Anyone replaced the FAKRA connector on the back of an 8.4 Uconnect radio?

[nlambert182]

When I was uninstalling my 8.4 to replace with this Junsun, I noticed that the pink connector was broken (plastic surround broken off), and the cable was no longer connected. I am pretty sure that is the 3G Antenna for the Uconnect services.



If Junsun can't fix my issue I'd like to go back to the 8.4, but I'd like to fix mine if possible. The main issue is that the radio would randomly freeze up, and it did it more when it was either extremely hot or cold. In ~70 degree weather, the radio worked fine 99% of the time.

If this is the Uconnect antenna, I would assume that it means they can't push updates to the radio properly, but I dunno. So, 2 questions:

1) Would this broken connector be reasonably easy to replace on the board, and can I even get it?
2) Is it reasonable to assume that maybe the radio sees something randomly connecting/disconnecting and causes it to freeze up?

 

[RamDiver]

When I was uninstalling my 8.4 to replace with this Junsun, I noticed that the pink connector was broken (plastic surround broken off), and the cable was no longer connected. I am pretty sure that is the 3G Antenna for the Uconnect services.

View attachment 573034

If Junsun can't fix my issue I'd like to go back to the 8.4, but I'd like to fix mine if possible. The main issue is that the radio would randomly freeze up, and it did it more when it was either extremely hot or cold. In ~70 degree weather, the radio worked fine 99% of the time.

If this is the Uconnect antenna, I would assume that it means they can't push updates to the radio properly, but I dunno. So, 2 questions:

1) Would this broken connector be reasonably easy to replace on the board, and can I even get it?
2) Is it reasonable to assume that maybe the radio sees something randomly connecting/disconnecting and causes it to freeze up?

When the temperature is cold, does the radio function at the start and then go screw-ball?

I'm wondering if the truck heater is being used in the cold temps, and the radio is just hypersensitive to heat.

IIRC, @Wild one has referred to installing cooling fans for his and his wife's car radios.


As for the broken connector, maybe you can locate a junked Uconnect radio and harvest the connector from it. Do you have any experience soldering/removing/installing components on PCBs?

If not, you could always extract the circuit boards from both radios and find a skilled volunteer or professional to swap the connectors.

.

 

[Mpgrimm2]

When I was uninstalling my 8.4 to replace with this Junsun, I noticed that the pink connector was broken (plastic surround broken off), and the cable was no longer connected. I am pretty sure that is the 3G Antenna for the Uconnect services.

View attachment 573034

If Junsun can't fix my issue I'd like to go back to the 8.4, but I'd like to fix mine if possible. The main issue is that the radio would randomly freeze up, and it did it more when it was either extremely hot or cold. In ~70 degree weather, the radio worked fine 99% of the time.

If this is the Uconnect antenna, I would assume that it means they can't push updates to the radio properly, but I dunno. So, 2 questions:

1) Would this broken connector be reasonably easy to replace on the board, and can I even get it?
2) Is it reasonable to assume that maybe the radio sees something randomly connecting/disconnecting and causes it to freeze up?

It's the GPS antenna input which isn't really needed... Radio can use the SXM antenna input for that (mustard/curry).

Replacing the connector/ lock isn't really a practical option, but you can get 6-8" pigtail adapter/extensions that work well to allow a connection if you really need to use it. See examples here

Replacing the thermal pads inside the radio may help.... SnK also added fans behind the radio...

Reference’s to help (see SitKneelBend’s info at RamForum where you can find it)

>> How To: Install a 2018 4C (UAQ/UAS) Radio POST 3051

>> He recommends replacing the original Thermal Pads while you’re in there, I did (Arctic Thermal Pad 145 x 145 x 1.5 mm - Silicone Based Thermal Pad).

>>> Some of my posts 8.4 Uconnect touch screen delaminating Post 209 and Post 223 about it.


.

 

[Wild one]

When the temperature is cold, does the radio function at the start and then go screw-ball?

I'm wondering if the truck heater is being used in the cold temps, and the radio is just hypersensitive to heat.

IIRC, @Wild one has referred to installing cooling fans for his and his wife's car radios.


As for the broken connector, maybe you can locate a junked Uconnect radio and harvest the connector from it. Do you have any experience soldering/removing/installing components on PCBs?

If not, you could always extract the circuit boards from both radios and find a skilled volunteer or professional to swap the connectors.

.

That credit has to go to @SitKneelBend Michael,it was his idea to change the thermal pads and add the fans to blow on the backside of the head unit.I used his ideas,and they made a world of differance on the wifes 2019 Challenger.
Thanks go out @Mpgrimm2 for posting the links to SKB's threads on adding the fans and changing out the thermal pads

 

[nlambert182]

Thanks for the info! I may tackle this and see what the radio does afterwards.

The radio does boot up and function fine most of the time when it's cold, but not always. Sometimes it will freeze on the startup screen, other times it will freeze up on the reverse cam after I back down my driveway and then start to move forward. Other times it will freeze on the radio screen and the touchscreen is basically useless until it decides to reboot itself. Sometimes it gets stuck in a boot loop, other times it may reboot once or twice and fix itself until I cycle the key again. Typically once it starts working though, it works fine until the next key cycle.

Yes, I do have solder experience so that shouldn't be an issue, but I may try the pigtail first.

Anyone have the link for the fan installation? @Wild one I think we've briefly discussed it before. Sorry if I missed it in one of the links above. I've got tons of small 5v fans at work that we use to cool small 2.4GHz radios, but unsure if that's the type being discussed.

 

[Wild one]

Thanks for the info! I may tackle this and see what the radio does afterwards.

The radio does boot up and function fine most of the time when it's cold, but not always. Sometimes it will freeze on the startup screen, other times it will freeze up on the reverse cam after I back down my driveway and then start to move forward. Other times it will freeze on the radio screen and the touchscreen is basically useless until it decides to reboot itself. Sometimes it gets stuck in a boot loop, other times it may reboot once or twice and fix itself until I cycle the key again. Typically once it starts working though, it works fine until the next key cycle.

Yes, I do have solder experience so that shouldn't be an issue, but I may try the pigtail first.

Anyone have the link for the fan installation? @Wild one I think we've briefly discussed it before. Sorry if I missed it in one of the links above. I've got tons of small 5v fans at work that we use to cool small 2.4GHz radios, but unsure if that's the type being discussed.

I think you're right,as i remember talking to somebody about it awhile ago,lol. I don't think a 5 volt fan will work,it might,but i know @SitKneelBend and i used small 12 volt fans.
I think his write up on the fan installation is in the 2nd link above.