Map update?

[Stacey Power]

Hi All,
I just got an email saying there is an update for my truck (2018) uconnect maps. It's $50 off, so the cost is $99.
I'm wondering if it is worth it? Since I bought the truck in 2019 I have hardly used the truck map due to not having what I was looking for or just showing the wrong route. I usually just use my phone with android auto which works great.

Has anybody done a map update? If so, are you happy with it??

Thanks!!

 

[chayden]

I've never bought the updates with any of my vehicles. Before smartphones were readily available, I just used a Garmin as the installed maps were always way out of date or just plain wrong. With Apple/Android car play you can just run your phone app right on your display.

 

[GTyankee]

Tell you something
your phone options are much better that your Rams radio

The Ram update usually cost $140
When you receive the brand new map, the roads map will be at least a year old
The only thing up to date will be things like business locations & attractions
There used to be signs at the dealerships that suggested that customers should never upgrade until a minimum of 3 years has passed
The company that produces the maps made the dealerships take the signs down

The App that is exactly like your Ram Radio is

HERE WEGO MAPS & NAVIGATION​

Many other vehicle manufacturers like Ford, uses
WAZE in their navigation radios
( if everyone else follows WAZE & everyone is Detoured, that means everyone that is detoured is taking the same route & that can cause a traffic jam )

I would use the cell phone or pad & check out these Free apps
Apple Maps
Google Maps
CoPilot
Scout
Mapquest

 

[Livinthedream]

I just did an update on my 17 3500.. you will first have to update the radio firmware if needed. the process to update the nav is straightforward but requires you to start the process and go online with a code you get from starting the update, that activates your map software. Then you start again and let the update run with the truck running and WAIT.. take an hour and a half or so

wish I would have waited for the sale!

mark

 

[Poram]

I don't post here much but do lurk here for the useful information that each of you contribute. Thank you so much.

-------> I'm writing this to help others avoid some of the Nav update pitfallls.

I am attempting to update my 2016 currently. The process is overly complex.

You do know they want your trucking running outside the whole time during Uconnect and Nav Update process ----WOW several hours idling!!!!

You first need to have the latest Uconnect software loaded before you can update the maps.
I downloaded and attempted the Uconnect update several times with no success. The truck would never read the flash drive. Hours spent doing this with several different flash drives.
After calling the support number the nice lady informed me that some of the vehicles would not read a 32GB or higher capacity flash drive.
Really, no mention of this in the instructions.
Sure enough I just transferred the 5 or 6 extracted files to a 8GB flash and it worked fine. Why in the heck didn't they mention this in the instructions?
Several hours and fuel wasted as they want the truck running during the process, WTH.
----
Yesterday I took the Navigation Flash drive I purchased and tried the Nav map update. I must not be the smartest pencil in the box because it was pure frustration.
----
First make sure you write down your VIN, the latest Uconnect software Version, (example 18.45.01), the Nav Flash drive product serial number/letters which is some 25 digits and keep it handy.
----
Then back to the truck, start it, plug in the Nav flash drive and wait a minute or so. You have the go to the system information and/or hope a screen appears which will provide a "REQUEST CODE". Once this finally appears record the number/letters, (pay attention to zeros and letter O's).
----
Caution: Do not shut the truck off or remove the Nav flash drive. You will now have to get on the internet and obtain the "Activation Code".
----
Stupid me shut the truck off went inside to my desktop logged on to their Nav Activation site and input all the stuff I mentioned to record above and low and behold obtained an "ACTIVATION CODE" from them.
-----
I must have tried the unlock procedure 3 or 4 times thinking it would work, (I'm a idiot for sure)

Here in lies the problem: Each time you start the Flash drive up it gives you another different "REQUEST CODE".

Guess what? ------->

Your just acquired "ACTIVATION CODE" was only to be used with the previously provided "REQUEST CODE" and will not unlock your NAV FLASH DRIVE. ( You are #?*%ed)

That is why you must get the Activation code while not shutting off the truck. What a crock.
----

ALSO If you go back to their activation website and try to obtain another "ACTIVATION CODE" you will be denied as your software serial number will show that it's been used.

----
It was Saturday, normally the Uconnect folks are helpful ----> BUT ----> They can't help you now. You must call the "map" people at "HERE" and they are only M-F folks.

I believe the "HERE" folks are responsible for the maps and related updates. Their Customer Service number is on the back of the package the Flash drive came in.

(Here can be reached at 1-866-462-8837)

So now I wait until tomorrow to see what they say.

I brief internet search reveals a number of frustrated folks related to the Nav update process but as most of know people tand to post the bad stuff more than the successes.

In summary:

No way in HECK wwill I buy another update from FCA or Stilantis or whatever they call themselves now.

Why in the world would someone design a convoluted process like this. I know they don't want the software pirated but for heavens sake......

I'll try to get back and update this post in the future if I I don't end up in the "Funny Farm".

Thanks for letting me vent.

 

[LugsLeadOut84]

My personal opinion is it's not worth it. What are the chances that you'll need to get to a brand new location that was previously not on the map? How much new road construction is being done in your area? I've been on a highway that was re-routed slightly for a bypass and by the time the Nav said "recalculating", it was back on track. The phone apps work better anyway.

 

[GTyankee]

There are 10 FREE APPS, some for IOS, some for Android, some for both, use your Smartphone or a Tablet for your Mapping

HERE WeGo Maps & Navigation App - App Store

Download HERE WeGo Maps & Navigation by HERE Europe B.V. on the App Store. See screenshots, ratings and reviews, user tips and more games like HERE WeGo Maps &…

apps.apple.com

You could also use a Garmin. Magellan, Tom Tom, etc. most of them have Lifetime Maps & Traffic

The Ram radio instructions to get the latest map update, tell you to update your RADIO first, after it updates, then update the Navigation maps

The instructions mention at least twice that you should not stop the Download before it is finished
I take both FOBs out to the truck,
1 goes into the ignition, the other stays in my pocket
I can lock the truck & go *** & grab another beer, & i don't have to worry about someone stealing the truck.

