Locked 4500 Radio? Here's Exactly How to Get the Code
Car radios use anti-theft codes dependent on the radio unit itself instead of the model or production year.
- Our lookup service works by matching your Ram 4500 radio's serial number.
- After entering the serial into the form above, the system identifies the radio family and retrieves the corresponding code.
- Simply input the digits into the 4500 stereo.
- This approach saves time compared to traditional methods for 2020 Ram 4500.
Can't Locate Your Unit's Serial Number? Follow The Steps Below for Ram 4500 2020
Very important fact to know is that factory radios use a unique S/N to identify each unitindividually.
The security system matches the code directly to the serial.
Unlike vehicle-specific data like VIN or registration information, it is not determined by the model or production year, so you'll be able to generate it even if you have an aftermarket radio.
Depending on the manufacturer and radio installed in your Ram 4500, the access method varies.
These are the best ways to locate it.
2020 Ram 4500 - Which Radio Did You Get?
The 2020 Ram 4500 - part of the all-new fifth-generation DT HD platform launched for 2019 with a redesigned dash - shipped with the Uconnect 4 family of head units. Across the trim ladder (Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Power Wagon on the 2500, Limited and on Chassis Cab models Tradesman, SLT, Laramie and Limited) several screen sizes were available.
Uconnect 3 / Uconnect 4 (sales code UAG) - 5-inch base touchscreen. Standard on Tradesman and base Chassis Cab. Visual ID: small 5-inch screen mounted high in the centre stack with conventional climate controls below; Bluetooth audio and basic media support.
Uconnect 4C 8.4 NAV (sales code UAQ, Canadian equivalent UCQ) - 8.4-inch touchscreen with built-in GPS navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired). Standard or part of the upgrade group on most mid trims. Visual ID: 8.4-inch landscape glass dropped into the upper centre stack with a dedicated NAV/Map tile on the home screen.
Uconnect 4C NAV 12-inch (sales code UAX) - 12-inch portrait touchscreen with split-screen capability, GPS navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired). Optional on Laramie, standard on Limited. Visual ID: large vertical 12-inch glass that fills the upper centre stack and can show two apps stacked on top of one another.
Quick test for the 2020 4500: 5-inch screen means UAG, 8.4-inch landscape means UAQ/UCQ, and a tall 12-inch portrait screen means UAX.
Before Removing the Radio, Try This Screen Method
The method for 2020 Ram 4500 is this:
The 2020 Ram 4500 severe-duty chassis truck features the Uconnect 4C (RA4) 8.4" touchscreen fitted in the work cab interior. The serial number is retrievable via Dealer Mode:
- Turn ignition to ACC or ON.
- Press the bottom-left and bottom-right corners of the physical screen bezel (plastic frame, not glass) simultaneously for 5 seconds.
- Dealer Mode appears on the display.
- Go to: System Info → Radio Part Info → Serial Number.
Note Dealer Mode may be restricted on some 2020 4500 units after a software update. If the bezel press fails, physical removal is required.
Find Your Serial Number on the Radio Display
The 2020 Ram 4500 ships with Uconnect 4 hardware (8.4-inch UAQ/UCQ landscape and the optional 12-inch UAX portrait), and both touchscreens respond to a hidden dealer/diagnostic shortcut that prints the radio serial on screen - no head-unit removal required.
Switch the ignition to RUN/ACC and let the Uconnect interface finish booting.
Press and hold the driver-side temperature UP button, the driver-side temperature DOWN button and the front DEFROST button together for roughly 5-10 seconds until the dealer/engineering screen opens.
If the climate-button shortcut does nothing, press and hold the bottom-left and bottom-right corners of the screen at the same time for about 5-10 seconds.
Once inside the diagnostic interface, browse to the radio/system info section to read the serial number printed on screen.
Photograph the screen so each character can be transcribed without typos - treat 0/O, 1/I and B/8 carefully.
The 5-inch UAG base radio is much less consistent with the on-screen shortcut, so for that unit fall back on the chassis-label method described below.
Taking Out the Radio Unit to Access the S/N on the Tag
If the serial does not appear in menu, the next step is checking the radio itself.
