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

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Kyomie

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Has anyone actually posted 3d print instructions for the 2018 two usb + aux hub? I see a couple of photos about it and I see the print info for the usb-c hub, but nothing for the 2018 2+1 hub.

I have an extra one I printed a while back, if you are interested.
 

Shane downes

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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.

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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.


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.

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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

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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.

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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.

Hi you can use this hub too it can fit with little sanding and it work with the carplay this way don't have to replace your top

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COtto1984

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I'm just diving into potentially upgrading my 2015 8.4 radio and have overwhelmed myself reading through much of this thread. For 2015's, it seems there are very minimal compatibility issues for the conversion? I have a few additional questions that I'm sure most of which have been covered. Hopefully this post will help summarize new information and help others as well.

  1. Radio - I'm planning on sticking with navigation type radio, option 1.
    1. 4C-Nav UAQ (P/N 68331631AK)
    2. 4C UAS (P/N 68331635AK)
  2. Hub - I prefer to go with option 3 or 4. Anyone make / sell adapter plates for the USB-C hub?
    1. Ram (P/N 68328704AC) - dual USB with AUX inputs. Requires modifications or additional parts for installation.
    2. Compass (P/N 5XG28DX9AC) - single USB with AUX input. Requires minimal modifications, but does not fit previous hole perfectly.
    3. 2017 Chrystler 200 (P/N 68283703AA) - dual USB with AUX inputs. Looks like it may fit existing hole well with minimal modifications.
    4. Ram USB-C (P/N 68272254AE) - dual USB & USB-C with AUX inputs. Requires modifications or additional parts for installation. (please confirm part number is correct- I also saw P/N 68397098AE listed in this thread. Not sure of difference)
  3. Hub Harness - contact M2 mods
  4. Customtronix JailBreaker Enzo - will this work with my truck / replacement radio?
    1. I'm currently using their software jailbreak in my 2015. I see a note on the JailBreaker Enzo page that says "RAM vehicles that display the reverse camera in the rear view mirror are NOT compatible with the Jailbreaker Enzo line of products!!" which leads me to believe it will not work for my truck.
Anything I'm missing?
 

crash68

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I'm just diving into potentially upgrading my 2015 8.4 radio and have overwhelmed myself reading through much of this thread. For 2015's, it seems there are very minimal compatibility issues for the conversion? I have a few additional questions that I'm sure most of which have been covered. Hopefully this post will help summarize new information and help others as well.
I just did this upgrade in my '15
The UAQ part# 68331631AJ
I don't know the part # of the hub but it's the one used in the Compass and the M2 harness. It was plug-n-play even the heated seats/steering wheel soft buttons worked.

Is there any advantage of using the dual USB hub from the 200?
 

COtto1984

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I just did this upgrade in my '15
The UAQ part# 68331631AJ
I don't know the part # of the hub but it's the one used in the Compass and the M2 harness. It was plug-n-play even the heated seats/steering wheel soft buttons worked.

Is there any advantage of using the dual USB hub from the 200?
As far as the dual USB hub from the 200, if you look a few posts up, it appears that it may be a better fit to replace the existing hub from a fit, form and function perspective.
 

COtto1984

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I contacted Customtronix to see about their JailBreaker Enzo if I put the 2018 4C in my 2015 and they came back with the following response:

I would recommend not to do that! there's too much problem with exchanging to Panasonic units believe me! if you have had 2016 or 2017 it would be ok but for a 2015 it´s a big no-no. You need a retention harness because is missing canbus messages and just there you have an issue!
Any merit to what they are saying? What retention harness is he referring too?
 

ajairola

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I contacted Customtronix to see about their JailBreaker Enzo if I put the 2018 4C in my 2015 and they came back with the following response:

I would recommend not to do that! there's too much problem with exchanging to Panasonic units believe me! if you have had 2016 or 2017 it would be ok but for a 2015 it´s a big no-no. You need a retention harness because is missing canbus messages and just there you have an issue!
Any merit to what they are saying? What retention harness is he referring too?

