8.4 Uconnect touch screen delaminating....

[aekash]

They will sell you a refurbished radio? That's the first I've heard of that. That's a decent price from a dealer too in my opinion.

I called three dealers and they all quoted $780 plus tax for a remanufactured one. Two year warranty. I have one on the way but no telling how long it will take. If the eBay buy pans out then I'll just have them send it back but at least there's a backup option if the eBay item doesn't work.

 

[SitKneelBend]

I called three dealers and they all quoted $780 plus tax for a remanufactured one. Two year warranty. I have one on the way but no telling how long it will take. If the eBay buy pans out then I'll just have them send it back but at least there's a backup option if the eBay item doesn't work.

That's good to know. With screen prices what they are that is definitely a good option...

 

[aekash]

Hey everyone. I wanted to send an update. I received the eBay replacement screen today and was able to swap them out utilizing an extremely helpful video on YouTube reference earlier in this thread (I believe). I also used this opportunity to replace the thermal pads as suggested by SitKneelBend.

Pictured here is the original screen showing delamination:


The new screen looked very good and has LG branding but who knows if it is actually an LG product. The only questionable thing I saw was a collection of clear glue (I'm guessing?) in the bottom corners on the back of the panel. I assume this is cured LOCA? It was solid when I probed it so I'm not too concerned this time.

One corner:


Other corner:


New screen installed:



It is functioning well upon first start up and a quick test through the panel. Hopefully it will continue to work well and I will report back with updates. I'm hoping this screen lasts longer than the original but only time will tell. I add, in case it is relevant, that my truck is parked outside in the driveway and exposed to sun and heat during the summer. It can get pretty hot and humid in SW Ohio this time of year. If heat is part of culprit for delamination, I may get some type of sun shade for the windshield to help stymie some of the heat build up in the cab when the truck is not in use.

I feel lucky to have found this forum and thread. The internet is a marvelous tool!!

Edit: I just wanted to paste the link to the YouTube Video on proper replacement here to make it possibly easier to find for others with future needs:

How To Repair Your 8.4" Uconnect 4C DODGE - RAM - CHRYSLER - Radio

Please subscribe for more! In this video you will learn how to take apart your Ram 1500 2013-2018 in order to remove your 8.4" Uconnect 4C system. This will ...

youtu.be

 

[SitKneelBend]

Hey everyone. I wanted to send an update. I received the eBay replacement screen today and was able to swap them out utilizing an extremely helpful video on YouTube reference earlier in this thread (I believe). I also used this opportunity to replace the thermal pads as suggested by SitKneelBend.

Pictured here is the original screen showing delamination:
View attachment 465022

The new screen looked very good and has LG branding but who knows if it is actually an LG product. The only questionable thing I saw was a collection of clear glue (I'm guessing?) in the bottom corners on the back of the panel. I assume this is cured LOCA? It was solid when I probed it so I'm not too concerned this time.

One corner:
View attachment 465023

Other corner:
View attachment 465024

New screen installed:
View attachment 465025


It is functioning well upon first start up and a quick test through the panel. Hopefully it will continue to work well and I will report back with updates. I'm hoping this screen lasts longer than the original but only time will tell. I add, in case it is relevant, that my truck is parked outside in the driveway and exposed to sun and heat during the summer. It can get pretty hot and humid in SW Ohio this time of year. If heat is part of culprit for delamination, I may get some type of sun shade for the windshield to help stymie some of the heat build up in the cab when the truck is not in use.

I feel lucky to have found this forum and thread. The internet is a marvelous tool!!

Edit: I just wanted to paste the link to the YouTube Video on proper replacement here to make it possibly easier to find for others with future needs:

How To Repair Your 8.4" Uconnect 4C DODGE - RAM - CHRYSLER - Radio

Please subscribe for more! In this video you will learn how to take apart your Ram 1500 2013-2018 in order to remove your 8.4" Uconnect 4C system. This will ...

youtu.be

Looks like cured LOCA. If it's hard or rubbery then its either been repaired already or the LOCA overflow was the factory defect. Either way with the fully cured LOCA, delamination should not be an issue for you.

