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NEW UPDATE Uconnect RA3/RA4 (03-17-17 release)

117K views 394 replies 86 participants last post by  JeepCares 
#1 ·
Like some other Uconnect owners, I was having issues with the unit freezing, becoming unresponsive, and shutting down. Over the last two years, I found the issue happened when a device was plugged into the USB port (iPod, iPhone etc). The issue would only occur occasionally but with ever software version of Uconnect since I bought the Trailhawk in June 2015. I always kept the unit updated and when new software came out and the dealer had no answers and even reinstalled the latest software to check if that was the issue (but the issue kept happening).

Finally I got around the calling Uconnect today and after a brief hold the rep told me they had an "over the air" update which they will send my car to update the system. The Uconnect service rep told me this update was only released today (03-17-17) and it was to fix the freezing issues I was having with the unit. The update will be downloaded directly to the car and notify the driver on the screen when it is received (up to 7 days).

Anyways, I hope this fixes the issues!!!

Happy Saint Patty's Day!
 
#220 ·
Finally did mine via USB stick last night (2015 RA3). The process was totally different than what @novadam described 2 posts up. With a USB stick, you don't get a any prompt about shutting the ignition Off. It took close to 50 minutes total. At one point I thought the update was failing because the head unit rebooted three times in the early stages and the process seemed to restart from the beginning. Turns out it did progress and after the third reboot it kept going until done.
The very first step after the unit boots up with the USB stick, on my 2015, was saving my settings ; guess it can't do that with 2014s... because it seems they all lose their pre-sets and whatnot.

Mine is an RA3 so I'm sure RA4s will take longer. I don't have the keyless system so for me, turning the key to ACC was sufficient (not RUN).

Seems like everything is working. Will know more today when I get to drive the Jeep a bit.

Anybody out there with a 2015 and RA3 radio really wanting to get her done, shoot me a PM...
 
#224 ·
I got the OTA update and noticed the album art on a lot of the SD card tracks are not displaying. 100% of them displayed before the update to my RA4 unit. Most of the album art was scraped from the internet and are at varying sizes. However, I used a program (Sanse Mp3 Art Sizer) to make sure nothing was larger than 600 x 600 megapixels. Back in 2014 the Uconnect people told me to keep album art at or lower than 240 x 158 megapixels. I'm guessing the update stole some memory and took it from album art display function. When I get a chance, I'll resize all album art to 240 x 158 and see if that fixes it.
 
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#225 ·
I noticed the same thing today with my updated RA3. Was listening to an album from the SD card and had always seen the album art ; gone today. Tried the next album : art was present.

One positive for me after this update : I can now get audio to work over USB from my Samsung phone (Note 4). It would only work via Bluetooth before, and I'm not the only one who had this problem (searched online and found many more).
I want this to work over USB because I use the Android Auto app so I connect my phone with a USB cable, to keep it charged. And now audio works, so I'm happy with that..

I also selected a blue theme (Jeep 5 I think) and just love it, especially at night.
 
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#227 ·
My 2014 TH loaded automatically while my wife was driving.Not sure this is such a good thing. When the radio rebooted she had lost all radio presets, her Sirrius XM subscription, all the navigation information (previous addresses and such) and the media hub doesn't work.

Great job FCA even Microsoft isn't this bad.

Called the dealer's service dept. and they didn't even know there was a radio update, didn't know what they can do, suggested the radio was bad, and I should bring it in for them to diagnose.

Here we go again it's the Tow fix all over again.

This Jeep is the gift that just keeps on giving.
 
#228 ·
My 2014 TH loaded automatically while my wife was driving.Not sure this is such a good thing. When the radio rebooted she had lost all radio presets, her Sirrius XM subscription, all the navigation information (previous addresses and such) and the media hub doesn't work.
How many on/off cycles has the vehicle had since this update? Some have taken 2 to 3 before the update was free of hiccups.

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk
 
#229 ·
So when are they going to roll out Android auto and apple carplay to the 2017 Cherokee? I saw the compass already has it and I believe the renegade as well( correct me if I'm wrong ) just got my uconnect update yesterday and didn't see any real difference, just want to be able to use Google maps and Waze instead of having to forklift out $500 for the nav unlock. All opinions welcome...
 
#231 ·
Coming in MY2019. Order banks open in four months. Doubt there will ever be an FCA provided option for head units in earlier model years. There are threads on this site covering 3rd party options.
 
#233 ·
Never say never. But really doubt it. Reason being the software changes required may necessitate hardware changes like more memory or faster processor. Not to mention car manufacturers want us to buy their new vehicles.
 
