Numerous Ram Truck screens are being stolen due to these two screws.

      Earlier this month, the Detroit Police issued a warning to owners of newer Ram trucks to ensure their vehicles are locked due to an increase in thefts of the pickup’s large infotainment touchscreen unit. With modern cars being quite complex and manufacturers generally preferring repairs to be handled by trained professionals, one might question how simple it could be to remove a Ram dashboard's center. As evidenced in the video below, it's surprisingly easy.

      Now, some viewers may watch this short explanation and criticize Tim Esterdahl from Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk on YouTube for unintentionally providing aspiring thieves and eBay sellers a tutorial on how to quickly make $10K. However, this information is already available, and those inclined to commit such acts are likely already familiar with the process. What’s most important now is that Ram owners recognize how straightforward this is, so they can remember to lock their trucks, and that Stellantis is aware, allowing them to create some preventive measures.

      If a thief gains access to the vehicle's interior, only two Phillips screws and some plastic clips stand in their way of the Ram’s center stack. These screws, found at the top of the unit, are hidden beneath a removable rubber liner meant for items like coins and keys. After removing the screws and unclipping the very bottom of the module, the entire assembly—including buttons and knobs—can be pulled away from the dashboard. Then, it's simply a matter of unplugging the relevant wire harness connector, and one is on the path to a profit of $800, potentially reaching $1,800.

      My first reaction is, “Really, Chrysler?” At the very least, why not use Torx screws or some other less common type of fastener for components that are so obvious and easily accessible? My second thought is about the $800 price tag for this unit. While we’re in the realm of OEM parts where costs are often inflated, this is roughly three times the price of an iPad or slightly more than a PS5 Pro for what essentially consists of a screen, a lot of plastic, and a basic circuit board.

      However, that's beside the main issue. There should definitely be better security measures for the tech and trim in a $75,000 pickup. As Esterdahl notes, these modules are software-locked to specific vehicles, but it appears that thieves can easily swap out the electronic keys with counterfeit ones that work just as effectively. None of this should be this effortless. Let’s hope that if Stellantis can’t develop a solution swiftly, the aftermarket will once again step in with an anti-theft kit that ideally costs only a fraction of what these screens are currently selling for on the market.

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