I suspect that overheating is the cause of screens starting to get ghost touches (as well as accelerating delamination). With the thermal pads installed this should prevent overheating and extend the life of the radio. If you really want to keep it cool, you can get crazy like I did and wire in some fans too...

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

How do you voice text with the android phone...or is it because of you have a uconnect account..If the radio comes in your truck you need to have the Uconnect subscription for it to work but for some reason in almost all cases when you install an RA3/RA4 out of another truck into your truck and...

www.ramforum.com

 

[aekash]

Looks like I spoke too soon. I noticed these "halos" when driving around tonight. See the lower right corner and the left side of the screen. I imagine they are permanent. It's pretty disappointing. I suppose now I'll have to contact the eBay seller and see what options I have. Have you guys seen this happen before? Will it "break in" with more use?

There was a sticker on the screen that stated, "Please note that sometimes after sealing the edges there is a chemical reaction that causes the screen to have spots and some discoloration. That will disappear with hot and cold cycles caused by weather over time. Again this is the only way to prologue (sic) the life of these screens."

Not sure I buy that.... Thoughts?

 

[SitKneelBend]

Looks like I spoke too soon. I noticed these "halos" when driving around tonight. See the lower right corner and the left side of the screen. I imagine they are permanent. It's pretty disappointing. I suppose now I'll have to contact the eBay seller and see what options I have. Have you guys seen this happen before? Will it "break in" with more use?

There was a sticker on the screen that stated, "Please note that sometimes after sealing the edges there is a chemical reaction that causes the screen to have spots and some discoloration. That will disappear with hot and cold cycles caused by weather over time. Again this is the only way to prologue (sic) the life of these screens."

Not sure I buy that.... Thoughts?

View attachment 465048

View attachment 465050

Interesting. Seems like they are now providing refurbished screens. Couple the LOCA you pointed out with their statement and it sounds like they are now repairing delaminated screens and selling those in place of the factory damaged ones.

It sounds like their disclaimer is describing your screens condition. I'm not sure if I'd want to sit on it to see though...to me that looks like backlighting illuminating the LOCA from the side (maybe?).

 

[aekash]

Interesting. Seems like they are now providing refurbished screens. Couple the LOCA you pointed out with their statement and it sounds like they are now repairing delaminated screens and selling those in place of the factory damaged ones.

It sounds like their disclaimer is describing your screens condition. I'm not sure if I'd want to sit on it to see though...to me that looks like backlighting illuminating the LOCA from the side (maybe?).

Response I got from the seller:

"Thank you for contacting us. The spots you are seeing are caused by the sealant that we applied on the edges, over time the chemicals will separate and the spots will go away for the most part. These screens are extremely sensitive and really the only way to preserve them from bubbling/delamination is to seal them. The spots you see are impossible to see without the screen turned on and there is no way to power up the LCD without the actual nav unit (vehicle) present. We can offer you a $100 credit and you keep the screen or you can send the unit back and we can issue a full refund. Again please let us know what you would like to do and we will take care of it."

While I'd like to believe him, I don't know that I can stomach just waiting around and hoping the spots go away. Given the price point, I'm inclined return and fork up the extra $300 for the remanufactured item from Mopar (and hope their screens don't do the same thing) or just go aftermarket altogether.

 

[SitKneelBend]

Response I got from the seller:

"Thank you for contacting us. The spots you are seeing are caused by the sealant that we applied on the edges, over time the chemicals will separate and the spots will go away for the most part. These screens are extremely sensitive and really the only way to preserve them from bubbling/delamination is to seal them. The spots you see are impossible to see without the screen turned on and there is no way to power up the LCD without the actual nav unit (vehicle) present. We can offer you a $100 credit and you keep the screen or you can send the unit back and we can issue a full refund. Again please let us know what you would like to do and we will take care of it."