Many Ram radios require physical access to the serial tag attached to the unit.
Typical approach:
- Start by completely powering down the engine - pull the key out.
- Then lift the radio surround.
- Next, loosen the mounting points and move the radio forward.
- Look for a printed tag showing the serial number.
If Dealer Mode is not accessible on your 2020 Ram 4500, the radio must be removed to read the serial label:
- Turn off the vehicle.
- Pry off the center stack trim with a plastic pry tool. The 4500's commercial cab trim has friction clips – work from the lower edge to release.
- Unscrew the mounting screws (Torx T20 or T25).
- Slide the unit forward to access the serial label on the side or top of the chassis.
Wiring can remain connected while you note the serial.
Locate Serial on the Ram 4500's Radio Chassis
The factory radio in the 2020 Ram 4500 also carries a printed barcode/sticker label on the chassis. On the fifth-generation DT HD dash the head unit (especially the 12-inch portrait UAX/UBQ) sits inside a wide centre-stack bezel that integrates the screen surround with adjacent climate and storage trim, so the work needs to be done methodically.
Safety first: turn the ignition fully off, remove the key fob from the cabin, disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait at least 10-15 minutes before touching wiring so the SRS/airbag capacitors can discharge. Avoid yellow airbag/SRS connectors entirely and use plastic trim tools so nothing shorts or breaks.
Tools you will need: plastic trim/panel removal kit, T20 Torx bit, Phillips #2 screwdriver, 7mm socket and short extension, flashlight, clean microfibre to rest the bezel on.
Removal overview (2020 Ram 4500 dash): lift the rubber beauty pad on top of the centre stack to expose two T20 Torx screws and remove them; lift the rubber mat in the small cubby behind the 120V outlet to expose a third T20 Torx screw and remove that as well. With those three screws out, pull the centre-stack bezel rearward starting at the lower edge to release the spring clips around its perimeter. The bezel carries the hazard/HVAC switches, so unclip those harnesses before setting it aside on a clean cloth. Remove the four 7mm screws securing the radio cage to the dash support bracket, then slide the head unit straight rearward and disconnect the antenna lead and the multi-pin power/data connectors at the rear.
Where the serial sits: the serial number is printed on a barcode/sticker label on the top or one side of the radio chassis, alongside the part number and supplier markings. Photograph the label up close and double-check ambiguous characters such as 0/O, 1/I and B/8 before submitting the value.
Tips and professional advice: the 12-inch UAX/UBQ portrait head unit on the 4500 is deeply integrated into the wider centre-stack trim and shares hardware with the climate cluster, hazard switch and 120V outlet bezel - if the trim resists, stop and double-check for hidden screws rather than pulling harder. Owners who are not comfortable working around airbag wiring or releasing the wide integrated bezel should have a professional installer or dealer technician remove the unit instead; an experienced shop typically completes this in well under an hour.
Example: Ram 4500 serial number label location
Typical Serial Number Formats for 2020 4500 Radios
The 2020 Ram 4500 Uconnect 4C (RA4) serial number formats:
T00AM– Harman Uconnect 4C (primary prefix)T00BE– Continental variantT0MYD– Updated Harman production (later models)
Radio designation: RA4 (Uconnect 4C, 8.4"). Serial: 14 characters. The Ram 4500 chassis cab shares the same RA4 platform as the Ram 3500 and 5500.
Important The serial number is different from the part number (P05064... or 68...). Only the 14-char serial generates the code.
Common S/N Formats Used on 2020 Ram 4500 Units
The factory radios fitted to the 2020 Ram 4500 use the standard Mopar/Uconnect head-unit serial style. The exact prefix depends on the Uconnect tier shipped with the truck and the supplier (Mitsubishi Electric, Continental, Harman or Visteon) that built the unit, so any prefix list found online should be treated as a guide rather than a strict rule.
Uconnect 4C 8.4 (UAQ / UCQ) and 12-inch UAX
Typically a 14-character alphanumeric string printed on the chassis label.
Commonly begins with T - frequent prefixes include T00AM, TM9 and TQ1 - or with A2C on Continental-built variants.
Usually a continuous run of letters and digits with no dashes or spaces.
