Software Update/Nav Map update - anything to worry about or do?

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BobinTX

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I once paid a reduced price of $99 for the updated Nav maps for my 2016 RAM 1500. This was back in 2020. Boy, was I disappointed. The "new" maps were still missing streets and roadways that had been operational for months, if not years.

My feeling is the best solution to keeping current maps is Android Auto first. If your cell reception is spotty then you're better off buying a dedicated Garmin GPS that offers free maps updated for life. That equates to 4 updates/year via USB connection to your computer using the Garmin app. The new Garmin units may even update automatically, wireless, without that need for a computer.
 

HawkSERE

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crash68

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I can't use the Android auto because my Android phone is no longer able to plug in via USB connection and has to do everything wirelessly
If you want to use AndroidAuto wirelessly even on vehicles that don't have built-in, get the AAWireless module.
I have the original version plugged into a UAQ radio, works great and is usually connects in 30 seconds.
The factory navigation doesn't have near real time traffic information.
 

markabby

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Since my 1500 Laramie is a 2020 I decided to purchase the Navigation. Two USBs are arriving with one being a software update and it says to do that first, then the Nav Map update.

Any issues I need to concern myself with? Any dos/dont's? I assume the truck should be running while I do this but obviously not moving anywhere.

now how come when i went to Uconnect for map updates, i gave my VIN number and it told me there's nothing available, or it doesn't recognize my 2020 1500 Limited?

I tried at two Uconnect sites...both said it was either wrong or nonexistent. lol

I triple checked my VIN numbers. Then i get "error with VIN number" !! Not that i wanted to purchase the map, i was just curious.
 

Bighorn_Brown

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I’ve got a 2024 that alerted me of a software update this past weekend while the wife, and I, were out running errands. The first alert popped up when I shut the truck after pulling into a parking spot.

Noticed it because when I shut the truck off and opened the door the radio continued to play. This brought my attention to the screen where the notification was.

Cycled truck power to get the screen to shutoff and we went into the store. Happened again awhile later at the next stop. Thought this was odd because it was asking me to confirm the update with the truck off; both times.

Well, before I knew it my finger selected the button that ok’d the update against my brains better judgement.

At which point the screen went through a quick series of changes then shutoff. Thought that was pretty quick. Well, upon returning to the truck noticed the climate screen had a few changes I didn’t like. For example, the driver & passenger temps were no longer displayed. Couldn’t adjust temp via screen with slider bar, etc. I was pissed.

As I out the truck in reverse noticed my backup lines were gone… with no option to bring them back up. WTF?!?!?! After a minute of fiddling around thought it might work itself out if I open the door, cut truck off, then restart it. Guess what… it did. Weirdest cr@p ever!!!

Not sure what brought all that on, but pretty sure the truck asking me to initiate an update (twice) after I shut it off played a roll. I’ll never do that again. Thing is I knew better. Why would the software be setup to annunciate such a command without power supplied? You’d think it would do it once you start the vehicle.
 

RamDiver

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now how come when i went to Uconnect for map updates, i gave my VIN number and it told me there's nothing available, or it doesn't recognize my 2020 1500 Limited?

I tried at two Uconnect sites...both said it was either wrong or nonexistent. lol

I triple checked my VIN numbers. Then i get "error with VIN number" !! Not that i wanted to purchase the map, i was just curious.

All those details sound standard for Uconnect updates. :cool:

.
 

Riccochet

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I’ve got a 2024 that alerted me of a software update this past weekend while the wife, and I, were out running errands. The first alert popped up when I shut the truck after pulling into a parking spot.

Noticed it because when I shut the truck off and opened the door the radio continued to play. This brought my attention to the screen where the notification was.

Cycled truck power to get the screen to shutoff and we went into the store. Happened again awhile later at the next stop. Thought this was odd because it was asking me to confirm the update with the truck off; both times.

Well, before I knew it my finger selected the button that ok’d the update against my brains better judgement.

At which point the screen went through a quick series of changes then shutoff. Thought that was pretty quick. Well, upon returning to the truck noticed the climate screen had a few changes I didn’t like. For example, the driver & passenger temps were no longer displayed. Couldn’t adjust temp via screen with slider bar, etc. I was pissed.

As I out the truck in reverse noticed my backup lines were gone… with no option to bring them back up. WTF?!?!?! After a minute of fiddling around thought it might work itself out if I open the door, cut truck off, then restart it. Guess what… it did. Weirdest cr@p ever!!!

Not sure what brought all that on, but pretty sure the truck asking me to initiate an update (twice) after I shut it off played a roll. I’ll never do that again. Thing is I knew better. Why would the software be setup to annunciate such a command without power supplied? You’d think it would do it once you start the vehicle.
the uConnect updates can take up to 24 hours to fully propagate in the vehicle. It's all connected. Pretty annoying.
 

BlueHemi1500

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Because some people like me don't have good coverage after I go 10 minutes from my house. Yes I can download the maps first, but what happens when I didn't get the correct maps, because I had to go to another area? I was in AZ last Nov heading from Yuma to the Grand Canyon, I am glad I had built in Nav because I didn't have cell coverage for about three hours of the drive.
I, too, have to depend on the system in the truck radio. 10-15 minutes in any compass direction, no cellular service for many hours of driving as well. So the cell phone is basically space junk during that cellular gap of coverage.

BlueHemi1500
 

BlueHemi1500

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Here’s the site where you get the updates free of charge. you put them on a USB stick from your laptop or home computer and then stick them in the USB socket in the center console. It does take a while. I put my truck on a battery tender while it was taking place.
That will work for the UC 5 systems. UC 4 systems do not get free map updates and must be purchased, and the USB stick comes VIN locked to that specific truck; no sharing of USB sticks to other trucks.

BlueHemi1500
 

Mlarv5

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Not sure what brought all that on, but pretty sure the truck asking me to initiate an update (twice) after I shut it off played a roll. I’ll never do that again. Thing is I knew better. Why would the software be setup to annunciate such a command without power supplied? You’d think it would do it once you start the vehicle.

This is pretty standard. My Fords do the same thing. With the Fords I can set a scheduled time to do the update (so I have it set to update at 0100 so I know it won't be on the road)

They have it update when it is not moving, because it may require a few restarts of what ever is being updated, so the EVIC the U-connect, maybe the security module etc. If these shut down while driving it might cause big problems.

The update most likely has a way to keep what ever module it is updating stays powered on.
 

markabby

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interesting foot note: i just read that HERE technologies, Garmin and TOM TOM all contribute to making the NAV maps for Uconnect maps.

HERE technologies seems to be into maps and stuff big time, especially for fleets.
 

etbrown4

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Uc 5 just tried an auto update and failed producing error code 5.
 

GTyankee

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HERE Maps has been around for a long time

First of all, the FILM Company NOKIA is/was the Parent Company
The first Navigation Maps for Dodge vehicles, was called NAVIGATION.com.. it was in my 2009 Dodge Ram
then i believe it was NavTeq

Aug 2, 2015 — Nokia has announced that it has agreed to sell its HERE mapping business

Then they called it HERE.com
Then it was

HERE WeGo , your area map !​

 
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