B1297 on 2013-2020 Ram 1500: Park Sensor 10 Failure Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2020 Ram 1500

On this generation of Ram 1500, while the sensor itself can fail, the wiring harness is a particularly common point of failure. The harness is susceptible to being pinched between the bumper and frame, collecting moisture, and developing corrosion in its connectors, which can mimic a sensor failure. A specific FCA STAR case document (S2108000060) points to a gray 24-way connector, XY630A, located behind the rear driver's side wheel liner as a frequent source of these sensor circuit problems due to corrosion or pushed-out terminals. 🎬 Watch: Real-world fix for common wiring harness failure Additionally, for 2019 models, a Technical Service Bulletin (08-047-19) exists to update the module's software, as it could falsely trigger this code, sometimes causing the brakes to be applied automatically when reversing even with no obstacle present.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Generation note: This range covers the fourth generation (2013-2018, DS) and the fifth generation (2019-2020, DT) Ram 1500. For 2019 DT models built before April 11, 2019, be aware of TSB 08-047-19 (and its successor 08-082-20), which addresses software that can erroneously set this code and can be fixed with a module reprogram. Wiring issues and sensor failures are common to both generations. However, the sensors themselves are different part numbers between the DS and DT generations and are not interchangeable.

Symptoms You May Notice

• "Service Park Assist System" message on the instrument cluster.
• "ParkSense Unavailable" or "ParkSense Temporarily Unavailable" message.
• The Park Assist system is disabled and will not detect obstacles.
• The Park Assist disable button on the dashboard may be illuminated or flash.
• No audible beeping when backing up towards an object.
• A constant, steady tone when shifting into reverse, indicating a system fault.

Most Likely Causes

1. Obstructed Park Assist Sensor 🔴 High Probability The sensor's location on the bumper makes it highly susceptible to being covered by dirt, mud, snow, or ice, which can distort the ultrasonic signal.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the face of the inner driver's side rear sensor. TSB #9003059 specifically advises checking for and cleaning any obstructions, including behind the bumper where debris can accumulate.
   Typical fix: Thoroughly clean the sensor face and the area around it with soap and water. Clear the code and test the system.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Damaged Wiring Harness or Connector 🔴 High Probability The rear bumper harness is exposed and can be pinched between the bumper and frame, or damaged by road debris. Connectors, especially the main 24-way connector (XY630A) behind the driver's side rear wheel, are known to get corroded from water intrusion.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring going to sensor #10. Unplug the connector and check for bent pins, corrosion, or moisture. Follow the harness to the main gray 24-way connector (XY630A) behind the driver's side rear wheel liner and inspect it for corrosion or pushed-out terminals by performing a slight pull test on the wires.
   Typical fix: Repair the broken/pinched wire(s) using solder and heat shrink. Clean corroded terminals with a contact cleaner or replace the connector/pigtail if damage is severe. A service kit (Mopar P/N 68353351AA) is available for the XY630A connector if terminals need replacement.
   Est. part cost: $5-$75 for repair materials or a new pigtail.
3. Failed Park Assist Sensor #10 🟡 Medium Probability The sensor is an electronic component exposed to weather and vibration, and can fail internally over time. The internal microprocessor can become dislodged from impact.
   How to confirm: After confirming the wiring is good, the easiest way is to swap sensor #10 with an adjacent one (like #11, the outer driver's side sensor). Clear the codes. If the code changes to B1298 (for sensor 11), the sensor is faulty. Another method is to activate the system and listen closely to each sensor; a working sensor will emit a faint clicking or buzzing sound. A silent sensor is likely dead.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty park assist sensor. The sensors are often held in by simple clips and can be pushed out from the back of the bumper.
   Est. part cost: $30-$150
4. Park Assist Module (PAM) Software Glitch ⚪ Low Probability Specifically affects 2019 models built before April 11, 2019, and some 2014 models built before June 14, 2014. The original software could erroneously set waveform failure DTCs.
   How to confirm: Check the vehicle's build date and see if TSB 08-047-19 (for 2019 models) or TSB 08-071-14 (for 2014 models) applies. A dealer can verify if the software update has been performed.
   Typical fix: The Park Assist Module needs to be reprogrammed with the latest software by a dealer or a properly equipped independent shop using a tool like wiTECH.
   Est. part cost: $0 if under warranty, otherwise $100-$200 for labor.

