Upgrading to UCONNECT® 8.4 NAV/RA4, Jailbreaking, Media Player

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Venomous

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Upgrading to UCONNECT® 8.4 NAV/RA4, Jailbreak, Media Player. VIN TIED TO RADIO FIXED!

Hi All,

Eventually I will build an entire Audio system around the UCONNECT® 8.4 NAV/RA4 68258671AH . I will update this thread as I go through the process. Initially I will upgrade, Install the Rax Jailbreak and add a Media Player. Here we go.

I Upgraded the radio in my new 2016 Ram Rebel 1500 to the UCONNECT® 8.4 NAV/RA4 from the Uconnect 8.4A RA3 .

This upgrade is a little more difficult if you want all the features of the UCONNECT® 8.4 NAV/RA4 to work.

The first UCONNECT® 8.4 NAV/RA4 I purchased had a defective Sirius XM Tuner.
The second one works fine.

When buying an Upgrade unit make sure it comes with the 4 digit security code as you will need to enter that as soon as you turn on the unit in your truck.

Unfortunately, they tie your trucks VIN number to the radio it comes with, so this is where things get a little more complicated..

After making sure all features worked, I upgraded the firmware to 16.33.29. After the upgrade I once again checked all functions.

Next I called Sirius. I wanted to move my trial over to the new radio. They will say that the dealer will do this or they gave me the option to pay $15 and do it now. I chose the $15. Since this radio is the RA4 it comes with a 1 year trial and 5 years on the Real Time Travel and Travel Link. I spent about 20 minutes on the phone and I was done. Sirius Trials were working and I got confirmation emails of the start and end dates of the trials.

Next I contacted Uconnect to register. I explained to them that I had purchased an upgraded RA4 radio and it was not the original factory radio when I spoke with them. They said no problem. I was on the phone with them for about 30 minutes and everything seemed to be working fine.
I got the confirmation email and logged into my Mopar / Uconnect account on my PC.
Then I saw the problem. My account shows two ram 1500 trucks. My Rebel shows NO Uconnect account and there is another Ram 1500 that shows the Uconnect account enabled.
I called Uconnect and explained this to them and they are trying to fix this.. I am waiting to hear back.

More to come as it unfolds...
 
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chopperman1

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What is the model number of the radio you used? I am in the process of doing this myself in my 2016 Rebel. Mine came with the RA1/3.0 radio so i will be doing the bezel and HVAC upgrades on mine. I'me still waiting on delivery of my new radio, got the tracking number but still in "shipping info received" state.
 
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chopperman1

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Unfortunately, that doesn't identify which model number it is, just that it's an RA4. Every year has a different model number even tho the radios themselves are all RA4's. The model number tells you essentially what year it was made in. 2016 radio's (68258671XX's) have been being finicky in other model year trucks. Glad you were able to transfer everything over. I think I'm going to have a bugger of a time trying to talk XM in to giving me a free 5 year to travellink... we shall see! The radio i got was out of a 2016, I have the donor VIN. I should be able to get the code from my dealershp.
 

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Unfortunately, that doesn't identify which model number it is, just that it's an RA4. Every year has a different model number even tho the radios themselves are all RA4's. The model number tells you essentially what year it was made in. 2016 radio's (68258671XX's) have been being finicky in other model year trucks. Glad you were able to transfer everything over. I think I'm going to have a bugger of a time trying to talk XM in to giving me a free 5 year to travellink... we shall see! The radio i got was out of a 2016, I have the donor VIN. I should be able to get the code from my dealershp.



When you call SiriusXM tell them you just bought a new truck and want to put the trial subscription in your name. That's what I did and they started the trials from that date. Everything was working so I should have waited longer. I assumed they would keep the original date. It still worked out well, though.
 
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Unfortunately, that doesn't identify which model number it is, just that it's an RA4. Every year has a different model number even tho the radios themselves are all RA4's. The model number tells you essentially what year it was made in. 2016 radio's (68258671XX's) have been being finicky in other model year trucks. Glad you were able to transfer everything over. I think I'm going to have a bugger of a time trying to talk XM in to giving me a free 5 year to travellink... we shall see! The radio i got was out of a 2016, I have the donor VIN. I should be able to get the code from my dealershp.

The radio was out of a 2016. I will write down the actual model number when I pull the radio to install the Jailbreak Harness.
 
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I pulled up the Model # in Dealer Mode. 68258671AH
 
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Ok, Got quite a bit done today. Jailbreak and Media Player are in.. Here we go..

