8.4 uConnect delayed power on

[hummus_daddy]

Hey guys. 2014 Big Horn 8.4 with Nav.

Before you yell at me to search, I have and haven't found a solution to the specific problem I'm having. I've searched hundreds of threads, asked in Facebook groups, etc.

Every once in a while (becoming more often), my radio has a delayed start up. Sometimes 30 seconds, sometimes it's 10 minutes. Every time this happens, it seems to take some time remembering where it was and reconnecting the Bluetooth - like, the difference between putting a PC to sleep and powering it off completely. After it finally loads up, it stays powered on and works just fine but, it's rather irritating.

- I went into the settings and did a factory reset - nothing.
- Did the "secret developer menu" by holding the cold and hot AC buttons - reset, but still happens.
- I disconnected my battery and my ECU for an unrelated issue but that still didn't fix anything.

I also get a "Vehicle Phone Requires Service - Please See Dealer" notification frequently, my navigation can't locate me and doesn't work and my EVIC compass just goes in circles - not sure if this is related but I believe they came about at the same time (I don't use my factory navigation anyway).

Thanks in advance!

 

[TomT]

I wonder if it could be a bad antenna or the cable going to it?

 

[hummus_daddy]

I wonder if it could be a bad antenna or the cable going to it?

Not sure about the antenna. I have thought about the electrical connection but it doesn't make sense that it could work fine for days on end then this pop back up randomly...

Also, I should note - I tried updating the firmware but uConnect wouldn't even let me download it, saying my unit is already up to date.

 

[jmant230]

These radios are voltage sensitive. How old is your battery?

 

[hummus_daddy]

These radios are voltage sensitive. How old is your battery?

If I'm not mistaken, I believe it's the original battery.

I went to pull the fuse today but couldn't locate it. Went inside and searched and found some people's units were bricked after doing so. Whew...

 

[rotwiler]

I would think it has to do with the 911 error and radio is delayed trying to connect. Probably is a antenna issue for the nav/sat, could be corrosion and sometimes works. That would be my first thing to look at.

 

[hummus_daddy]

I would think it has to do with the 911 error and radio is delayed trying to connect. Probably is a antenna issue for the nav/sat, could be corrosion and sometimes works. That would be my first thing to look at.

I'll look into that. I assume the only antenna/cable possibly causing an issue would be the one on top of the cab, right?

I did replace my radio antenna with a stubby one but I can't recall if this happened before or after. I highly doubt that'd be the cause, just throwing out ideas.

 

[rotwiler]

I'll look into that. I assume the only antenna/cable possibly causing an issue would be the one on top of the cab, right?

I did replace my radio antenna with a stubby one but I can't recall if this happened before or after. I highly doubt that'd be the cause, just throwing out ideas.

Wouldn't be the reg antenna, would be one on top.

 

[RamCares]

Hey guys. 2014 Big Horn 8.4 with Nav.

Before you yell at me to search, I have and haven't found a solution to the specific problem I'm having. I've searched hundreds of threads, asked in Facebook groups, etc.

Every once in a while (becoming more often), my radio has a delayed start up. Sometimes 30 seconds, sometimes it's 10 minutes. Every time this happens, it seems to take some time remembering where it was and reconnecting the Bluetooth - like, the difference between putting a PC to sleep and powering it off completely. After it finally loads up, it stays powered on and works just fine but, it's rather irritating.

- I went into the settings and did a factory reset - nothing.
- Did the "secret developer menu" by holding the cold and hot AC buttons - reset, but still happens.
- I disconnected my battery and my ECU for an unrelated issue but that still didn't fix anything.

I also get a "Vehicle Phone Requires Service - Please See Dealer" notification frequently, my navigation can't locate me and doesn't work and my EVIC compass just goes in circles - not sure if this is related but I believe they came about at the same time (I don't use my factory navigation anyway).

Thanks in advance!

Hello hummus_daddy,

We're sorry to hear you're having a difficult time. Are you thinking you'd like to have your Ram dealer take a look? Send me a direct message if so and I'll escalate your inquiry to a case specialist who'll work with them toward a solution.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[stimpy433]

I'd try replacing the battery first, if you have the original battery still. The electronics in these trucks are very sensitive to voltage and a weak battery can cause all kinds of gremlins.

 

[hummus_daddy]

Hello hummus_daddy,

We're sorry to hear you're having a difficult time. Are you thinking you'd like to have your Ram dealer take a look? Send me a direct message if so and I'll escalate your inquiry to a case specialist who'll work with them toward a solution.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist

HI Jasmine. I took it to a dealer right before my warranty ran out and they said they were a couple weeks out on service availability, even just to diagnose. I didn't have much time available myself (pretty tight schedule) and wasn't able to get it in. I'm now at 143k - I drive THE LIVING CRAP out of my truck. If it would require a new 8.4, for the price of those I've considered just swapping in an aftermarket unit BUT have been worried that wouldn't fix the issue with the haywire compass.

 

[madtrucker2016]

could be the tip m block with all the fuses in it

 

[RamCares]

HI Jasmine. I took it to a dealer right before my warranty ran out and they said they were a couple weeks out on service availability, even just to diagnose. I didn't have much time available myself (pretty tight schedule) and wasn't able to get it in. I'm now at 143k - I drive THE LIVING CRAP out of my truck. If it would require a new 8.4, for the price of those I've considered just swapping in an aftermarket unit BUT have been worried that wouldn't fix the issue with the haywire compass.

Got it, hummus_daddy. I appreciate you providing a bit more clarification. If you do end up going and would like any assistance with that process, don't hesitate to connect with our team. Have a great week.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[RickoSauve52]

I'm having the exact same issue. I recently upgraded to the 8.4 and noticed I needed the 911 antenna that my truck isn't equipped with. I ordered a new one from infotainment for about $50. I'll advise if it corrects the issue. My Nav shows my in San Antonio but I live in Houston. It did change from Sacramento, Ca since I first installed it. The power delay thing is eating my alive.

 

[Swezey23]

Hate to reply to such an old thread, but I've been doing my google-fu and I can't find much to hone in on.

My 2017 Ram UConnect 8.4 is suffering from the same thing that started this year. Battery voltage appears to be in normal ranges.
Radio has been up to date for awhile now with no more updates coming out. It's slow to start and I noticed the clock was also reset.
Any tips besides a factory reset? Should I reset the cables in the back of it?
Annoyed that I have to sit and wait for 2 minutes for the backup camera or cave and do the tried and true arm back and neck turn.