Uconnect 5.0 after market replacement - questions

[DarbyOhara]

Hi all. I have a 2014 Ram 1500 Express and the Uconnect 5.0. This is my second brand new RAM which the radio unit is/went bad and my dealer got Chrylser authorization to replace this one with a new one (like the last 2012 Ram I had. It wouldn't hold SIRIUS/XM subscription and acted up by showing wrong song information, and some control didn't fuction properly, etc.

I am so disappointed in the Uconnect and the RAM radios that I am thinking of replacing and installing an after market model with CD/DVD (which I currently don't have) and perhaps GPS (which I also don't have).

My question is for those that have a similar recent RAM that completed a replacement of an after market radio. I see from crutchfiled I have a few choices, but I am concerned about the hookup and losing my audio, lights and other controls currently in the Uconnect 5.0. Crutchfield reps are great help, but they are basically script readers... they really can't answer. If I replace my Uconnect with an after market...

1) is the Crutchfield harness easy plug n' play (besides cutting out the metal enclosure for some radios)?

2) will I lose my audio, lights and setup controls currently in the Uconnect 5.0? Some of them are rather important to lose.

3) will I still have bluetooth, or will I have to install a separate microphone (which I really don't like).

Any other help or advice. Lastly, I see some questions and the Uconnect 5.0 whether it is Alpine or not. How can I tell?

Thanks everyone for your help.

 

[jbr]

You lose your uConnect options. You have to set your "settings" that you want to keep in your uConnect before you remove it.

 

[DarbyOhara]

You lose your uConnect options. You have to set your "settings" that you want to keep in your uConnect before you remove it.

Thanks. That is what I was afraid of and it wasn't clear anywhere. I guess I'll have to go through those controls and weigh my options... to me, some of those controls could be important.

Also, do you know how I find what kind of radio I have (Alpine or not)? I don't see it listed anywhere.

 

[jbr]

Thanks. That is what I was afraid of and it wasn't clear anywhere. I guess I'll have to go through those controls and weigh my options... to me, some of those controls could be important.

Also, do you know how I find what kind of radio I have (Alpine or not)? I don't see it listed anywhere.

FYI I have the 5.0 and have only changed my setting once since I bought my truck in Aug. 2013. Alpine system from the factory has a sub under the backseat. It's an added option on your window sticker.

 

[DarbyOhara]

FYI I have the 5.0 and have only changed my setting once since I bought my truck in Aug. 2013. Alpine system from the factory has a sub under the backseat. It's an added option on your window sticker.

So the Alpine is just this sub in the backseat? I have no backseat, but I think Crutchfield asked if mine was with/without Alpine when I was searching my choices of replacement. I had no idea and selected 'not'. Thanks again for your assistance.

 

[jbr]

So the Alpine is just this sub in the backseat? I have no backseat, but I think Crutchfield asked if mine was with/without Alpine when I was searching my choices of replacement. I had no idea and selected 'not'. Thanks again for your assistance.

I believe sub and 9 total speakers

 

[wazslow]

As far as I know the express doesnt have the ability to add the Alpine speaker option. You should have Uconnect 5.0 with base speaker setup. The only audio options in the express are Uconnect 3.0 or Uconnect 5.0. All have base speakers.

 

[JRoll88]

Damn that's shady. Thanks for the info.

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