Another DELAMINATION - No fixes available??

[LaramieGrrl]

I have read countless posts on this forum about the delamination issue in 2018 Ram trucks, but none of them are current (as in 2024 or 2025 current). I have a 2018 Ram 1500 Laramie, 107k, with a delaminating 8.4 UConnect radio. The radio is completely unusable -- can't even turn it off because there is NO off button option. It's a constant battle with the heating/AC and heated/cooling seats flipping on/off as well. I had it officially diagnosed at the dealership and the dealership initially told me 2-3 days for a new radio -- that was 6 weeks ago and I'm still waiting. Another dealership told me the radios are backordered until July. Calling UConnect directly was no help. Calling the 800 number for Ram Cares was no help either--they said they only help 2019 and newer. I am not willing to gamble purchasing something off of eBay or amazon since I don't know what I'd be getting and can't install it myself anyway. Does anyone know the status of these radios or what I can do? Are there dealerships that carry them? Can they only be ordered? I've visited a couple audio shops who say they can do the replacement, but I'm concerned about that too. What are others doing?? Tagging @RamCares

 

[SitKneelBend]

I have read countless posts on this forum about the delamination issue in 2018 Ram trucks, but none of them are current (as in 2024 or 2025 current). I have a 2018 Ram 1500 Laramie, 107k, with a delaminating 8.4 UConnect radio. The radio is completely unusable -- can't even turn it off because there is NO off button option. It's a constant battle with the heating/AC and heated/cooling seats flipping on/off as well. I had it officially diagnosed at the dealership and the dealership initially told me 2-3 days for a new radio -- that was 6 weeks ago and I'm still waiting. Another dealership told me the radios are backordered until July. Calling UConnect directly was no help. Calling the 800 number for Ram Cares was no help either--they said they only help 2019 and newer. I am not willing to gamble purchasing something off of eBay or amazon since I don't know what I'd be getting and can't install it myself anyway. Does anyone know the status of these radios or what I can do? Are there dealerships that carry them? Can they only be ordered? I've visited a couple audio shops who say they can do the replacement, but I'm concerned about that too. What are others doing?? Tagging @RamCares

I would argue that you can do it. Even as a non technical person the screen swap is fairly simple and MUCH cheaper than any dealership service you will pay for. I'd be happy to walk you through it if you are willing to try? It will require an eBay/Amazon purchase of a new screen assembly though...can you post a picture of your current screen?

 

[CalifPhil]

It's not a big deal. OE AutoTronics sells the OEM screen replacement, I just put one in my 2018 Challenger 8.4 Really easy to do and not that expensive. Better quality than the cheap Amazon screens.

 

[nlambert182]

You can absolutely DIY it in just a couple of hrs with very minimal hand tools. There is nothing wrong with the radio itself... it's just the glue in the digitizer (the screen) that fails.

You can buy the replacement screens on Amazon. Not all of them are cheap, nor bad quality. The one in my Ram is an Amazon screen and the fit/finish was perfect. Works flawlessly. Just make sure you try to find one that is SL(02) or (03). I used this one.

 

[SitKneelBend]

You can absolutely DIY it in just a couple of hrs with very minimal hand tools. There is nothing wrong with the radio itself... it's just the glue in the digitizer (the screen) that fails.

You can buy the replacement screens on Amazon. Not all of them are cheap, nor bad quality. The one in my Ram is an Amazon screen and the fit/finish was perfect. Works flawlessly. Just make sure you try to find one that is SL(02) or (03). I used this one.

View attachment 566411

To be clear, the SL03 revision is the one that is post delamination fix so that one is supposed to be free of future delamination issues. LA084X01 (SL01)/(SL02/(SL03) are LG part numbers so their shouldn't be any "cheap" screens if it's the genuine LG part. I was unaware that there are third part manufacturers of these screens (only sellers) but from the listing pictured it looks like clones of these screens are now a thing. For reference, the manufacturing mark on the back of the screen should look like this if manufactured by LG.

