Uconnect Telematics Box Module (TBM)

What the TBM does

The Telematics Box Module is a second cell phone built into your truck: its own cellular modem, its own GPS, and a data connection you never signed up for. It powers Uconnect’s connected features (crash notification, SOS calling, remote start and lock from the app, vehicle health reports, and over-the-air updates) and reports location and driving data back to Stellantis. It’s a separate box from the Uconnect radio screen.

Calling Uconnect to deactivate your account stops the subscription, but the hardware stays in the dash and can be switched back on remotely. To make the truck go quiet, you deal with the module itself.

Uconnect 4 vs. Uconnect 5: know which you have

Both systems came with more than one screen size, so go by model year, or check the system information in your radio’s settings menu.

• 2018–2021 (Uconnect 4): the methods below work as long documented. A software disable with AlfaOBD is possible after a Security Gateway bypass.
• 2022 and newer (Uconnect 5): all connectivity runs through a separate telematics box above the upper glovebox. Owners report that a software-only disable no longer finishes the job. The method that holds is disconnecting or removing the box, then turning off the telematics settings in software so the truck accepts that it’s gone.

Where it lives

On 2019+ Ram trucks and most modern Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep SUVs, the TBM sits above the upper glovebox, next to the passenger airbag. On the Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT it’s under the driver’s side dash, left of the steering column.

Recognize the connectors

• Purple and pink: the two cellular antennas. These send your truck’s data out. Disconnect both and leave them unconnected. Shades vary by build; the purple is sometimes described as claret violet.
• Light blue and brown: GPS and satellite radio. These pass through the TBM on their way to the radio, so they get jumpered back to the head unit if you remove the box.

Three ways to disable it

1. Unplug the purple and pink cellular connectors. The quickest reversible step on any year: the modem loses its data link, while navigation and SiriusXM keep working. The box stays powered, so treat it as a first step.
2. Remove the TBM completely. This is what we recommend and the method that holds on 2022+ trucks. Patch the light blue and brown cables back to the radio with two FAKRA female-to-female jumpers (under $15 a pair), leave the cellular cables disconnected, then unplug and unbolt the box. On Uconnect 5, also turn off the telematics settings in software so the truck doesn’t flag the missing module.
3. Software disable with AlfaOBD. 2018+ vehicles have a Security Gateway Module that blocks changes through the OBD-II port, so you need a bypass cable first (put things back before dealer visits). Works on its own on Uconnect 4; on Uconnect 5 pair it with method 2.

The fuse mistake

The fuse most owners find is shared: on the Ram 1500 it’s F44 (20A, Radio / Telematics / Trailer Cam). Pull it and your Uconnect screen goes dark along with the modem. 2018+ Stellantis vehicles don’t have a confirmed standalone telematics fuse, which is why every method above works at the module instead.

What you lose

• Automatic crash notification and emergency SOS calling
• Remote start, lock/unlock, and vehicle finder in the Uconnect app
• Over-the-air software and map updates
• Vehicle health reports and Send & Go navigation

What stays working

Bluetooth, USB, CarPlay and Android Auto, the radio, the backup camera, and every safety system (airbags, ABS, stability control). Navigation and SiriusXM keep working too, as long as you unplug only the cellular connectors or jumper the GPS and satellite cables back. The crash-notification loss is the one to think hardest about.

Confirm the truck actually went quiet

• The app test: a day later, remote start, lock, and vehicle finder in the Uconnect app should fail, not just look stale.
• The email test: monthly vehicle health reports should stop within one cycle.
• The update test: the truck should stop downloading over-the-air updates.
• The scan test: rescan with AlfaOBD and confirm the telematics module no longer responds.

If the app still reaches the truck, the module is still talking.

Before you start

Disconnect the negative battery terminal (10 mm) and wait five minutes: the TBM sits right beside the passenger airbag on most trucks. Photograph every connector before you unplug it.

Model-specific help

• Where the TBM is on a Ram 1500 (2019+ DT, 2500/3500, TRX, and Classic)
• Disabling telematics on a Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT
• Grand Cherokee, Cherokee KL & Durango TBM location
• Charger, Challenger & Chrysler 300 TBM location