UConnect

[SitKneelBend]

Ok let me throw this out there. I keep bouncing between repairing mine, swapping in a newer factory model or going with something like a Kenwood head unit with install kit. I like the price of fixing mine and I'm not worried about tackling it. At the same time for ~$650 I could do the aftermarket unit and have android auto also. Just things that are rolling around in my head.

If you have the money, I think you would be very please with upgrading to either a 2018+ OEM radio or aftermarket. There is no guarantee that the aircard swap will fix you (but it likely will). I'd be happy to help you find a salvage radio at a decent price if you want to upgrade. If you go aftermarket, Crutchfield is the best for finding all the adapters to make the radio install go smoothly. The Chinese Android radios are a budget middle ground that users seem to be happy with to gain Android Auto and Carplay (but support may be more difficult).

Your current radio in even in it's current state will be worth some money too should you choose to sell it (I'd say $100-$200).

To answer you other question directly, yes the AR7552 should be the only part you need to fix your radio. If you go to eBay and put one in your watchlist now, you may get a lower offer from the seller while you mull over your options.

 

[Keith1]

Thanks for the help. Yeah I'm leaning strongly towards the aftermarket setup. That seems to be a good compromise, price wise, between the options. I've heard it may just be an update or card but no promises and a factory 2018+ unit would likely cost as the aftermarket setup not counting any extras needed.

 

[Mpgrimm2]

Thanks for the help. Yeah I'm leaning strongly towards the aftermarket setup. That seems to be a good compromise, price wise, between the options. I've heard it may just be an update or card but no promises and a factory 2018+ unit would likely cost as the aftermarket setup not counting any extras needed.

Side note...
What is the currently installed SW version of your 2014 Ra4 VP4-NA Nav radio? (Radio settings/information menu).

If it's not on v18.45.x, a SW update may help (or brick it).

v18.xx.x was released to fix a GPS/time sync bug with the satellites (think Y2K style), and matches the symptoms you describe ... but requires v17.x to be installed first.

 

[Keith1]

It's 18.13.07

I'll try and attach a picture

 

[Mpgrimm2]

It's 18.13.07

I'll try and attach a picture

Well, you're on Over The Air (ota) version 18.13.x which should have the GPS /time sync bug fix... So yeah it's either the radio (ie Air card) or antenna issue. .. must likely radio.

You could try an update to v18.45.x, but I don't see much benefit vs risk there.

 

[Keith1]

I see mine is way out of date but when I go to the UCONNECT site and enter the sn# it tell me to contact a dealer. I'd like to check the update out to see if it helps but i just hate throwing away money if it doesn't. I do like the idea of that Merge Screen unit but $600 is a little pricey

 

[SitKneelBend]

I see mine is way out of date but when I go to the UCONNECT site and enter the sn# it tell me to contact a dealer. I'd like to check the update out to see if it helps but i just hate throwing away money if it doesn't. I do like the idea of that Merge Screen unit but $600 is a little pricey

The Uconnect site hasn't served up firmware reliably in years. You can get the necessary firmware files here in @Mpgrimm2's thread...

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

Direct download link...

Uconnect_VP4,18.45.01-My13-17

MediaFire is a simple to use free service that lets you put all your photos, documents, music, and video in a single place so you can access them anywhere and share them everywhere.

www.mediafire.com

 

[Keith1]

Thanks, I'll check them out.

 

[Mpgrimm2]

PS: make sure your truck engine is running or on a battery charger/tender during the sw updates. If the voltage drops too low, it can brick the radio. Updates can take 15-45 mins for some.

 

[Keith1]

I have tried the uconnect update screen but it never seems to work, just keeps cycling. I'll give the download a shot.
Thanks again. Old farts need all the help we can get.

 

[SitKneelBend]

I have tried the uconnect update screen but it never seems to work, just keeps cycling. I'll give the download a shot.
Thanks again. Old farts need all the help we can get.

You can skip the first part of this video as it doesn't apply to you. The steps you want to take are to download the file and "extract all". From the extracted folder copy the "swdl.upd" file to the root of a FAT32 formatted USB drive at least 4GB in size (but no larger than 32GB). Insert the Update USB into the center console USB port (not the dash ports). The video picks up from there...

How to Update your Uconnect 8.4 System

At FCA, we work around the clock to improve your Uconnect experience. Similar to a smartphone or personal commuter, we’re constantly updating your vehicle’s ...

youtu.be

 

[Keith1]

Thanks a lot. I'll give that a try. I'll have to pick up a drive om pretty sure.

 

[Mpgrimm2]

Thanks a lot. I'll give that a try. I'll have to pick up a drive om pretty sure.

Sandisk USB 2.0/3.0 16gb or 32gb drives from Walmart work well. (But needed erased/formatted as fat32 first)

 

[Keith1]

Nothing like Walmart around here. But think I can find one. If not their is always Amazon

 

[Keith1]

Well I checked out that link and got nowhere. I put in my VIN and it just took me back to the screen that said contact dealer. So I guess its swap out

 

[SitKneelBend]

Well I checked out that link and got nowhere. I put in my VIN and it just took me back to the screen that said contact dealer. So I guess its swap out

Use this link ...

Uconnect_VP4,18.45.01-My13-17

MediaFire is a simple to use free service that lets you put all your photos, documents, music, and video in a single place so you can access them anywhere and share them everywhere.

www.mediafire.com

 

[Keith1]

Is there a reason for 32gb max? Only one I could find around here is 64gb

 

[Keith1]

Thanks for that link. Finally got it downloaded. Hopefully I'll get it installed tomorrow and see what happens.
Thanks again

 

[SitKneelBend]

Is there a reason for 32gb max? Only one I could find around here is 64gb

It's easier to format FAT32. It's possible to use a 64GB drive but it's not the easy button for most folks.

 

[Keith1]

Thank again. Side question.
, if i swap in a used head unit or card how do I get updates? It looks like they use the vin, correct?