Adding an aftermarket amplifier to a 2017 Dodge Ram but can’t figure out where to get the remote turn-on signal from the factory radio? This is one of the most common wiring roadblocks on Ram trucks equipped with the stock Uconnect head unit.
The 2017 Dodge Ram factory radio does not output a traditional 12V remote turn-on (REM) wire from the head unit. Instead, the most reliable method is to tap into the amplifier turn-on lead from the factory amp harness located behind the rear seat or under the dash, or to use the blue/white remote wire from an add-a-amp integration harness. Alternatively, many installers use a line output converter with a built-in signal-sensing remote turn-on circuit.
Why the Factory Uconnect Radio Doesn’t Have a Standard REM Output
Most aftermarket head units have a dedicated blue or blue/white remote wire that sends 12 volts to the amplifier when the radio is switched on. Factory OEM radios — including the Uconnect 5.0 and 8.4 systems found in the 2017 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 — weren’t designed with that wire in mind.
The factory system uses a data bus (CAN bus) to communicate with its integrated amplifier. There’s no raw 12V remote output wire coming out of the back of the Uconnect unit that you can simply splice into.
This catches a lot of DIYers off guard, especially if they’ve wired amps before on older vehicles or aftermarket head units.
The Three Practical Options for a REM Signal on a 2017 Ram
Since there’s no traditional remote wire from the head unit, you have three solid approaches:
Option 1 – Tap the Factory Amp’s Remote Turn-On Wire
The 2017 Ram 1500 (and most 2500/3500 models) come with a factory-installed amplifier behind the rear seat or under the cargo area, depending on the trim. This amp does receive a remote turn-on signal through its harness. Locating that harness and tapping the turn-on wire is one of the cleanest solutions.
The wire color at the factory amp connector is typically blue/white or light blue, but always verify with a test light or multimeter. It should read approximately 12V when the ignition is on and the radio is active, and drop to 0V when the ignition is off.
Option 2 – Use a PAC Audio or Metra Integration Harness
Harnesses like the PAC Audio LC-1 or AOEM-CH21 are designed specifically for Chrysler/Ram vehicles. These plug into the factory radio harness and provide proper remote turn-on output, line-level audio signals, and power antenna leads. This approach avoids cutting any factory wiring and keeps things reversible.
Many experienced installers consider this the cleanest long-term solution, especially if you want to preserve the factory radio’s look and functionality.
Option 3 – Signal-Sensing Line Output Converter
If you’re already running a line output converter (LOC) to convert the factory speaker-level signal to RCA inputs for your amp, look for one that includes a built-in signal-sensing remote turn-on circuit. Units like the AudioControl LC2i detect audio signal output and automatically trigger a 12V remote turn-on when the radio plays audio. No manual tapping required.
This is a practical option when the factory amp turn-on wire is buried or inaccessible.
Where to Physically Locate the Factory Amp in a 2017 Ram
Knowing where to look saves significant time:
- Ram 1500 Crew Cab / Quad Cab: The factory amp is typically located under the rear bench seat or behind a panel in the rear seat area, depending on whether the truck has a premium Alpine or Kicker audio system.
- Ram 2500 / 3500: Similar location behind the rear seat; some configurations route the amp under the driver’s or passenger’s seat.
- Base audio without premium sound: Some base Ram trims didn’t include a dedicated factory amp. In those cases, the Uconnect unit drives the speakers directly, making Option 2 or Option 3 even more important.
Check your truck’s build sheet or glove box sticker to confirm whether a factory amp is present.
How to Confirm You Have the Right Wire Before Connecting
Never assume wire color alone is confirmation. Always verify with a multimeter:
- Set your multimeter to DC voltage.
- With the truck’s ignition on and the radio playing, probe the suspected remote turn-on wire.
- A correct REM wire should read 11.5–14.5V DC with the radio on.
- Turn the ignition off — the voltage should drop to 0V.
- A wire that stays hot regardless of ignition state is a constant 12V feed, not a switched remote signal.
This step matters. Connecting your amp’s remote terminal to a constant 12V line will keep the amp powered at all times, draining the battery when the truck is parked.
Wiring Safety and Electrical Precautions
Before starting any wiring work on the 2017 Ram:
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal before accessing factory harnesses or the head unit. Ram trucks with the Uconnect system can store error codes or trigger warning lights if the electrical system is disturbed with the ignition on.
- Fuse your amplifier’s power wire as close to the battery as possible — within 18 inches is standard practice.
- Avoid running signal cables (RCA) parallel to power wires. Keep them separated or crossed at 90-degree angles to prevent alternator whine or interference.
- If you’re unsure which wire you’re tapping, consult a factory wiring diagram specific to your truck’s audio package before cutting anything.
