"Uconnect Box Requires Service" - What Does It Mean and How to Fix?

So, the "Uconnect Box Requires Service" message has been here in the new Ram trucks and other Stellantis for over a year now and the manufacturer doesn't seem to find the proper resolution. There have been several software updates designed exactly to tackle this issue and still the message keeps popping up in some cars. While in some others it goes away.

Uconnect box requires service message highlights

• Common reasons:low TBM battery
• How to fix:have the TBM battery replaced, check the 12V battery
• Possible consequences:connectivity features in your Uconnect may not work
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$50-$300

Sorry to say that but this problem is totally about the greed of modern car manufacturers.

Let's explore a little more!

Possible problems that trigger the issue

If you see the "Uconnect Box Requires Service" message on your radio screen in a Dodge truck or Jeep SUV, you are just one of the thousands who have a nightmare of pressing the OK button anytime they get into their vehicles.

The good news - it doesn't change almost anything and your Uconnect is still functional. It may still lack some connectivity issues.

The bad news - there is basically no proper repair for this problem. Stellantis has issued several updates, but they didn't work really well and then the company just decided to not bother themselves much with this problem.

I believe their initial software for the Uconnect Box (which is not the radio, but the control unit or connectivity module for the radio) is faulty. They made a mistake that they couldn't find in the end. And that's why you may start seeing this annoying message.

Of course, some updates work for some vehicles and fewer car owners write messages to me now asking what the heck is going on with their cars. But still, there are trucks that keep showing this message whatever kinds of updates you install.

I've also written the article about the "My Car is not Equipped with Uconnect" message - have a look!

What are some fixes to try?

First of all, there is a popular DIY fix that doesn't require going to the dealership. Here's what exactly you should do:

• make sure the car is parked safely (for example, near your house or in the garage);
• turn on the ignition in the vehicle;
• don't start the engine - this is not necessary;
• make sure you see this message saying that the Uconnect Box requires service;
• leave the car like that for 20-25 minutes.

The idea is that the Uconnect Box will connect itself to the satellites and will get the proper settings in the end. This usually happens with new trucks that couldn't set the connection with the satellite system and keep saying about that. When the car is stationary for over 20 minutes, it can connect to the needed satellite and get proper settings installed.

This is a free method to try. Even if it won't help you, you will not spend a dollar on that.

Also, there is the second free thing you can do - install the proper updates when Uconnect offers this to you.

Here's how you should do that:

• when the Uconnect screen offers you to install the update, agree to that;
• prior to pressing the update button, make sure that there is the source of the internet connection;
• you may use your mobile phone connection or the Wi-Fi network - it doesn't matter;
• install the update and don't turn off the ignition while the update is in progress;
• then turn off the vehicle and start the engine again to see if the problem is solved.

While it helped some Ram and Jeep owners, it didn't help other, less lucky, guys. But still, it's free and doesn't require a dealership visit, so it's absolutely worth trying.

Please note that if Uconnect is saying something about the battery, the issue is not the same!

When should you go to the dealer?

I understand that seeing this annoying message is not a good experience for you. So, you may want to go to the dealership and have the problem solved. In the end, you have the warranty from Dodge and why should you dig in this mysterious Uconnect on your own?

And I agree with your emotional point of view, but you need to be ready for several things. First of all, there are no proper fixes for this problem. It's very likely that the dealer will not be able to solve the issue, at least now.

Secondly, the dealer may take your car for quite a long time to test all the known solutions and find what will work for you. They will update the software, replace the radio, replace the Uconnect Box, fix some connectivity issues, etc. But, in the end, you may start seeing this message again in several weeks.

So, I strongly recommend you try those free methods that I listed above before you decide to go to the dealership. At least, you may avoid leaving your truck for several days in the dealership and driving a loaner.

Will hard reset help?

Also, some Dodge, Chrysler, Ram, and Jeep owners are curious if a hard reset of the Uconnect will help them solve this problem. Well, yes, it may help, in some cases.

The hard reset is easy to do by disconnecting the battery for several minutes or unplugging the fuse that powers the radio. Better use the battery method because it will also reset the telematics box and other units that may also trigger this message.

But it may only help for some time. Or it may not help at all if the software problem is serious.

Anyway, this also doesn't cost you a dollar, so it's worth trying this method. If nothing works, I would suggest you should go to the dealer especially when the vehicle is still under warranty.

Final thoughts

This article was updated in January 2024 and still, at this time I see no proper solution to this problem. I hope Stellantis will issue a good over-the-air update to fix the problem in the near future. But I should also say that car software has become less reliable.

Unfortunately, this is not just about Stellantis and their Uconnect (which is obviously the worst modern infotainment and connectivity system for cars) but about almost all manufacturers. They want subscriptions, limitations, total control over the vehicles over the air, etc. And they keep screwing up with writing proper software for this.

If you happen to have a solution to this problem, please share it in the comments below and help other car owners!