B1298 on 2013-2020 Ram 1500: Parking Sensor 11 Failure Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2020 Ram 1500

Ram has issued multiple TSBs for this and related parking sensor codes across two truck generations (4th Gen 'DS' and 5th Gen 'DT'). This indicates a common issue. The TSBs frequently highlight environmental factors like snow, ice, or mud as a primary cause, even suggesting 🎬 Watch: How to clean sensors and clear the Service ParkSense warning. debris can get trapped *behind* the bumper cover, which is a key diagnostic tip for this platform. [Bulletin #9003059] Furthermore, a STAR case bulletin (S2108000060 REV A) identifies a specific 24-way inline connector, XY630A, located behind the rear driver's side wheel liner, as a common point for corrosion and pushed-out terminals, leading to these sensor codes.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Generation note: This year range covers the end of the fourth generation (2013-2018) and the beginning of the fifth generation (2019-2020). The parking sensor system and the associated trouble codes are consistent across both generations, as evidenced by TSBs that apply to both. TSB 08-047-19, for example, specifically addresses a software update for the 2019 'DT' model to prevent erroneous sensor codes. Bumper design and sensor access may vary slightly, but the fundamental diagnosis and repair are the same.

Symptoms You May Notice

• "Service Park Assist System" message on the instrument cluster
• The Park Assist system will not activate or will shut off automatically
• The Park Assist button light may flash or stay illuminated
• No audible beeping when approaching an obstacle in reverse
• Constant, steady tone from the parking system when in reverse
• "Wipe Sensors" message on the display, even when clean.

Most Likely Causes

1. Obstructed Sensor 🔴 High Probability As a truck, the Ram 1500 is often exposed to mud, snow, and dirt. TSB #9003059 specifically calls out checking for snow, mud, or ice obstructions on and behind the sensor, as debris can get trapped between the sensor and the bumper reinforcement.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect sensor #11 (the innermost sensor on the driver's side of the rear bumper) for any dirt, ice, paint overspray, or other blockages. Clean the sensor face and check behind the bumper for trapped debris.
   Typical fix: Thoroughly clean the sensor and the bumper area. Clear the code and test the system.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Failed Parking Sensor #11 🔴 High Probability The sensors are electronic components exposed to weather, moisture, and vibration, which can lead to internal failure over time. This is the most common component failure for a single-sensor fault code.
   How to confirm: After cleaning the sensor, if the code returns, swap sensor #11 with an adjacent sensor (like #10). Clear the codes and see if the fault follows the sensor (e.g., a new code B1297 appears for sensor #10). If it does, the sensor is bad. This is a widely confirmed diagnostic step in owner forums.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty parking sensor. They are typically held in by plastic tabs and are a plug-and-play part.
   Est. part cost: $20-$80
3. Damaged Wiring or Connector 🟡 Medium Probability The rear bumper wiring harness is exposed to road debris, moisture, and potential impact. Wires can get pinched between the bumper and frame, or connectors can corrode. STAR Case S2108000060 REV A specifically identifies the 24-way connector XY630A behind the driver's side rear wheel liner as a frequent source of corrosion and open circuits for the rear sensors.
   How to confirm: Disconnect the sensor and inspect its connector for green/white corrosion, bent pins, or moisture. Trace the wiring harness back, paying close attention to the large XY630A connector. Also inspect for any chafed, pinched, or broken wires, especially where the harness routes near the bumper brackets.
   Typical fix: Clean corroded connector terminals with electrical contact cleaner. If the main XY630A connector is damaged, a service kit (Mopar p/n 68353351AA) is available. Broken wires will need to be spliced, soldered, and sealed with heat-shrink tubing.
   Est. part cost: $5-$50
4. Incompatible Aftermarket Sensor ⚪ Low Probability Owners trying to save money may use cheap aftermarket sensors that are not fully compatible with the Park Assist Module, leading to performance codes or multiple sensor codes being set at once.
   How to confirm: If the issue started after replacing a sensor, check if it is a genuine Mopar/Bosch part or a low-quality aftermarket unit. A forum user on EcoDieselRam.com reported that installing one eBay sensor caused faults on three other sensors, which resolved when using OEM-quality Bosch parts.
   Typical fix: Replace the incompatible sensor with a genuine Mopar part or a reputable OEM-supplier part like Bosch.
   Est. part cost: $50-$150

