Get Your Uconnect Serial Number Without Removing the Radio

Access Dealer Mode on your Uconnect screen - no tools required!

On-Screen No Tools 2 Minutes

What Is Dealer Mode?

Dealer Mode (also known as Engineering Mode or Service Mode) is a hidden diagnostic menu built into Uconnect infotainment systems by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now Stellantis). This diagnostic interface was designed for dealership technicians to access detailed system information, run diagnostics, and retrieve technical data without physically removing components.

The most useful feature for vehicle owners is the ability to view the radio's serial number directly on-screen. This 14-digit alphanumeric code (typically starting with "T" or "A2C") is essential for obtaining your radio unlock code when the anti-theft system has been triggered.

This method works for Jeep, Dodge, RAM, Chrysler, and Fiat vehicles equipped with Uconnect radios manufactured from 2013 onwards. Whether you need a Jeep radio code, Dodge radio code, or Chrysler radio code, finding your serial number is the first step to unlocking your radio's anti-theft security system.

Why This Matters: Accessing Dealer Mode eliminates the need to remove your radio from the dashboard - a process that typically requires special tools, takes 30+ minutes, and risks damaging trim pieces or disconnecting wiring harnesses.

Select Your Uconnect System:

8.4"
8.4" NEW
12"
7"

Uconnect 8.4 (Classic 2013-2018)

Method 1: Climate Control Buttons

  1. Hold up, down, and front defrost buttons for 5 seconds
  2. Enter "Dealer Mode" menu
  3. Navigate: System Info → Radio Part Info → Serial Number

Method 2: Temperature Buttons

  1. Hold temperature-up (red) and temperature-down (blue) buttons for 5 seconds
  2. Enter "Engineering Menu"
  3. Navigate: System Info → Radio Part Info → Serial Number

Video Tutorials:

Uconnect 8.4 dealer mode tutorial - climate control buttons method

Method 1: Climate Control

Uconnect 8.4 engineering mode tutorial - temperature buttons method

Method 2: Temperature Buttons

Uconnect 8.4 NEW (2019+) & 12-inch

Access Method:

  1. Press bottom left and bottom right edges of screen together until Dealer Mode appears
  2. Important: Press physical edges, NOT screen buttons
  3. Navigate: System Info → Radio Part Info → Serial Number

Video Tutorials:

Uconnect 8.4 NEW 2019+ dealer mode tutorial

8.4 NEW (2019+)

Uconnect 12 inch dealer mode tutorial

12-inch Display

Uconnect 7-inch (Jeep Compass)

Engineering Mode Access:

  1. Hold temperature-up (red) and temperature-down (blue) buttons for 5 seconds
  2. Enter "Engineering Menu"
  3. Navigate: System Info → Target Main Data → Serial Number
  4. Example: TVPQN123E123ZE

Video Tutorial:

Uconnect 7 inch engineering mode Jeep Compass tutorial

7-inch Engineering Mode

Understanding Uconnect Serial Number Format

Once you access Dealer Mode, you'll see a serial number displayed on screen. Understanding the format helps you identify your radio type and manufacturer:

T00AM Format (Continental/Panasonic)

T00AM394958584

  • T00AM = Continental/Panasonic Uconnect 8.4
  • T00AE = Continental/Panasonic alternative
  • TM9 = Panasonic older generation
  • Common in 2013-2020 models
A2C Format (Continental)

A2C94848489393

  • A2C = Continental newer generation
  • Used in Uconnect 4C and 5 systems
  • Common in 2018+ models
  • May include additional characters
Pro Tip: Take a photo of the serial number screen before exiting Dealer Mode. This ensures you have a permanent record and won't need to access the menu again.

Troubleshooting: When Dealer Mode Won't Activate

Problem: Button Combination Not Working

Possible Solutions:

  • Ensure vehicle is in ACC or ON position (not running)
  • For screen edge method: press the physical bezel, not touchscreen buttons
  • Hold buttons for full 5 seconds without releasing
  • Try pressing buttons simultaneously, not sequentially
  • Some vehicles require holding buttons while turning ignition to ACC
Problem: Can't Find Serial Number in Menu

Navigation Tips:

  • Menu structure varies by Uconnect version
  • Look for: "System Info", "Radio Info", or "Part Info"
  • Serial may be labeled as "Serial No", "S/N", or "Part Number"
  • Try scrolling - some menus have multiple pages
  • On 7" systems, check "Target Main Data" specifically
Alternative: Check for Software Updates

Some 2020+ vehicles had Dealer Mode access restricted via software updates. If you absolutely cannot access Dealer Mode, you'll need to physically remove the radio to view the label on the back/side of the unit.