Common Mistakes When Tapping the REM Wire on a Ram
Using the constant 12V accessory wire instead of a switched remote signal. This is the most frequently reported mistake. The amp stays on permanently, the battery dies overnight, and the cause isn’t obvious until you trace the wiring.
Tapping the wrong factory amp connector pin. The factory amp harness has multiple wires — power, ground, signal, and remote. Tapping a signal wire instead of the remote turn-on wire can damage the amp or produce no function at all.
Skipping the integration harness and cutting factory wires. Cutting OEM wiring reduces resale value and makes future repairs harder. An integration harness from PAC Audio or Metra is worth the investment.
Not grounding the aftermarket amp properly. A poor ground causes more audio problems than almost any other wiring issue. The ground should be a short, direct connection to bare metal on the truck’s chassis — not to a painted surface or a shared bolt with the factory ground.
Does the Answer Change Between Ram Trim Levels?
Yes, to some extent:
| Trim / Audio Package | Factory Amp Present | Best REM Source |
|---|---|---|
| Base (no premium audio) | Usually not | PAC/Metra harness or signal-sensing LOC |
| SXT / Big Horn with Uconnect 5.0 | Sometimes | Test factory amp harness or use LOC |
| Laramie / Longhorn with Alpine | Yes | Tap factory amp remote lead |
| Limited with premium Harman | Yes | Tap factory amp remote lead |
The presence or absence of a factory amplifier has the biggest impact on which approach is most practical for your specific truck.
FAQ
Q: Can I use the blue antenna wire from the Uconnect radio as the REM wire for my amp?
A: No. The power antenna wire on a factory Uconnect unit typically functions as a radio antenna signal lead, not a 12V switched remote output compatible with amplifier remote terminals. Using it as a REM source can cause erratic amplifier behavior or no turn-on signal at all. Use the factory amp harness wire or an integration harness instead.
Q: What happens if my amp doesn’t turn on after connecting the REM wire to the factory amp harness?
A: First, verify with a multimeter that the wire you tapped actually switches between 0V and 12V with the ignition. If it reads constant voltage or no voltage, you have the wrong wire. Also check that your amp has a good chassis ground and that the main power fuse is intact. A signal-sensing LOC with built-in remote trigger is a reliable fallback if the factory harness is difficult to access.
Q: Does the 2017 Ram 2500 or 3500 use the same REM wiring approach as the 1500?
A: Generally yes. The Uconnect system across the 2017 Ram lineup shares the same limitation — no direct 12V remote output from the head unit. The factory amp location may differ slightly on the heavy-duty trucks, but the three wiring solutions (factory amp tap, integration harness, signal-sensing LOC) apply equally across all 2017 Ram configurations.
Q: Will adding an aftermarket amp to the factory Uconnect radio cause any warning lights or error codes?
A: It can, depending on how the installation is done. The Uconnect system monitors speaker load through the CAN bus on trucks with premium audio. If you cut factory speaker wires without using a proper integration harness, the system may detect an open circuit and log an error. Using a PAC or Metra integration harness that preserves factory speaker load prevents this issue.
Q: Can I use a relay triggered by a switched ignition wire instead of finding the REM wire?
A: Yes, this is a legitimate workaround. Wire a 12V relay so that its trigger coil connects to a switched ignition source (a wire that turns on with the key and off when the truck is parked). The relay’s output then feeds your amp’s remote terminal. It’s a clean solution when you can’t locate a suitable REM signal near the amp or head unit.
Q: How do I find a switched ignition wire to use as a remote turn-on source in a 2017 Ram?
A: Common locations for switched 12V power in a 2017 Ram include the fuse box under the hood (check the owner’s manual for switched fuse positions) and the interior fuse panel. A test light or multimeter will confirm whether a fuse slot goes live with the ignition on and drops to zero when off. The cigarette lighter circuit is often switched and easy to access.
Q: Is it worth hiring a professional installer for this job on a 2017 Ram?
A: If you’re comfortable with a multimeter, basic wiring, and reading factory harness diagrams, this is a manageable DIY job. However, the 2017 Ram’s premium audio configurations can be tricky. A certified car audio shop familiar with Ram trucks can complete this correctly in a few hours and will use proper integration hardware. It’s worth considering if you want the installation done cleanly without risk of warranty or electrical complications.
Getting the REM wire right is genuinely the most critical step when adding an external amp to a 2017 Ram with the factory Uconnect radio. Whether you tap the factory amp harness, use an OEM integration harness, or let a signal-sensing LOC handle the remote trigger, always verify your signal with a multimeter before finalizing connections. A correctly wired remote turn-on is what separates a clean, reliable audio install from one that drains your battery or refuses to power up consistently.