How To: Install a 2018 4C (UAQ/UAS) Radio in 2013 - 2017 RAM

[appzattak]

Instead of starting a new thread I figured I'd try and get the info here. I recently upgraded my cheap-o uconnect 5 Radio to a 2018 UAQ. Everything works great. I'm seeing that many folks do this and see many questions about updating Firmware/Software/Maps but no real answers on how to achieve it. For folks like me, that have the Express trim, with no bells and whistles...cell service being the main thing...how do we get updates? I see we can get updates for Maps through Uconnect, but it says you must be update uconnect firstly. And of course entering my VIN shows no updates, because they don't know about my new radio so that is worthless.

So is doing this upgrade the way we do so, make it so we can't do such updates/upgrades....etc?

 

[kad]

Instead of starting a new thread I figured I'd try and get the info here. I recently upgraded my cheap-o uconnect 5 Radio to a 2018 UAQ. Everything works great. I'm seeing that many folks do this and see many questions about updating Firmware/Software/Maps but no real answers on how to achieve it. For folks like me, that have the Express trim, with no bells and whistles...cell service being the main thing...how do we get updates? I see we can get updates for Maps through Uconnect, but it says you must be update uconnect firstly. And of course entering my VIN shows no updates, because they don't know about my new radio so that is worthless.

So is doing this upgrade the way we do so, make it so we can't do such updates/upgrades....etc?

You need the VIN of the truck the radio came out of to be able to download the updates. Did you get it from the seller?

-K

 

[appzattak]

You need the VIN of the truck the radio came out of to be able to download the updates. Did you get it from the seller?

-K

I did not, I will have to ask. But I seem to recall this radio was never installed in a truck.

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[Mpgrimm2]

I did not, I will have to ask. But I seem to recall this radio was never installed in a truck.

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Curious what the folks you got your upgrade tell you about this.

M² Mods.

 

[appzattak]

Curious what the folks you got your upgrade tell you about this.

M² Mods.

So this was a new radio, so there was no VIN assigned to it. Anyone know how I can assign my VIN to it?

 

[appzattak]

So this was a new radio, so there was no VIN assigned to it. Anyone know how I can assign my VIN to it?

I called uconnect and they looked into and said they could not associate my VIN to the new radio. They told me to call my dealer and see if they can. Called my dealer and they cannot do it either. They said I need to call Chrysler as they are the only ones that can modify the build sheet for my truck.

This is going to be fun, trying to get to the right folks.

 

[Mpgrimm2]

Not sure who you got your 8.4 upgrade (RAx or UAx radio?) and harness from (wasn't us) but ...

You can't get FCA to add your vin to the system for uConnect services or updates via the Warranty Information Center (WiC) with a build sheet update if your truck didn't come from the factory with the 8.4.

There only 2 ways you can get the updates...
1) send your radio into United Radio (NY) or NavRepair (FL) each time for the update (they don't usually share the files unless you bought a radio from them)

2) Find a VIN of a same year/radio truck that came with your upgraded radio and use it's VIN to D/L the update yourself via uConnect SW site or see if the dealer can get you the update on USB using said VIN.

> > once anyone D/L's the update ... FCA removes the vin from the uConnect site & says the vin is up to date (they started this 1.5 yrs ago); messes up the owner of the vin & anyone else afterwards.

So sharing the files becomes more important and hopefully another member has them. I have some files for the USA 13-17 Ra4 VP4-NA and the 18 UAx radios in my FW info thread (also linked in my 8.4 upgrade thread)

M² Mods.

 

[appzattak]

Not sure who you got your 8.4 upgrade (RAx or UAx radio?) and harness from (wasn't us) but ...

You can't get FCA to add your vin to the system for uConnect services or updates via the Warranty Information Center (WiC) with a build sheet update if your truck didn't come from the factory with the 8.4.

There only 2 ways you can get the updates...
1) send your radio into United Radio (NY) or NavRepair (FL) each time for the update (they don't usually share the files unless you bought a radio from them)

2) Find a VIN of a same year/radio truck that came with your upgraded radio and use it's VIN to D/L the update yourself via uConnect SW site or see if the dealer can get you the update on USB using said VIN.

> > once anyone D/L's the update ... FCA removes the vin from the uConnect site & says the vin is up to date (they started this 1.5 yrs ago); messes up the owner of the vin & anyone else afterwards.