#234 ·
My 15 TH just got the update. Drove to Cheyenne and got into the 3g network. Now to see what the changes are and if there are any issues.
 
#239 ·
I've been pleased with the update. Have noticed more vibrant background colors on the apps. There are definitely more of them.

Can you move them around? Its odd to have the "driver's heated seat" and the "passenger heated seat" be on completely different pages/screens.

Other than that, I have no complaints.
 
#240 ·
Do any of our Canada friends have the RA4 file. I have a radio from a salvage Jeep and want to update the Maps which are out now and you have to have the .17 update to do it. Been on chat with FCA and telling me I won’t get OTA due to not original equip. If you do could you share? Thanks


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#243 ·
Correct the 2015 RA4 file. Thanks I’ll check the other forums.


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#244 ·
Correct the 2015 RA4 file. Thanks I’ll check the other forums.
I haven't seen anyone post about this in the Canada sub forums, but if you ask (start a new thread) then maybe someone will spot it and respond.

To be honest, I'm not sure many Canadians have gotten the update yet. I was just lucky to stop by UConnect Canada and there it was, for my VIN, while apparently it wasn't supposed to be there just yet.

If more Canucks actually check with their VIN, maybe we'll have more files to share (MY and radio type)... ;)
 
#247 · (Edited)
Ok I've checked the RA3 file. Oddly, the .zip file hash doesn't match mine, but... both files inside (.iso and .upd) are identical, same MD5 on both. So the important files are the ones inside the .zip file so for now, the RA3 on that Google drive is a good file. Can't say for the RA4 file because I don't have one to compare it with.

But there is a file check built into the update routine, so I'm not worried either way.

Edit to add : I may have an explanation for the .zip file difference. I downloaded mine directly from UConnect, and I mean direct after dodging all their attempts at forcing their download manager on me (Akamai or whatever it's called). So my guess is the .zip file on Google Drive (above link) was obtained from the download manager, thus a slightly different "wrapper".
 
#267 ·
Have you checked with your VIN on the UConnect side, just for fun ? That's where I got mine (2015), but apparently it was a fluke...
https://www.driveuconnect.com/support/software-update.html

I recall a recent post where the NAV voice was lost after an update, some others where a different car logo showed. I also expect that they have tested the software 'in house' with all model-year variations of the hardware. It is possible, although not likely, that a checksum could fail to find an error and the program still start up, albeit with flaws.

If it's the OTA process which is not adequately checking the downloaded software, thus randomly introducing problems it starts to look scary. Think of what could go wrong if an OTA download goes bad when they start doing updates for other systems, like the ECM... or worse EPS.
Yep all good questions. You would think a file check would be simple and reliable, but... who knows...

We have seen erratic results and bugs from different 2014s who got OTA updates, and that is a big concern. One reported getting rid of the bugs after a few days (a few reboot cycles ??). Maybe a soft reset could work as well...

OTA updates are a little scary any way you look at them, though. Not only the uncertainty on teh downloads, but the access to the systems... yikes.
 
#273 ·
#274 ·
Well, this morning during a short drive my OTA update appeared on screen. When I got home I let it complete the part that required the engine or just ignition on, then I shut down and went inside to let it complete for 50 minutes. We will see what happens when its done.
Now it looks like I can get the new map update and finally will then have the correct Interstate speed limits for Illinois.
That was a magical moment when the screen popped up!
 
#276 ·
Let's try this again:

I updated the unconnect 3 months ago and it still doesn't work right.

1) The "Favorite Artist/Song" pops up and then disappears once you touch it. It used to stay on for the duration of the song. This really annoys me. Used to be in green now in orange. Rather have it in green, more pleasing to the eye....

2) Channels show album art or generic art. What happen to the Channel Logo/Graphics?? More pleasing to look at again.

3) All favorites across all platforms (XM/Phone/Maps) etc. are gone. I've seen this as a mix bag across the forums. Some people lost them, some didn't. Really Uconnect - why is that happening to only some of us???

4) Navigation has the White maps during the daytime. No way to change it it to black for 24/7....????

For the record: 2014 Cherokee Limited. Did the hack update to prevent people from overriding the controls, etc. via the usb stick in the mail from FCA.

Every day I am this much closer to getting rid of this.....
@JeepCares - any thoughts. Feel free to ask questions, I got answers....
 
#277 ·
Let's try this again:

I updated the unconnect 3 months ago and it still doesn't work right.

1) The "Favorite Artist/Song" pops up and then disappears once you touch it. It used to stay on for the duration of the song. This really annoys me. Used to be in green now in orange. Rather have it in green, more pleasing to the eye....

2) Channels show album art or generic art. What happen to the Channel Logo/Graphics?? More pleasing to look at again.

