Dodge and RAM Diagnostic Scanners and Adapters

Written by the YOUCANIC technicians in Towson, Maryland, from the UCAN-II Pro coverage database and our own shop work. Updated October 24, 2026.

A 2018 or newer RAM or Dodge hides most of its control units behind a Security Gateway Module, so a parts store scanner sees engine codes and little else. The tools below are what we use in our own shop in Maryland to get behind that gateway, reach every module on a RAM or a Dodge, relearn the transmission, bleed the brakes and clear the codes the dealer charges an hour of labor to read. The coverage database behind the UCAN-II Pro lists the DS and DT Ram 1500, DJ Ram 2500, D2 Ram 3500, the DD and DF cab chassis and DP Ram 4500 and 5500, the earlier DR Dodge Ram and ND Dakota, the WD and HB Durango, LA and LC Challenger, LD Charger, LX 300 and Magnum, PF Dart, PM Caliber, JC Journey, KA Nitro, JS Avenger, RT Caravan and Grand Caravan, VF ProMaster, VM ProMaster City and ZD Viper, with a basic engine, transmission, ABS and airbag set up to 2003. Pick by what you need to do, then read the gateway rule.

Which Scanner Do I Need For A RAM or Dodge?

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ONLY

UCAN-GO

Reads and clears engine codes from your phone and gives you a live gauge dashboard. It does not see ABS, airbag, transmission or body modules, and it cannot get behind the gateway on a 2018 or newer truck. Right if the only light you care about is the engine one.

EVERY MODULE, EVERY SERVICE FUNCTION

UCAN-II Pro, new or open box

Full system, bidirectional, lifetime free updates, with the FCA 12+8 gateway adapter in the box. Reads and clears every control unit, runs active tests and the RAM and Dodge service functions: transmission Quicklearn, brake bleeding, throttle learn, tire size, 4WD control, trailer tow outputs and the diesel routines. The tool to own if you keep a RAM or a Dodge running.

ONE JOB THIS MONTH

Rent the UCAN-II Pro for a week

Same scanner, shipped both ways free, with a refundable deposit that comes back when the scanner does. For the one transmission relearn, brake bleed or airbag code you need done once. On a 2018 or newer truck add the 12+8 adapter to the rental order.

What The UCAN-II Pro Does On A RAM Or Dodge

• ✓ Reads and clears codes in every control unit the truck has: the FCA module list runs from the ABS, PCM, TCM and ORC airbag module through the BCM body controller, EPB, EPS, HVAC, instrument cluster, center stack, memory seats, trailer, heated seat and sunroof modules to the air suspension and sway bar controllers on the models that have them
• ✓ Quicklearn for the RFE transmissions and the non RFE routine, Clear Variable Line Pressure counters, Torque Converter Clutch break in, PCM Replaced
• ✓ Bleed brakes in 2WD, 4WD and ABS only modes from the ABS module after a line, caliper or hydraulic unit replacement
• ✓ Diesel routines on the engine module: Compression Test, EGR Positioner, Fuel Leakage Quantity Test, Fuel Pressure Solenoid, Fuel Shutdown, Hard Engine Start, High Pressure Pump, Boost Pressure Regulator and Display Air System Adaption
• ✓ Learn Electronic Throttle Control after a throttle body cleaning or battery disconnect, Reset Memory, Check PCM VIN and Check PCM Odometer
• ✓ Program Tire Size after a lift and bigger tires, 4WD Control, Trailer Tow Relay Outputs, Occupant Classification Module system verification test after seat work
• ✓ Body customizations: Activate DRL, Activate Front Fog Lamp Output, Horn Chirp Duration, Sound Horn On Lock, Illuminated Entry Time, Headlamps On With Wipers, Auto Door Lock and Unlock, Tilt Mirrors In Reverse, Easy Entry and Exit, and the cabin heater routines Combustion Fan, Dosing Pump Prime and Glow Pin
• ✓ ECU configure information and active tests on 30 plus modules each, from the ABS and PCM to the HVAC, sunroof and heated seats, plus event data and misfire data
• ✓ Live data with graphing and recording, plus TPMS: triggers the sensors and programs the U360 replacement sensor from the tablet

Service Functions By Job On A RAM Or Dodge

On the tablet you pick the control unit, then the function category, then the routine. These are the routines the coverage database lists for the FCA platforms RAM and Dodge share with Jeep and Chrysler, grouped by the job you are doing. Names are as they appear on the tablet. Coverage varies by platform and year, so check yours before you order.

What The Scanner Sees On A RAM Or Dodge

Three entries pulled from the coverage database, with the control units the UCAN-II Pro lists on each. Every unit gets fault codes, live data and, where the database shows it, active tests, ECU configuration information and special functions.

The sampled 2022 entries are Jeep platforms because the FCA database is one shared table for Jeep, Dodge, RAM and Chrysler; the module names and function categories on a DT Ram 1500 or an LD Charger read the same way.

Symptom, Then The Routine That Fixes It

• Harsh or delayed shifts after a fluid and filter service on an RFE transmission: Quicklearn (RFE) in the TCM, then the Torque converter clutch (TCC) break-in where listed.
• Spongy pedal after a brake line, caliper or hydraulic unit job: Bleed brakes ABS only, or the 2WD and 4WD routines, in the ABS module.
• High idle or stalling after a throttle body cleaning or a battery disconnect: Learn electronic throttle control (ETC) in the PCM.
• Speedometer and ABS off after a lift and bigger tires: Program tire size.
• Trailer lights dead after wiring work: Trailer tow relay outputs, to command each output and find the dead circuit.
• Airbag light after seat or seat track work: Occupant classification module (OCM) system verification test.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a 2019 Ram 1500. Do I need anything besides the scanner?

The FCA 12+8 adapter, and it is already in the UCAN-II Pro box. It plugs in behind the Security Gateway Module under the dash and the scanner then reaches every module. Without it, any aftermarket tool sees engine codes and nothing else on a 2018 or newer RAM or Dodge.

Will it relearn the 68RFE in my Ram 2500 after a fluid service?

Quicklearn for the RFE transmissions and the non RFE routine are in the transmission module function list, along with the torque converter clutch break in and the variable line pressure counter reset. The transmission adaptation guide walks through it; check your year in the coverage checker first.

Can it bleed the ABS on my Durango after I replaced a brake line?

Yes. Bleed Brakes 2WD, 4WD and ABS Only are listed for the ABS module, which cycles the valves so the air trapped in the hydraulic unit comes out. The ABS bleeding guide explains the sequence.

Does it program keys?

No. Key programming needs the Stellantis server through wiTECH. The UCAN-II Pro does diagnosis, live data, active tests, relearns and the service functions listed above.

Can I rent it for one job?

Yes. The rental is a one week rental plus a refundable deposit that comes back when the scanner does, shipped free both ways. The rental kit does not include the 12+8 adapter, so on a 2018 or newer truck add the adapter to the order and keep it. Most RAM renters want a transmission relearn, a brake bleed or an airbag light cleared.

How do I know my exact truck and function are covered?

Use the coverage checker by year, platform and module, or call 1-888-959-4265, Monday to Friday 9 AM to 4 PM Eastern, and a technician will tell you plainly. If it does not do what you need, we will say so. Every scanner also comes with 31 day returns, no questions asked.

Working on a different make? See the scanners by make hub, the service functions explained one job at a time, and the step by step repair guides on youcanic.com.