So sharing the files becomes more important and hopefully another member has them. I have some files for the USA 13-17 Ra4 VP4-NA and the 18 UAx radios in my FW info thread (also linked in my 8.4 upgrade thread)

M² Mods.

Thanks for the info! I got the radio from Don Korshnak. Got the media hub adapter from you.

 

[SitKneelBend]

Also, can you take a new picture of your system settings screen and post it?

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[appzattak]

Also, can you take a new picture of your system settings screen and post it?

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Are you asking me? And if so, do you mean the System Info form the Dealer Mod screens?

 

[SitKneelBend]

Are you asking me? And if so, do you mean the System Info form the Dealer Mod screens?

No sorry, I don't know how that posted here...wrong thread.

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[Daniel Gray]

Will a 5th gen 8.4 fit in a 4th gen? Saw lkq online has couple of 5th gen 8.4 for sale.

 

[bubbasneed]

Working on it.

The adaptors for the RAM hub are almost ready. I have the version for the jump seat done except for final "make it pretty" tweaks and as soon as some console outline tracings MPGrimm has sent me arrive in the mail I should be able to complete the console version. Prints of each will then go to the fine folks who provided me access to the parts for measuring (I have a jump seat truck and do not have a UAS/UAQ radio) so they can test fit in their vehicles. Assuming the fitment tests go well, both will then be posted to Thingaverse for those with their own printers and Shapeways for those without or who want a higher quality print than home machines can provide.

Given my schedule and allowing time for the others involved to do their test fits, I'm hoping to be able to post them by the end of the month.

-K

Hey Kad, any luck getting the prints done?

 

[madtrucker2016]

For the 2018 model year RAMS, the 8.4 Radios were changed from the previous VP3/VP4 Harman radios to the 4C/4C-Nav radios made by Panasonic. The biggest advantage of these new 4C Radios is the support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The radios themselves fit the same mount as 2013-2017 RAMS and the radios require no special programming to work. They read the BCM of the truck just like the VP3s/VP4s. However there are some known issues and components that need to be changed to make it work 100%.

Thanks to MPGRIMM2, RICKS RAM, 00R/T, and STDECO for volunteering to test these radios in their trucks. As a result, we have had them working in a 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 trucks. We have tested seats, backup cameras, cargo cameras, android auto, apple car play, and most of the radio's standard functionality in these models.



There are two distinct versions of the radio. The 4C (Sales Code: UAS) and the 4C-Nav (Sales Code: UAQ). The only difference between the radios is that the UAS does not have built in navigation and the UAQ does. Both units support CarPlay and Android Auto. However, unlike the previous VP3 radios, Built in navigation cannot be purchased and added to the 4C radio.

Great post with incredible information thanks

Components Needed

RADIO: 68331631AH (UAQ) or 68331635AH (UAS)
MEDIA HUB: 68328704AC (RAM) or 5XG28DX9AC (Compass)
MEDIA HUB CONVERSION HARNESS

RADIO
It is important that you get a radio that has the correct mount as the mount is now forged as part of the radio housing. Even though a radio out of an 18 Charger/300/Durango/etc will technically function the same as the RAM radio, the mount will not fit the RAM. Can these radios be modified to fit in a RAM.. Maybe, but I wouldn't recommend it. I broke a screen trying to transplant a UAQ radio into an existing VP4 mount.

It is also important that you get a MY18 radio. All MY18 radio part numbers start with 683.... The RAM themes are only available on MY18 year radios and the firmware must be at least version 18. There is a round colored dot on the top of each radio that has a number in it that reflects the firmware version that the radio had on it when it shipped from the factory. Anything less than 18.7 may have functional problems. It is possible to upgrade radios with older versions of software (I have upgraded to 18.14 all the way from 15.5 on one radio) but I also had one fail the upgrade process. Be wary of "AA" revision radios as they are really a crapshoot of what you are actually going to get.

As of now the radio can be purchased brand new from FCA. The cost is around $1200 for the UAQ, and about $100 for the hub.





MEDIA HUB

The media hubs in pre 2018 RAMs will not work with the 2018 Radios. Unfortunately RAM changed the form factor of the media hub in the 2018 RAM Trucks. The 2018 hubs are oblong in shape compared to the square 2013 - 2017 hubs. The closest compatible hub that will fit the existing opening is the compass hub. It is not an exact fit, but it generally fits. Changing the hub in a center console truck is easier than changing it in a jumpseat equipped truck.

2018 RAM HUB






The connector on the rear of the media hub is also different, so a conversion harness will need to be built to adapt the current 6 pin connector to the 8 pin on the new hubs.






