How Serial Numbers Work and Where to Find Them on 2016 Jeep Cherokee Radios
The first step is to locate the radio's S/N.
Depending on the radio unit used in your 2016 Cherokee, the S/N can usually be accessed either through the screen menu or by pulling the unit out and checking the label on the radio itself.
Below are the most common methods to identify your S/N the right way.
Radios Offered in the 2016 Cherokee
The 2016 KL Cherokee continued with the same Uconnect head-unit lineup as 2014-2015. Three factory units were available depending on trim and option packages, all sharing a common dash bezel design.
Factory head units for the 2016 Cherokee
The base radio is the Uconnect 5.0 (RA2) - a 5-inch touchscreen without factory navigation, fitted to Sport and entry Latitude trims. The mid-range option is the Uconnect 8.4A (RA3), an 8.4-inch touchscreen without factory-activated navigation, common on better-equipped Latitude and Limited models. The top option is the Uconnect 8.4AN (RA4) - the same 8.4-inch hardware as the RA3 but with factory-activated GPS navigation, HD Radio and SiriusXM Travel Link, often paired with Limited and Trailhawk.
Identifying which one you have
Screen size is the quickest indicator: a 5-inch screen is the RA2, while 8.4-inch screens are either RA3 or RA4. If the 8.4-inch home screen has a native Nav tile and turn-by-turn routing, you have the RA4. An 8.4-inch unit without a factory nav button is typically the RA3, although some owners have later activated nav by VIN.
Find the Serial Number on the Radio Display
Try the following for your 2016 Jeep Cherokee:
The Jeep Cherokee KL (2014–2023) came with three different Uconnect configurations. The first step is identifying which one you have, because each uses a different method to access Dealer Mode.
8.4" Classic (2014–2018): Hold Fan Up + Fan Down + Front Defrost for 5 seconds → Dealer Mode. Navigate: System Info → Radio Part Info → Serial Number. Also works via Engineering Menu: hold Temp Up + Temp Down for 5 seconds.
Uconnect 7" (all years with this screen): Hold Temp Up + Temp Down for 5 seconds → Engineering Menu opens. Navigate: System Info → Target Main Data → Serial Number.
8.4" NEW (2019+): Press the bottom-left + bottom-right plastic bezel edges simultaneously until Dealer Mode opens. Navigate: System Info → Radio Part Info → Serial Number. Serial: 14 characters, e.g. T00AM394958584.
Screen-Based Serial Lookup Method
Most 2016 Cherokee trims left the dealer with the 8.4-inch Uconnect head unit, which supports a hidden dealer menu that can display the radio's internal serial number. Reading it on screen is much quicker than dropping the radio out of the dash.
Uconnect 8.4A (RA3) and Uconnect 8.4AN (RA4)
Place the ignition in the RUN position so the touchscreen is fully booted. Press and hold the driver's temperature UP, temperature DOWN, and front DEFROST buttons at the same time for around 7 seconds. A dealer/diagnostic menu should appear on the 8.4-inch screen.
From this menu, choose the radio-information entries (typically the first options shown). They list serial numbers, software/hardware revisions and similar identifiers. Note the full serial down exactly as printed, including any letters at the start such as T00AM or TM9. Tap Done, or cycle the ignition, to exit the menu.
Uconnect 5.0 (RA2)
For the smaller 5-inch RA2 head unit, an equivalent on-screen serial-number readout is not consistently documented for the 2016 Cherokee. If the hidden menu does not surface a serial on the RA2, the chassis-label method described under the radio-removal block is the dependable fallback.
Releasing the Radio Unit to See the S/N on the Tag
If the serial number cannot be accessed via display, use the removal method.
Most Jeep Cherokee factory radios include a sticker with the serial number printed on the casing.
Process details:
- Ensure the ignition is off.
- Lift away surrounding dashboard trim.
- Loosen screws holding the radio.
- Pull forward to inspect the label.
📹 Video Guide: Jeep Cherokee Radio Removal
Watch step-by-step tutorials for removing your Jeep Cherokee radio:
2014-2016 Cherokee KL
2019 Cherokee
General Cherokee
Need a different Cherokee year or model? Search YouTube for more Cherokee tutorials
Written Instructions
Physical Radio Removal (if Dealer Mode is unavailable)
If the on-screen method is not available on your vehicle, the radio can be physically removed to access the serial number label on the top, side, or back of the unit:
- Remove the trim bezel – Gently remove the dashboard trim surrounding the radio using a plastic trim removal tool. The bezel is held by friction clips.
- Unscrew the mounting bolts – Remove the 4 mounting screws (usually Torx or Phillips) securing the radio to the dash frame.
- Slide the unit forward – Gently pull the radio out far enough to see the label. Do not disconnect the wiring harness unless necessary.
- Locate the serial number label – Locate a white or silver sticker with a barcode on the top or side of the unit. The serial number is a 14-character alphanumeric code (e.g.
T00AM394958584).
For step-by-step guidance with video tutorials for specific vehicles, see our Uconnect radio removal guide.
Cherokee's Hardware Label Method
If the on-screen method is unavailable, or the radio is stuck on the CODE prompt and you cannot reach the dealer menu, the chassis label is the most reliable source for the serial number on a 2016 Cherokee.
Safety preparation
Turn the ignition fully off and remove the key fob from the cabin. Disconnect the negative terminal of the 12V battery and wait several minutes before working near the dash so any airbag-related circuits can fully discharge. Stay clear of yellow airbag harnesses while pulling trim.