What to Do After Finding Your Serial Number

Once you have your radio's serial number, here are your options for obtaining the unlock code:

Option 1: Online Services

Speed: Instant to 24 hours

Cost: $10-20

Most convenient. Services like ours use manufacturer databases to retrieve codes via serial number lookup.

Option 2: Dealership

Speed: 1-3 business days

Cost: $150-250

Most expensive. Requires appointment, VIN, and proof of ownership. They use the same databases as online services.

Option 3: Original Documentation

Speed: Immediate (if found)

Cost: Free

Check owner's manual, glove box, or purchase paperwork. Many vehicles include a code card from the factory.

How Anti-Theft Radio Security Works

Understanding why your radio locks helps explain why finding the serial number is important:

When the Radio Locks:
  • Battery disconnection - Most common trigger
  • Battery replacement - Cuts power to radio
  • Dead battery - Complete power loss
  • Radio removal - Physical disconnection
  • Fuse replacement - Radio circuit interruption
  • Electrical work - Any power system maintenance
How It Prevents Theft:
  • Radio becomes worthless to thieves without code
  • Code is permanently tied to radio serial number
  • Cannot be reset or bypassed without manufacturer access
  • Each radio has unique 4-digit unlock code
  • Code stored in encrypted manufacturer database
  • Only retrievable via authorized database lookup
Security Note: The anti-theft system was implemented industry-wide in the early 2000s after car audio theft became epidemic. Modern systems use encrypted pairing between the radio and vehicle ECU for enhanced security.

Dealer Mode vs. Physical Radio Removal

There are two methods to find your Uconnect serial number. Here's a detailed comparison:

Factor Dealer Mode (This Guide) Physical Removal
Time Required 2-5 minutes 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed None Trim removal tools, screwdrivers, possibly radio keys
Skill Level Beginner - anyone can do it Intermediate - mechanical knowledge helpful
Risk of Damage Zero - software only Moderate - can break trim clips, scratch dash, disconnect wires
Vehicle Position ACC/ON (not running) Off (battery may need disconnection)
Success Rate 95%+ (if system supports it) 100% (serial is always on label)
When It Works 2013-2019 models (some 2020+) All models, all years
Recommendation: Always try Dealer Mode first. Only resort to physical removal if Dealer Mode doesn't work for your specific vehicle/software version. See our physical removal guide if needed.

Works With These Popular Models

This Dealer Mode method works across most Stellantis vehicles with Uconnect systems:

Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Compass
Jeep Renegade
Dodge Charger
Dodge Challenger
Dodge Durango
Dodge Journey
RAM 1500
RAM 2500
RAM 3500
RAM ProMaster
Chrysler 300
Chrysler Pacifica
Fiat 500X
Fiat 124 Spider

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Dealer Mode is a built-in diagnostic feature installed by the manufacturer. Accessing it is completely safe and does not modify any settings or void warranties. Dealership technicians use this same menu for diagnostics during regular service.

No. Dealer Mode is read-only for most functions. While the menu contains various diagnostic options, simply viewing information (like the serial number) cannot damage your radio. Avoid changing settings you don't understand, but reading information is completely safe.

Stellantis began restricting Dealer Mode access via software updates on some 2020-2022 models with Uconnect 5. This was done to prevent unauthorized diagnostic access. If your vehicle has received recent software updates, Dealer Mode may be disabled. Your alternative is physical radio removal or contacting a dealership.

Yes. Each radio unit has its own unique serial number permanently assigned during manufacturing. If you install a different/replacement radio, it will have a different serial number and require a different unlock code. The code is tied to the physical radio unit, not your vehicle.

It's recommended to access Dealer Mode with the ignition in ACC or ON position (engine not running). Some vehicles may allow access while running, but it's safer and more reliable to activate it with the engine off, key in ACC/ON position only.

Take a clear photo of the Dealer Mode screen showing the serial number. This ensures accuracy and provides a permanent record. If you transcribe it manually, double-check each character - a single wrong digit will result in an incorrect unlock code. Serial numbers are typically 14 digits for Uconnect radios.

Simply turn off the ignition or restart the radio system. Most vehicles will exit Dealer Mode automatically when you cycle the ignition. You can also look for an "Exit" or "Back" option in the menu. The mode is temporary and doesn't persist across radio restarts.

Additional Resources

Video Tutorials

Visit our YouTube channel for detailed video guides covering different Uconnect models and troubleshooting tips.

Physical Removal Guide

If Dealer Mode doesn't work for your vehicle, see our complete Uconnect radio removal guide with step-by-step instructions.

Still stuck? Join our community forums or contact us for personalized assistance. Include your vehicle year, make, model, and Uconnect system version for fastest help.