Media hub on/off when moving center console?

[tbowers391]

2013 Ram 1500 Laramie with 260k miles, no stereo or media hub upgrades or modifications.

A couple months ago I noticed radio would switch out of Bluetooth connection, or usb connection mode to the radio mode randomly on its own. After a few days I finally realized it’s connected to movement of the center console? I have no clue how that would work.

If I lift the center console, it will switch modes. If I press on center console with elbow while driving, it switches. If I hit a bump, it switches. Thing is driving me nuts.

Any ideas?

 

[SitKneelBend]

2013 Ram 1500 Laramie with 260k miles, no stereo or media hub upgrades or modifications.

A couple months ago I noticed radio would switch out of Bluetooth connection, or usb connection mode to the radio mode randomly on its own. After a few days I finally realized it’s connected to movement of the center console? I have no clue how that would work.

If I lift the center console, it will switch modes. If I press on center console with elbow while driving, it switches. If I hit a bump, it switches. Thing is driving me nuts.

Any ideas?

The internal harness is likely shorting at the hinge point on the passenger side. I think I'm experiencing this too but in my case I have to wait for the vehicle to sit a while before USB data comes back

 

[tbowers391]

Thanks I’ll check that out. My little brain couldn’t even imagine where to start.

I’m guessing an exposed piece of wire or something?

Luckily mine has no wait time. Just frustrating. Like someone is pressing the media/radio buttons back and forth when you hit bumps

 

[ffeschjeff]

Flip open the top lid and there should be 7 torx screws (T20 i think) holding the bottom tray in place, the wiring for the plugs are running along the passenger side of the tray. Like SitKneelBend said the wires are probably shorting right where they pass by the spring.

​

 

[SitKneelBend]

Thanks I’ll check that out. My little brain couldn’t even imagine where to start.

I’m guessing an exposed piece of wire or something?

Luckily mine has no wait time. Just frustrating. Like someone is pressing the media/radio buttons back and forth when you hit bumps

Yeah it progresses. Mine started just like yours several years ago with the Aux input, which will make the input jump to AUX like something is plugged in. I disconnected the AUX lines at the back of the radio to end that problem BUT now the data/power lines to the hub are malfunctioning. If I put the seat back up, all USB ports will drop their data connection. I'm getting ready to fix it though and will drop any hints that may make it easier here if I have them. In the meantime @Mpgrimm2 made some great detailed videos on how to get in there to inspect (and in your case maybe replace).

M² Mods - 18Ram Dual USB hub install in 13-17 Ram Jumpseat pt1 of 3

Part 1 of installing the 2018 USB Dual port hub in my 13 Ram 1500's Jumpseat using the seat insert from a 2018 Ram. See DeereGuy's thread for specific part n...

www.youtube.com

M² Mods - 18Ram Dual USB hub install in 13-17 Ram Jumpseat pt2 of 3

Part 2 of installing the 2018 USB Dual port hub in my 13 Ram 1500's Jumpseat using the seat insert from a 2018 Ram. See DeereGuy's thread for specific part n...

www.youtube.com

 

[StateOfMind]

I was having the very same issue, and I expected the harness was getting pinched, but it turned out to be the USB sockets on the media hub. The pins were intermittently losing connection after a bump, or after the big ape driving the truck let the console lid slam shut. The idea of spending $160 for a new hub 68328704AD rubbed me the wrong way, so I pulled the hub apart, push tabs in to remove back, wiggle board out. I used some 4 post USB sockets purchased from Amazon, think I got 10 for 9 bucks, desoldered and soldered in new, and everything is good as new.

I'll try to find link to the sockets and attach is anyone is interested

Uxcell Type A USB 2.0 4 Pin Female Jack Connector Port 10pc

 

[SitKneelBend]

I was having the very same issue, and I expected the harness was getting pinched, but it turned out to be the USB sockets on the media hub. The pins were intermittently losing connection after a bump, or after the big ape driving the truck let the console lid slam shut. The idea of spending $160 for a new hub 68328704AD rubbed me the wrong way, so I pulled the hub apart, push tabs in to remove back, wiggle board out. I used some 4 post USB sockets purchased from Amazon, think I got 10 for 9 bucks, desoldered and soldered in new, and everything is good as new.

I'll try to find link to the sockets and attach is anyone is interested

Uxcell Type A USB 2.0 4 Pin Female Jack Connector Port 10pc

I'm interested for sure!

 

[StateOfMind]

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