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failed Park Assist Module (PAM): → Shop Collision Avoidance Sensor This is very rare. The module is unlikely to fail for only a single sensor code. All other possibilities, especially the sensor and wiring, should be exhausted before considering the module. A user on a Ram forum experienced a failure of all four sensors simultaneously, which could point to a module or main harness issue.
• Park Assist Module Software Glitch: → Shop Collision Avoidance Sensor For 2019-2020 models, TSB 08-082-20 (which supersedes 08-047-19) describes a condition where sensor codes, including B1298, can be set erroneously. The fix is a software update for the Park Assist Module performed by a dealer.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the code with an OBD-II scanner capable of reading Body (B) codes to confirm B1298 is present. Note any suffixes like -11, -12, or -25.
2. Locate Sensor #11. On Ram trucks, the rear sensors are numbered 8 (passenger outer), 9 (passenger inner), 10 (driver inner), and 11 (driver outer). So B1298 is the innermost sensor on the driver's side of the rear bumper.
3. Visually inspect and thoroughly clean Sensor #11 and the surrounding bumper area. TSB #9003059 advises checking for debris *behind* the bumper as well.
4. Clear the trouble codes and put the vehicle in reverse to test the system. If the code does not return, the issue was an obstruction.
5. If the code returns, perform a sensor swap. Disconnect sensors #10 and #11 and physically swap their positions. Clear the codes again. If the code changes to B1297 (for sensor #10), the sensor itself is faulty and must be replaced. This is the most effective DIY diagnostic step.
6. If the code remains B1298 after the swap, the problem is in the wiring to that specific sensor location or, rarely, the PAM.
7. Inspect the wiring. Start at the sensor connector for corrosion. Then, locate the 24-way connector XY630A behind the driver's side rear wheel liner. Disconnect it and inspect for corrosion, moisture, or pushed-out pins. This is a known failure point.
8. Trace the harness from the sensor to the main connector, looking for any visible damage, chafing, or breaks, particularly where it might be pinched by bumper brackets.
9. For 2019-2020 models, if no physical fault is found, consult a dealer about TSB 08-082-20 to see if a PAM software update is applicable.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Park Assist Sensor (OEM #5YV68TZZAA) — This is the most common point of failure for a single-sensor fault code after ruling out obstructions. This part number supersedes many previous versions like 5YV68AXRAA, 5YV68KBUAA, etc.
  Trusted brands: Mopar (OEM), Bosch (often the OEM supplier), Standard Motor Products, Dorman
  OEM price range: $50-$150
  Aftermarket price range: $20-$80
• Connector Repair Kit (OEM #68353351AA) — This kit is used to repair the main inline harness connector (XY630A) if it is found to be corroded, which is a specific known issue on these trucks.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $40-$60
  Aftermarket price range: N/A