 

[LaramieGrrl]

Thank you so much to everyone who replied! I will read all the replies more thiroughly when I get back this evening. As requested, here is a picture of my screen

 

[RamDiver]

Thank you so much to everyone who replied! I will read all the replies more thiroughly when I get back this evening. As requested, here is a picture of my screen

If you press & hold the temperature up/down and defrost buttons, the radio will display a diagnostics screen with software/hardware version information.

.

 

[SitKneelBend]

Thank you so much to everyone who replied! I will read all the replies more thiroughly when I get back this evening. As requested, here is a picture of my screenView attachment 566436

Ah yes, super-duper delaminated. UNfortunately there is also going to be a mess of LOCA (glue) on the bottom of that radio with that much delamination that will need to get cleaned too. It's not hard but is a pain...

 

[LaramieGrrl]

If you press & hold the temperature up/down and defrost buttons, the radio will display a diagnostics screen with software/hardware version information.

.

@RamDiver Unfortunately, the system or screen is too far gone for that to work. I did try but it only kicks on the heating system. The screen was beginning to delaminate when I purchased the vehicle a couple years ago, but I didn't know what it was. It just looked like someone took the front screen off and put it on backward without removing the protective plastic sheeting. The navigation is set to a different state (PA and I'm in OH). I was able to do that trick (pressing the 3 buttons simultaneously) when I first got the truck but it wouldn't let me actually DO anything--it required a dealership. Nothing was happening at that time with the radio--it just looked odd. It was maybe a year or more after that that I first read about "delaminating" screens. And it's only the past 6 months or so that it really went off the rails.

 

[RamDiver]

@RamDiver Unfortunately, the system or screen is too far gone for that to work. I did try but it only kicks on the heating system. The screen was beginning to delaminate when I purchased the vehicle a couple years ago, but I didn't know what it was. It just looked like someone took the front screen off and put it on backward without removing the protective plastic sheeting. The navigation is set to a different state (PA and I'm in OH). I was able to do that trick (pressing the 3 buttons simultaneously) when I first got the truck but it wouldn't let me actually DO anything--it required a dealership. Nothing was happening at that time with the radio--it just looked odd. It was maybe a year or more after that that I first read about "delaminating" screens. And it's only the past 6 months or so that it really went off the rails.

No worries, I didn't realize how far gone the basic controls have decayed.

There are many experienced members who can guide you through purchasing the correct replacement screen and the repair process, if you want to complete the work.

Another option would be to buy a replacement screen and find an experienced auto stereo shop to complete the work.

Either of these 2 options will be remarkably less expensive than having a dealer replacement installed.

.

 

[nlambert182]

To be clear, the SL03 revision is the one that is post delamination fix so that one is supposed to be free of future delamination issues. LA084X01 (SL01)/(SL02/(SL03) are LG part numbers so their shouldn't be any "cheap" screens if it's the genuine LG part. I was unaware that there are third part manufacturers of these screens (only sellers) but from the listing pictured it looks like clones of these screens are now a thing. For reference, the manufacturing mark on the back of the screen should look like this if manufactured by LG.

View attachment 566426View attachment 566428

Believe it or not, but the one I got in looks exactly the same as the one you posted. I was surprised to see that it showed that the display was LG (along with the ribbon cable).

SL03s are post-fix, but they are much more difficult to find than the SL02. Knock on wood, no issues with this one thus far.

 

[nlambert182]

@RamDiver Unfortunately, the system or screen is too far gone for that to work. I did try but it only kicks on the heating system. The screen was beginning to delaminate when I purchased the vehicle a couple years ago, but I didn't know what it was. It just looked like someone took the front screen off and put it on backward without removing the protective plastic sheeting. The navigation is set to a different state (PA and I'm in OH). I was able to do that trick (pressing the 3 buttons simultaneously) when I first got the truck but it wouldn't let me actually DO anything--it required a dealership. Nothing was happening at that time with the radio--it just looked odd. It was maybe a year or more after that that I first read about "delaminating" screens. And it's only the past 6 months or so that it really went off the rails.

If the glue leaked out bad enough, it can gum up all of the buttons at the bottom of the console. I had to replace the entire switch panel because my heated seats and exhaust brake were literally glued in place and the glue was oozing through the gaps between the buttons. You may not be experiencing that problem but while you have it out, wouldn't hurt to check the back and clean them off if necessary.