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failed Park Assist Module (PAM): This is rare. The module is located inside the cab (often behind trim panels or under the headliner) and is generally reliable. This should only be considered after all sensors and wiring have been thoroughly checked and ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the code with an OBD-II scanner to confirm B1297-25 is active.
2. Thoroughly inspect and clean the face of the #10 sensor (inner driver's side rear) of any dirt, snow, ice, or other obstructions.
3. Clear the trouble codes. Some systems require a code clear with a scan tool before they will function again, even if the root cause is fixed. Put the vehicle in reverse to test the system. If the code does not return, the issue is resolved.
4. If the code returns, activate the system (ignition on, in reverse) and listen for a faint clicking or buzzing from each rear sensor. The sensor that is silent is likely the faulty one.
5. If a listening test is inconclusive, inspect the wiring and connector at the back of the sensor for any visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
6. Locate and inspect the main rear harness connector (a gray 24-way connector, XY630A, often found behind the driver's side rear wheel liner) for corrosion or pushed-out terminals.
7. To definitively test the sensor, swap sensor #10 with sensor #11 (outer driver's side). Clear codes and re-test. If the code changes to B1298, the sensor is bad and needs replacement.
8. If the code remains B1297 after the swap, the fault lies in the wiring harness leading to the #10 sensor position. Trace the harness from the sensor to the main connector, looking for pinches or chafing.
9. For 2019 models, consult a dealer to see if TSB 08-047-19 applies and if a software update for the Park Assist Module is needed.
10. If all other steps fail, the Park Assist Module itself may be faulty, though this is the least likely cause.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Park Assist Sensor (OEM #1EW63TZZAA, 6MK25TZZAA (Verify by VIN, may require paint)) — This is the component that is either faulty or being affected by wiring/obstructions. If it fails internally, it must be replaced.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Bosch, Dorman
  OEM price range: $80-$150
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$70
• Rear Bumper Wiring Harness (OEM #68031820AA (DS, 2013-2018), 52112735AE (DT, 2019+). Verify by VIN.) — If the wiring is extensively damaged or corroded, replacing the entire rear harness is often easier and more reliable than repairing multiple wires.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $100-$200
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$100
• Connector Service Kit (for XY630A) (OEM #68353351AA) — If corrosion or terminal damage is found specifically at the 24-way main harness connector, this kit can be used to repair the affected circuits without replacing the entire harness.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $40-$60
  Aftermarket price range: N/A

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• B1296, B1298, B1295 — These codes correspond to the other rear parking sensors. If multiple codes are present, it strongly suggests a problem with the shared wiring harness or a main connector rather than multiple individual sensor failures.
• B1297-11 — This indicates a 'Circuit Short to Ground' for the same sensor, which often points more directly to a wiring issue, such as a pinched or chafed wire.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 08-242-25, 08-047-19, 9003059, 08-071-14: Confirms B1297-25 as 'PTS Sensor 10-Signal Shape/Waveform Failure'.
• 9003059: Recommends cleaning sensors of obstructions like snow/mud/ice as a first step for waveform failure codes.
• 08-047-19 (superseded by 08-082-20): Advises a software reprogram for the Parktronic System Module on 2019 DT models (and later 2020 models) to prevent erroneously set waveform failure DTCs.
• S2108000060 (STAR Case): Identifies a problematic 24-way connector (XY630A) behind the rear left wheel liner as a common cause for sensor circuit faults, including B1297-11 (short to ground).
• 08-071-14: Addresses a software flash for 2014 Ram 1500 models for overly sensitive front sensors and continuous chiming, which may also log waveform failure codes.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A known issue involves corrosion or loose terminals in the 24-way inline connect