My best guess would be he is referring to the retention module that the 2013/2014 definitely need to retain Heated/Cooled Seat and Heated Steering Wheel controls on the radio. From my understanding 2015s are a mixed bag and sometimes they need the retention module. Try searching through the thread for “2015” and see what issues are being reported.
 

Ricks Ram

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I had tried the UAQ in my 14 and pulled it in a week. I had the customtronix harness but still had issues with it. My EVIC didn't display the XM channels correctly, the turn by turn also didn't show correctly for the Nav. I also liked the layout and the graphics and screen themes much better on my RA4 plus it had much better sound quality. Honestly the only advantage to the UAS/UAQ radios in my opinion is the Android Auto and the Apple Car Play. I know thats enough for most guys to want them but not worth it to me.

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MontyNC

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I had tried the UAQ in my 14 and pulled it in a week. I had the customtronix harness but still had issues with it. My EVIC didn't display the XM channels correctly, the turn by turn also didn't show correctly for the Nav. I also liked the layout and the graphics and screen themes much better on my RA4 plus it had much better sound quality. Honestly the only advantage to the UAS/UAQ radios in my opinion is the Android Auto and the Apple Car Play. I know thats enough for most guys to want them but not worth it to me.

Sent from my SM-G981U1 using Tapatalk

Which firmware version were you running on the UAQ?
 

Ricks Ram

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Which firmware version were you running on the UAQ?
It's been a year or so since I took it out and I don't keep up with the UAS/UAQ thread because I don't care for them so I can't remember but it was one of the preferred versions that didn't have the sound quality issues that some had. I bought it new and still have it but it's in storage while we are having our new home built. It didn't sound bad but it didn't have the volume or sound qualityof the RA4. I actually had three different UAQ radios that I tested in my truck because there are a few guys who live by me that I've met on the forum. I tried the Infotainment harness and then tried the customtronix. They were both able to get the heated/vented seats and heated wheel to show up but neither corrected the other issues. The backup camera was also darker that the RA4 and the colors were off.. I honestly just like the RA4 better. I feel it's a better quality radio and definitely has better sound quality hands down in my opinion. I have an android phone so I'm able to voice text through Bluetooth without being connected to the truck with the RA4 and I needed to be connected to the radio and be using Android Auto with the UAQ. I upgraded to the RA4 from the RA2 originally so my voice texting in the RA4 works without a subscription and works awesome. I'm just not a fan of the Panasonic radios. I know I'm one of the few and that's fine.

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Site-r

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I fixed the darker backup camera problem by putting in a camera manufactured for a 2018. I bought it from a 2018 wreck, and it has worked great.
If you do decide to go for the UAQ radio and decide to go this route, send me a pm and I will answer questions.
 

Mpgrimm2

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COtto1984

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@Ricks Ram
@Roman217 mentioned that a newer pn HSM may not require the 4c seat interface module in the 13-15 trucks ...
(ie 68217268Ax Heated Seat Module 'HSM')

... Not sure if @Buckeye2019 confirmed it or not this post.

.

M² Mods.
Is the thinking that if you have revision "B" or newer, the interface module would not be needed? I confirmed P/N under my seat ends with a "B". I haven't purchased radio or hub though so can't speak in terms of compatibility with the HSM yet.
 

Roman217

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Is the thinking that if you have revision "B" or newer, the interface module would not be needed? I confirmed P/N under my seat ends with a "B". I haven't purchased radio or hub though so can't speak in terms of compatibility with the HSM yet.
I tried an "AA" revision module with the UAQ and it worked without issue. That module supercedes the modules originally found in the '13s/'14s so it should just plug right in and grab the config information from the BCM.

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goldcountryram

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Just put a UAQ in my '15, ordered the '18 media hub and I'm looking for the harness adapter and a mounting option. Anyone post the models for the 3d print or have them for sale?
 
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