Jump Seat Insert Replacement
Trucks that have a jump seat can order part number 68376066AA which is the insert with the correct cutout for the 18 RAM USB Hub. The cost is around $95. MPGrimm2 has recorded several videos showing how to change the insert.

See his full post here: Jump Seat Insert Replacement.


Known Issues

Radio Soft Keys for the Heated/Vented Seats and Heated Wheel will not work on 2013 and 2014 trucks (They will be on the screen but will be grayed out).

Radio Soft Keys for the Heated/Vented Seats will be missing on trucks that added factory heated/vented seats.

Settings menu may not reflect correct setting options on 2013 trucks.

Backup Camera button may be missing on 2016 and 2017 trucks. (Camera will work when in reverse, button on radio is missing).

There is no way to factory reset a radio.

 

[kad]

Hey Kad, any luck getting the prints done?

The design is done and test fits in a spare console top have been done, but we need a test fit in a truck to insure that there is no interference between the hub and the bracket inside the console/seat. Unfortunately, I'm having trouble getting it (or anything else) to print in the Tough PLA plastic. The regular PLA is not strong enough, the tabs that hold the adaptor into the console break too easily. Once everything is confirmed as fitting then we can can set them up for printing in Nylon plastic from one of the commercial services and not have to worry about the material strength, but first I need to get a successful print in the Tough PLA for the final fitment testing. I've got another attempt running right now, a single adapter takes about 2.5 hours to print on my little printer.

This is one done in Blue PLA for contrast in photographing. The final design will have nicely rounded edges and therefor look more OEM but this shows that it fits in the console opening and that the hub fits in it. The final design is also a bit shorter (doesn't come as close to the top edge).



-K

 

[bubbasneed]

The design is done and test fits in a spare console top have been done, but we need a test fit in a truck to insure that there is no interference between the hub and the bracket inside the console/seat. Unfortunately, I'm having trouble getting it (or anything else) to print in the Tough PLA plastic. The regular PLA is not strong enough, the tabs that hold the adaptor into the console break too easily. Once everything is confirmed as fitting then we can can set them up for printing in Nylon plastic from one of the commercial services and not have to worry about the material strength, but first I need to get a successful print in the Tough PLA for the final fitment testing. I've got another attempt running right now, a single adapter takes about 2.5 hours to print on my little printer.

This is one done in Blue PLA for contrast in photographing. The final design will have nicely rounded edges and therefor look more OEM but this shows that it fits in the console opening and that the hub fits in it. The final design is also a bit shorter (doesn't come as close to the top edge).



-K

That looks very nice. If I can do anything to help please let me know.


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[Nobser]

CustomTronix from Sweden has finally released a product, that is more powerful than the adapter harness from Infotainment.com

http://www.customtronix.com/webshop...ing_wp_cron=1557182181.9933409690856933593750

 

[Chunker]

Great thread. Thank you for the information. I have a 2013 Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn Mega Cab and I am considering the swap so I can get CarPlay functions. I have looked at Infotainment and as well as other products. For me, the Infotainment swap looks good because the display is better, CarPlay has touchscreen controls and all other function now work or have adapters to make them work (heated seats / steering wheel, etc). The only thing I'm hung up is the display themes. With the Laramie Longhorn, the standard display theme is a predominately orange background with a Longhorn image. There are 2 other display themes that fit the Laramie Longhorn theme as well as more basic themes.

My question: does anyone have a video of the 2018 UAQ (with Nav) replacement radios and the various themes to pick from? Curious if a longhorn theme is included. Yes, I know this is superficial but if I am going to spend some $, I'd like it to look like it was meant to be there. Any help is appreciated.

+++++++
Update. I did some more research. I missed the part that Infotainment collects your vin to pre program the radio with the splash screen and display themes from my radio. Problem solved.

 

[8Banger]

CustomTronix from Sweden has finally released a product, that is more powerful than the adapter harness from Infotainment.com

http://www.customtronix.com/webshop...ing_wp_cron=1557182181.9933409690856933593750

Ordered one. If it delivers everything it claims this will be great! Will report back once I get it.

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[Nobser]

Ordered one. If it delivers everything it claims this will be great! Will report back once I get it.

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I'm running it for some weeks as beta tester and in my RAM 1500 Laramie (MY2013) and it all works fine. What I'm wondering: There was no need to change my HVAC-Module. Don't know, if it also has to do with that product or if I'm just lucky :-D