UConnect

[Keith1]

Hello everyone
I have a 2014 3500 diesel with the factory Nav system. For some reason the Nav has decided that it's not going to work. It can't seem to figure out where we are or what direction I'm going. Have done the factory reset several times with no luck. It want to put us in San Antonio. I don't want to take it into a dealer because they'll want to do the 86a recall on the DEF system and we don't want it. So, is there any fix or replacement head unit that will fix the problem, that won't brake the bank? Would be fine with google maps but can't figure out how to connect it to the display.

 

[tron67j]

You need a 2018 and up radio to use GM from phone to radio, if that is what your last sentence was about. What does your radio show as the software version? Have you purchased any updates for your navigation? You may want to consider upgrading your radio to allow your phone to run maps and get rid of the outdated nav software that integrated units rely on. Not going to be cheap, but pretty easy upgrade.

 

[SitKneelBend]

Hello everyone
I have a 2014 3500 diesel with the factory Nav system. For some reason the Nav has decided that it's not going to work. It can't seem to figure out where we are or what direction I'm going. Have done the factory reset several times with no luck. It want to put us in San Antonio. I don't want to take it into a dealer because they'll want to do the 86a recall on the DEF system and we don't want it. So, is there any fix or replacement head unit that will fix the problem, that won't brake the bank? Would be fine with google maps but can't figure out how to connect it to the display.

Common problem, the internal aircard is likely bad. As @tron67j stated, you can upgrade to the 2018+ radio and get Android Auto and/or Apple Carplay to show on the radio screen and have Google Maps. Conversely, you can try replacing the internal aircard which requires disassembly. The delaer can do nothing for you in this situation but replace the radio at your expense or tell you the radio needs replacement (also at your expense for the diagnosis unless you have the lifetime warranty). If I'm not mistaken you can decline recall work...

 

[Keith1]

Thanks for the replies.
I'm not sure the recall can be skipped, it is a mandatory software update resulting from a lawsuit, EPA, and major fine. So it sounds like I'm gonna need to find a 2018+ head unit. Are there any aftermarket units that are worth looking at or stick to factory? I have the Alpine sound system if that makes a difference.

 

[SitKneelBend]

Thanks for the replies.
I'm not sure the recall can be skipped, it is a mandatory software update resulting from a lawsuit, EPA, and major fine. So it sounds like I'm gonna need to find a 2018+ head unit. Are there any aftermarket units that are worth looking at or stick to factory? I have the Alpine sound system if that makes a difference.

If you aren't trying to break the bank, many have been pretty satisfied with the Chinese Android Head units like this...

Amazon.com: Car Radio for Dodge Ram 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 1500 2500 3500, Ram 1500 Radio 5GWiFi 9-inch Touch Screen Head Unit with Wired Wireless CarPlay Android Auto (for Auto AC) : Electronics

Amazon.com: Car Radio for Dodge Ram 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 1500 2500 3500, Ram 1500 Radio 5GWiFi 9-inch Touch Screen Head Unit with Wired Wireless CarPlay Android Auto (for Auto AC) : Electronics

www.amazon.com

Don't spend more than $150 on the above IMO. There are many sellers of identical units at different prices.

If you want to go OEM 2018+ Expect to pay from $500-$900 for all the parts (the price can vary greatly based on salvage radio pricing). I can help you try to find a good deal on salvage if you want to go that route. Conversely, someone on this forum might have one laying on the shelf that they'd part with.

 

[Stri]

I have a 2017 VP4 that I replaced with a 2018+ radio. I'm looking to sell it. It has NAV as well. No carplay or android auto however.

 

[Keith1]

Thanks for the replies. I do want to keep the satellite radio as we're all over the country. I like the China version other than that. I don't have any access to wrecking yards right now. If I do swap in a factory unit I'd like to get past Uconnect. Did a little searching online with no luck. Guess I'm gonna have to check what version head unit I have so I have an idea what to look for.

 

[SitKneelBend]

Thanks for the replies. I do want to keep the satellite radio as we're all over the country. I like the China version other than that. I don't have any access to wrecking yards right now. If I do swap in a factory unit I'd like to get past Uconnect. Did a little searching online with no luck. Guess I'm gonna have to check what version head unit I have so I have an idea what to look for.

If it has Nav you have a uconnect 8.4N RA4/VP4. I may have forgot to mention you can probably fix it yourself for $40-$60. I can point you to the parts if interested.

 

[Keith1]

If it has Nav you have a uconnect 8.4N RA4/VP4. I may have forgot to mention you can probably fix it yourself for $40-$60. I can point you to the parts if interested.

That sounds like it might be the way to go. I got a dash mount android auto unit today and I'm not very impressed. It works OK but visibility leaves something to be desired. It's got a good screen but hard to see in the daylight.

 

[GTyankee]

I had to update my 2016 8.4 N radios software just a few years ago
I updated the NAV maps at the same time
What had happened was that my Nav that had been working as designed, then one day, the Maps showed me as being miles away from where i actually happened to be.

After i bought the software, all was well again

I understand that some ppl on this site, know where it can be had for FREE

I would try it first

The 2018 4th Gen 8.4 Radio would be a good 2nd choice
Then use your Smart Phone to access any number of MAP APPS for FREE

 

[Keith1]

Thanks for the reply. I think the software is probably a good starting place but not sure where to get it.

 

[GTyankee]

There are at least 2 members that read these Radio Posts. They are knowledgeable
The Member that made post #5 above, is 1 of them
Good Luck

 

[Keith1]

Thanks for all the help everyone.
Before I rush out looking for a VP4 replacement card let me pick your brains a little.
I have a 2014 with the 8.4" VP4. It has steering wheel controls Nav and satellite radio. I'd like to keep those and have it say RAM when it powers up, currently it says SRT sometimes. Is there anything I need to be aware of as far as model, ssn or what ever?
Also the symptoms are; doesn't always come up when started, may take 20 minutes or so. Keep getting a phone not connected message and of course the Nav doesn't work properly.
Thank everyone

 

[Keith1]

If it has Nav you have a uconnect 8.4N RA4/VP4. I may have forgot to mention you can probably fix it yourself for $40-$60. I can point you to the parts if interested.

Are you referring to replacing the card? Where would you recommend i get one?

 

[SitKneelBend]

Are you referring to replacing the card? Where would you recommend i get one?

eBay will have them. First I would open up your radio and confirm the RA4s have a "Sierra Wireless Air Prime AR7552" that the GPS button cable is plugged in to (I'm pretty sure it is but I haven't opened up one of the older RA4s and wouldn't want you to buy the wrong thing). Have you already checked to see if you get SXM radio reception?

 

[Keith1]

Thank you I'll check that. Yes we do get SXM, use it all the time.

 

[Keith1]

I'll have to pull it apart and check. I've been putting if off hoping to only have to do it once.

 

[SitKneelBend]

Thank you I'll check that. Yes we do get SXM, use it all the time.

Ok, I ask because it shares the external antenna with GPS so you can probably rule that out.

 

[Keith1]

Thank you. So I should just need the Sierra Wireless AR7552 then? Just want to be fairly sure of what I'm doing. Being an old fart I'm not real up to date on these new systems.

 

[Keith1]

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.