INFO - 2013-2018 8.4A /AN FW Notes (RA3/VP3-NA & RA4/VP4-NA & UAx)

[Mpgrimm2]

Part # 68238621AI
Serial # T00BE030570704
I don't see a radio year, but the truck is a 2015. Radio was replaced by the dealer in roughly 2018

You have a 2015 RA3/VP3-NA (PN: 68238621Ax)b with sw version 16.x.

You need to run the 2015 Ra3 VP3-NA update to v17.43.x in post 9 first.

Once that's done successfully, only then, you can update to v18.45.x (see posts 1-3).

* And keep your truck running during any updates to make sure voltage doesn't get low and brick the radio *

.

 

[DamnLag]

Thank you, I will work on that next weekend.

 

[DamnLag]

I had some free time today. Updates are complete. Thank you for the help @Mpgrimm2

 

[frostytj]

Got a new to me 2018 2500 diesel with factory radio with nav. Noticed it had version 21.9 and some GPS issues (which could be the roof antenna I suppose) so I downloaded 22.6 from post #8 of this thread and started the update following the instructions in the TSB. It gets to the screen where it says it'll take 30+minutes so I went back inside to do some stuff while it ran for a bit. Come out 15-20 minutes later to a black screen with error code 20. Its been in a loop since then. I've tried a few different versions on thumbdrives, even let is sit overnight and try to update (put it on a trickle charger). No luck.

Am I looking at a bricked radio or are there some other options available to try? I'll have to pull the radio to confirm the part # but I'm positive its factory and never been changed.

Pic of the original version, start of the update and one of a failed update. Didnt get a pic of the black screen with the error code 20 but I can as it keeps coming back.

 

[SitKneelBend]

Got a new to me 2018 2500 diesel with factory radio with nav. Noticed it had version 21.9 and some GPS issues (which could be the roof antenna I suppose) so I downloaded 22.6 from post #8 of this thread and started the update following the instructions in the TSB. It gets to the screen where it says it'll take 30+minutes so I went back inside to do some stuff while it ran for a bit. Come out 15-20 minutes later to a black screen with error code 20. Its been in a loop since then. I've tried a few different versions on thumbdrives, even let is sit overnight and try to update (put it on a trickle charger). No luck.

Am I looking at a bricked radio or are there some other options available to try? I'll have to pull the radio to confirm the part # but I'm positive its factory and never been changed.

Pic of the original version, start of the update and one of a failed update. Didnt get a pic of the black screen with the error code 20 but I can as it keeps coming back.

Couple things, I have never been able to recover from an error 20 BUT others have reported success. You may have some luck with the "switcharoo" method. When the radio reboots, swap the drive with the 21.9 firmware (if you have it) or some later firmware (I wouldn't try anything past 28.3). If it continues to boot loop, leave it on the trickle charger and just let it keep going (for as long as you can).

The second thing, the screen on that radio appears to be delaminating. It can be fixed so if you recover the radio it will be another $100-$250 to replace the screen DIY (very easy to do)...

 

[frostytj]

Couple things, I have never been able to recover from an error 20 BUT others have reported success. You may have some luck with the "switcharoo" method. When the radio reboots, swap the drive with the 21.9 firmware (if you have it) or some later firmware (I wouldn't try anything past 28.3). If it continues to boot loop, leave it on the trickle charger and just let it keep going (for as long as you can).

The second thing, the screen on that radio appears to be delaminating. It can be fixed so if you recover the radio it will be another $100-$250 to replace the screen DIY (very easy to do)...

Thanks, I've tried 21.9 (downloaded from a link in ClearlyStable's thread) scratch that, file looks to be invalid. I've only tried 22.6, 28.3 and 18.14. As well as pulling the fuse, waiting for a while and trying again. What I find odd is most of the time on the white/gray screen there is no error listed at the bottom and there is no progress in the bar. I have pulled the USB on the install screen when it hits 9% (which is almost immediate most times) and it'll sit for a while then go to the white/gray screen and at that point it shows error 15. Put the USB back in and it starts showing progress on the bar but once that hits 28%, its right back to the black error 20 screen.

I can let it run for now with the truck on the trickle charger. I'll probably have to pull the fuse so its not draining the battery while at work on Mon and Tue or take a different vehicle.

I had planned on doing a DIY screen replacement for the delamination then this happened lol.