 

[Randy1]

I replaced the screen on my 2018 Laramie with one from Cuescreens. While these are a bit more expensive at $350 there is no adhesive between the screen and digitizer so it eliminates bubbling. I had some glitches with the first one where it would load part way when you opened and closed the rear doors then when you got in and started it it would not load correctly. I contacted Cuescreens and had a replacement in 2 days. These screens have a 2 year warranty and you can get an extended warranty for a upcharge. My new screen is working great with better color and definition.

 

[SuesLaramie]

I had this same issue with my 2018 Laramie. I contacted Stellantis and US Customer Care. They told me to contact my closest dealership to get an official diagnosis which I already knew what it was, but had to comply to receive help. They gave me a phone number if I needed further help; 866-726-4636. Do not give up! This is something that Dodge and Ram have known about for years, yet still continued to use UConnect. It took approximately a week to get an appointment at the dealership and my radio was replaced with a refurbished one at no charge; it took an hour and I was able to wait for my truck. I realize that it’s not a brand new radio, but it was the same model, and I haven’t had a problem since. Wish you all the best!

 

[Randy1]

They would not do anything with mine.

 

[nlambert182]

I had this same issue with my 2018 Laramie. I contacted Stellantis and US Customer Care. They told me to contact my closest dealership to get an official diagnosis which I already knew what it was, but had to comply to receive help. They gave me a phone number if I needed further help; 866-726-4636. Do not give up! This is something that Dodge and Ram have known about for years, yet still continued to use UConnect. It took approximately a week to get an appointment at the dealership and my radio was replaced with a refurbished one at no charge; it took an hour and I was able to wait for my truck. I realize that it’s not a brand new radio, but it was the same model, and I haven’t had a problem since. Wish you all the best!

It's primarily only in one year model.... the 2018. A few might have bled into 2019. The issue is that they started purchasing a "cheaper" radio from another manufacturer and then the problems started, so they moved back to the company that made the radios before and it solved the problem. It happened pretty quickly.

 

[StateOfMind]

I replaced the screen, not too big of a project aside from using 99% isopropyl alcohol to get the melted adhesive, that part of the project took all over an hour.
The only issue is noticed is that the new screen has the polarizing lens turned 90 degrees, so if viewed while wearing polarized sunglasses, you only see black unless you turn your head sideways. I just switched to non polarized glasses and everything is fine. Wish I didn't have to make adjustments, but i did appreciate the extra heft I still had in my wallet when all was said and done

 

[LaramieGrrl]

Thank you to everyone who replied. While I still haven't heard from the dealership (they ordered a radio around 6 weeks ago that they said, at the time, should be in in 2-3 days ), I went to a very reputable audio place a few days ago and should have a new radio in a couple weeks.
They removed the nuisance mess so I'm posting a couple pics for anyone who might search this thread in the future. Compared to the spazzy screen and constant AC vs heat flipping out, I'm happier with the hole in my dash at the moment, lol! The other two pics show the glue oozing out the bottom.

 

[SitKneelBend]

Thank you to everyone who replied. While I still haven't heard from the dealership (they ordered a radio around 6 weeks ago that they said, at the time, should be in in 2-3 days ), I went to a very reputable audio place a few days ago and should have a new radio in a couple weeks.
They removed the nuisance mess so I'm posting a couple pics for anyone who might search this thread in the future. Compared to the spazzy screen and constant AC vs heat flipping out, I'm happier with the hole in my dash at the moment, lol! The other two pics show the glue oozing out the bottom. View attachment 566971
View attachment 566972
View attachment 566973

Just so you are aware. Even with a delaminating screen that radio is still worth several hundred dollars. I'd put it up for sale in the forum to recoup some of your costs. At the right price, it will fly off the shelf...

 

[Weebear]

It's primarily only in one year model.... the 2018. A few might have bled into 2019. The issue is that they started purchasing a "cheaper" radio from another manufacturer and then the problems started, so they moved back to the company that made the radios before and it solved the problem. It happened pretty quickly.

I can confirm they definitely bled into 2019. I am following this thread to pick up info on how to try to have FCA replace the UConnect system without it costing me an arm and a leg (I am not the handy type to be able to do it myself).