2013 Ram UConnect Radio Replacement

[Ks_ram]

Hello all,
New to this site, so this may have been discussed previously.
I have a 2013 Ram 2500 that I bought around 2017. For the first five or so years, the screen didn’t have any issues other than it wouldn’t save my radio station presets or phone book contacts.
I had it to the dealership to have that looked at and they suggested I replace the unit. Naturally, I had no interest in paying what they wanted for a new unit, so I performed a hard reset myself on it and that solved the issue.
Fast forward to a month or so back and I started the truck one day, to find that I had a black screen and completely unresponsive.
I read a few forums with some suggestions to try and get it going again, but nothing worked.
I took it to a different dealer and they again said they could do nothing other than replace the unit, to the tune of $1,200. I also called Ram Cares and UConnect, neither of which would offer any warranty or financial assistance on a replacement.
Again, I have no interest in spending that kind of money on that item, but I do need to get it replaced so I can have climate control and radio functionality.
What suggestions does this community have on a quality aftermarket replacement or perhaps a repair on the current unit? The radio that is in the truck is the UCONNECT 3C NAV with 8.4” Display.
Thanks in advance.

 

[CanuckRam1313]

I'd be going to a new aftermarket head unit from the likes of Kenwood, JVC, or Sony.
Then get the Maestro iDataLink module, and voila, you're good to go.

UConnect is typically fraught with issues and not worth the screen on the front... that's just my opinion though.

You don't need to go ridiculous on a super pricy head unit, but I wouldn't go too cheap either.

If you want a one-stop-shop experience, look to Crutchfield for a complete turnkey package that will be tailored to your vehicle and budget based on features you want.

 

[Badger 13]

I had issues with mine back a few years ago as well. Dealers only wanted to put a new radio at about $1,500. From what I understood at the time was that the replacement units were not new, but refurbished. I did everything you did, and probably then some. I ended up taking the radio out myself and sent it to "Infotoinment" after talking with them on the phone. The turn around was pretty quick and it was repaired at the fraction of the cost of a new one. I think there are other companies out there now as well, but that at the time this is who repaired mine. I also found a video on how to remove the radio from your truck, and after watching that, it was not a big deal to remove the radio.

https://infotainment.com/shop/services/repair-service/repair-service-fca-uconnect-3c-ra4-or-ra3-8-4-inch-touchscreen-radio-5/?srsltid=AfmBOooX0ivBHOwLt9UFGEDNApo6n5uCamjYzZ6Yn1xNp9CnAq1HR92m

I wish you good luck with the project.