First I would like to mention a few things. As I had mentioned before, anyone swapping out your factory radio for an upgraded model must note that your VIN is tied to the factory radio that comes with your Truck. Sirius was easy to switch all trials and subscriptions. Uconnect is where I am having a problem. If you read above posts you will see what I am talking about. I called Uconnect and they transferred me to high level tech support. They were supposed to contact me within three days with a solution to matching my VIN to the New radios Serial Number. I must add that Uconnect is working and they put the trial onto the new radio. But the truck they have on file for that radio is wrong. If you never plan on using Uconnect , then it really does not matter if the VIN matches the radio or not.
I was waiting for them to fix this before I continued modifying the radio, but it seems they don't really know how to fix this.
If anyone has been able to match their VIN to an Upgraded radio , Please let me know how you did it. Thanks in Advance.
 
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Once I put the Ugraded 68258671AH head unit in the first thing I did was upgrade the firmware to the latest version. 16.33.29
I got the info from Mpgrimm2's thread here: http://www.ramforum.com/f75/info_-_2013_2014_2015_8_4an_fw_notes_ra4_vp4_na-73871/
Thank you Mpgrimm2 for that thread!

I used a Sandisk 16Gb USB 2.0 Flash Drive. I have found them to pretty much work on anything and the have a really large bright led light that flashes during data transfer. That can be important , it lets you know if the system froze or is not responding.
These USB drives are cheap, under $7 and can be found here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JR5368/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

USBflash%202.jpg

USBflash%203.jpg

Once you plug in the Flash Drive it will take some time for it to show up on the screen , just wait it will happen. Once you are done upgrading the firmware, check all features to make sure everything is working. Also if you have upgraded your Radio make sure you download the correct firmware. If you go to the Factory web site and enter your VIN number it will give you the software for your original radio. I suggest reading Mpgrimm2's thread and choosing the correct firmware.

Firmware.jpg
 
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Now we are on to the Customtronix Jailbreak.
First I have to say that Magnus and the guys at Customtronix are good people. They respond quickly and are always there to answer questions and help.
I ordered the Silver Package ( Currently about $242 US ). It comes with the Jailbreak software, Plug and Play wiring harness that adds 2 video inputs and 1 Audio input and a Front Camera. I won't be installing the camera. I want to find a Black CCD Camera with a different mount that fits better on my front end.
When ordering From Customtronix the VIN Tied Radio is also true. If you have upgraded your radio it is important to let them know. Otherwise you will receive jailbreak software for your original factory radio model based on your VIN. They have videos on site as well as a pdf file that makes the installation painless
After I paid through Paypal, I very quickly received an email with a link to download the Jailbreak Software as well as a token file in the email. The token file is like your serial number authorizing the software to be used with your VIN number.
Once you download the Jailbreak file you will need a USB Flash Drive with nothing else on it. You only need one drive, but I used 3, I will explain.

First they are the same model drives as described above that I used for the Factory Firmware upgrade. The Jailbreak takes some time to complete, it looks the same and time wise is the same as the firmware upgrade.

The first Drive has the Jailbreak Software and Token file on it.
The second Drive just has the token file on it. This lets you turn features on and off at any time by inserting the token flash drive into the USB port without the possibility of initiating the Jailbreak again.
The third Drive has the Jailbreak Rollback software on it. When inserted this erases all of the Rax Jailbreak and puts your head unit back to factory.

They did not send the roll back software in the initial email, I had to ask for it. I want to have it ready just in case.

USBflash%201.jpg

Rax.jpg


RaxHarness.png

camera.jpg

The installation went very smooothly, the harness goes in very easily.
 
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Once the Jailbreak software is in the overall appearance is the same with the addition of the Front Camera and Cargo Camera being available options. The jailbreak software functions exactly as they describe on their web site. » Chrysler/Dodge/Ram ICOS RAX-jailbreak SILVER

First thing I did was change the opening Splash Screen. In order to do this you need a blank USB Flash Drive again.. with nothing else on it. you can use any image you want, convert it to 640X480 Pixels and make sure it is a png file. Name it splash.png Load it onto the USB Flash Drive. With the truck radio on, insert the USB Flash Drive. Like the firmware it takes some time to load. A screen will come up saying it found the file, would you like to install it. It is that easy. Here is mine that I made. It comes up everytime I start the truck.

VenomSplash.jpg
 
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Now for the Media Player....

I wanted something small that played a large variety of files. I chose the Micca Speck G2. It is $40 on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008NO9RRM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can find this same player on Ebay from China for as low as $25, but the people at Micca were great to deal with and answered all my questions, even the ones about opening the unit up and they didn't freak out..lol Plus if you have a problem, everyone knows you can't beat Amazon for returns.

