Upgrading a 2015 Ram 8.4 Radio with nav, to a 2018 radio with nav and CarPlay

[T Brown]

I own a 2015 Ram that had an 8.4 nav radio. I'm trying to upgrade it to a nav radio out of a 2018 Ram, but the nav system isn't getting any satellite signal with the new radio. I'm assuming the issue is because my old radio shared a GPS / Sirius XM antenna, and the new radio requires a separate GPS antenna. My truck only has 2 FAKRA antenna wires - FM radio (cream color) and Satellite (curry color). The new 2018 Radio has many more FAKRA antenna jacks. I'm hoping I can just buy the required antenna and plug it in. My main question is, which jack is for the required antenna, and where do I buy one? ...And if any of my assumptions are wrong, I'd appreciate any advise from knowledgable members. Here's images of the back of both radios showing their FAKRA plugs.

 

[SitKneelBend]

I own a 2015 Ram that had an 8.4 nav radio. I'm trying to upgrade it to a nav radio out of a 2018 Ram, but the nav system isn't getting any satellite signal with the new radio. I'm assuming the issue is because my old radio shared a GPS / Sirius XM antenna, and the new radio requires a separate GPS antenna. My truck only has 2 FAKRA antenna wires - FM radio (cream color) and Satellite (curry color). The new 2018 Radio has many more FAKRA antenna jacks. I'm hoping I can just buy the required antenna and plug it in. My main question is, which jack is for the required antenna, and where do I buy one? ...And if any of my assumptions are wrong, I'd appreciate any advise from knowledgable members. Here's images of the back of both radios showing their FAKRA plugs.View attachment 552293View attachment 552294

Nope. Same setup, your old radio just had missing Fakras. The mustard plug is your GPS/SXM antenna connector. Do you get satellite radio reception?

 

[crash68]

I own a 2015 Ram that had an 8.4 nav radio. I'm trying to upgrade it to a nav radio out of a 2018 Ram, but the nav system isn't getting any satellite signal with the new radio.

I have this exact set up, a UAQ in a 2015 it works great. I don't have a Sirius subscription but I do get the advertising channels.
I even run an AAWireless module so I don't have to plug the phone into the USB for AndroidAuto (can use it for CarPlay also).

 

[T Brown]

Nope. Same setup, your old radio just had missing Fakras. The mustard plug is your GPS/SXM antenna connector. Do you get satellite radio reception?

Yes, the satellite radio works works excellent, even in the concrete parkade, but the nav keeps searching for signal when under clear blue sky... also my USB hub is not working.. I bought the Compass style on Amazon. Was that a mistake? should I buy the 2018 Ram style one, even though it won't fit my console?

 

[T Brown]

I have this exact set up, a UAQ in a 2015 it works great. I don't have a Sirius subscription but I do get the advertising channels.
I even run an AAWireless module so I don't have to plug the phone into the USB for AndroidAuto (can use it for CarPlay also).

What did you do for a new media hub?

 

[SitKneelBend]

Yes, the satellite radio works works excellent, even in the concrete parkade, but the nav keeps searching for signal when under clear blue sky... also my USB hub is not working.. I bought the Compass style on Amazon. Was that a mistake? should I buy the 2018 Ram style one, even though it won't fit my console?

Do you know what application version is on the radio?

 

[T Brown]

Do you know what application version is on the radio?

Found this sticker on it, but how do I know if it’s ever been updated? I bought it used from an auto wrecker.

 

[crash68]

What did you do for a new media hub?

I have the one used in the Chrysler 200: 68283703AA
You do need to enlarge the hole a little but there's no gaps and looks factory.
The wiring adapter is from M2Mods: https://www.m2mods4ram.com/4th-gen-ram-radio-upgrade
I also added a relay to turn the Media USB port power off with the truck as wireless adapter for AndroidAuto/CarPlay can cause the radio to frequently wake up. There's a thread on how to also: https://www.ramforum.com/threads/fi...eyed-power-for-aa-cp-wireless-adapter.189497/

 

[SitKneelBend]

View attachment 552322Found this sticker on it, but how do I know if it’s ever been updated? I bought it used from an auto wrecker.

That's the firmware level it left the factory with. If you look in the dealer mode menu (hold temp up, temp down and defrost for 5-10 seconds) with the radio powered on the menu will appear with the currently installed "application version"...

 

[T Brown]

That's the firmware level it left the factory with. If you look in the dealer mode menu (hold temp up, temp down and defrost for 5-10 seconds) with the radio powered on the menu will appear with the currently installed "application version"...

Ok. Holding those buttons worked!
CANADA IR-19 9.0-20171026-107G
So now how do I update? Or is it fine? Thank you so much for all of this help by the way

 

[SitKneelBend]

Ok. Holding those buttons worked!
CANADA IR-19 9.0-20171026-107GView attachment 552336
So now how do I update? Or is it fine? Thank you so much for all of this help by the way

You are on version 19.9 which is pretty old. There are several firmware versions to get you caught up. While firmware may correct the issue, it can also fail and leave you with an inoperable radio. PM me if you would like to try the firmware route to fix it.

 

[karmirith]

Ok. Holding those buttons worked!
CANADA IR-19 9.0-20171026-107GView attachment 552336
So now how do I update? Or is it fine? Thank you so much for all of this help by the way

I can also assist if you need help getting it up-to-date. Let me know!