New member trying to Activate a Nav System

[Indynick]

New member here, from the Detroit Area. Just purchased a 2017 Ram 1500 SLT Crew Cab 4X4. It has been 50 years since I have owned a pickup, and I really enjoy driving it. I got it to pull a new camper trailer. After doing some camping around Michigan this summer, I will be taking a long trip out west, to Arizonia, where I have family.

I just discovered that I need to pay for a code to activate the Nav System. I found a seller on eBay, “naviproject”, that sells the codes for $160. I understand how to enter the code, but I have a question on updating the maps.

I understand the maps are what were loaded in the nav system when the truck was new, and should probably be updated. The eBay seller has said, that after I active the nav system, if I want to update the maps, I will need to do a software update first. Is that true?

I have not been able to find a thread on software updating. Is this something only the dealer can do?

Thank you for any help you can supply me.

 

[mtofell]

I don't really know anything about what you're talking about with paying someone on Ebay for map updates but be super careful sending money for things like this. Maybe someone will chime-in and say it's legit but proceed with caution.

I personally don't understand the need for vehicle nav systems since every smartphone has up-to-date apps that work far better.... and they're free.

 

[04fxdwgi]

I have done map updates for Garmin boat systems like that before via and ebay seller in Europe, but never a NAV activation scheme. Wasn't aware an RA3 could be magically turned into an RA4. There also may be some negative aspects for software updates.

If you do this, please let us know the results.

PS: Smartphone apps are great, if you have cell service and if you can see the little screen

 

[huntergreen]

I would get a garmin unit from Amazon if I needed nav. Cheaper than map updates through dealer, no dealing with middle man and good reliability.

 

[Ken226]

I did the eBay nav unlock thing, in like, 2018 or 2019. It worked. Been working for many years now.

Back around 2021 or so, I did the maps update. I had to order the update from Mopar. It came in the form of a USB stick, if I remember right.

In hindsight, it was a waste of money. Google maps on my phone is way better, and free.

I should have used that money to buy a new phone or upgraded to the newer radio with android auto or something.

 

[markabby]

why not just buy a same radio with NAV installed? saw some on ebay for less than $160

 

[Indynick]

After using the nav system in my 2017 Grand Caravan over the last 6 years, I can't go back to getting my directions from my smart phone. The screen is too small. And I can't find a place to attach a tablet to the dash.

Ken, the eBay seller I am looking at for the activation also sells maps for less than the dealer. Was there a reason you got your maps from the dealer? Did you need a software update?

 

[RamInfo]

Were I the OP, first thing I’d do is read through the entire “Roll Up” thread in the stickies at top of this forum. Then follow the procedures to update the radio as it sits now, so there’s a known starting point. IF the existing radio can have Nav activated, and IF the vendor’s code is able to be applied and actually works, then it MIGHT be necessary and possible to do another level of firmware update. But OTOH, after reading the Roll Up thread and the bricked radio instances, I’d maybe either search for a good used RA4, an aftermarket alternative, an RV GPS or a wireless-enabled tablet and dash-mount that sucker.

Best,
RI

 

[crash68]

After using the nav system in my 2017 Grand Caravan over the last 6 years, I can't go back to getting my directions from my smart phone. The screen is too small. And I can't find a place to attach a tablet to the dash.

Consider changing the 8.4 radio to UAQ or UAS from a 2018 or newer Gen4 truck. Those radios support AndroidAuto and CarPlay from your smart phone, I even added a wireless module so I don't even have to plug the phone into the USB hub.
The factory navigation maps are out of date, the navigation is lackluster at best and it doesn't utilize real time traffic data.

 

[Ken226]

After using the nav system in my 2017 Grand Caravan over the last 6 years, I can't go back to getting my directions from my smart phone. The screen is too small. And I can't find a place to attach a tablet to the dash.

Ken, the eBay seller I am looking at for the activation also sells maps for less than the dealer. Was there a reason you got your maps from the dealer? Did you need a software update?

There wasn't anyone back then selling map updates. If there had been, i might have tried it.

No, my radio is fully up to date and has been for a long time.

