2013-2016 Dodge Dart Radio: Uconnect Screen Problems and Replacement Programming

Vehicle Fitment

This guide covers all stereo and receiver options for the following vehicle:

• 2013-2016 Dodge Dart

Radio Variants

The Dodge Dart came with three main radio systems. Identifying which system your car has is the first step in diagnosis or replacement.

• Uconnect 200 (RAE): This is the base model radio, featuring a small monochrome display, an AM/FM tuner, and a single-disc CD/MP3 player. It is identified by the option code 'RAE'.
• Uconnect 5.0 (RA2): This is the mid-level option, featuring a 5-inch color touchscreen.
• Uconnect 8.4 (RE2, RB5): This is the premium system, featuring a large 8.4-inch color touchscreen. It came in two main versions: the 8.4 (RE2) and the 8.4N (RB5), which adds navigation. This unit is the source of most of the common issues.

Common Failure Symptoms

Problems with the Dart's radio system are common, especially with the 8.4-inch Uconnect unit. Here are the most frequently reported issues.

Uconnect 8.4" Screen Delamination and "Ghost Touch"

This is the most notorious issue. The adhesive bonding the top touch-sensitive layer (digitizer) to the underlying LCD screen fails, often due to heat and humidity. This creates air bubbles, a "waterfall" or "leaking glue" appearance, and pressure points between the layers. The system interprets this pressure as a finger press, leading to "ghost touching" or "phantom touches." Symptoms include the radio changing stations on its own, making random phone calls, changing climate settings, or the screen becoming completely unresponsive.

Blank or Black Screen

The unit may fail to power on, leaving the screen completely black. This can sometimes be an intermittent issue, working one day and not the next. In some cases, the audio or climate control may be stuck on with no way to control it. A temporary fix that sometimes works is to perform a hard reset by disconnecting the vehicle's battery for several minutes.

No Audio Output

The screen and all touch functions may appear to work correctly, but there is no sound from the speakers on any input (radio, CD, Bluetooth). This can be an intermittent problem. While it can be caused by a faulty radio unit, it can also be related to the external amplifier (if equipped) or wiring issues.

Software Glitches and Freezing

Owners report various software bugs, including the system freezing, randomly rebooting, or Bluetooth features failing to work. FCA has released multiple software updates over the years to address these problems. If you are experiencing these issues, checking for a software update should be one of the first steps.

Flashing Odometer After Replacement

If you replace the radio, you may notice the odometer on the instrument cluster is flashing. This is not a failure of the radio itself. It is a specific indicator that the newly installed module has not been properly introduced to the vehicle's computer network. This requires a "Proxy Alignment" procedure to fix.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and Recalls

Several TSBs have been issued for the Uconnect systems in the Dodge Dart to address software-related problems.

• TSB 08-028-16: This bulletin supersedes several earlier versions and addresses a wide range of issues on the Uconnect 8.4 systems (RE2, RB5, RE6, RB6). Symptoms covered include the screen locking up, intermittent resets, navigation errors, and greyed-out heated seat icons. The fix involves updating the radio's software.
• TSB 08-017-15: For 2015 models with the RB5 radio, this TSB addresses issues where the Travel Link feature shows "No Data Available," the screen shows "Test Mode," or the system resets intermittently.
• TSB 08-085-14 / 08-039-18: These bulletins apply to the base RAE radio with Uconnect Voice Command. They address an inoperative hands-free (Bluetooth) feature, often accompanied by DTC U11F6-00. The fix involves a software update for the Convergence Telematics Module (CTM), also known as the Hands-Free Module (HFM).

Buying a Used Dodge Dart Stereo / Receiver

A used OEM radio can be a cost-effective solution, but there are critical factors to consider before you buy.

1. Identify and Match Your System

First, confirm which radio you have: the base RAE, the 5.0-inch, or the 8.4-inch Uconnect. A replacement must be the same type to be compatible with your vehicle's wiring and dash opening. Upgrading from a base radio to the 8.4-inch screen is a complex project that requires additional modules, wiring, and programming, and is not a simple plug-and-play swap.

2. Inspect for Uconnect 8.4" Screen Delamination

If buying a used 8.4-inch Uconnect unit, this is the single most important inspection point. Carefully examine photos of the screen, looking for any signs of bubbling, peeling, or a liquid-like appearance, especially around the edges. Ask the seller for a photo of the unit while it's powered on. Be aware that a screen may look fine in a cool environment but can start to show delamination issues once it heats up in a car's dashboard.

3. Understand Programming Requirements: The Proxy Alignment

This is the most important consideration when replacing a Dart radio. Chrysler vehicles of this era use a CAN bus network where the Body Control Module (BCM) keeps a list of all expected electronic modules. When you install a used radio, the BCM detects a new, unrecognized part, which causes the odometer to flash continuously as an alert.

To fix this, a Proxy Alignment procedure must be performed. This procedure uses a diagnostic tool to update the BCM's configuration, accepting the new radio into the vehicle's network. There is no traditional anti-theft code to enter; the proxy alignment is the required "unlocking" process.

4. Repairing Your Existing Unit

If your only problem is a bubbling or non-responsive 8.4-inch touchscreen, you may not need to replace the entire radio. The screen's top glass layer, the digitizer, is the part that fails. Replacement digitizers are available from aftermarket suppliers and can be installed on your original radio. 🎬 See how to replace a delaminating touchscreen This is a delicate repair that involves disassembling the radio and separating the old, glued-on digitizer, but it is often much cheaper than replacing the whole unit.

Cost Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions