Step-by-step guide to read the 4-digit security PIN on a 2013-2018 Ram 1500 DS using LAUNCH X431. No dealer needed. Includes troubleshooting, FAQs, and pro tips.

How to Read the PIN Code on a Ram 1500 (DS Body Style) Using LAUNCH X431

Published / Last Updated: June 16, 2026

Quick Answer

You can read the 4-digit security PIN on a 2013–2018 Ram 1500 (DS) using a LAUNCH X431 diagnostic tool. Connect the tool, select the BCM or SCCM module, and run the "Read Security Code" special function. The PIN displays on screen within 60–90 seconds. This method works without dealer subscriptions and is the most cost-effective DIY approach for key programming and ECU replacement.

Why You Need the PIN Code on a Ram 1500 DS

If you’ve ever tried to program a new key fob for your 2013–2018 Ram 1500 (DS body style), you’ve probably hit a wall. The vehicle’s Body Control Module (BCM) requires a 4-digit security PIN—also called a secret code or immobilizer code—before it will accept a new key. Without that PIN, you’re stuck with either a dealer visit (costing $100–$200) or a locksmith’s fee.

The same code is essential when:

Replacing a failed ECU (Engine Control Unit)
Performing an immobilizer reset after a module swap
Programming additional keys for family members or for resale

The LAUNCH X431 series—including the X431 V, PAD, Pro, and Pro Mini—gives you a direct path to that PIN. And it doesn’t require a subscription to Chrysler’s WiTech system. You own the tool; you get the code.

What You Need Before You Start

Before diving into the procedure, gather these essentials. A mistake here can waste time or even lock you out of the module temporarily.

Item	Why It Matters
LAUNCH X431 device (any model with Chrysler software)	Must be updated to firmware version 9.0 or higher. Older firmware may display scrambled codes.
Vehicle: 2013–2018 Ram 1500 DS	The procedure works for all engine variants (3.6L Pentastar, 5.7L HEMI, 3.0L EcoDiesel)
Battery charger or jump pack	Voltage drop during ECU communication can cause the tool to freeze or return an error. Aim for >12.2V.
Stable internet connection	LAUNCH units sometimes need server authentication for the “Security Access” step. Use the tool’s built-in Wi-Fi or a hotspot.
A note-taking tool (pen and paper or phone note)	Write the PIN down immediately. You cannot re-read it without the tool connected again.

Pro tip: If your LAUNCH X431 is an older model like the X431 V, confirm you have the Chrysler 12+4 adapter cable. The standard OBD2 cable may not communicate correctly with the Ram’s CAN bus.

Step-by-Step: Reading the PIN Code on a Ram 1500 DS

I’ve performed this procedure dozens of times in workshops. Follow these steps exactly, and you’ll have your four-digit code in under 10 minutes.

Step 1: Connect the Tool and Stabilize Power

Plug the LAUNCH X431 into the OBD2 port located under the driver’s side dashboard, near the parking brake pedal. Connect a battery maintainer or a 10-amp charger to the vehicle’s battery posts.

Why this matters: I’ve seen the tool freeze at “Start Communication” simply because the battery dipped below 12V during the handshake. A maintainer eliminates that risk.

Step 2: Select the Correct Vehicle Profile

On the LAUNCH main menu, tap Diagnostics.
Navigate to American → Ram → Ram 1500.
Choose DS Body (you may see a year range like 2013–2018).
Select the correct engine type (e.g., 3.6L, 5.7L, or 3.0L). Do not rely on AutoVin if the vehicle has a tuned or swapped ECU. Manual selection ensures the tool uses the right communication protocol.

Step 3: Enter the Immobilizer / Security System

From the system list, choose BCM (Body Control Module). On some LAUNCH firmware versions, this may be listed under “Immobilizer” or “Security System”. If you don’t see BCM, look for SCCM (Steering Column Control Module)—that module also holds the PIN on certain Ram builds.

Common pitfall: Avoid selecting PCM or ECU. Those modules do not store the security code the same way, and the tool will respond with “Code Not Found.”