 

[SitKneelBend]

Thanks, I've tried 21.9 (downloaded from a link in ClearlyStable's thread) scratch that, file looks to be invalid. I've only tried 22.6, 28.3 and 18.14. As well as pulling the fuse, waiting for a while and trying again. What I find odd is most of the time on the white/gray screen there is no error listed at the bottom and there is no progress in the bar. I have pulled the USB on the install screen when it hits 9% (which is almost immediate most times) and it'll sit for a while then go to the white/gray screen and at that point it shows error 15. Put the USB back in and it starts showing progress on the bar but once that hits 28%, its right back to the black error 20 screen.

I can let it run for now with the truck on the trickle charger. I'll probably have to pull the fuse so its not draining the battery while at work on Mon and Tue or take a different vehicle.

I had planned on doing a DIY screen replacement for the delamination then this happened lol.

I think that 21.9 file can be used but you have to extract it with 7zip (If I remember correctly)...

 

[frostytj]

I think that 21.9 file can be used but you have to extract it with 7zip (If I remember correctly)...

You are correct, downloaded 7zip and it opened. Copying to a USB now and I'll give that a whirl.

 

[frostytj]

No luck so far. Plugging in the USB with 21.9 the first time produced some different screen behavior but soon went back to what I’ve been seeing all along.

Assuming it’s bricked I guess my options are eBay or carport.com, well outside of the dealer. Any recommendations for a reputable source?

 

[SitKneelBend]

No luck so far. Plugging in the USB with 21.9 the first time produced some different screen behavior but soon went back to what I’ve been seeing all along.

Assuming it’s bricked I guess my options are eBay or carport.com, well outside of the dealer. Any recommendations for a reputable source?

I'll pm you a link. Don't want to feed the resellers...

If you have time, you could always just let it continue to try to update and see if it fails through. I'm told this could be failing on the GPS/Sierra Wireless Aircard and sometimes it will eventually flash. I've seen the radio flashed after replacing the internal card (part can be found on eBay).

 

[Alejandro Strawn]

I have a UAS (P/N 68331635AH, App Ver NN-IR-19.9.0-20171026-I07G) and a DSR1 Maestro DSP pushing low-level signal to my amplifiers. My UAS is installed in my 2016 Ecodiesel that had a RA4 prior to the install of the UAS.

My issue is whenever I unmute using the physical push-button or come off SiriusXM to another source, I get a HELLACIOUS momentary jump in volume that actually triggers the power protection in my subwoofer amp (it damn-near made my wife pee her pants the first time she heard it). I really don't think the issue the DSR1 as it worked perfectly fine with the RA4.

Possible solutions:
(1) I was thinking of updating my firmware to VP4R 22.6 in hope that the burst of volume gets resolved.
(2) If no one else has experienced these bursts in volume with their UAS, then I may swap out the DSR1 for a JL Audio Fix-86 I have laying around.
(3) Make no changes and buy some good hearing protection .

And on a side note, are the firmware files for UAQ compatible with UAS?

Thanks!

 

[SitKneelBend]

I have a UAS (P/N 68331635AH, App Ver NN-IR-19.9.0-20171026-I07G) and a DSR1 Maestro DSP pushing low-level signal to my amplifiers. My UAS is installed in my 2016 Ecodiesel that had a RA4 prior to the install of the UAS.

My issue is whenever I unmute using the physical push-button or come off SiriusXM to another source, I get a HELLACIOUS momentary jump in volume that actually triggers the power protection in my subwoofer amp (it damn-near made my wife pee her pants the first time she heard it). I really don't think the issue the DSR1 as it worked perfectly fine with the RA4.

Possible solutions:
(1) I was thinking of updating my firmware to VP4R 22.6 in hope that the burst of volume gets resolved.
(2) If no one else has experienced these bursts in volume with their UAS, then I may swap out the DSR1 for a JL Audio Fix-86 I have laying around.
(3) Make no changes and buy some good hearing protection .

And on a side note, are the firmware files for UAQ compatible with UAS?

Thanks!

UAQ Files are not compatible. You MUST start w/ version 22.6 for the UAS (you are several updates out of date). I would flash in this order to get to the latest, 22.6 > 28.3 > 39.6 > 40.1 . I would also test this issue on EACH version to see if it persists and report which version did or did not fix it for others in the future (if you have the time).

 

[Alejandro Strawn]

@SitKneelBend, thanks for the advice!

I'm starting the 22.6 update now, but I don't have 28.3, 39.6 nor 40.1. I haven't read through all 82 pages of this tread so I don't know if there are links to the UAS firmwares already posted. If you have the links, I'd be greatly appreciative for your further help.

Will I need to do any setting changes, like using AlfaOBD, with any of these updates since I have a 2018 radio in my 2016 truck?