If you do the software updates, with the files from the 8.4 update thread, Do them in order, on at a time. Don't go from a really old software version to the latest, in one go. There have been more than a couple bricked radios from doing that.

Here is the place to start digging. Good luck, and have a fully charged battery before you start an update.

ROLL-UP INFO: FOTA 18.11.x & uC D/L 18.45.01 SW Update 13-17 RA3/Vp3-NA & Ra4 VP4-NA

Starting a new thread that I can update/edit to help out. DISCLAIMER: I am not a coder, developer, software guru, electrical engineer, etc. but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn Express once! I am not responsible for you or what you do with your radio. I am simply trying to help those that can't...

www.ramforum.com

 

[Indynick]

Thanks Ken. I think I will stick with activating the nav for now, and see how things go.

 

[Indynick]

I activated the nav today, using a code I purchased on ebay. It cost $125. The seller had a lot of satisfied customers, so I thought it would be safe. Thanks for all of your suggestions.

 

[Ken226]

I activated the nav today, using a code I purchased on ebay. It cost $125. The seller had a lot of satisfied customers, so I thought it would be safe. Thanks for all of your suggestions.

Something I discovered quite a while back. Before one of the later software revisions, if you do a hard reset, you lose nav and have to reactivate it with that code. So, keep the code.

Somewhere along the software versions, they fixed that and the activated nav thing stays activated, even after a hard reset or loss of battery power.

Here is the old thread:
Thread 'Anyone seen this before? VP3 8.4 crash when reversing' https://www.ramforum.com/threads/anyone-seen-this-before-vp3-8-4-crash-when-reversing.209251/

 

[Indynick]

The seller said if I want to update the maps, I would need to do a software update first. Should I do a software update, even if I don't plan to update the maps?

 

[Ken226]

The seller said if I want to update the maps, I would need to do a software update first. Should I do a software update, even if I don't plan to update the maps?

It's up to you. Risk/reward and all.

If you do, read the thread thoroughly and do the updates in the correct order.

Leave the engine idling, or hook up a battery charger because it takes awhile, like, almost an hour in some cases.



And if you are one of those guys who doesn't read very well, likes being a rebel, or just hates following directions

Don't come back whining and accusing when you brick your radio, because you didn't take the idle/battery charger thing seriously. Yea, it's happened. I bet I can even find the thread.

It's easy, but it takes awhile.

 

[Indynick]

Three months ago, I got a windows update, that caused the key board to not work, until I would reboot. Two weeks later, I got another update that fixed the key board. Two days later an update broke it, and two days later an update fixed it again. That happened to both of my pc's.

As a retired software engineer, software updates are where all problems start. I will leave it alone, unless something needs fixing. Thanks.

 

[RamDiver]

The seller said if I want to update the maps, I would need to do a software update first. Should I do a software update, even if I don't plan to update the maps?

The NAV systems on our trucks are the most pathetic POS systems I've ever seen.

It always takes the scenic route, sometimes it directs me down tiny little roads in the city, stuffed with 4-way stop intersections. A great way to spend your gas money with a V8 Hemi, NOT!

Last year, I travelled across Southern Ontario, and the NAV system nagged me to exit off the 401 highway for the entire trip. Fortunately, I had researched and knew exactly where I was going.
I was only using the NAV for relative travel times, gas, and snack stops.

Also, some fool configured the traffic alerts notification to monopolize the entire NAV screen, requiring an OK to proceed. Picture this: you're travelling on a busy 5-lane plus highway and receiving several false alerts that lock up your NAV function until you hit the OK button. Duh.

I used my ancient 25-year-old TomTom GPS on the return trip, and it was flawless.

Then, for rural destinations, it can't find half of them. My TomTom GPS had no issues during my last rural destination. Read the endless threads on this forum, save your money and aggravation.

The NAV is my only true regret for buying this Ram truck. I would have had a much larger selection to choose from had I known the NAV was useless.

For what it's worth, my Warlock has a Uconnect 8.4C radio.

There is another option, if you're interested. I bought a mounting bracket for a tablet that's a pretty slick system. I haven't yet installed it, too many other projects.

Good luck to you if you have any expectations for the Uconnect NAV.

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