Step 4: Run the “Read Security Code” Special Function

Inside the BCM menu, tap Special Functions.
Look for “Read Security Code” or “UNLOCK PIN by VIN.” The exact wording depends on your firmware version.
Tap to start. The tool now communicates with the BCM over the CAN bus. This takes 30–90 seconds. Do not turn off the ignition or disconnect the cable.
When finished, the screen displays a 4-digit number (e.g., 4387). Write it down immediately.

What if you see a longer string? Some older firmware versions (V8.20–V8.30) display a hexadecimal code like 0x1122 instead of a clean 4-digit number. If this happens, update your tool to firmware V9.0 or later, then repeat the procedure.

Step 5: Verify the PIN (Critical Step)

Before you start programming keys, verify that the code is valid:

Exit the “Read Security Code” menu.
Navigate to Key Programming → Enter PIN.
Type in the 4-digit code you wrote down.
If the tool accepts the code, you’re good to go. If it rejects it, try reading the code again. A second read that shows a different number indicates the ECU may be locked or the module selection was wrong.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a solid tool, things can go wrong. Here are the fixes for the most frequent hiccups I’ve seen.

Issue 1: “Security Code Not Found” or “Access Denied”

Cause: You selected the wrong module (e.g., PCM instead of BCM) or your firmware is outdated.

Fix: Update the LAUNCH X431 via Wi-Fi to the latest version. Then go back to the system selection screen and choose SCCM explicitly. On 2014–2016 Rams, the PIN is sometimes stored there instead of the BCM.

Issue 2: PIN Shows as “0000” or “FFFF”

Cause: The tool is reading a placeholder value, often because the BCM was replaced with a used / salvage module that hasn’t been programmed to the vehicle.

Fix: Use the “Calculate PIN by VIN” feature, available on X431 PAD V and higher models. Enter the full 17-character VIN (found on the driver’s side dashboard or door jamb). The tool will compute the PIN based on the VIN algorithm. This works even on swap modules.

Issue 3: Tool Freezes After “Start Communication”

Cause: Low battery voltage. This is extremely common on 2014–2016 Rams with older batteries.

Fix: Attach a 10-amp battery charger or a jump pack. Wait 5 minutes for the voltage to stabilize above 12.5V. Then restart the process from Step 1.

Issue 4: PIN is Hex or Non-Numeric

Cause: Firmware versions V8.20 to V8.30 sometimes output a hexadecimal string (e.g., 0A1B). The tool itself is not formatting the code correctly.

Fix: Update firmware to V9.0 or higher. If you cannot update immediately, use the Manual Key Code Conversion table in the LAUNCH user manual to translate the hex value into a decimal PIN. Alternatively, try the “Calculate PIN by VIN” method instead.

Topical Depth: Why This Works

Understanding the underlying technology builds confidence and helps you diagnose failures.

The Security Mechanism

The Ram 1500 DS uses a rolling-code encryption system between the key fob and the BCM. Each time you press a button, the fob and BCM exchange a new code. But the 4-digit PIN is static—it’s the “master” key stored in the BCM’s non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). This PIN is never transmitted over the CAN bus in plain text during normal operation. The LAUNCH X431 uses a Security Access algorithm that sends a cryptographic challenge to the BCM, receives an encrypted response, and then decrypts it internally to reveal the PIN.

How LAUNCH X431 Compares to Other Tools

Not all diagnostic tools can pull the PIN on a Ram. Here’s a quick comparison:

Tool	Can read PIN on Ram 1500 DS?	Notes
LAUNCH X431 (any model)	Yes	Built-in Chrysler security access
Autel MaxiIM IM608	Yes (with additional software)	Requires Autel’s “Advanced Diagnostics” license
AutoProPad	Yes	Similar to LAUNCH, but interface is less polished
OBDLink / Generic OBD2 scanners	No	Cannot access BCM security functions

The LAUNCH X431 essentially replicates the communication protocol used by Chrysler’s dealer-level WiTech system. It is a legitimate, non-hacking approach—the tool sends proper diagnostic service IDs as defined by SAE J2534.