Tools you should have ready
Plastic trim/panel pry tools, a driver that matches the four radio retaining screws (commonly Phillips or 7 mm), and a phone/camera to photograph the label.
Removal overview
Begin by gently prying off the lower trim panel that frames the climate controls; the 2016 Cherokee bezel is retained by spring clips rather than visible bolts. With the lower trim out of the way, undo the small screws hidden behind it and walk a pry tool around the upper radio bezel to release each remaining clip. Pull the bezel forward, unplug any small switch/HVAC connectors on the back, and set it aside. With the bezel removed, undo the four retaining screws at the corners of the radio chassis. Slide the head unit out and unplug the wiring harnesses and antenna lead.
Where the serial label sits
The serial is on a printed label on the metal housing - typically the top or one side of the chassis. Read the long alphanumeric string next to the barcode and double-check ambiguous characters (O vs 0, I vs 1). Photograph the label as a permanent reference before refitting the unit.
Tips
Reinstallation is the reverse of removal: harnesses back on, four screws home, bezel pressed in until each clip seats, then reconnect the battery.
Example: Jeep Cherokee serial number label location
Typical Serial Number Examples for 2016 Cherokee
Your Jeep Cherokee 2016 radio serial number may start with:
T00AMT00BETM9T0MYDA2CTQNTVPQNT0071T00AD
Standard Serial Number Patterns on This Radio
The 2016 Cherokee could leave the factory with several different head units, each made by a different supplier, so the serial-number style depends on which radio is in your car. The patterns below are the ones most often reported for this generation.
Continental-supplied Uconnect 8.4 (RA3 / RA4)
Frequently shown with a T00AM prefix and a numeric tail, e.g. something resembling T00AM1234567. The prefix sits inline with the rest of the serial on the chassis label.
Panasonic-supplied Uconnect units
Often start with TM9 followed by additional digits or letters. This format has been widely associated with Panasonic-supplied Mopar radios of the Uconnect 8.4 era.
Uconnect 5.0 (RA2) base radio
Also carries a printed serial on its chassis label; however, the prefix can vary by supplier batch, so the safest approach is to copy the full string from the label rather than assume a fixed format.
If the alphanumeric you read does not match any of these examples, recheck that you copied the serial line and not the part number. The serial is normally the longest string on the label and is the one tied to the barcode.
Code Entry Process for 2016 Cherokee
After generating the correct unlock code based on the serial number, you can restore normal functionality by entering it into the unit.
The code entry process depends on the control layout, but most 2016 Cherokee systems follow a similar structure using preset buttons, touch controls, or rotary knobs - depending on if it's a factory or an aftermarket unit.
You will typically see SAFE displayed on screen.
Entering Process
To enter the unlock code on your Uconnect radio:
- When the radio is locked, the screen will display "ENTER CODE" or show four dashes (----).
- Use the on-screen keypad (touchscreen models) or the preset buttons (non-touchscreen models) to enter each digit of your 4-digit code.
- After entering all 4 digits, the radio will unlock automatically – no need to press a confirm button.
Tip: Make sure you enter the code carefully. Three incorrect attempts will trigger a temporary lockout.
Entering Process Explained
Once you have the correct anti-theft code for your 2016 Cherokee radio, the entry itself is fast - but the radio will lock you out for half an hour if you keep entering wrong codes, so verify before you start.
Limited Attempt Warning
You only get three attempts. Three wrong codes in a row place the radio in a WAIT state and the screen reads WAIT. To clear it, the radio must remain powered with the ignition in RUN for a continuous 30 minutes (the vehicle may be driven during this time). Switching the key off does not shortcut the timer.
Entering the code
Turn the ignition to RUN or ACC so the radio boots and shows the CODE / Anti-Theft prompt. On the 8.4-inch Uconnect (RA3/RA4), tap each digit on the touchscreen number pad. On the 5-inch Uconnect 5.0 (RA2) base radio, enter the digits using the preset (1-6) buttons in sequence. Confirm with the OK/Enter on-screen control or the equivalent hardware button. When the code is accepted, the radio returns to the normal home screen and audio resumes.
If it does not unlock
Stop after the second wrong attempt and recheck the serial you used to obtain the code. Make sure no leading letters or trailing digits were dropped. If WAIT appears, leave the radio powered for the full 30 minutes before trying again.
How 2016 Jeep Cherokee Radio Code Lookup Works
- Instead of contacting Jeep dealer or searching forums you can find the code online using the radio serial number.
- Start by finding the serial number. You will always find it on the unit itself, and sometimes you can see it on the Cherokee's display.
- Type it into the form above, and our software will generate the correct 2016 Cherokee unlock code.
- After getting it, input it using Cherokee's radio controls to release the blockade successfully.
- The entire process takes only a few minutes and requires no VIN, documents, or technical knowledge.
Fixing Common Code Entry Problems for 2016 Cherokee
Common issues:
- part number instead of serial
- missing characters
- Incorrect prefix
Check:
- radio serial accuracy
- digit placement
- correct enter key
Common mistakes:
- part number vs serial
- extra spaces or missing characters.
Seeing SAFE or WAIT?
This is a temporary lock.
Leave the radio powered and wait until the code input returns.
If no CODE message appears, restart radio or check power state.
Look for missing confirm steps, wrong input methods, or disabled buttons during lockout.