped in loom with the same style T harness that I'll be using for the front axle. This also keeps the front and rear axle connections uniform.

[Mopar Bob]

If having to run a cable to the rear axle makes for a product that can be used for multiple generations, it would not likely be a deal killer for me.

[BlkWgn]

if it lets me control the lockers so I can ditch the smart bar than I will take what I can get

[myoung84]

If having to run a cable to the rear axle makes for a product that can be used for multiple generations, it would not likely be a deal killer for me.

Cool! I know it's more work and I've been trying to avoid having to do it this way but I think it makes for a better install in the long run and actually make it easier on me. I've run a lot of wire all over my truck and it's not really that big of a deal to me personally. I've got a harness going to the tailgate for the electric lock as well as a harness for my rear camera. What I might do is add a secondary connector after the control box so you can remove the control box and all the wiring expect for the harness that runs to the rear axle. If you have to make a dealer trip you can unplug both sides and zip tie them out of sight somewhere and the dealer will be none the wiser. This will also make installation of this 20' harness easier.

if it lets me control the lockers so I can ditch the smart bar than I will take what I can get

Would you mind checking for that 10 pin connector under the hood? I'd like to see if the 3rd gens have it too. If you do, that more than likely make this a direct install for all power wagons. From everything I am seeing, 2010-2014 all have this connector...

[BlkWgn]

if it lets me control the lockers so I can ditch the smart bar than I will take what I can get

Would you mind checking for that 10 pin connector under the hood? I'd like to see if the 3rd gens have it too. If you do, that more than likely make this a direct install for all power wagons. From everything I am seeing, 2010-2014 all have this connector...

Where is it, if it is not raining I will check when I get home tonight

[myoung84]

if it lets me control the lockers so I can ditch the smart bar than I will take what I can get

Would you mind checking for that 10 pin connector under the hood? I'd like to see if the 3rd gens have it too. If you do, that more than likely make this a direct install for all power wagons. From everything I am seeing, 2010-2014 all have this connector...

Where is it, if it is not raining I will check when I get home tonight

I'll snap a pic of where mine is when I get home. Looking at the 3rd gen diagrams, I don't think you're going to have it. Here's screen shot of the only connector I could find that has the wires that I need, other than at the smartbar itself. This connector is in the cab at the driver's kick panel. The 3rd gen diagrams aren't nearly as good as the 4th gens, so there might be another connecter inline with this one under the hood before it hits the smartbar.

[JBM Power Wagon]

If having to run a cable to the rear axle makes for a product that can be used for multiple generations, it would not likely be a deal killer for me.

Same for me.

[04Ram2500Hemi]

As long as the install process is fairly straight forward and not too complicated I'm up for whatever you put together.

[myoung84]

It will still be very straightforward, just have to run a little longer harness... I'll even provide the zip ties.

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[TrueBlue13PW]

I won't be back and able to check my 2013 out until next week. If you don't have an answer for the 2013's by then I'll check for you.

[myoung84]

I won't be back and able to check my 2013 out until next week. If you don't have an answer for the 2013's by then I'll check for you.

I'm pretty sure it hasn't change. Here's the pic showing where the plug in question is located. This is on the passenger side.

Also bought the $75 ratchet crimper to properly crimp the terminals.




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[rgory]

According to the mopar connector website, c137 is a 14 pin connector for a 2007 PW. I am anxiously waiting the development of this harness.

Rg

[myoung84]

Got any part numbers on the connector?

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[SheepdogOutdoorsman]

So, this may sound dumb, but what would be the benefit of hardwiring the lockers? Are we trying to bypass something? I'm new to Power Wagons, so I may be missing something. I apologize for my ignorance.

[04Ram2500Hemi]

So, this may sound dumb, but what would be the benefit of hardwiring the lockers? Are we trying to bypass something? I'm new to Power Wagons, so I may be missing something. I apologize for my ignorance.

Currently the lockers only work in 4-Lo and when the star's are aligned just right. By hardwiring the lockers you bypass the system that was put in place by Ram and you can use them in 4-Hi as well. Heck- you'd be able to use just the rear locker without putting the truck in 4 wheel drive at all, which at times can be nice.

[SheepdogOutdoorsman]

So, this may sound dumb, but what would be the benefit of hardwiring the lockers? Are we trying to bypass something? I'm new to Power Wagons, so I may be missing something. I apologize for my ignorance.

Currently the lockers only work in 4-Lo and when the star's are aligned just right. By hardwiring the lockers you bypass the system that was put in place by Ram and you can use them in 4-Hi as well. Heck- you'd be able to use just the rear locker without putting the truck in 4 wheel drive at all, which at times can be nice.

Sold!

[myoung84]

So, this may sound dumb, but what would be the benefit of hardwiring the lockers? Are we trying to bypass something? I'm new to Power Wagons, so I may be missing something. I apologize for my ignorance.

I'd say there's no such thing as a dumb question, but there's some stupid people out there with some pretty dumb questions. This one is not dumb however.

Yes, we are bypassing the smartbar electronics which is the biggest reason why the lockers don't always work right. There's a lot of smarts (if you can call it that) built into the smartbar and it causes a lot of problems.

There's two locker bypasses that you'll see around here. First is the original locker bypass that was installed inline with the transfer case position sensor that tricked the trucked into thinking it was in 4-Low and allowed the lockers to lock in 4-High or 2WD. The problem of the smartbar is still present with this bypass.

The second bypass, which I am building, completely bypasses the smartbar all together for locker operation while maintaining the use of the factory knob. Many guys have already hard wired their lockers with separate switches but this leaves the factory selector knob unused. Also by doing this bypass, like the other bypass, you can lock your lockers in any drive mode and at any speed.

[myoung84]

So, this may sound dumb, but what would be the benefit of hardwiring the lockers? Are we trying to bypass something? I'm new to Power Wagons, so I may be missing something. I apologize for my ignorance.

Currently the lockers only work in 4-Lo and when the star's are aligned just right. By hardwiring the lockers you bypass the system that was put in place by Ram and you can use them in 4-Hi as well. Heck- you'd be able to use just the rear locker without putting the truck in 4 wheel drive at all, which at times can be nice.

You beat me to it!

[SheepdogOutdoorsman]

So, this may sound dumb, but what would be the benefit of hardwiring the lockers? Are we trying to bypass something? I'm new to Power Wagons, so I may be missing something. I apologize for my ignorance.

I'd say there's no such thing as a dumb question, but there's some stupid people out there with some pretty dumb questions. This one is not dumb however.

Yes, we are bypassing the smartbar electronics which is the biggest reason why the lockers don't always work right. There's a lot of smarts (if you can call it that) built into the smartbar and it causes a lot of problems.

There's two locker bypasses that you'll see around here. First is the original locker bypass that was installed inline with the transfer case position sensor that tricked the trucked into thinking it was in 4-Low and allowed the lockers to lock in 4-High or 2WD. The problem of the smartbar is still present with this bypass.

The second bypass, which I am building, completely bypasses the smartbar all together for locker operation while maintaining the use of the factory knob. Many guys have already hard wired their lockers with separate switches but this leaves the factory selector knob unused. Also by doing this bypass, like the other bypass, you can lock your lockers in any drive mode and at any speed.

Nice! Thank you for the explanation. I guess I'm just used to lockers that lock when you tell them to. I didn't know the PW had these issues. I'm sold though. If you build it ... I will come.