Why Is the Radio Asking for a Code?
The Ram 4500's Uconnect 4C locks automatically after any power interruption. Ram 4500 operators see this primarily due to:
- Battery replacement during service — primary cause. Commercial vehicles undergo frequent service and battery changes are common.
- Upfit electrical work — these trucks get bodies and equipment added which often involves battery disconnects, triggering the lock.
- A failed radio fuse — frequent after commercial electrical work.
- Buying fleet-retired without the code.
The code is tied to the radio's serial number — not the VIN.
How Serial-Based Ram 4500 Radio Unlock Works
- Instead of contacting Ram dealer or searching forums you can generate the code online using the radio serial number.
- Identify your radio's serial. You will always find it on the unit itself, and in some cases you can see it on the 4500's radio screen.
- Enter it into the field above, and the system will generate the correct 2023 4500 unlock code.
- When you receive the code, type it in using 4500's radio controls to unlock the system successfully.
- The entire process takes only a few minutes and requires minimal effort.
Code Entry Process for 2023 4500
Once you receive 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 head unit design, but most 2023 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 CODE displayed on screen.
Step-by-Step - The Correct Way to Enter It
To input the unlock code on the 2023 Ram 4500's Uconnect 4C:
- The 8.4" screen shows "ENTER CODE" after a battery event.
- Tap the touchscreen keypad to enter each digit of the 4-digit code.
- The radio restores after the 4th digit – no confirm step needed.
Lockout Warning: 3 wrong attempts = 60-minute lockout. Keep ignition ON. Cycling the ignition restarts the wait.
How to Find the Serial Number on Your 2023 Ram 4500 Radio?
The first step is to locate the radio's serial num.
Depending on the radio unit used in your 2023 4500, the serial can be accessed either through the display menu or by checking the label on the radio itself.
Below are the most common methods to identify your S/N the right way.
Which Head Unit Is in Your 2023 Ram 4500?
For 2023 the Ram 4500 runs the Uconnect 5 infotainment platform as standard across SLT and above (with Uconnect 4 retained on the very base Tradesman/base Chassis Cab in some markets). Uconnect 5 introduced wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, five user profiles and a much faster processor compared with the Uconnect 4 hardware it replaced.
Uconnect 3 / Uconnect 4 (sales code UAG) - 5-inch base touchscreen, retained on the lowest Tradesman/base Chassis Cab build only. Visual ID: small 5-inch screen with conventional climate controls below.
Uconnect 5 with 8.4-inch display (sales code UBL) - 8.4-inch landscape touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, optional GPS navigation. Visual ID: 8.4-inch glass with the Uconnect 5 home grid (multiple user profiles, large widgets) instead of the older Uconnect 4 tile layout.
Uconnect 5 NAV with 12-inch display (sales code UBQ) - 12-inch portrait touchscreen with built-in GPS, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard on Limited and optional/standard on Laramie depending on the build. Visual ID: large vertical 12-inch glass with split-screen and the Uconnect 5 interface.
Quick test for 2023: a 5-inch screen with the older Uconnect interface means UAG, an 8.4-inch landscape screen with the new Uconnect 5 home grid means UBL, and a tall 12-inch portrait screen running Uconnect 5 means UBQ.
Find the Serial via the Radio Display
Try the following for your 2023 Ram 4500:
The 2023 Ram 4500 commercial chassis cab is equipped with the Uconnect 4C (RA4) 8.4" touchscreen in the commercial-grade cab. The serial number is accessible 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) at the same time for 5 seconds.
- Dealer Mode appears on the display.
- Navigate to: System Info → Radio Part Info → Serial Number.
Note Dealer Mode could be disabled on some 2023 4500 units after a software update. If the bezel press fails, physical removal is required.
Find the Serial by Pulling Out the Unit
If the serial number cannot be accessed through menu, use the hardware method.
Most Ram 4500 factory radios include a label with the serial number printed on the chassis.
Basic process:
- Ensure the ignition is off.
- Carefully remove surrounding dashboard trim.
- Remove fasteners holding the radio.
- Slide outward to inspect the label.
If Dealer Mode is not accessible on your 2023 Ram 4500, the radio must be removed to access the serial label:
- Turn off the vehicle.
- Remove the surrounding bezel with a plastic pry tool. The 4500's work cab trim uses friction clips – start at the bottom to release.
- Remove the mounting screws (Torx T20 or T25).
- Pull the unit forward to access the serial label on the top of the chassis.
Wiring can remain connected while you photograph the serial.
Ram 4500 Hardware Label Method
The factory radio in the 2023 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 (2023 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 Examples for 2023 4500
The 2023 Ram 4500 Uconnect 4C (RA4) serial number formats:
T00AM– Harman Uconnect 4C (most common prefix)T00BE– Continental versionT0MYD– Newer Harman production (2020+)
Radio designation: RA4 (Uconnect 4C, 8.4"). Serial: 14 characters. The Ram 4500 chassis cab uses the same infotainment hardware 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.
S/N Patterns and Prefixes
The factory radios fitted to the 2023 Ram 4500 are predominantly Uconnect 5 head units (with Uconnect 4 retained on the base 5-inch UAG only). The serial style follows the standard Mopar/Uconnect convention, with the exact prefix driven by the supplier and software build of the specific unit, so any pattern below should be treated as a guide rather than a strict rule.
Uconnect 5 8.4-inch (UBL) and 12-inch (UBQ)
Typically a 14-character alphanumeric string printed on the chassis barcode label.
Often begins with T (for example T00-prefixed Mitsubishi Electric builds) or with A2C on Continental-built modules.
Printed as a continuous run of letters and digits, with no spaces or dashes.
Uconnect 3 / Uconnect 4 5-inch (UAG, base only)
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.
Copy the serial exactly as printed and avoid guessing characters that look unclear.
Understanding Unlock Issues with Your 4500
The Ram 4500's Uconnect 4C locks 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. Any power interruption resets the timer. chassis cab vehicles must complete the full wait in one session.
A rejected code on the Ram 4500's Uconnect 4C typically indicates a serial number error. The RA4 label has both the serial (T00AM, T00BE, or T0MYD, 14 chars) and the part number (P05... or 68...) — the serial alone generates the code.
Commercial-use labels can be worn or dusty. Wipe down the label or photograph it. Reach out for a free re-check if needed.
The Uconnect 4C serial on the Ram 4500 is accessible 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.
Do not use the part number (P05... or 68...) on the same label.
No code prompt means the Uconnect 4C isn't locked. To trigger the code screen: briefly disconnect the battery, then turn ignition ON. The prompt appears on startup.
The Ram 4500's Uconnect 4C uses touchscreen-only code entry — tap each digit on the on-screen number pad. No physical preset buttons are used. The radio auto-unlocks after the 4th digit.