U0184 on RAM: How to Diagnose & Fix
Lost Communication With Radio
1 RAM model · 2 documented issues
U0184 on RAM by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The center-stack Uconnect infotainment touchscreen (8.4-inch and 12-inch units) randomly goes blank, freezes on the boot logo, reboots on its own while driving, or exhibits 'ghost touching' where it registers phantom presses. Because Uconnect also controls the HVAC temperature, backup camera, radio, phone/Bluetooth, and navigation on these trucks, a locked or dead screen can leave the driver unable to adjust climate or view the reversing camera. The root cause is generally a software/firmware fault in the head unit or telematics box (a Feb 2018 OTA update notably caused thousands of units to reboot roughly every 45 seconds), occasionally aggravated by a half-installed update or a loose/corroded harness connection. This is the center infotainment display and is distinct from the digital gauge/instrument cluster blank-out recall.
Common Symptoms
- Center touchscreen goes blank or black at random
- Screen freezes/stuck on Uconnect or RAM logo at startup
- System reboots itself while driving and loses presets
- Touchscreen unresponsive to inputs or registers phantom 'ghost' touches
- Loss of backup camera, HVAC control, radio, or navigation display
How to Fix
Owners can attempt a two-button soft reset (press and hold the volume and tuner knobs together for ~10-15 seconds) or a deep-cycle reset (disconnect the 12V battery for 30+ minutes to fully drain the head-unit/telematics capacitors). The lasting fix is a dealer Uconnect software/firmware update; if the update does not resolve it, the radio/head unit or telematics control module is replaced. Some updates are available over-the-air or via USB flash.
Sources for this issue (3)
5th-gen (DT) RAM 1500 trucks with the Uconnect 8.4 (and 12-inch) systems are widely reported to randomly reboot, freeze on the RAM logo, lose audio (sound cutting out every couple of seconds), and show backup-camera faults such as a blue screen, blank image, a large yellow square, or significant camera delay. Failures cluster in temperature extremes (below ~15F or above ~90F) and can occur at startup or after the system warms up. Some early trucks also had screen de-lamination/ghost-imaging hardware defects requiring radio replacement. A software update (TSB 08-003-19) was issued to address display freezing/glitches.
Common Symptoms
- Screen randomly reboots or freezes on the RAM logo
- Audio cuts out intermittently every couple of seconds
- Backup camera shows blue/blank screen, yellow square, or long delay
- Worse behavior in very cold or very hot weather
- Screen de-lamination or ghost/burn-in images (early trucks)
How to Fix
Perform a Uconnect soft reset (key to RUN, then hold the volume knob and tuner knob together ~10-20 seconds) to clear a frozen screen. Have the dealer install the latest Uconnect software (per TSB 08-003-19) which addresses many freeze/reboot/camera cases. Persistent hardware faults (de-lamination, ghosting, dead camera image) require radio or camera replacement, ideally under powertrain/electrical warranty.
Sources for this issue (3)
U0184 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does U0184 mean on a RAM?
U0184 stands for "Lost Communication With Radio." This network code means a module stopped receiving expected communication messages from the radio/audio module over the vehicle's data bus. When the radio module goes offline or its bus connection fails, this code is logged. On some vehicles the audio module also acts as a network gateway, so its loss can trigger several related communication codes. Symptoms are typically a dead or unresponsive radio/infotainment system; it does not affect drivability. On RAM it is documented across 1 model: 1500.
What are the most common causes of U0184?
The most common causes of U0184 are: Loss of power or ground to the radio/audio module, Blown radio fuse, Wiring or connector fault on the communication bus, Faulty radio/audio control module, Corroded or loose module connector, Network/bus wiring short affecting multiple modules. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix U0184 on a RAM?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and RAM model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
Looking for U0184 on a different make?
View U0184 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.