C1501 on 2016 Dodge Durango: Tire Pressure Sensor Fault Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2016-2016 Dodge DURANGO

The key issue for the 2016 Dodge Durango (and its platform-mate, the Jeep Grand Cherokee) is that TPMS sensors from 2015 and 2016 models are not interchangeable. A significant number of C1501 faults 🎬 Watch: How to diagnose C1501 and TPMS warning lights. on this specific model year are caused by a repair shop or owner mistakenly installing an older sensor (like Mopar part #68252493AB) during a tire change or repair, which the 2016 vehicle's system cannot recognize. The TSBs confirm this was a known issue at the time of the model year changeover.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Symptoms You May Notice

• TPMS warning light is illuminated on the dashboard. It will often flash for about 75 seconds upon startup and then remain solid.
• "Service Tire Pressure System" message on the instrument cluster display.
• The display shows dashes ('--') instead of a pressure reading for the front left tire.

Most Likely Causes

1. Incorrect Year TPMS Sensor Installed 🔴 High Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor As per TSBs #68313387A$ and #68252493A$, 2015 and 2016 sensors are not interchangeable. This is a well-documented issue specific to this model year transition. The 2016 model requires part #68313387AC, while the incorrect 2015 part is often #68252493AB.
   How to confirm: Use a TPMS tool to check the sensor's part number or frequency, or have a dealer/shop verify the installed part against the vehicle's specifications. If tires were recently replaced, this is the most likely cause.
   Typical fix: Replace the incorrect sensor with the correct Mopar part for a 2016 Durango, which is part number 68313387AC.
   Est. part cost: $45-$105
2. Dead TPMS Sensor Battery 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor TPMS sensor batteries have a finite lifespan, typically 5-10 years. A 2016 vehicle is well within the age range where battery failure becomes common.
   How to confirm: A professional TPMS diagnostic tool will show no signal or a low battery status from the sensor. If the sensor is not transmitting at all, a dead battery is the most likely cause.
   Typical fix: The entire TPMS sensor must be replaced, as the battery is sealed inside and not serviceable.
   Est. part cost: $35-$105
3. Damaged TPMS Sensor ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor Sensors can be damaged during tire mounting/dismounting, especially if the technician is not careful, or from severe road impacts like hitting a large pothole.
   How to confirm: Visual inspection after dismounting the tire. The sensor may have visible cracks or damage to its housing or valve stem.
   Typical fix: Replace the damaged sensor.
   Est. part cost: $35-$105

Rare But Worth Checking

• Wireless Control Module (WCM) / RF Hub Fault: This is rare. If multiple TPMS sensor codes (e.g., C1501, C1502, C1503, C1504) appear simultaneously, it might point to the central receiver module rather than individual sensors. However, a single C1501 code almost always indicates a problem with that specific sensor. The RF Hub is located behind the left rear cargo quarter trim panel.
• Radio Frequency Interference (RFI): Extremely rare, but powerful aftermarket electronics like dash cams, phone chargers, or LED lighting can sometimes interfere with the low-frequency signal from the TPMS sensor to the receiver. If the problem is intermittent and started after installing a new electronic device, try unplugging it to see if the code clears.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the TPMS warning light is on and code C1501 is present using an OBD-II scanner.
2. Use a dedicated TPMS tool to attempt to read the sensor data from the front left wheel. This can check for battery status, pressure, and the sensor's unique ID.
3. If the tool cannot detect the sensor or shows 'No Signal', the sensor has likely failed (dead battery, internal fault) or is the wrong type for the vehicle.
4. If you recently had tires serviced, the primary suspicion should be an incorrect (e.g., 2015) sensor was installed. Cross-reference the part number with Mopar's catalog for a 2016 model.
5. Confirm the correct part number for a 2016 Durango sensor is 68313387AC. The incorrect 2015 part is 68252493AB.
6. To replace the sensor, the tire must be dismounted. This is best performed at a tire shop.
7. After installing a new, correct sensor, the system should auto-relearn. This typically requires driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes at speeds above 15 mph (24 km/h) for the WCM to detect the new sensor ID and turn off the light. If it doesn't auto-relearn, a TPMS tool may be needed to force the programming.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor (OEM #68313387AC) — This is the direct cause of the C1501 fault, either due to internal failure, dead battery, or being the incorrect part for the model year. This part number supersedes 68313387AB and 68313387AA.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Schrader, Continental/VDO, Dorman, HUFF
  OEM price range: $68-$102
  Aftermarket price range: $35-$83

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C1502, C1503, C1504 — These codes correspond to the other wheel sensors (Right Front, Right Rear, Left Rear). Seeing them together could indicate a systemic issue, like using the wrong year sensors on all four wheels after a tire change, or a fault with the WCM. The TSBs list all four codes together as part of the same investigation.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 68313387A$: Investigating TPM lamp ON and active DTCs C1501-31, C1502-31, C1503-31, C1504-31, noting 2015 & 2016 sensors are not interchangeable.
• 68252493A$: Same investigation as above, advising against component replacement until the issue is fully understood and highlighting the non-interchangeability of 2015/2016 sensors.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Per TSB #68313387A$ and #68252493A$, there was an engineering investigation into TPMS issues on 2016 WK/WD vehicles (Grand Cherokee/Durango) for codes C1501-31, C1502-31, C1503-31, and C1504-31. The bulletins explicitly warn that 2015 and 2016 model year TPM sensors are not interchangeable.
• Owner experiences confirm the TSBs. For example, a user on dodgedurango.net reported that after a tire shop installed new sensors, they received the 'Service TPMS' light. The issue was resolved only after the shop realized they had installed the wrong year sensors and replaced them with the correct 2016-specific parts.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• TPMS Sensor Operating Frequency — expected: 433MHz. Failure: A TPMS tool will show no signal from the sensor, or a tool capable of frequency detection will not pick up a 433MHz signal when the sensor is triggered.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• C1501-96: Tire Pressure Sensor Internal Fault. This is a more specific suffix than the common '-31 No Signal' and points directly to an internal failure of the sensor itself. (see via This code is documented in FCA STAR Case S1908000197 and would be visible on a dealer-level scan tool like wiTECH.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH: TPM Sensor Position Parameter Update — This routine, found under the 'Misc-Function' tab in the TPM section, is used to help the module learn sensor IDs and positions after replacement or if the system is having trouble locating sensors, as with codes like C151D (Location Undetermined).

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Radio Frequency Hub Module (RFHM / WCM) — Located behind the left rear cargo quarter trim panel.. This module is the central receiver for all TPMS sensor signals. While a single code like C1501 rarely points to a module failure, knowing its location is critical for advanced diagnostics, such as checking for power, ground, or diagnosing issues where all four sensor codes are present simultaneously.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68252493AA, 68252493AB → 68313387AA, 68313387AB, and finally 68313387AC — Standard part evolution and updates by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: Using part number 68252493AB (for 2015 models) on a 2016 Durango will cause the TPMS system to fail and set codes, as they are not interchangeable. The correct part for a 2016 model is 68313387AC.