The Instructions tell you to leave the Ram running
The reason for that is so you don't run the Battery down.
The instructions should tell you that you could connect up a Battery Charger as an alternative

If you were to order a new revision of the Ram Navigation right this minute.
By the time you install it, it would be almost a YEAR behind what is current

Don't read any further, it will just raise your blood pressure

First a Satellite has to be launched, information sent back to earth
The information has to be deciphered. The satellite company sends it to a company like NOKIA & they change the road mapping over to their type of software, then they send that information over to the Daughter Company Navigation DOT COM & where they tweak it & send it over to another sister company called HERE, you can go online & see most of the finished product at Here. WE GO
The Road Data has to be synchronized with every one of the businesses along every street, then that has to coincide with every route that you could possibly take to get to Mc Ds on Main St..

You get the download & all the businesses are there, unless they closed
Yet there is a Brand New Road just down the road from you, you watch them finish 6 months ago & it is not on your brand new maps !!!

If you used your Smart Phone instead, that new road would likely be on there & it did not cost a dime

 

[RamInfo]

Yup, the update process is *****. Just got the “only today for you we have such a deal” email on my wife’s 2020 Jeep Cherokee. When I enter the VIN at the map websit it returns “no update available.” I don’t plan on updating maps in her Jeep or my truck more than once every 4 yrs or so, and even that’s questionable as for the price of two map updates I can get a Garmin with free lifetime map updates and more accurate maps and data to begin with.

best,
DG

 

[Stacey Power]

Thanks everybody, you all just confirmed what I thought. You would think when you spend ~$60k on a
vehicle you would get some kind of decent working navigation with it!! SMH!!

 

[Jeepwalker]

I've never been a fan of in-car navigations. 90% of the time ya don't need navigation. When ya do, phone just works better and easier to use, IMO. But there's a time and place for it.

Now that you know the process, you might consider printing it out or write it down and put with your owners manual. I would purchase a map update in a couple years when you might be close to your 'last update possible'. Yeah, believe it or not, eventually most systems get to a point where the old system is no longer supported, either by hardware or lack of support. IDK what Stellantis' plan is, but I have an older GM that the maps can no longer be updated.

So, whenever the 'last update' is available, I would buy it. It might be easier to sell your truck, or you might find it somewhat useful for you down the road in a pinch if you plan to keep your truck much longer. Like if you are off-roading or something like that where phone navigation isn't working (of course you can download 'offline maps' too on your phone). Just a thought.

 

[Gort]

I agree that using the phone is a better solution from a current-map perspective. I still prefer the built-in NAV to a phone, though, because I have an easier time reading the built-in display than the screen of a phone (even the larger "+" phones). Older guy problems, I suppose.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Did you say if you use the 'maps' feature much? If you do, might be worth the upgrade. Or else wait a couple yrs.

 

[indept]

I activated my nav in 2018 using a link in this forum (no longer active) that cost about 240. I do like the " built in" NAV but will not waste $150 for an update that will most likely benefit you 1% of the time ( if that much). When I get to that new road that's not on my gps then I'll use my 6" phone, otherwise I'll use my 8.4" truck display and take the Mrs out to dinner a couple or more times on the money I saved.

 

[rpr]

With Apple/Android car play you can just run your phone app right on your display.

On what Gen trucks can this be done? Doesn’t work on my Gen 4 (2014 Limited with AN system). Are there any aftermarket options to make this work on a Gen 4?

 

[stripernut]

I too would like to see this answer to RPR's question. I have a 2016 (gen4?) and would like to use car play. Any help out there?

 

[Big Jims 1500]

Ya, I don’t get why vehicle manufacturers use this BS map software, must be costs. I have the same crap on my H-D nav system. A PIA to use and “navigate “ through the screens. Up until this truck I’d been using a Garmin for about 15 years. The last 3 vehicles I used a ball mount for mounting it.
Just my $.02

 

[crash68]

@rpr @stripernut a lot of '14-'17 model year truck owners will upgrade their radios to a UAQ or UAS from an '18 or later Gen4 truck. If you already have an 8.4 you need either a UAS or UAQ and a new USBmedia hub with an wiring harness adapter. https://www.kaodtech.com/product-page/uaq-uas-harness

How To: Install a 2018 4C (UAQ/UAS) Radio in 2013 - 2017 RAM

For the 2018 model year RAMS, the 8.4 Radios were changed from the previous VP3/VP4 Harman radios to the 4C/4C-Nav radios made by Panasonic. The biggest advantage of these new 4C Radios is the support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The radios themselves fit the same mount as 2013-2017...

www.ramforum.com

Some '14 truck radio soft keys for the heated seats/steering wheel will stay greyed out but the physical buttons still work

 

[Randy Grant]

I must be an exception, but my in-truck-nav works great, is on-line, and is easy to use. Input an address and it pukes out a rout, hit "GO TO", and I haven't been disappointed yet.

 

[John Jensen]

On what Gen trucks can this be done? Doesn’t work on my Gen 4 (2014 Limited with AN system). Are there any aftermarket options to make this work on a Gen 4?

Yes, I believe you can do it with AA Wireless' Google it, there's lots of info and you tubes

 

[indept]

I must be an exception, but my in-truck-nav works great, is on-line, and is easy to use. Input an address and it pukes out a rout, hit "GO TO", and I haven't been disappointed yet.

Same here. I find it much easier to see than using a phone. I need to have my reading glasses on to use waze on my phone. Paying 500 to activate it and 150 for updates is way too expensive though.