Alternative Methods (If You Don’t Have a LAUNCH X431)

Dealership: $100–$150 for a PIN read. You must bring proof of ownership.
Locksmith: $50–$150, depending on location. They use tools similar to LAUNCH.
Online VIN-based services: Some websites claim to calculate the PIN from VIN for $20–$40. I don’t recommend these—accuracy is inconsistent and you risk sharing your VIN with untrusted parties.

The LAUNCH X431 is the most cost-effective DIY solution if you already own the tool or plan to use it for other diagnostics.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will reading the PIN code void my Ram’s warranty?

No. This is a read-only diagnostic procedure. It does not write or alter any data in the BCM or ECU. Your warranty remains fully intact.

2. Can I use the same PIN for multiple keys?

Yes. The 4-digit PIN is unique to your vehicle, not to a specific key. You can program up to eight keys using that same code. The rolling code between each fob and the BCM is synchronized separately.

3. My LAUNCH X431 is an older model (X431 V). Will this work?

It will work, but only if you have the Chrysler 12+4 adapter cable. The standard OBD2 cable on early X431 V units may not communicate with the Ram’s CAN bus. Use the supplied adapter. Also, ensure firmware is updated—older firmware may display scrambled codes.

4. What if I lose the PIN after reading it?

You cannot re-read it using the LAUNCH X431 without connecting the tool again. Write the PIN on a sticky note and place it inside your owner’s manual, or store it securely in a password manager. Some technicians also tape the code under the glovebox (out of sight but accessible).

5. Is there a free method to get the PIN?

No free method exists. A dealer or locksmith will charge. The LAUNCH X431 is the cheapest DIY option if you plan to use the tool for other tasks.

6. Does this method work on a Ram 1500 Classic (2019+ models)?

No. The “Classic” body (2019 and newer) uses a different ECU architecture. Do not attempt this procedure on a Classic. For 2019+ Rams, you need a LAUNCH X431 with DRB III emulation enabled. That’s a separate topic and requires different steps.

Conclusion

You now have everything you need to read the PIN code on your 2013–2018 Ram 1500 DS in under 10 minutes using a LAUNCH X431. The process is straightforward: connect, select BCM or SCCM, run the special function, and write down the code. Always verify the PIN with a key programming attempt before relying on it.

Final tip: If the PIN you read fails during key programming, do not panic. Run the “Read Security Code” function a second time. If the number changes, the module may be locked—try using the “Calculate PIN by VIN” feature. If the number stays the same, you may have typed it incorrectly. Double-check digits like 0 vs. O or 8 vs. B.

Have a different issue? Drop a comment below with your X431 model and the exact error message. Our team (and the community) will help you troubleshoot. For more in-depth procedures, check out our guide on [link to related guide on key programming for Ram 1500] or [link to article on LAUNCH X431 firmware updates].

About the Author: Erwin Salarda is an Automotive Service Equipment Technician based in the Philippines, specializing in computerized automotive diagnostic equipment such as OBD scanners and wheel alignment systems. Since 2012, he has been actively providing technical support, equipment installation, troubleshooting, after-sales service, and hands-on training for automotive service equipment used by workshops and automotive professionals.

He has received specialized training from international suppliers and manufacturers, including Launch X431 in Shenzhen, China, Lawrence Engineering Company in Guangzhou, China, and 3Excel Wheel Alignment Company in Shenzhen, China. Through these trainings, he developed advanced expertise in automotive diagnostics, calibration, wheel alignment systems, and computerized automotive service technologies.

Erwin Salarda provides professional after-sales support and technical training for automotive diagnostic and wheel alignment equipment, helping clients maximize the performance and proper use of their tools and systems. His experience covers equipment setup, software updates, calibration procedures, troubleshooting, and operational guidance for automotive workshops and service centers.

With more than a decade of experience in the automotive equipment industry, Erwin Salarda continues to support automotive businesses by delivering reliable technical expertise and practical training solutions.

For inquiries and equipment purchases, please visit https://carlifterph.com/

How to Read Ram 1500 DS PIN Code with LAUNCH X431 (2013-2018)