B1562 on 2021-2026 Ram 1500: GPS Antenna Fault Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2021-2026 Ram 1500

On the 5th generation (DT) Ram 1500 with the Uconnect 5 system, this code is an extremely common and well-documented issue. The problem is so prevalent that Stellantis (Ram's parent company) has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). [08-067-26, 08-070-26, S2508000100, 11] The issue is almost always traced back to a simple loose antenna connection or a faulty antenna assembly, rather than a problem with the main radio head unit itself. Forum users across multiple platforms confirm that checking the blue Fakra connector at the TBM is the first and most successful troubleshooting step.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Symptoms You May Notice

• "Uconnect Box Requires Service" message on the infotainment screen. [S2508000100, OTHERDOC_132, OTHERDOC_146, 1, 2, 10, 17]
• GPS navigation is inoperative or shows an incorrect vehicle location.
• The SOS or assist button may be disabled or show a fault light.
• Loss of satellite radio signal in some cases, as the antenna assembly is shared.
• Red 'Not Ready' light on the SOS button.

Most Likely Causes

1. Loose GPS Antenna Connection at TBM 🔴 High Probability TSBs specifically cite 'Antenna loose connection' as a primary cause for this code. [OTHERDOC_132, OTHERDOC_146, 5, 11] The connectors, known as Fakra connectors, can work themselves loose over time at the back of the Telematics Box Module (TBM). This is a widely reported issue in owner forums for Ram trucks and other Stellantis vehicles.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect and physically check the blue Fakra connector at the TBM. On 2021+ Ram 1500s, the TBM is mounted on a bracket behind the glove box assembly, next to the passenger airbag. A firm push to reseat the connector until it 'clicks' often resolves the issue. Some owners add a zip tie to prevent it from loosening again.
   Typical fix: Securely reconnect the loose connector. Ensure the locking tab on the Fakra connector is fully engaged. Clear codes and verify the message is gone.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Failed GPS 'Shark Fin' Antenna 🟡 Medium Probability The antenna assembly, which houses GPS, satellite radio, and cellular antennas, is exposed to the elements. Internal circuit failure or water intrusion can cause a permanent short or open circuit, triggering the code. Physical damage from car washes or low-clearance obstacles is also common.
   How to confirm: If connections are secure and the fault persists, test the antenna's coaxial cable for continuity and shorts using a multimeter. If the wiring is good, the antenna itself is the likely culprit. A diagnostic scan tool can also show the antenna status directly.
   Typical fix: Replace the roof-mounted 'shark fin' antenna assembly. This requires lowering the rear of the headliner to access the 10mm mounting nut and electrical connectors.
   Est. part cost: $60-$110
3. Damaged Antenna Coaxial Cable ⚪ Low Probability The cable runs from the roof, down a C-pillar, and behind trim panels to the TBM. It can be pinched, chafed, or damaged during previous repairs (like a windshield replacement) or if trim is not installed correctly.
   How to confirm: Perform a continuity and short-to-ground test on the cable from end to end using a multimeter. This requires disconnecting both the antenna and the TBM. A visual inspection of the cable path may also reveal pinch points or damage.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wire or replace the entire antenna cable harness.
   Est. part cost: $5-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Telematics Box Module (TBM): While rare, the TBM itself can fail. This is often accompanied by other codes, specifically B22A9-96 (ECU Internal Performance). [08-067-26, 08-070-26, 1, 4, 10, 17] If the antenna and wiring are confirmed to be good, and especially if code B22A9 is present, the TBM is the next component to investigate. In some cases, a dealer-installed software update is required to fix false DTCs, not a hardware replacement.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the code B1562 is present using an OBD-II scanner capable of reading B-codes (Body codes). Note if B1560, B1561, or B22A9 are also present.
2. Confirm the primary symptom: a 'Uconnect Box Requires Service' message on the display.
3. Contact a dealer with your VIN to check for open TSBs or software updates. Some issues are resolved with a TBM software flash, not hardware replacement.
4. Access the Telematics Box Module (TBM). Open the upper and lower glove box doors. Remove the glove box assembly (typically held by several screws) to expose the components behind it. The TBM is a module with multiple colored Fakra connectors.
5. Locate the blue Fakra connector for the GPS antenna on the TBM. Firmly press on it to ensure it is fully seated with an audible 'click'. Clear the codes and see if the fault returns.
6. If the code persists, carefully lower the rear portion of the interior headliner to access the 'shark fin' antenna base. This involves removing C-pillar trim panels and overhead console components.
7. Inspect the connection at the antenna base. Disconnect, check for corrosion or damage, and reconnect it securely.
8. If connections are good, use a multimeter to test the antenna cable for continuity (no breaks) and to ensure it is not shorted to ground.
9. If the wiring tests good, the GPS antenna assembly is the most likely failed component and should be replaced.
10. If a new antenna does not fix the issue and code B22A9 is also present, the Telematics Box Module (TBM) is the final suspect and may need replacement and dealer programming.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• GPS 'Shark Fin' Antenna Assembly (OEM #68475114AA, 68366538AA, 68487209AA) — This is the most commonly replaced part to fix a B1562 code after verifying connections are secure. The internal circuitry of the antenna fails, causing a permanent open or short. Part number can vary by vehicle options.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $60-$110
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$80

