8.4AN "Vehicle Phone Requires Service"

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unxpctd

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Hey gang...bit frustrated here.

2017 Rebel, purchased 07-31-2017. Picked up 08-01-2017. Current: 820 miles

8.4AN Error: "Vehicle Phone Requires Service" Red light on mirror lit up.

It was delivered this way (Not blaming the dealership as they did a trade for me). It was delivered from the factory this way. Sad really. This error was happening the day I picked it up with 22 miles on it. Figured it was just a flash or something. Nope...

Last week...my dealership diagnosed the problem as the entire 8.4AN Unit needing replacement. They said they were positive that it wasn't the antenna. Well guess what...

Dropped it off yesterday, picked it up today (have a work vehicle and don't drive it when I'm working). Brand new 8.4AN head unit...The error popped up on the brand new unit before even leaving the parking lot.

So now they're going to order a new antenna. Guess we'll see.

To my main question:

Anyone with this problem (now or in the past)...what fixed it for you?

I've read a TON of threads on this forum and many others...Cummins Forums, 200C Forums, Hellcat Forums...and noone can pinpoint what the issue is. For some it was fixed with the radio replacement...others never post back their results. Some even reported that replacing the radio did NOT work.

Just frustrated here. I already PM'ed Ramcares and they've gotten back to me and are going to open a case for me on this.

Thanks all...just venting.
 

BadHabit2Break

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sounds to me that the dealership make ready department did not do their job correctly. That vehicle should have not been sold or put on the lot till that was fixed.

I dont have a fix, I have the 8.4A. Do hope you get it resolved.
 

Dangulo

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Hey gang...bit frustrated here.

2017 Rebel, purchased 07-31-2017. Picked up 08-01-2017. Current: 820 miles

8.4AN Error: "Vehicle Phone Requires Service" Red light on mirror lit up.

It was delivered this way (Not blaming the dealership as they did a trade for me). It was delivered from the factory this way. Sad really. This error was happening the day I picked it up with 22 miles on it. Figured it was just a flash or something. Nope...

Last week...my dealership diagnosed the problem as the entire 8.4AN Unit needing replacement. They said they were positive that it wasn't the antenna. Well guess what...

Dropped it off yesterday, picked it up today (have a work vehicle and don't drive it when I'm working). Brand new 8.4AN head unit...The error popped up on the brand new unit before even leaving the parking lot.

So now they're going to order a new antenna. Guess we'll see.

To my main question:

Anyone with this problem (now or in the past)...what fixed it for you?

I've read a TON of threads on this forum and many others...Cummins Forums, 200C Forums, Hellcat Forums...and noone can pinpoint what the issue is. For some it was fixed with the radio replacement...others never post back their results. Some even reported that replacing the radio did NOT work.

Just frustrated here. I already PM'ed Ramcares and they've gotten back to me and are going to open a case for me on this.

Thanks all...just venting.

I found this but not sure how it will help

You have to download the pdf to view it.
 

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unxpctd

unxpctd

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Thank you. I do have that service bulletin....but its from early 2016. From what I understand all newer 8.4 units would already have that new version installed.

I will bring it to the attention of the dealer. Thanks for the link and reminding me about it.
 

smiley

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Is that because of the sprint service?
 

jimmerz

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Same thing happened to my 2014 big horn. My nav was all screwed up too. I was out of warranty so it went unattended to until I traded it in!

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
 
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unxpctd

unxpctd

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One of the differences with my issue is that I get the error...but my GPS is fine...and my 3G service appears ok. I told them flat out I didn't think replacing the radio would work...as I wasn't experiencing the same issues (GPS wonky/3G service unavailable). They didn't agree with me and said this would fix it.

It didn't....they said it was NOT the antenna...and now they're ordering one.

Guess we'll see if they can fix it. Ramcare (from here) said they were going to escalate the issue to a tech and see what they can come up with. Thanks Ramcare!
 

jptsr1

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Dealt with this same issue with my 2014 Big Horn. Don't want to be the bearer of bad news or jinx you but the only solution seems to be to trade it in. My truck has been in and out of the shop 5 times and they never found the solution. On the bright side the GPS sucked anyway and the unit will dial 911 through your connected phone if necessary. I didn't renew my uconnect subscription when it lapsed so the only thing i really miss is the vehicle clock.
 
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unxpctd

unxpctd

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They called me today...new antenna and cable is in: That only took 1 day.

They wanted me to wait 11 or 13 days for an appt. aAhhh....no.

Going in next Thursday at 1pm. Stay tuned.

I'm beyond upset on this issue...should have never left the factory this way...which it did.
 
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unxpctd

unxpctd

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And yes...if I have to drive this vehicle for 4-5+ years with this issue I won't be renewing my UConnect.
 

[email protected]

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If you purchased this new then I don't think there should be any excuse on why it's not working. The RA4 we sell will usually come with what we call a '911' plug if a vehicle didn't originally have the capability of having that feature as we attempt to retro-fit newer radios inside of older vehicles. It's basically just a dummy plug to trick the system into thinking something is plugged in it to prevent that specific error message from coming up.