I tested the unit in my house and it worked great.

micca%202.jpg

The unit comes with a remote, power supply and Composite AV Cable. We will not be using the power supply. Just a note: The unit has HDMI out as well as the Composite output. It is a shame in this day and age that this brand new head unit only accepts a composite in signal.. 480 lines of resolution... :(

Yup, we are using this:
avmini.jpg

For those that want to see the back of the unit:
micca%201.jpg

Next, what else do we need.....
 
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Alright let's talk other parts we need to do this install. I want to hide the media player, so we will need an infared repeater, a 5 volt 2 amp power supply, a USB power cable, T-tap Connectors, Tie wraps and Velcro Tabs.

First we need to tap into an accessory Power and Ground. The easiest way is using Red / Burgundy T-Taps. Do not use Blue or Yellow. They are to big and may not make a good connection. Unfortunately no one around me sold them locally. I had to order them.
https://www.amazon.com/Install-Bay-3MRTT-T-Tap-Gauge/dp/B001JT72F2/ref=pd_lpo_263_tr_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=GD8G6KJDRK0DXKD54TSY

tap.jpg

Next we need a 5 volt 2 amp DC output for the Micca Spec G2 and the Infrared Repeater.
I went with this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N6S2SNM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Usb Power Cable for the Micca Unit:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KH4QSPU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Infared repeater:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JLTEJKM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here is a pic of the last three items:
PartsNeeded.jpg

Now we have everything we need.. Time for the install.
 
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Installing the Media player is very easy. I had already plugged the Composite Audio Video cable into the Rax Jailbreak Harness when I installed the Rax harness. I ran the wire down the right side of the radio down to the front right side panel on the console.

All we need to take off today is the Front Right Console side panel, The center console and The lower Glove box. That is a total of three screws.

Once you have the console out. That is the perfect place to get your Accessory Power and Ground right off the cigarette lighter or as they are now called Power Accessory Outlet... Use the T-Taps here.

Look up inside the opening of the lower glove box.
install%202.jpg

Next you want to drill a hole into the bottom of the upper Glove box. I used a Unibit and made the whole large enough to pass through a USB plug. The hole can always be plugged with a rubber plug later when you sell the truck.

IMG_20170225_093521.jpg

Now you want to run 3 wires up through that hole while remembering to keep them out of the way of the opening and closing of the lower glove box.
The three wires are: The 3.5mm Composite cable, The pin end of the USB power cable and the small infrared emitter.

install%203.jpg

Next attach a Velcro Tab in each bottom corner of the Micca Unit.

velcro.jpg

Plug the wires into the rear of the Micca unit. Run the infared wire up under the middle of the Micca unit to the front and peel and stick the ir emitter as shown.

install%201.jpg

All your wires need to be tie wrapped and run down to where the Console front right panel is located.

Now take the Ir receiver and feed it into the center area under the switches. Where the little storage compartment is at the front of the console, there is already an opening large enough to pass through the Ir receiver. Pass it through the hole as shown. This is also the time to connect the power and ground wires to the T-Tap points as shown.

install%207.jpg


Now, by the right console panel. Attach the Power and Ground wires to the 5 Volt USB Power Supply. Be careful and make sure the polarity is correct. +=Red -=Black. Plug the two USB wires into the power supply and tie wrap your wires as shown.

install%208.jpg

This little power supply assembly can now be tie wrapped behind the right side console panel as shown.

install%209.jpg

Put the truck back together...

Now peel and stick the infrared receiver up under the switches as shown.
install%2013.jpg

You are done..... Next Using the Media Player...
 
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Venomous

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Using the Micca Spek G2 Media Player.

First plug what ever storage you are using into the Micca Spek G2. I am using a 64GB Sandisk USB 2.0 Flash Drive

install%204.jpg

When you want to use the extra Aux Audio and Video input of the Rax harness they need to be selected individually.

Once your radio starts, go to MEDIA and Select Aux Input as shown.

MiccaUse%203.jpg

Next Select Controls. I used the Cargo Camera input, So I press Cargo Cam.

MiccaUse%204.jpg

Now you should see the Micca Home Screen.

MiccaUse%205.jpg

Next go into settings. Even though we are in the USA and this is a USA truck , you want to select PAL as the default video output. You can use NTSC , but it will be very washed out and overly bright. Compare them and you will see. Change any other options to your preferences.

MiccaUse%202.jpg

Now you can go back to home home screen and select File Explore. From there you can access all your video files.

MiccaUse%206.jpg

Select one and play..

MiccaUse%201.jpg

install%2011.jpg
 
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I am in the process of buying a new house and moving. Once I get into the new house and get my workshop built we will get into the next phase. We will will talk audio processors and building a kick ass sound system based off the factory head unit. I hope you guys find this a helpful read... :grd:
 

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Good stuff. Disappointed in the use of t-taps though. If you have power problems in the future, this is more than likely your problem.
 
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