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• B1295, B1296, B1297 — These are codes for the other rear parking sensors. If multiple codes are present, it points towards a more systemic issue like a damaged main wiring harness (especially at connector XY630A), a problem with the Park Assist Module, or the use of incompatible aftermarket sensors.
• B1298-11, B1298-12, B1298-25 — These are suffixes that provide more detail. '-11' often indicates a short to ground, '-12' can indicate a short to battery or incorrect operation, and '-25' indicates a signal shape/waveform failure. [12, 20, Bulletin #08-047-19] The diagnostic approach is similar, but the suffix can help a technician pinpoint the electrical fault type.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 08-242-25: Defines B1298-25 as PTS Sensor 11-Signal Shape/Waveform Failure.
• 08-047-19 / 08-082-20: Details a software update for the Park Assist Module on 2019-2020 models to correct erroneously set sensor fault codes.
• 9003059: Advises checking for and cleaning snow/mud/ice from the front and back of the sensor for B1298-25 faults.
• 08-071-14: Defines B1298-25 as PTS SENSOR 11 - Signal Shape / Waveform Failure.
• S2108000060 REV A/B: A STAR case identifying a specific harness connector (XY630A) as a common source of shorts/opens for rear park assist sensors.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB #9003059 explicitly warns that snow, mud, or ice can become trapped behind the bumper, causing sensor faults. This requires checking more than just the sensor's visible face.
• STAR Case S2108000060 REV A/B points to a specific 24-way harness connector (XY630A) behind the driver's side wheel well as a common failure point due to corrosion, causing codes like B1298-11.
• TSB #08-082-20 (for 2019-2020 models) indicates that a software glitch in the Park Assist Module can cause false sensor codes, requiring a dealer-installed software update.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Sensor Supply Voltage — expected: ~8.5 Volts. Failure: No voltage or significantly lower voltage
• Sensor Signal Circuit (e.g., D710) Resistance to PAM connector — expected: Below 5.0 Ohms. Failure: Resistance above 5.0 Ohms indicates an open or high resistance in the wire.
• Sensor Signal Circuit (e.g., D710) Resistance to Ground — expected: Above 10k Ohms. Failure: Resistance below 10k Ohms indicates a short to ground.
• Sensor Signal Circuit (e.g., D710) Voltage — expected: Below 10.0 Volts. Failure: Voltage above 10.0 Volts indicates a short to battery/power.
• OEM Sensor Internal Resistance (for comparison) — expected: ~141 Ohms (between left and middle pins), ~51 Ohms (between left and right pins). Failure: Readings that are drastically different may indicate a faulty sensor.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• B1298-11: PTS Sensor 11 - Circuit Short To Ground. The Park Assist Module has detected that the sensor's signal circuit is shorted to ground. (see via Requires a scan tool capable of reading Body Control Module (BCM) or Park Assist Module (PAM) specific codes.)
• B1298-12: PTS Sensor 11 - Circuit Short To Battery. The Park Assist Module has detected that the sensor's signal circuit is shorted to a voltage source. (see via Requires a scan tool capable of reading Body Control Module (BCM) or Park Assist Module (PAM) specific codes.)
• B1298-25: PTS Sensor 11 - Signal Shape / Waveform Failure. This is the most common variant, indicating the signal from the sensor is erratic, illogical, or missing. This can be caused by the sensor itself, wiring, or external obstructions. (see via This is the code cited in official NHTSA TSBs and should be visible on most advanced scan tools. [Bulletin #08-242-25])
• B1298-92: PTS Sensor 11 - Performance or Incorrect Operation. The module has detected data corruption or incorrect performance from the sensor, which can be set during self-tests. (see via Requires a scan tool capable of reading Body Control Module (BCM) or Park Assist Module (PAM) specific codes.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (Dealer Tool) or equivalent: Read/Erase DTCs in Park Assist Module (PAM) — This is a critical step. After any physical repair (cleaning, replacing sensor, fixing wire), the stored fault code must be cleared from the PAM. The system will often remain disabled until the code is cleared, even if the fault is fixed.
• wiTECH (Dealer Tool): Reprogram Park Assist Module (PAM) — For 2019-2020 models specifically, if no physical faults can be found, a software glitch may be the cause. TSB 08-082-20 calls for reprogramming the PAM with updated software to correct erroneous fault codes.
• wiTECH (Dealer Tool): Restore Configuration / PROXI Alignment — This procedure is required if the Park Assist Module (PAM) itself is replaced. It ensures the new module is correctly configured for the vehicle's options.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Park Assist Module (PAM) — On 4th Gen (2013-2018) models, it is located inside the cabin, on the left cowl side inner panel, accessible after removing the trim under the driver's side dash near the emergency brake pedal.. This is the control unit that receives signals from Sensor #11. All sensor wiring terminates here, making it a central point for advanced electrical testing if a wiring fault is suspected.
• D710 — This is the circuit identifier for the Park Assist Sensor 11 Signal wire, running from the sensor connector to the PAM.. When performing resistance or voltage tests for opens or shorts, this is the specific wire that needs to be checked for code B1298.
• X750 — This is the circuit identifier for the Rear Park Assist Sensor Ground circuit, shared by the rear sensors.. A fault in this shared ground circuit could potentially cause issues with multiple sensors, not just B1298.
• Frame Ground — There is a common vehicle ground point on the frame in the driver's side front wheel well, forward of the upper control arm.. While not the direct sensor ground, poor chassis grounds can cause a wide range of unpredictable electrical issues. Ensuring this connection is clean and tight is good practice when diagnosing any electrical fault.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube channel 'Troubleshooting the Rear Park Assist in Your 2021 RAM' (2021 Ram (5th Gen)) — Service Park Assist message with codes for sensors #10 and #11 (B1297 and B1298).
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing the sensors was considered but ruled out.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner first swapped sensors between ports to confirm the sensors themselves were good. When the codes did not follow the sensors, he inspected the wiring harness. He found a pinched and broken wire in the harness near a bumper bracket. Soldering the broken wire and sealing it with heat shrink resolved the codes and restored system function.
• RamForum.com user (2014 Ram 1500) — Backup sensors not working, DTC code B1297-11 (Sensor 10 - Circuit Short to Ground).
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initially just fixing the bent pins did not solve the problem.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner discovered bent pins in the main harness connector behind the bumper. After straightening the pins, the system still did not work. The final fix was using an OBD reader to clear the stored B1297-11 fault code. The system then began working correctly. This highlights that the fault must be cleared from memory after a physical repair.
• RamForum.com user (2014 Ram 1500 Big Horn) — Service Park Assist message after replacing a damaged sensor with an aftermarket one.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing the damaged sensor with a new aftermarket sensor from 1aAuto.
  ✅ What actually fixed it After installing the aftermarket sensors, the truck threw codes B1295-12, B1296-12, B1297-12, and B1298-12, indicating a 'short to battery' for all four rear sensors. The conclusion was that the aftermarket sensors were incompatible with the Ram's system, causing a system-wide fault. The fix is to use OEM or OEM-supplier (Bosch) sensors.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2013-2018 (4th Gen 'DS') vs 2019-2020 (5th Gen 'DT'): The physical park assist sensors are different part numbers and are not interchangeable between the 4th Gen (DS/Classic) and 5th Gen (DT) trucks.
• 2019-2020 (5th Gen 'DT'): These model years are subject to TSBs #08-047-19 and #08-082-20, which address erroneous sensor fault codes via a software update to the Park Assist Module. This is not a known issue for the earlier 4th Gen trucks.
• 2013-2018 (4th Gen 'DS'): The Park Assist Module (PAM) is confirmed to be located inside the cabin, under the driver's side dash near the e-brake pedal. The location may differ on 5th Gen models.