Is it worth trying to update my 2019 12" Uconnect, or just leave it alone?

[Mojo88]

2019 5th Gen Laramie Longhorn, recently purchased. Is it worth trying to update my 12" Uconnect system, or should I just leave it alone? It seems to work OK. I'm tempted to try and update it using this site here , but I don't want to open a can of worms unless there is some advantage. If these guys are anything like Microsoft system updates, then I'd prefer the older user interface.

Thanks

 

[suicideking]

If there's an update, no harm in installing it. Most autos just do those updates automatically if connected to the Internet.

 

[mikeru]

I disagree. I'm of the "if it aint broke don't fix it" school of thought. I wouldn't update your system if you are having no issues. Most uconnect updates are offered to fix issues. If you have no issues there's no reason to update. Your best case scenario is that things continue working as they are. So what's the point?

 

[Mojo88]

I disagree. I'm of the "if it aint broke don't fix it" school of thought. I wouldn't update your system if you are having no issues. Most uconnect updates are offered to fix issues. If you have no issues there's no reason to update. Your best case scenario is that things continue working as they are. So what's the point?

Yes, yes, I'm an old school Yankee, so I certainly concur.... BUT .... there may be a valid reason to update that I am not aware of, that's why I'm asking.

Thanks

 

[jejb]

I owned that gen system (uConnect 4) in my 18 Ram. I always did the updates. Never caused any issues for me. I do the same with my current uConnect 5 12" system too. I like it when they fix bugs.

 

[runamuck]

mine has updates a couple of times. other than needing to go back thru and reset some stuff and redo all my presets it has kept on working like it is supposed to. the last update added a new icon at the top of the screen I would like to get rid of tho. hopefully someone will come up with a fix for that.

 

[RamDiver]

mine has updates a couple of times. other than needing to go back thru and reset some stuff and redo all my presets it has kept on working like it is supposed to. the last update added a new icon at the top of the screen I would like to get rid of tho. hopefully someone will come up with a fix for that.

The fix is probably not to perform any unnecessary updates.

I appreciate technology immensely but, most companies in recent years won't spend a dime to make certain that their updates are functional, they launch them and use the customers to verify.

If you think that you're missing out on some great new feature, just consider that you may lose the current functionality or worse, start a cascade of misery.

Just say'in, be careful what you wish for.

.

 

[Mojo88]

The fix is probably not to perform any unnecessary updates.

I appreciate technology immensely but, most companies in recent years won't spend a dime to make certain that their updates are functional, they launch them and use the customers to verify.

If you think that you're missing out on some great new feature, just consider that you may lose the current functionality or worse, start a cascade of misery.

Just say'in, be careful what you wish for.

I must say, I would have written the very same words, I am absolutely on the same page as you with all of this 'update' stuff.

I guess the main reason for me posting is that I am slightly underwhelmed by this Harmon Kardon system. I have two other vehicles with run-of-the-mill double-din Pioneer head units, each with separate subwoofer with dedicated sub amp (again, nothing special, just single 10" subs) total of maybe 400 watts, and each of those two systems just blows away this HK system, (mostly pertains to mid-range and bass).

So I was doing some more digging and I came across this Technical Service Bulletin RAM TSB 08-123-18 REV. A , and I'm wondering if I should take a chance? This TSB only applies to vehicles manufactured Jan 2018 to August 28, 2018. My truck made in April 2018. Is this something I can do myself?? Would you guys do it?

Thanks for all the comments so far, much appreciated......

 

[RamDiver]

I must say, I would have written the very same words, I am absolutely on the same page as you with all of this 'update' stuff.

I guess the main reason for me posting is that I am slightly underwhelmed by this Harmon Kardon system. I have two other vehicles with run-of-the-mill double-din Pioneer head units, each with separate subwoofer with dedicated sub amp (again, nothing special, just single 10" subs) total of maybe 400 watts, and each of those two systems just blows away this HK system, (mostly pertains to mid-range and bass).

So I was doing some more digging and I came across this Technical Service Bulletin RAM TSB 08-123-18 REV. A , and I'm wondering if I should take a chance? This TSB only applies to vehicles manufactured Jan 2018 to August 28, 2018. My truck made in April 2018. Is this something I can do myself?? Would you guys do it?

Thanks for all the comments so far, much appreciated......

AFAIC, I believe that any software update is unlikely to improve any deficient hardware unless you suffer from the volume anomalies as described in the TSB.

I don't allow microsoft or google to update my pc or phone either.

I alone will decide if my devices require the updates as offered or not.

My Uconnect has a software update of 2019, I wouldn't dream of updating the POS, it's bad enough already.

I recently traveled to Southwestern Ontario, about just under 7 hours each way, my Uconnect radio's days remaining in my truck are limited.

Between the psychotic NAV, constantly trying to steer me off the main highway for the entire trip, to the annoying 'disabled vehicle' and 'tow truck' notifications, I'm done with this POS device.

.

 

[Mojo88]

Haha, great post ^^^^^. I always use 'Google Maps' on my phone for Nav. And yeah, the system is kinda glitchy, which is why I am exceptionally leery of doing any update.

I think I will call Crutchfield and see if they have any hardware to improve midrange and bass. That is the best company in the world for this type of stuff IMO.

I do wish the Uconnect system had voice commands to turn on/off basic things like heated seats and heated steering wheel. I do not like taking eyes off the road to navigate through the 12" screen.

 

[RamDiver]

Haha, great post ^^^^^. I always use 'Google Maps' on my phone for Nav. And yeah, the system is kinda glitchy, which is why I am exceptionally leery of doing any update.

I think I will call Crutchfield and see if they have any hardware to improve midrange and bass. That is the best company in the world for this type of stuff IMO.

