8.4 Uconnect not connecting???

[Crazygrady1948]

Hi. I've searched the forums, looked on line and even asked the service manager at my Ram dealer. I can't find anyone else that has the problem I'm having with the 8.4 Connect. I have a 2014 Laramie.
When it's warm out, say above 70 degrees, I start the car and the unit comes right up. Radio, Nav, all the controls. When it's cold out and I start it all I get is a blank screen. After a couple of minutes a message comes up: "Checking for USB stick with update. If a USB with an update is detected an update can be performed." This will show for a few minutes then another message comes up:" There was a problem in starting the head unit. If this problem persists after an ignition cycle please see your dealer". I checked with the dealer he said he has never seen it. I probably need a new unit costing up to $3,000.00 that ain't going to happen.
There have been times that I could turn the heat up all the way and let the interior get hot. I turn the truck off let it set for a few minutes restart it and the *.4 comes on. The colder it is outside the longer it takes to turn on.(If ever)
This is pain in the butt. I have no radio, no nav, can't see nuthin". Just blank screen.
I would really appreciate if anyone has an idea as to what's wrong and what it might take to repair.
Sorry it's so long but it's hard to explain.
Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[kad]

Well, it sounds like a bad solder connection or a crack in one of the circuit boards. When it's warm the connection is ok, when its too cold it separates and the problem occurs. You can get a used VP4 (8.4 w/nav) for around $5-600, possibly cheaper if you get from a salvage yard. Or you could send it to NavRepair.com and get a repair estimate. Even new the 8.4 is not $3K though. You could even buy a brand new 2018 UAQ (8.4 w/ Nav and AA/Carplay) for half that, a used one for 1/3 that.

-K

 

[BJSwizzle]

Wow, that’s insane, hopefully you find a fix!

 

[Crazygrady1948]

Thanks kad. That makes sense. it can't be a common problem I can't find anyone else with it.
I thought the $3,000 was ridiculous. Although with what dealers charge today ya never know.
I check into that NavRepair and look around for a used or refurbished one.
Any suggestions on where to get one?
I appreciate the help.

 

[Ricks Ram]

Thanks kad. That makes sense. it can't be a common problem I can't find anyone else with it.
I thought the $3,000 was ridiculous. Although with what dealers charge today ya never know.
I check into that NavRepair and look around for a used or refurbished one.
Any suggestions on where to get one?
I appreciate the help.

You can pick up a used RA4 on Ebay for $500 to $550 dollars. Make sure it's out of a Jeep Grand Cherokee or a Ram. Make sure the part# on the back is VP4 NA. This is the correct radio with Nav for your truck if you live in the U.S......note there is NO special programming required to install another radio in your truck. All you will need to do is get the unlock code for your new radio from the dealer or online. In order to get the unlock code from the dealer you will need to get the Vin# of the radio the truck came out of and it will also make it easier to check for firmware updates. You can also get the unlock code without the Vin# but you will need to do it online. Make sure you know what year truck the radio came out of for future updates if you don't end up getting a radio from the same year truck as yours. It is extremely simple to remove and replace these radios.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[RamCares]

Hi. I've searched the forums, looked on line and even asked the service manager at my Ram dealer. I can't find anyone else that has the problem I'm having with the 8.4 Connect. I have a 2014 Laramie.
When it's warm out, say above 70 degrees, I start the car and the unit comes right up. Radio, Nav, all the controls. When it's cold out and I start it all I get is a blank screen. After a couple of minutes a message comes up: "Checking for USB stick with update. If a USB with an update is detected an update can be performed." This will show for a few minutes then another message comes up:" There was a problem in starting the head unit. If this problem persists after an ignition cycle please see your dealer". I checked with the dealer he said he has never seen it. I probably need a new unit costing up to $3,000.00 that ain't going to happen.
There have been times that I could turn the heat up all the way and let the interior get hot. I turn the truck off let it set for a few minutes restart it and the *.4 comes on. The colder it is outside the longer it takes to turn on.(If ever)
This is pain in the butt. I have no radio, no nav, can't see nuthin". Just blank screen.
I would really appreciate if anyone has an idea as to what's wrong and what it might take to repair.
Sorry it's so long but it's hard to explain.
Any ideas?

Thanks

Hi Crazygrady1948,
I understand why this would be frustrating. If you decide to pursue having this fixed by your dealer, you may also send us a private message so we can help address any questions you may have.
Lydia
Ram Social Care Specialist