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Park Assist Sensor Supply Voltage — expected: Approximately 8.4V DC with key on.. Failure: A reading significantly lower than 8V suggests a problem with the Park Assist Module or the supply circuit wiring.
• Sensor Signal Circuit Resistance to Ground — expected: Above 5.0 Ohms.. Failure: Resistance below 5.0 Ohms indicates a short to ground in the signal wire.
• Sensor Signal Circuit Continuity — expected: Below 5.0 Ohms.. Failure: Resistance above 5.0 Ohms between the module connector and the sensor connector indicates an open or high-resistance fault in the signal wire.
• OEM Sensor Resistance (Reference Only) — expected: ~141 kOhms (between left and middle pins), ~51 kOhms (between left and right pins).. Failure: These are reference values from a known good sensor; significant deviation may indicate an internal sensor fault. This is not a definitive test.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• B1297-11: PTS Sensor 10 - Circuit Short To Ground. This is a more specific fault type pointing directly to a wiring short. (see via Most professional-grade scan tools capable of reading Chrysler/Ram body codes.)
• B1297-12: PTS Sensor 10 - Circuit Short To Battery. This indicates the signal wire is shorted to a power source. (see via Most professional-grade scan tools capable of reading Chrysler/Ram body codes.)
• B1297-92: PTS Sensor 10 - Performance or Incorrect Operation. A general performance code that can be set due to data corruption or intermittent faults. (see via Most professional-grade scan tools capable of reading Chrysler/Ram body codes.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH or equivalent professional scanner: Read Active DTCs / Clear DTCs — Must be used to read the specific B1297-xx code and to clear codes after a repair. The Park Assist system may not reactivate until the fault code is cleared.
• wiTECH or equivalent professional scanner: Body Verification Test — This is a guided routine in the OEM scan tool used to confirm that the fault has been resolved after a repair is performed.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Sensor #10 Connector — At the back of the inner driver's side sensor on the rear bumper.. This is the primary connection point for the sensor. The three pins are: Pin 1: Sensor Supply (Gray/Orange wire), Pin 2: Sensor Signal (White/Dark Green wire), Pin 3: Sensor Ground (Gray/Blue wire).
• Park Assist Module (PAM) — On 2013+ models, it is typically located behind the trim panel on the driver's side cowl, near the floor.. This is the control unit for the system. All sensor wiring terminates here. Water intrusion or connector issues at the module can cause various sensor faults.
• Rear Bumper Harness Connector — The main harness connector for the rear bumper is located between the frame rails, often near the spare tire.. This connector is a common point for corrosion or damage, which can affect all rear sensors simultaneously.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• RamForum.com user (Ram 1500 (year not specified, but 4th Gen)) — Backup sensors stopped working.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Putting the truck in reverse; the sensors did not work even after the physical repair was complete.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user found bent pins in a connector and straightened them. The system still didn't work until they used an OBD reader to find and clear a stored B1297-11 (Circuit Short to Ground) code. Clearing the code was the final step that made the system operational again.
• YouTube channel 'Fetch A Wrench' (2021 Ram 1500) — Service Park Assist message with codes for sensors #10 and #11.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Swapping the suspect sensors with known-good sensors from the other side of the bumper. The fault codes remained for the same locations (#10 and #11), proving the sensors themselves were not the issue.
  ✅ What actually fixed it A visual inspection of the wiring harness for sensors #10 and #11 revealed a pinched and broken wire. The technician soldered the broken wire, sealed it with heat shrink, and taped the harness. After the repair, the codes were cleared and the system functioned correctly.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 1EW631AUAA, 1EW63DX8AA, etc. → 1EW63TZZAA — Standard part consolidation and minor revisions over many model years and paint codes. The 'TZZAA' suffix typically denotes a primered part that requires painting to match the vehicle color.
  Heads up: This part number is generally for the 4th Generation (DS) Ram 1500 (2013-2018). The 5th Generation (DT) Ram 1500 (2019+) uses a different sensor. Always verify the part number with the vehicle's VIN.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2013-2018 (DS) vs 2019-2020 (DT): The physical parking sensors are different parts for the DS 'Classic' body style and the DT 'New' body style introduced in 2019. They are not interchangeable.
• 2019-2020 (DT): DT models have six front sensors and four rear sensors, compared to the four front/four rear on some DS models. The system is more integrated with features like automatic braking assist, which can be configured in the Uconnect screen.