I installed cruise control on my 09 Ram 1500 base model today. Taking it easy and this being the first time it took about 90 minutes since the instructions I had were for the Journey. I could repeat it on another truck in about 35 minutes now.

I thought it would need programming at the dealership but it worked right away. I have the on and set symbols in the display, and all the functions work as expected.

My truck was completely pre-wired so the full kit I bought wasn't even needed. I would suspect that all you need to really buy is the actual switch. I'm not sure how much the switch costs at the dealer but I bought the full kit with instructions for about $150. It came complete with the wiring from the steering column to the ECM in case the vehicle isn't prewired, but if my base truck with vinyl seats and rubber floors is prewired, I would have to think the other models are as well.

I'm hoping to gain a mpg or two on highway trips now with the cruise installed.

 

GapRunr,

Could you explain how you got the airbag and stuff apart to mount the cruise switch? I have a 2010 truck without cruise and bought the Rostra kit. Instructions suck because they don't cover the Ram pickup.

I'd appreciate any insight you, or anyone else, could give on how to take out the airbag. I have the upper and lower steering column plastics taken off, but not sure about the airbag stuff (and yes, battery has been disconnected).

Thanks !!

 

Chrysler vehicles have been pre wired for cruise for over a decade.Only need switch's.

 

Yeah, I understand that now. Paid $135 for the kit, which is probably less than what the switch assy, screws, and connector harness costs at the dealer. Dunno that for sure though.

BTW, I did get the cruise installed. It wasn't too hard at all once I found all the screws and the clips to release the airbag.

Works great!!

 

I was just about to post up a diagram showing where the clips are that keep the air bag in place. Glad you got it going. I use mine all the time. I usually ride a motorcycle everywhere I go, so when I get in the truck, which is really smooth and quiet, the speed creeps up as I drive along and I often find myself going waaaay faster than I realize.

 

Could you please post the diagram? I am going to install the cruise control and the diagram would be really helpful.

Thanks

 

Here you go. I put three blue arrows pointing to the clips. These can be reached through a slot in the back of the steering wheel cover. I used a flat head screwdriver to pry them, and you pry away from the center of the wheel.

I'm sure you know this, but to anyone else who happens upon this thread and just reads the last couple of posts, make sure you disconnect the battery and wait a good 5 minutes before doing this step! I don't have a place to permanently host the picture, but I'l link to it and keep it up there for a month or so.

 

Funny thing too is they used to have lights under the dash for the floor so you could see, came part of a light kit, but if you look all you had to do was add the bulbs the sockets were they hot and just waiting for a bulb. It costs less to just have one standard wiring harness for higher end trucks and one for the lower end trucks and well like it has been shown you might be wired for other things even on the lower end. I know there are several empty connectors under the dash of my Sport CC, I know what some are but others who knows.

 

If you have the REN radio....mygig without Nav., you need to take the radio fuse out before disconnecting the battery. You can cause the radio which will cost over a grand to replace if they don't do it via warranty. Anyway just a little extra tip that is out there but some don't know about it. Was a TSB or some type of Addendum or something that was sent to dealers, It was also posted on one of those sites that have all the software updates etc.

 

GapRunr... Thanks a lot!!