Uconnect 3 / Uconnect 4 5-inch (UAG)
Usually carries a Mopar/Visteon or Panasonic-style serial on the chassis sticker, so the printed label on the unit itself is the authoritative reference.
Always copy the serial exactly as printed and avoid guessing characters that look unclear.
Got the Code? Here's How to Enter It
After generating the correct unlock code based on the S/N, you can restore normal functionality by entering it into the unit.
The code entry process depends on the radio interface, but most 2020 4500 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.
Step-by-Step - The Correct Way to Enter It
Entering the unlock code on the 2020 Ram 4500's Uconnect 4C:
- The 8.4" display presents "ENTER CODE" after a battery event.
- Use the touchscreen keypad to enter each digit of the 4-digit code.
- The radio restores after the 4th digit – nothing else needed.
Lockout Warning: 3 wrong attempts = 60-minute lockout. Keep ignition ON. Turning off the ignition resets the timer.
Correct Entering Process
Once the unlock code has been retrieved, the 2020 Ram 4500 Uconnect 4 head unit can be unlocked at the dash without a scan tool or dealer visit.
Limited Attempt Warning: Mopar/Uconnect head units only accept three incorrect tries before the radio enters a WAIT state. If the lockout activates, the radio must remain powered with the ignition in RUN for roughly 30 continuous minutes (the vehicle may be driven during this time) before another attempt is allowed. Repeated wrong-code lockouts can extend the wait significantly, so confirm every digit before pressing it.
Place the ignition in RUN/ACC so the radio powers up but the engine stays off.
Wait for the display to show CODE, Please enter Anti-Theft Code, or a similar prompt.
On the Uconnect 4C 8.4 (UAQ/UCQ) and 12-inch UAX, tap the on-screen number pad to enter each digit and confirm with the OK/Enter touch button.
On the 5-inch UAG base radio, use the numbered preset buttons (1-0) to key each digit of the code in sequence; confirm with the OK/Enter soft key if the unit prompts for it.
If WAIT appears after wrong attempts, leave the radio powered with the ignition in RUN for the documented cool-down period before trying the correct code again.
If a correct-looking code is rejected, double-check the radio serial that was used to retrieve the code, and that the VIN tied to the code matches the truck the radio is currently installed in - a VIN mismatch is the most common reason an apparently correct code is refused.
Why Is the Radio Asking for a Code?
The Ram 4500's Uconnect 4C locks automatically after the battery is disconnected or replaced. Commercial chassis cab owners see this primarily due to:
- Battery replacement during service — primary cause. Commercial vehicles get regular fleet maintenance and battery changes are routine.
- Upfit electrical work — these trucks get bodies and equipment added which requires electrical disconnects, triggering the lock.
- Blown fuse — frequent after commercial electrical work.
- Buying pre-owned without the code.
The code is tied to the radio's serial number — not the VIN.
Troubleshooting Common Radio Problems - 4500 2020
A rejected code on the Ram 4500's Uconnect 4C typically indicates the wrong serial was submitted. The RA4 label has both the serial (T00AM, T00BE, or T0MYD, 14 chars) and the part number (P05... or 68...) — only the serial generates the code.
Commercial-use labels may be hard to read. Clean the sticker or photograph it. Contact support for a free re-check if needed.
No code prompt means the Uconnect 4C hasn't triggered. Force the lock: briefly disconnect the battery, then turn ignition ON. The prompt appears on startup.
The Uconnect 4C serial on the Ram 4500 can be read via Dealer Mode (System Info → Radio Part Info → Serial Number) or on the physical label on the unit housing after removal. Serial: 14 chars starting with T00AM, T00BE, or T0MYD.
Ignore the part number (P05... or 68...) on the same label.
The Ram 4500's Uconnect 4C enters lockout after 3 wrong entries. The screen continues to display "ENTER CODE" but blocks all input.
To reset: Keep ignition ON for a full 60 minutes. Turning off restarts the countdown. chassis cab vehicles must complete the full wait in one session.
The Ram 4500's Uconnect 4C uses touchscreen-only code entry — press each digit on the on-screen number pad. No physical preset buttons are involved. The radio auto-unlocks after the 4th digit.