While I'd like to believe him, I don't know that I can stomach just waiting around and hoping the spots go away. Given the price point, I'm inclined return and fork up the extra $300 for the remanufactured item from Mopar (and hope their screens don't do the same thing) or just go aftermarket altogether.

OK, I think I know what they did. They "fixed" a delaminating screen by injecting new LOCA into the screen to fill the gap, then sealed the outer edges with more LOCA that stops the old bad LOCA from leaking out.

In my opinion, its not a proper fix. And that bubble wont disappear because the good and bad LOCA won't mix. One will harden and the other will remain uncured. I'd return it. If it's the seller I sent you I apologize. That's not what they were previously selling and not what the description was previously. It appears they added that they "may have a small leak"...

 

[aekash]

OK, I think I know what they did. They "fixed" a delaminating screen by injecting new LOCA into the screen to fill the gap, then sealed the outer edges with more LOCA that stops the old bad LOCA from leaking out.

In my opinion, its not a proper fix. And that bubble wont disappear because the good and bad LOCA won't mix. One will harden and the other will remain uncured. I'd return it. If it's the seller I sent you I apologize. That's not what they were previously selling and not what the description was previously. It appears they added that they "may have a small leak"...

I'll return it for a refund.

One thing I need to clarify with the dealership is if the $780 remanufactured item is just the screen or the entire screen/stereo unit. If the latter, that price is pretty darn good considering just the screen cost me $500 on ebay. And the replacement is even easier.

 

[Rav3ncroft]

Here is the quote I received from a local dealership. I'm working with @RamCares to see if there is anything they can do to help in getting it covered. It started a month after warranty went out BTW.

 

[SitKneelBend]

I'll return it for a refund.

One thing I need to clarify with the dealership is if the $780 remanufactured item is just the screen or the entire screen/stereo unit. If the latter, that price is pretty darn good considering just the screen cost me $500 on ebay. And the replacement is even easier.

I'm almost positive it is the whole radio assembly as that is the MOPAR part (not the individual components) and that is a very good price especially with a 2 year warranty (for a dealer price that is)...

I think you are making the right choice on the return.

 

[BBhorn]

So the screen came today it looks pretty good except for one scratch and a few scuffs.View attachment 463646View attachment 463647

I had some time today and was able to replace the screen, also put the polar thermal pads in. I followed the you tube video and it was fairly easy. Everything works perfect for now. I will give an update after I use it for a while. Thanks again @SitKneelBend for all your help.

 

[aekash]

I'm almost positive it is the whole radio assembly as that is the MOPAR part (not the individual components) and that is a very good price especially with a 2 year warranty (for a dealer price that is)...

I think you are making the right choice on the return.

I just got done removing the new screen and replacing it with the old one. It's now packaged and ready for return and hopefully a quick refund.

The good news is that the MOPAR replacement is on the way so hopefully it will arrive in the next week or two.

In the mean time, I had a talk with Crutchfield today (their customer service is amazing btw) and they made a few recommendations in the event I wanted to go after market and stay away from these MOPAR panels. It all sounds good, and the price point is good, but the head unit they recommend is on back order due to chip shortages. This may not be the appropriate thread to share this, but specifically, here is what the recommended:

Kenwood Excelon DMX706S - $430

Scosche CR1297DDB Ram Kit , 13-up, W/Factory 8" Screen, "I/DD"
794ADSMRR iDatalink Maestro ADS-MRR Universal Radio Replacement %26 SWI
794HRRCH3 iDatalink HRN-RR-CH3 rCH3 Install Harness for Select Chrysler
12040EU55 Euro Antenna Adapter OEM F to Motorola M
264PASCON ReadyHarness Service Connect Vehicle Harness to Radio
All of that totals $195

So a total of $630-ish for a new unit and hopefully one not prone to delamination. However, I am pretty hesitant to go this route due to having to use a new trim piece (which I've read can be a bear to use due to getting the hvac controls out of the stock piece).