UPDATE: 22.6 took without any issues. Initial volume for CarPlay is lower with audio quality through the entire range of the volume is better/clearer. Change in font for a couple of the themes (bold, western looking font). I'll wait for an hour or so to see if there are any other changes. Reverse camera and SiruisXM work fine.

I noticed before the update that my outside temperature on the radio is in Celsius whereas the temperature displayed on my EVIC is Fahrenheit. I tried to change it in the settings but after about 3 seconds it reverts back to Celsius. That remains unchanged with this update.

Still have the burst of volume with 22.6 whenever changing from sources (tested the physical mute button and it, once again, tripped the power protection in my app).

 

[SitKneelBend]

@SitKneelBend, thanks for the advice!

I'm starting the 22.6 update now, but I don't have 28.3, 39.6 nor 40.1. I haven't read through all 82 pages of this tread so I don't know if there are links to the UAS firmwares already posted. If you have the links, I'd be greatly appreciative for your further help.

Will I need to do any setting changes, like using AlfaOBD, with any of these updates since I have a 2018 radio in my 2016 truck?

UPDATE: 22.6 took without any issues. Initial volume for CarPlay is lower with audio quality through the entire range of the volume is better/clearer. Change in font for a couple of the themes (bold, western looking font). I'll wait for an hour or so to see if there are any other changes. Reverse camera and SiruisXM work fine.

I noticed before the update that my outside temperature on the radio is in Celsius whereas the temperature displayed on my EVIC is Fahrenheit. I tried to change it in the settings but after about 3 seconds it reverts back to Celsius. That remains unchanged with this update.

Still have the burst of volume with 22.6 whenever changing from sources (tested the physical mute button and it, once again, tripped the power protection in my app).

I have the files you need. PM me your gmail address and I'll link you to them. I think I've heard of this issue before but I'm not sure what the resolution maybe (at least we can rule out a firmware fix by getting you updated). Are your amps capable of hi-level input? I use hi level and have no issues on my UAQ?

 

[Alejandro Strawn]

My DSP replicates the factory amp and actually gives the UAS the ability to adjust some of the settings in the DSP. I tried changing the HU to high-level and the DSP to generic settings, but the HU won't push signal out the speakers since there is no resistance coming from the DSP.

 

[SitKneelBend]

My DSP replicates the factory amp and actually gives the UAS the ability to adjust some of the settings in the DSP. I tried changing the HU to high-level and the DSP to generic settings, but the HU won't push signal out the speakers since there is no resistance coming from the DSP.

Some sellers sell a dummy load adapter to get this to work properly (sometimes built in with a dipswitch). Does your adapter have that option?

 

[Mpgrimm2]

My DSP replicates the factory amp and actually gives the UAS the ability to adjust some of the settings in the DSP. I tried changing the HU to high-level and the DSP to generic settings, but the HU won't push signal out the speakers since there is no resistance coming from the DSP.

PAC makes a Radio or AmpPro that maintains the correct resistance on the speaker lines for the radio to see 'supposedly' that may be a better option. (From the posts I've seen about it, it works).

PS: post 2 of clearlystable's UAq/UAs FW upgrade thread has a link to my backup radio files (generously hosted by @rustypie )

 

[Alejandro Strawn]

Some sellers sell a dummy load adapter to get this to work properly (sometimes built in with a dipswitch). Does your adapter have that option?

No, unfortunately. It looks like it's not designed to be used with the OEM radio without the amplifier setting enabled.

My JL Audio Fix-86 DSP has a speaker-level load adapter so I might just have to use my Fix-86 if I can't get the volume burst resolved, which isn't that big of an issue.

 

[Alejandro Strawn]

PAC makes a Radio or AmpPro that maintains the correct resistance on the speaker lines for the radio to see 'supposedly' that may be a better option. (From the posts I've seen about it, it works).

PS: post 2 of clearlystable's UAq/UAs FW upgrade thread has a link to my backup radio files (generously hosted by @rustypie )

@Mpgrimm2, thanks for the link to the files. I was able to get the files from @SitKneelBend.

 

[Alejandro Strawn]

I did the updates from 18.14 > 22.6 > 28.3 without any issues. I started 39.6 and got to an issue after the initial 2-minute prep screen. Once the radio restarted to begin the update, the screen didn't come back on, even after a few minutes. I turned the truck off to see allowing the radio to sleep will fix the issue. Hopefully the radio isn't bricked...

EDIT: Letting the radio sleep worked; the radio turned back on when the truck was started. I continued the update process with 39.6 and I'll find out in 34 minutes if there were any problems with 39.6.

EDIT to the EDIT: Installed without any issues and fired right up. Moving on to 40.1...