RamInfo
Senior Member
I posted a Q on this earlier but can’t find the thread. At any rate, I updated the maps on my 8.4 nav system in my 2016 1500 and thought I’d share my notes. I should advise up front that the only reason I have Nav is it was included in my off-the-lot truck...
1. System software version must be at 17.11.07 before the map update can be applied. This is an over-the-air update for the 8.4 but requires you to keep the truck running for the duration—about a half-hour. The map update instructions list a site where you can D/L the 17.11.07 update to USB and install it. Interestingly, if your truck does the OTA update and you later input your vin to check for updates, it will tell say you need the update as UConnect doesn’t register that your truck has been updated until you D/L the update from the website. That’s per UC support, btw. So, I’ll do the D/L and throw it away.
2. When the $150 overpriced update arrives on USB the first thing you want to do is go to the system info screen on the 8.4 and record every single entry there, either on paper or using a cell phone cam. Some of those numbers you’ll need to activate the map update and some you’ll need if the update goes haywire and you have to call support.
3. The map update says it will take 67 minutes. Baloney! 90+ is closer to the truth, and the truck must be parked AND RUNNING the entire time. Called UC support to double-check that last bit and they were emphatic on that. That’s pretty lame, in my book...
4. There’s a reboot/startup sequence for after the update completes, spelled out in the instructions. Again, if they say “a few minutes” figure closer to 5-6, and if they say “wait 60 seconds” it really means 90.
5. My update was from 2014Q4 to 2016Q4 and went off without a hitch, just took longer than predicted. I did this update solely because the truck is only a year old and I wanted to make sure it had been updated at least once.
Will I update the onboard Nav maps again? Not only NO, but HELL NO. They are overpriced and don’t do anything to address how crippled and useless most onboard Nav systems really are. Next time I get an update notice I’ll spend the $150 toward an upgraded Garmin unit to replace the one I currently have. The portable Garmin is faster, has a more intelligent interface, and comes with LIFETIME MAPS that include free and easy updates. Plus, I can use that unit in any other vehicle I happen to buy, rent, or borrow.
Just my ramblings on the update. Glad I did it the one time but thinking next time I’ll pass.
Best,
DG
1. System software version must be at 17.11.07 before the map update can be applied. This is an over-the-air update for the 8.4 but requires you to keep the truck running for the duration—about a half-hour. The map update instructions list a site where you can D/L the 17.11.07 update to USB and install it. Interestingly, if your truck does the OTA update and you later input your vin to check for updates, it will tell say you need the update as UConnect doesn’t register that your truck has been updated until you D/L the update from the website. That’s per UC support, btw. So, I’ll do the D/L and throw it away.
2. When the $150 overpriced update arrives on USB the first thing you want to do is go to the system info screen on the 8.4 and record every single entry there, either on paper or using a cell phone cam. Some of those numbers you’ll need to activate the map update and some you’ll need if the update goes haywire and you have to call support.
3. The map update says it will take 67 minutes. Baloney! 90+ is closer to the truth, and the truck must be parked AND RUNNING the entire time. Called UC support to double-check that last bit and they were emphatic on that. That’s pretty lame, in my book...
4. There’s a reboot/startup sequence for after the update completes, spelled out in the instructions. Again, if they say “a few minutes” figure closer to 5-6, and if they say “wait 60 seconds” it really means 90.
5. My update was from 2014Q4 to 2016Q4 and went off without a hitch, just took longer than predicted. I did this update solely because the truck is only a year old and I wanted to make sure it had been updated at least once.
Will I update the onboard Nav maps again? Not only NO, but HELL NO. They are overpriced and don’t do anything to address how crippled and useless most onboard Nav systems really are. Next time I get an update notice I’ll spend the $150 toward an upgraded Garmin unit to replace the one I currently have. The portable Garmin is faster, has a more intelligent interface, and comes with LIFETIME MAPS that include free and easy updates. Plus, I can use that unit in any other vehicle I happen to buy, rent, or borrow.
Just my ramblings on the update. Glad I did it the one time but thinking next time I’ll pass.
Best,
DG