I do wish the Uconnect system had voice commands to turn on/off basic things like heated seats and heated steering wheel. I do not like taking eyes off the road to navigate through the 12" screen.

I've tried google maps and don't have much appreciation for the GUI or lack of fine detail in the maps.

I have an 8.5" Uconnect screen and the crappy google likely utilizes about 4".

Also, whenever I use android auto, it locks out my third-party messaging app because it's not a google app.

And, I despise google. Some day soon, I'm going to buy a dumb-phone and just swap the sim card over.

I'll toss this android POS into a Faraday bag and nobody will be tracking my whereabouts until I need an internet fix.


Yes, Crutchfield is on my to be called list. I agree on having more functional voice commands but would never trust Uconnect with the task.

.

 

[suicideking]

Between the psychotic NAV, constantly trying to steer me off the main highway for the entire trip, to the annoying 'disabled vehicle' and 'tow truck' notifications, I'm done with this POS device.

What are you replacing it with? I've read that you can get an aftermarket radio and get the idatalink module for it. Trying to live with my UC5 8.4", but it's got a few annoying glitches. I'd love to replace it with an Alpine if the idatalink isn't quirky.

I think I will call Crutchfield and see if they have any hardware to improve midrange and bass. That is the best company in the world for this type of stuff IMO.

I've been having a bit of fun with Crutchfield this year between 3 vehicles. If you're running an amp, I really like the Focal ICU 690 6X9's I put up front. Probably going to move them to the rear and get the component ISU 690 for the front. I did a single 12" JL in the rear.

 

[RamDiver]

What are you replacing it with? I've read that you can get an aftermarket radio and get the idatalink module for it. Trying to live with my UC5 8.4", but it's got a few annoying glitches. I'd love to replace it with an Alpine if the idatalink isn't quirky.

Yet to be determined.

I'd like to find something that doesn't break the bank too badly but the Uconnect is going away asap

I used an old TomTom GPS when driving home during my last road trip, it was incredibly superior other than the ancient and slow interface.

.

 

[suicideking]

Yet to be determined.

I'd like to find something that doesn't break the bank too badly but the Uconnect is going away asap

I used an old TomTom GPS when driving home during my last road trip, it was incredibly superior other than the ancient and slow interface.

.

I hear ya there. My previous 2012 Jeep Wrangler had a Kenwood double DIN with Garmin nav. People would remark that it looked outdated, but it worked and I miss it. Annoying that it is more of a pain to replace the radio now. Too much integration.

 

[Dean2]

2019 5th Gen Laramie Longhorn, recently purchased. Is it worth trying to update my 12" Uconnect system, or should I just leave it alone? It seems to work OK. I'm tempted to try and update it using this site here , but I don't want to open a can of worms unless there is some advantage. If these guys are anything like Microsoft system updates, then I'd prefer the older user interface.

Thanks

U connect SUCKS. NEW Uconnect sucks worse than old Uconnect. I would leave it as is.

 

[Mojo88]

I've been having a bit of fun with Crutchfield this year between 3 vehicles. If you're running an amp, I really like the Focal ICU 690 6X9's I put up front. Probably going to move them to the rear and get the component ISU 690 for the front. I did a single 12" JL in the rear.

Where did you put the 12" in the rear? Was that a Crutchfield purchase? I'm assuming you have a separate sub amp? And did you disable the ANC?

Questions, questions, haha

 

[RamDiver]

I hear ya there. My previous 2012 Jeep Wrangler had a Kenwood double DIN with Garmin nav. People would remark that it looked outdated, but it worked and I miss it. Annoying that it is more of a pain to replace the radio now. Too much integration.

Apparently the integration isn't a big deal with many of the Crutchfield offerings.

Conrad said he has access to a few more integrated features after the radio upgrade.

I just hope the less expensive radios have similar abilities.

.

 

[jejb]

Haha, great post ^^^^^. I always use 'Google Maps' on my phone for Nav. And yeah, the system is kinda glitchy, which is why I am exceptionally leery of doing any update.

I think I will call Crutchfield and see if they have any hardware to improve midrange and bass. That is the best company in the world for this type of stuff IMO.

If you're going to replace the system, what do you have to lose doing the updates first? I haven't read any examples in this thread of an update making things worse for anyone. Although I'll give you the new advertising icon is annoying until you call the 800 number and shut it off. As I said above, I've done all the updates. I even pulled them down manually and installed them before the OTA process caught up. No issues and the system always seemed a bit better afterwards.

 

[RamDiver]

If you're going to replace the system, what do you have to lose doing the updates first? I haven't read any examples in this thread of an update making things worse for anyone. Although I'll give you the new advertising icon is annoying until you call the 800 number and shut it off. As I said above, I've done all the updates. I even pulled them down manually and installed them before the OTA process caught up. No issues and the system always seemed a bit better afterwards.

It's very fortunate that you been successful with Uconnect updates, many others have had grief.

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[MarineBSP]

Procede with Caution !

I decided to do an update on my 2018 Uconnect back when I had about 35K miles, before my bumper-to-bumper warranty expired. The update 'bricked' my radio. The radio drained my battery, and I needed to remove the radio fuse underhood. My dealership was very helpful, and I received a replacement radio headunit under warranty - eventually. It took them a while to get the new unit, and I had to wait.

BUT this was when I discovered that the Climate control functions for my truck (Laramie trim, 2018) relied on the radio headunit. With a disabled radio, my physical buttons only gave me heat full on or full off - the "calibration" of the heater/AC temperature setting in my truck relies on the radio electronics and touch screen. It was Winter, and I could hardly wait to get that new radio installed !

I don't know whether the newer systems are better, but I would not recommend a software update unless something is really "broken".