Yet Another Uplay/Radio Issue...

[Casey Strong]

I bought the truck precertified used less than a year ago from a dealership, the screen has gone out for short times & restarted what seemed to be randomly now and again. Not a huge issue, irritating at most.

Today the screen goes into a reboot loop with a flickering screen, sometimes it would restart and the colors would not be displaying correctly. I shut the truck off let it sit for a little bit, turned the truck back on and nothing; not even a back light. Steering wheel controls do nothing as well.

Called the dealership and they started the conversation with the typical "$1500 for a new one" line. I'm not paying that and I am not going without a radio.

I checked all the fuses under the hood they all look good.

Disconnected the battery, touched the cables together for 20 seconds and let her sit unhooked for a few hours and it did not make a difference. I'm pretty sure my console is bad because of this but I am still willing to try to fix the one I have if anyone has suggestions they would be appreciated.

I really don't want to replace it with anything Uconnect at this point because it seems to all be garbage so I'm also looking for aftermarket ideas that would fit my truck nicely. Thanks!

 

[Tach_tech]

Have you checked for any updates?

Unfortunately there’s not much you can do to try to fix it beyond disconnecting the battery and doing a hard reset.

it’s likely a software failure or an internal hardware fault.

 

[jasonw]

If it has failed, I'd be looking at junkyards for a new one. Probably least expensive OEM route.

Otherwise, if you do want aftermarket, there are a few options that require just a little bit of Googling or eBaying. At one point, Alpine made a unit, I think Pioneer did, and there are other lesser known brands as well.

Here is another option...
https://www.ramforum.com/threads/tesla-style-10-4-android-radio-information.115875/

 

[WTM75]

If you do go OE, you can find used ones from about $150, depending on the model. They are very easy to swap out.

 

[Mpgrimm2]

What does your current radio look like?
3.0 Ra1, 5.0 Ra2, or 8.4 Ra3/Ra4 ?

What year is your truck?

M² Mods.

 

[Casey Strong]

Hey all, sorry it took so long to get back, I've been going back n fourth with the dealership & RAMCare and after being put in-touch with a UConnect specialist.

They had me schedule an appointment to have it diagnosed even though I already told them the problem and explained it was locked up and guaranteed them it won't be recognized by their computers for any kind of updates, etc. They took my information, mileage, etc and had me set it up explaining they did not know if they would be able to help. So having to go through the process we skip ahead to today; they tried to tell me the same thing I told them and attempted to make me pay for the diagnostic fee. They all refuse to do anything for me.

With that being said UConnect seems like complete garbage and I will be going with something else, preferably made specifically for this model vehicle as I like having the electronic climate controls on screen and I am not a fan of the one on Amazon by LinkWell so if you guys have suggestions that would be great!

I'm about to look into the Tesla style one linked above.

2015 8.4 Ra3/4

 

[Mpgrimm2]

I recommend you talk to @SitKneelBend some he had been involved with the Tesla style radios since the beginning (as well as the 8.4). There have been a lot of growing pains with the Tesla style.

Your simplest solution is to replace your 15 Ra3/Ra4 radio with a used one from a 2013-2017 USA ram truck. A Ra4 VP4-NA can be had for $425-$575 depending on year/condition. Ra3's for about $100 less.

To can see valid Ram Ra4 VP4-NA PNs in the following thread...
INFO - 2013-2017 8.4AN FW Notes (RA4/VP4 NA).


If you have factory Dual zone ATC climate control, your also a good candidate for the 2018 UAQ AA/CP 8.4 radio upgrade.

M² Mods.

 

[Casey Strong]

UPDATE: Just a couple days ago I was driving my truck (nothing else has been done to it since my last update) and the radio came back on randomly and has been working ever since!

It has been off since the day I posted this with no signs of salvage until then.

 

[RamCares]

UPDATE: Just a couple days ago I was driving my truck (nothing else has been done to it since my last update) and the radio came back on randomly and has been working ever since!

It has been off since the day I posted this with no signs of salvage until then.

Hi Casey,

I’m glad to hear everything seems to be working properly now! Please do not hesitate to send us a private message if you are in need of any additional assistance. We’re just a PM away and always happy to help.

Mark
Ram Social Care Specialist