2018 1500 Aftermarket head unit upgrade help

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

sixOHfour

Junior Member
Joined
Jun 21, 2018
Posts
1
Reaction score
0
Location
Maple Ridge, B.C.
Ram Year
2018
Engine
5.7
Hey everyone,

I just recently bought another Ram and am pretty unhappy with the Uconnect 5.0, just like I was in my old one haha.
I’ve been combing crutchfield for the last week deciding on a new head unit with CarPlay and now all of a sudden nothing is compatible with the 2018 anymore? I called them and one of their reps said that I’ll probably lose my climate controls so they don’t recommend upgrading and changed the website to reflect that. prior to that everything was listed for the 2018. Even though my climate is not built into the deck, that’s the reason they gave me.
I looked up the stereos and harnesses I’d need but under the “2017” model year and they all say they work still.
This is really confusing, as far as I know the 18 is the same as the 17. Would it be safe to assume the 17 stuff would work fine or did they really change it up behind that stereo for 18?
 

TomT

Senior Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Jul 1, 2015
Posts
1,259
Reaction score
543
Location
SoCal/OC
Ram Year
2015
Engine
Hemi 5.7
I think they’ve changed things from ‘17 to’18.
 

dropkicknick

Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2017
Posts
57
Reaction score
29
Location
el paso
Ram Year
2012
Engine
hemi 5.7
copy and pasted from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ram_Pickup#Fourth_generation_(2009–2018;_DS/DJ/D2)

2018 changes

Changes to the Ram for 2018 included the addition of HD Radio to all U Connect 8.4 infotainment systems, as well as a new 4G LTE wireless hot-spot provided by AT&T Wireless, an AT&T Wireless 4G LTE in-vehicle modem (both the AT&T Wireless 4G LTE modem and 4G LTE mobile hot-spot replace the Sprint 3G CDMA modem and 3G CDMA mobile hot-spot offered on previous Ram models), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration for the U Connect 8.4 infotainment systems, and the SiriusXM Guardian service replacing the U Connect ACCESS service offered on previous RAM models for the U Connect 8.4 infotainment systems. In addition, all U Connect 8.4 infotainment systems get a new User Interface design for easier navigation of menus and applications.

The VM Motori-produced 3.0 L EcoDiesel V6 turbodiesel engine returned in early 2018 for the RAM 1500, as it has been re-certified by the EPA after allegations of emissions cheating in 2017.

Most upper trim levels of the RAM 1500 (Sport, Rebel, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited) get the new RAM front grille introduced for 2016, as well as a large 'RAM' emblem on the rear tailgate. Lower to mid trim levels of the RAM 1500 (Tradesman, Express, Big Horn, Lone Star, and Laramie) retain the standard RAM "Cross-Hair" front grille.

The Night Edition and Lone Star Silver Edition trim levels were continued.

For 2018, there are two new special editions:

  • The Harvest Edition (also available on the Ram 2500 and 3500), are based on the Big Horn and Lone Star models. Available in only four paint colors, two of which are unique to the Harvest Edition (Case IH Red, New Holland Blue, two-tone Black Clear Coat and Bright Silver Metallic, or Bright White Clear Coat). Aimed at farmers, the Harvest Edition adds features that are otherwise optional on the Big Horn and Lone Star, such as seventeen-inch chrome-clad aluminum-alloy wheels with all-terrain tires on 4X4 models, the U Connect 8.4 infotainment system with GPS navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link with five years of service included and one year of SiriusXM Guardian service, a trailer tow package with integrated trailer brake control, rear-mounted tow hitch, and trailer tow side mirrors. Also included are front bucket seats with power front driver's seat trimmed in premium cloth, chrome side steps, chrome side mirror covers, chrome door handles, and chrome front tow hooks. It is available as either a Quad Cab or a Crew Cab.
  • The Laramie Longhorn Southfork Edition Package, available on 1500, 2500, and 3500 Laramie Longhorn models, adds even more luxury features to the already luxurious truck, such as unique twenty-inch polished aluminum-alloy wheels, unique real wood interior trim, and a unique two-tone blue-and-beige interior color scheme
 

Jimmy07

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 23, 2017
Posts
3,250
Reaction score
2,910
Ram Year
2017
Engine
6.4 Hemi
Idatalink Maestro just updated their install guides on 6/18 to include the 2018 Rams. The only thing I notice different is, instead of plugging the connector into the obdII port, they have you bypassing it and going straight to CAN junction. Probably because of the firewall they have on the obdII port. Other than that, I can’t think of any reason why an aftermarket shouldn’t work on an 18 as previous years.
 

joshuaeb09

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 5, 2016
Posts
1,426
Reaction score
2,402
Location
Medina County, TX
Ram Year
2022
Engine
6.7 Cummins
Idatalink Maestro just updated their install guides on 6/18 to include the 2018 Rams. The only thing I notice different is, instead of plugging the connector into the obdII port, they have you bypassing it and going straight to CAN junction. Probably because of the firewall they have on the obdII port. Other than that, I can’t think of any reason why an aftermarket shouldn’t work on an 18 as previous years.

Interesting. It must be the canbus security changes in that case as my '16 doesn't require the OBD II connector at all. Still get gauges and all my OEM control stuff without it connected. I know that guys with '18 Challengers are having similar issues and taping into the can junction for things like the Tazer are required. In this case I would simply change the crutchfield selection to 2017 and then follow the iDatalink guidance on taping the can junction.
 

Jimmy07

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 23, 2017
Posts
3,250
Reaction score
2,910
Ram Year
2017
Engine
6.4 Hemi
Interesting. It must be the canbus security changes in that case as my '16 doesn't require the OBD II connector at all. Still get gauges and all my OEM control stuff without it connected. I know that guys with '18 Challengers are having similar issues and taping into the can junction for things like the Tazer are required. In this case I would simply change the crutchfield selection to 2017 and then follow the iDatalink guidance on taping the can junction.
The only purpose the obdII connector serves for the Maestro is for reading DTCs. I was just noting the difference. The fact that they just added 2018s to the install guide tells us the aftermarket radios work on 2018s
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
194,925
Posts
2,864,167
Members
155,293
Latest member
RedFlameRam
Top