So I'm still a bit undecided. I just hurts to pay $800 for a remanufactured item from MOPAR. But perhaps these units have been corrected in a way where delamination would no longer be a concern?

 

[aekash]

Does anyone know if a stereo replacement requires a "flash" from the dealership? I'm curious if I'll be able to simply plug in the remanufactured unit and it will work or if I'll have to schedule an appt with the dealership to flash it.

 

[SitKneelBend]

Does anyone know if a stereo replacement requires a "flash" from the dealership? I'm curious if I'll be able to simply plug in the remanufactured unit and it will work or if I'll have to schedule an appt with the dealership to flash it.

Nope, only a 4 digit unlock code which can be purchased online for under $15 or provided by the dealer's parts counter for free (you will need your VIN and the new radio's serial number).

 

[BBhorn]

Well that didn't take long. Less then a week and the screen is delaminating already. I connected the seller for a return. I dont know what to do next.

 

[aekash]

Replacement remanufactured unit now on backorder until mid-August. Delamination has gotten worse over the past week. Hopefully the screen lasts and the delivery date can be honored.

 

[aekash]

Well that didn't take long. Less then a week and the screen is delaminating already. I connected the seller for a return. I dont know what to do next.

Was it an ebay purchase? If so, return should go smoothly. But downside is where to turn next? I have a feeling these remanufactured units from MOPAR is the only "safe option" since they have the 2 year warranty.

 

[SitKneelBend]

Well that didn't take long. Less then a week and the screen is delaminating already. I connected the seller for a return. I dont know what to do next.

I'm sorry to hear that. It looks like I will no longer recommend that seller either. Apologies for putting you on that path.

I think from now on I will only point folks to fixing their current screen. Another member is getting ready to try the repair. If that goes well maybe they can add their notes to mine and make a viable DIY option? The repair cost is under $20 but is time consuming...

 

[chri5k]

Here are some of my notes from my DIY repair.

1. MMobil UV LOCA from Amazon - It was type TP-1000N. It has a thin body that really helps get the bubbles out. The N2500 was too thick and hard to get the bubbles out. Be generous when applying it. I starting squirting in the center of the screen and used about half of a 50 gram tube. I tried using less but chasing the air bubbles out was beyond my patience. Slightly bow the screen when starting to relaminate really helps chase out the bubbles. Push very very lightly to remove bubbles. Pushing too hard flexes the screen and pushes the LOCA out. It sucks air back in when you release pressure. Bubbles galore.
2. Use a plugin UV light to cure the LOCA. I bought a 15 watt LED one from Amazon. I cured the LOCA in the house using that to get it set. Finished it off with 1 hour in the bright Florida sun. Used the LED light to cure the edges under the mask by shining the light in from the side. 1 hour per side.
3. Used plastic razor blades and holder from Amazon to remove the old LOCA. I tried many solvents; Acetone, alcohol, MEK, mineral spirits, brake cleaner, etc. The better the solvent worked the faster is evaporated leaving the sticky mess in a blob still on the screen. I found far and away the best thing is plain old vegetable oil. Put a few drops on a spot and dip the plastic razor blade in it. The blade moves the LOCA and the oil keeps it from sticking back to the screen and the razor blade. Took about 15 minutes to clean the screen and digitizer with oil.
4. Optically the screen looks perfect. I ran into an issue where there was a dead spot at the bottom. I think I may have damaged the etching on the back of the digitizer since I used piano wire to separate the digitizer from the LCD screen. Don't use wire. Maybe fishing line would work better and minimize the chance of damaging the digitizer.
5. Finish the job off with a Brotect screen protector from Amazon. It takes a week or so to get it from Germany but it is the only one I have found that does not have any glare. All the others are too shiny and you get lots of glare / reflections from the screen protector.