Why Do ProMaster City Radios Use a Security Code?
A factory radio code, also known as an anti-theft code is a security PIN that restores access to your car stereo after it has been locked.
This factory security PIN is triggered when the radio is disconnected from power.
This system helps prevent stolen radios from working in other vehicles.
If power is interrupted, the radio locks automatically and requires the unlock CODE before it can be used again.
Once the valid numbers combination is entered, the stereo is fully reactivated.
Ram ProMaster City's Most Common Unlock Code Causes
Your radio may lock automatically when it detects a power interruption.
These are the some well-known scenarios that trigger the radio code prompt.
Error After a Battery Replacement
A replaced battery is the most common reason a Ram ProMaster City radio asks for a code.
Even a brief voltage drop is enough to activate the built-in security system.
Other Cases When Your Radio Asks for a PIN
- If a fuse is pulled, the radio can enter anti-theft mode.
- When the head unit is removed, it usually requires the original code.
- After a software update, electrical repair, or an ECU reset, some Ram ProMaster City radios display a CODE message.
- After a boost start, the radio may lose power and request a radio code.
Quick Fixes Before Buying a Radio Code
Looking for a free Ram ProMaster City Radio Code? Actually, you may already have it.
In some cases, the code may already be available in the vehicle itself or in the documentation.
Check these places to save time and money before using an online generator.
Below are the most reliable places to look.
Look Through Car Documentation
- In the owner's manual, often on a code card.
- On the head unit itself, if it was removed before.
- Inside the center console, sometimes on a small card.
- In the trunk, on a service sticker.
- In your car paperwork from the previous owner.
Can You Get a Ram ProMaster City Radio Code from the Dealer?
A Ram dealer can usually retrieve the security code using your ProMaster City's VIN.
In most cases, you need to contact the service department or visit the dealership and prove ownership.
Once verified, they can generate the original anti-theft code for your radio.
Possible Drawbacks:
- Some older Ram ProMaster City radios may require manual lookup.
- You usually need to visit in person and bring ID.
- Dealers often ask for payment for the lookup service and it can cost more than 100$.
- The process can take days depending on the model and database.
Where to Search for the Serial No.
To retrieve the correct radio code, you first need the serial number from the radio.
Depending on your model, you can see it on the screen or locate it on the unit.
You may see labels such as: Serial Num. / S/N / Serial Number etc.
These are the most common ways to locate it:
1. Find the S/N on Ram ProMaster City's Screen
Most Uconnect-equipped vehicles are able to show the radio serial number right on the display using a hidden diagnostic menu called Dealer Mode (also known as Engineering Mode). This means you can obtain the serial number without removing the radio from the dashboard.
Uconnect 8.4" Classic (2013–2018)
Method 1 – Climate Controls:
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON (engine off).
- Simultaneously hold the Up, Down, and Front Defrost climate buttons for 5 seconds.
- The Dealer Mode menu appears on screen.
- Navigate to: System Info → Radio Part Info → Serial Number.
Method 2 – Temperature Buttons:
- Hold the Temperature Up (red) and Temperature Down (blue) buttons together for 5 seconds.
- The Engineering Menu appears.
- Navigate to: System Info → Radio Part Info → Serial Number.
Uconnect 8.4" NEW (2019+) & 12-inch
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON.
- Press the bottom-left and bottom-right edges of the physical screen bezel simultaneously until Dealer Mode appears.
- Navigate to: System Info → Radio Part Info → Serial Number.
Important Press the physical bezel edges, not the touchscreen surface.
Uconnect 7" (e.g. Jeep Compass)
- Hold the Temperature Up and Temperature Down buttons for 5 seconds.
- The Engineering Menu will appear.
- Navigate to: System Info → Target Main Data → Serial Number.
2. The Serial Number on the Radio Housing
To find the serial number, you'll need to remove the radio unit from the dashboard.
- Start by turning off the ignition and taking off the dashboard bezel.
- Next, unscrew the mounting bolts and pull the unit forward to check the label on the side of the radio. Be careful not to damage the cables that the unit is connected to.
- Write down full serial number carefully and then come back to the website.
- Know that serial number and part number are not the same. You will find both of them on the sticker, but you only care for the serial.
Physical Radio Removal (if Dealer Mode is unavailable)
If the on-screen method does not work on your vehicle, the radio can be physically removed to view 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.
Example: Ram ProMaster City serial number label location
Usual Serial Prefixes on Ram ProMaster City Factory Units
To unlock your radio, find the serial starting with T00AM, TM9, or A2C. Do NOT use serials ending in W, J, L, or S — those are screen/DVD/amplifier modules.
Entering the Radio Code on Ram ProMaster City
Once you have the unlock code, it's time to input it into the Ram ProMaster City's radio.
The locked radio will usually show an "ENTER CODE" message.
Use the built-in buttons or touch controls to select each number, then press OK to unlock the stereo.
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 unlocks automatically – no need to press a confirm button.
Tip: Make sure you enter the code carefully. Three incorrect attempts will trigger a temporary lockout.
Ram ProMaster City Radio Code - Common Questions
Free security codes are not easy to find.
Some online tools may help, but most codes require a database lookup.
The only free possibility would be to search your vehicle and its glovebox to see if you have it written down.
Many OEM stereos use a security code, but some versions require one.
Whether a code is needed varies by the installed head unit and the vehicle generation.
Yes. Each car stereo has its own unique code.
If you install a different radio, you'll need the code for that specific unit.
Uconnect is the infotainment system manufactured by Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) and used across Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo vehicles. Most Uconnect radios include an anti-theft protection system that activates whenever the radio loses power – for example after a battery replacement, a dead battery, or electrical work.
When triggered, the radio displays "ENTER CODE" and won't work until the correct 4-digit unlock code is entered. The code is permanently tied to the radio's serial number, not the vehicle's VIN, which is why finding the serial number is the first step to unlocking.
Yes, in most cases. Uconnect systems from 2013 onwards feature a hidden Dealer Mode (or Engineering Mode) diagnostic menu that displays the serial number directly on screen. You can access it by holding specific button combinations – without any tools or removal.
However, some 2020+ models may have had Dealer Mode disabled via software updates. If you can't reach the on-screen menu, the radio must be physically removed to read the serial number label on the unit. See our full Dealer Mode guide for step-by-step instructions with video tutorials.
Yes. The 12-inch Uconnect display found in newer Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks still uses the same anti-theft protection system. If the battery is disconnected or replaced, the radio will lock and need a 4-digit unlock code.
To access Dealer Mode on the 12-inch screen, press the bottom-left and bottom-right edges of the physical screen bezel simultaneously. Navigate to System Info → Radio Part Info to find the serial number.