I have serious doubts this is your issue, and I'd be shocked if that plug got loose on the back of your radio or if there is a short somewhere in the antenna when you purchased a rebel brand new, but it sounds like it will need some dealer care to get it resolved.
 

jptsr1

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Hope it works out for you man. I had everything replaced accept the actual head unit and nothing helped. In the end they decided to replace the radio but by then it was out of warranty. The stealership had entered that it was in for an oil change and uconnect update every time i took it in. Since a trouble ticket was never opened they wouldn't recognize it as an existing problem before expiration. Needless to say this is my last RAM.
 
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unxpctd

unxpctd

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I had a 2014 Dodge Durango R/T that didn't have any issues. I actually love the interface of the 8.4 UConnect.

With that being said...I've scoured the internet and there are threads like this all over various other Dodge Forums...it doesn't discriminate...200C's...Hellcats...Lots of Jeeps.

One good post I found said that if the GPS and 3G are working (icon showing up and lit up) then its a kinked antenna. My GPS is working fine and my 3G Icon works... So I'm hoping this takes care of the issue. Its if the GPS is all wonky (showing you a hundred miles from where you are), time won't stay correct...this is when the entire head unit needs replacement. Mine never had this issue...just the "Vehicle Phone Requires Service error".

If it doesn't...well I'll have to live with it I suppose...but I'll be posting anywhere and everywhere I can that Dodge couldn't take care of the issue.

I'm documenting this issue very well...guess we will see. Still frustrated.
 
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unxpctd

unxpctd

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Update: FIXED!

Today my dealer replaced the sharkfin antenna on top of my Rebel and bam! NO MORE ERROR. He said that the previous antenna was showing the error on their software even though it wasn't showing in the vehicle. When he put the new antenna on the error on the software was gone and stayed gone...so hopefully my problem is fixed! I only had a short drive home but no error.

Now..to the USB issue. I feel pretty stupid. There is a setting in the AUDIO Settings that has AUTOPLAY. If its disabled there appears to be an issue. I set it to AUTOPLAY (ON) with the UConnect Tech on the phone and plugged my iPod in and worked immediately.

Either way I'm extremely happy right now...as both issues appear fixed. I was starting to feel a bit hopeless after they replaced the radio and it didn't fix the issue.

Either way...Thanks Ramcare (forum people), thanks UConnect and thanks to my dealership for fixing the issue.

Now back to actually enjoying my Ram!
 

RamCares

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Update: FIXED!

Today my dealer replaced the sharkfin antenna on top of my Rebel and bam! NO MORE ERROR. He said that the previous antenna was showing the error on their software even though it wasn't showing in the vehicle. When he put the new antenna on the error on the software was gone and stayed gone...so hopefully my problem is fixed! I only had a short drive home but no error.

Now..to the USB issue. I feel pretty stupid. There is a setting in the AUDIO Settings that has AUTOPLAY. If its disabled there appears to be an issue. I set it to AUTOPLAY (ON) with the UConnect Tech on the phone and plugged my iPod in and worked immediately.

Either way I'm extremely happy right now...as both issues appear fixed. I was starting to feel a bit hopeless after they replaced the radio and it didn't fix the issue.

Either way...Thanks Ramcare (forum people), thanks UConnect and thanks to my dealership for fixing the issue.

Now back to actually enjoying my Ram!

Awesome to hear! Enjoy that Rebel!

Kori
Ram Social Care Specialist
 

Storm Trooper

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I am going through this right now with my 2016. Been going on off and on for as long as I have had the truck. Spent last 2 days at the dealer and they said I need a new radio head unit. Uconnect support was no help. Everything in the radio seems to work fine, just get that dang message all the time.
They opened a star case, whatever that is.
I want to share this thread with the service manager.
 
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Storm Trooper

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Update, my new radio gets installed tomorrow.
i have to say, the Uconnect support has been excellent, been tracking this all the way. called me today to let me know the new radio in so i could make an appointment. calling me back next week to see if everything is fixed.
 

Spataman

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Did you have to pay for the repair?
I’m having the same issue with my 2014 Big Horn and the dealer wants to charge me $800 for a new / refurbished radio
 

Eman173

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Update: FIXED!

Today my dealer replaced the sharkfin antenna on top of my Rebel and bam! NO MORE ERROR. He said that the previous antenna was showing the error on their software even though it wasn't showing in the vehicle. When he put the new antenna on the error on the software was gone and stayed gone...so hopefully my problem is fixed! I only had a short drive home but no error.

Now..to the USB issue. I feel pretty stupid. There is a setting in the AUDIO Settings that has AUTOPLAY. If its disabled there appears to be an issue. I set it to AUTOPLAY (ON) with the UConnect Tech on the phone and plugged my iPod in and worked immediately.

Either way I'm extremely happy right now...as both issues appear fixed. I was starting to feel a bit hopeless after they replaced the radio and it didn't fix the issue.

Either way...Thanks Ramcare (forum people), thanks UConnect and thanks to my dealership for fixing the issue.

Now back to actually enjoying my Ram!
Thanks for posting this fix!
I've been dealing with this issue for the past few months and thought it was connected to the Pedal Commander as it never happened until I installed it. When I told the dealer, the guy said it would have to be happening while they had it for them to do anything about it, so obviously just their way of getting out of fixing it.
 
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