Uconnect 8.4 wont start properly

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Chris Santos

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New guy here in need of help. I bought a 2014 Ram 1500 this past November from a dealer in Katy, TX. The radio is a Harman-Kardon 8.4, I think is the RA3.

The issue I’m having is this: sometimes when I start the truck the radio takes time to start, sometimes may be a few seconds other times it takes a couple of minutes. It is annoying when I’m solo and embarrassing when I got passengers. Is there anything I can do to remedy this issue? Or should I just get a new radio?

By the way, I’ve tried resetting it (holding the volume and tune buttons), I’ve also reset the radio to factory settings, and I’ve disconnected the battery for a few minutes to a few hours to no avail.

Also, when the radio is not working the screen is completely black, not the dimmed screen. Nothing works, no radio, no back up camera, and my dashboard does not indicate the temperature, direction (N S W E) while the radio is not working. The AC works but I’m unable to change settings, this means that if the heater was on when I turned the truck off, I cannot change it to AC when the truck is started.

Once the radio starts it works flawlessly, any ideas on what could be causing this issue. Thanks in advance for any helpful info provided.

C. Santos
 

Ricks Ram

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As recommended by Kad I would check and see if there is a firmware update for your truck. Go into your settings and then to system information and see what version firmware your radio is running. Then go to the Uconnect website and type in your VIN number and it will give you link to the most current firmware version available for your radio. The higher the numbers the newer the firmware so if it's a higher number than the firmware you are running it would be a good idea to try updating. At that point you're going to want to click on the link and download the new firmware to your computer and install it on a USB stick. Insert the USB drive in your center console and follow the instructions and prompts to download the new firmware into your radio. There are videos on YouTube that kind of give you some heads up on what to expect when you download the new firmware I recommend you watch one before you do your truck. A lot of people of notice when they update the new firmware that the radio stops in the middle of the update 4 or 5 times and restarts from the beginning. The seems to be normal don't let it worry you. Make sure you do not shut off the truck for any reason until the update is completely finished. Not sure if you've done this yet but you can also do a full factory reset by going into the dealer menu by pushing the temp up to down button and the defrost at the same time and holding it for 5 seconds. This will put you in the dealer mode from there you completely restart the whole radio, but as glitchy is your radio is acting I really wouldn't recommend doing that unless it's a last option I would try the firmware update first if your truck is not current with the firmware. Keep us posted good luck. Also you can pick up a used RA4 radio with factory nav and HD radio which is actually a little nicer than your radio for around $500 on eBay or other places. Just something to think about if your current radio does not respond.

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RamCares

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New guy here in need of help. I bought a 2014 Ram 1500 this past November from a dealer in Katy, TX. The radio is a Harman-Kardon 8.4, I think is the RA3.

The issue I’m having is this: sometimes when I start the truck the radio takes time to start, sometimes may be a few seconds other times it takes a couple of minutes. It is annoying when I’m solo and embarrassing when I got passengers. Is there anything I can do to remedy this issue? Or should I just get a new radio?

By the way, I’ve tried resetting it (holding the volume and tune buttons), I’ve also reset the radio to factory settings, and I’ve disconnected the battery for a few minutes to a few hours to no avail.

Also, when the radio is not working the screen is completely black, not the dimmed screen. Nothing works, no radio, no back up camera, and my dashboard does not indicate the temperature, direction (N S W E) while the radio is not working. The AC works but I’m unable to change settings, this means that if the heater was on when I turned the truck off, I cannot change it to AC when the truck is started.

Once the radio starts it works flawlessly, any ideas on what could be causing this issue. Thanks in advance for any helpful info provided.

C. Santos

Hi C. Santos,

I'd recommend checking for any software updates for your system by using the link above. If there are no updates avialable or if they don't help please send us a PM with your VIN and I'd be happy to offer further assistance if needed.

Andrea
Ram Social Care Specialist
 
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Chris Santos

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Thanks for the reply, according to the link I have an update available. However, the update seems to be lower, the radio shows the current firmware is 17.11.17. The update available is 17.11.07, the update seems to be lower, but hey ill update tonight and let ya know if the problem is resolved or not.

I do like the idea of upgrading to the RA4, mainly for the HD radio, but don't wanna spend my money when the problem is anything other than the radio, as the issue would persist regardless of what radio I have. If I do upgrade can I use any year radio like a 2015, 16, 17?

20180131_131037.jpg

20180131_133306.jpg

***UPDATE***
UNABLE to perform update recommended by Uconnect (17.11.07), as this is an older update, see photo below:

20180131_172811.jpg
 
Last edited:

SitKneelBend

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So, I had the same issues and it turns out my LockPick was going bad. Did you buy this used? If so, have you taken a look behind the radio?

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Chris Santos

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I did buy it used. Took a look at the radio and no lockpick, just the radio with normal connections.

At this point I'm thinking it's the radio, and probably change it for an RA4. I will be a bit upset if it turns out to be something else.

Anyways, thanks for the replies.

20180201_190158.jpg
 
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Chris Santos

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Does anybody have a wiring diagram for the radio? Before I pull the trigger an an RA4, I would like to see if the radio is getting power the way it's supposed to. Thanks.
 

TheBlackSheep

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I'm actually having the exact same issue on my 2014. There are times where the radio won't start for 5 minutes, then it finally turns on. My software is showing that it is up to date via the Uconnect website.
The vehicle is used, but does not have a Lock Pick installed. The radio was a factory installed option on the vehicle.
If someone has additional insight, I'd definitely be interested.
If it matters, I do get an error for cellular service not being available occasionally. I believe my sharkfin antenna might be going bad due to water getting past the gasket. I'm not sure if that matters.
 

Cheaptubes

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Me too. 2014 used. Found update, downloaded it. It won’t start. Tried factory reset. Just won’t start
 
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