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• B1560 — This code is for 'Cellular Antenna 1 Short To Ground'. Since the cellular and GPS antennas are in the same housing and their wiring is routed together, a problem affecting one can sometimes affect the other. TSBs and owner experiences frequently group these codes together. [08-067-26, 1, 10, 17]
• B1561 — This code is for 'Cellular Antenna 2 Short To Ground', and appears for the same reasons as B1560. A loose TBM harness or faulty shark fin antenna can trigger all three codes (B1560, B1561, B1562) simultaneously. [08-067-26, 1, 10, 17]
• B22A9 — This code indicates an 'ECU Internal Performance' failure within the Telematics Box Module (TBM). If you see this code alongside B1562, it increases the likelihood that the TBM itself is faulty or requires a software update, rather than just the antenna. [08-067-26, S2508000100, 1, 4, 10, 17]

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 08-067-26: Defines B1562-14 as 'GPS Antenna Short To Ground Or Open' for 2026 models.
• 08-070-26: Defines B1562-14 as 'GPS Antenna-Circuit Short To Ground Or Open' for 2025 models.
• S2508000100: Links intermittent 'Uconnect Box Requires Service' messages to pending or stored B1562 codes.
• OTHERDOC_132 / OTHERDOC_146 / TSB from NHTSA document 10252003: Directly state that TBM DTC B1562 is related to an 'Antenna loose connection' and applies to 2022-2024 Ram 1500/2500/3500 models.
• S228A000005 (Rev A): Details diagnostic process for related antenna codes, emphasizing checking software versions and harness connections before replacing parts.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been issued by Stellantis for this exact code and symptom on 2021+ Ram trucks, indicating a known and widespread problem. [08-067-26, 08-070-26, S2508000100, OTHERDOC_132, OTHERDOC_146, 11]
• The issue is frequently caused by a loose connection at the Telematics Box Module (TBM), which can be resolved without replacing any parts. This is corroborated by numerous owner experiences in online forums.
• Customer Satisfaction Notification Z91 was issued for some 2022 models for an incorrect TBM being installed from the factory, which could cause these symptoms.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• GPS Antenna Cable Resistance (Short to Ground Test) — expected: Greater than 47.5 Ohms. Failure: A resistance reading below 47.5 Ohms indicates the antenna cable is shorted to ground.
• GPS Antenna Cable Resistance (Open Circuit Test) — expected: Less than 52.5 Ohms. Failure: Resistance above 52.5 Ohms indicates an open circuit (a break) in the antenna cable.
• GPS Antenna Power Supply Voltage — expected: 3.0V to 5.0V DC. Failure: Voltage outside this range points to a TBM or wiring issue.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• B1562-14: The '-14' is a Failure Type Byte (FTB) indicating 'Circuit Short To Ground or Open'. This is the most common variant and confirms the fault is electrical, not software. (see via A professional scan tool like the dealership's wiTECH or advanced aftermarket scanners like AlfaOBD or JScan is required to see the FTB.)
• B1562-13: This FTB specifically indicates 'Circuit Open'. If seen, it strongly points to a disconnected FAKRA connector or a broken wire, narrowing the diagnosis. (see via A professional scan tool like the dealership's wiTECH or advanced aftermarket scanners.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH: TBM Replacement Routine — This function must be run after physically replacing the Telematics Box Module (TBM) to program the new module to the vehicle. Failure to do so will result in the new module not functioning.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Telematics Box Module (TBM) — Mounted on a bracket to the Instrument Panel (IP) carrier, next to the passenger airbag, accessible by removing the upper and lower glove box assemblies.. This is the module that sets code B1562. The GPS antenna's blue FAKRA connector plugs directly into this module and is the most common point of failure (looseness).
• GPS Antenna Connector — A blue FAKRA C connector that plugs into the TBM.. This specific connector is notorious for becoming loose. Reseating it until it clicks is the most common fix for B1562.
• Cabin Ground Locations — General grounding locations are available via ring terminals within the instrument panel (primarily driver's side) and between the front seats.. A poor ground for the TBM could potentially cause erratic behavior, though it is not the primary documented cause for this specific code.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• HD Rams Forum User (5th Generation Ram Heavy Duty) — 'Uconnect Box Requires Service' message, non-functional SOS button.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Multiple dealer visits for software flashes.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner accessed the TBM behind the glovebox, found the blue GPS connector was loose, and re-seated it. They then used a zip tie to secure the connector and prevent it from loosening again.
• 5thGenRams Forum User (2022 Ram 1500) — 'Uconnect Box Requires Service' message.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Dealer replaced the TBM multiple times., Dealer replaced antennas.
  ✅ What actually fixed it An Over-The-Air (OTA) software update for the telematics box (specifically update R5T) eventually resolved the issue after multiple hardware replacements failed. The problem later returned, suggesting a complex software-related issue.

When the Usual Fixes Don't Work

• While the most common fix is reseating a loose connector, there are documented cases where this did not solve the problem. In one instance, a user reported that after multiple failed hardware replacements (including the TBM and antenna), an over-the-air software update (R5T) for the telematics module finally fixed the 'Uconnect box requires service' error, indicating a software glitch rather than a physical fault. This suggests that before extensive hardware diagnosis, ensuring the TBM has the absolute latest software via a dealer or OTA update is a critical step that can be overlooked.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68366538AA → 68475114AA — Part revision/update by Mopar. The newer part is the current replacement for the older version.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2022: A small batch of 2022 Ram 1500s were subject to Customer Satisfaction Notification Z91, where an incorrect Telematics Box Module (TBM) was installed from the factory, causing immediate B1562 codes and 'Uconnect Box Requires Service' messages. The fix was a dealer replacement of the TBM.