3) All favorites across all platforms (XM/Phone/Maps) etc. are gone. I've seen this as a mix bag across the forums. Some people lost them, some didn't. Really Uconnect - why is that happening to only some of us???

4) Navigation has the White maps during the daytime. No way to change it it to black for 24/7....????

For the record: 2014 Cherokee Limited. Did the hack update to prevent people from overriding the controls, etc. via the usb stick in the mail from FCA.

Every day I am this much closer to getting rid of this.....
@JeepCares - any thoughts. Feel free to ask questions, I got answers....
Just my .02 here, if it's Ok ;)

I have a 2015, and only 2014s lose the presets/favorites it seems, with this big update.

I can't recall seeing the Fav artist/song button disappear during song playback (on mine).
The background color : not sure about 2014 radios, but on mine I have Themes now, with something like 10 colors to choose from. Go to "Settings" and you'll see "Themes" in there, with names like "Jeep 1", Jeep 2", etc... Those are the color choices. I have mine in blue now ; love it !
Album Art : I haven't noticed a change after the update, excpet when I play music from my SD card, some Art that didn't show before now shows, and some that did doesn't anymore. Weird.
I don't have NAV so I can't comment on the maps...
 
#278 ·
Mark_ - .02 are always Welcomed...

I can deal with the presets/favs going. I guess it come with the territory.

I have seen the themes - Jeep1, Jeep2, etc. Not a big fan but I can deal. Wish it didn't have to be orange.

Rather have Channel Logo/Graphic than the album art. Most times, I just get a generic box with the station name as the album art is not available.

But the REAL QUESTION, is why does everyone have different scenarios. Why do some lose presets and not others, why do some have changes and others don't. Why does weird crap happen to only 1 person and not others.....Why? Why? Why?
 
#279 ·
Ok, my brain is a little confused... (haha, not a surprise in my case) :

- The favs and presets are lost on 2014 radios only. Reason for that, apparently, is because the 2015+ radios got upgraded hardware and the latest update doesn't break anything, except on the 2014 radios. When I updated my 2015 RA3 (no NAV), the first step in the update process was saving user data ; guessing you didn't have that step on the 2014...

- The themes : I don't know about the 2014 radios, but on mine the themes are the color. Before I had the themes, everything was orange on mine (if I recall correctly...). Now with the themes, I'm able to see everything in blue, or green, or red, or orange, or purple-ish, etc... So I chose blue, which means everything onscreen is blue on a black background. I'll take pics tomorrow and show you what I mean...

I believe the *confusion* on different changes you hear about are because the of the model years diffences (2014 being quite different it seems..)
 
#280 ·
Seems like the 2014's are the black sheeps of this family. Please do post the pics. I would love to see what you have.

The favorite artist/song disappearing after I touch it for the first time, really, really, really annoys me. How am I suppose to know when my favs are on. What's the point. I did a reset, driven the car thousands of miles, been on/off daily for months now and nothing has returned to normal.

Any other 2014 owners having similar problems?

Hoping @JeepCares jumps back into this thread.
 
#281 ·
Seems like the 2014's are the black sheeps of this family. Please do post the pics. I would love to see what you have.

The favorite artist/song disappearing after I touch it for the first time, really, really, really annoys me. How am I suppose to know when my favs are on. What's the point. I did a reset, driven the car thousands of miles, been on/off daily for months now and nothing has returned to normal.

Any other 2014 owners having similar problems?

Hoping @JeepCares jumps back into this thread.
Ok, best time to do radio pics is at night I guess, so here goes (warning : my radio is French, so I'll translate as we go) :

First pic is with the Jeep 5 theme (blue). As you can see, the Classic Rewind channel logo is showing :


Second pic : same theme, Hair Nation logo :


Third pic : this is from the "Settings" app, go to the top selection (in English it's probably "View") so select that and see next pic :


Here, select "Define Theme" (or smething close to that..) :


This next one is the Themes page, where you see my "Jeep 5" is selected and the blue on top there :


And yeah I lied earlier ; it's not 10 themes, but just 7, haha. Here I selected "Jeep 1" just so you could see the color difference (up top) :


Last pic is with "Jeep 4" theme, and look at the Whitesnake album art there instead of the Hair Nation logo :


==================================================

Did you mean that your favorites keep disappearing after you set them, after this update ? If so, it is a big-big problem for sure...
 
#283 ·
Hi Mark_

Happy Thanksgiving (Canada) as I know you are from there. Down here in the USA it's Columbus Day and I was working hence the delay in responding to you. I saw your pics. That's what I have now. I want what I used to have which is this in the pics I am posting. I have had this since Day 1 until this update. Ugh! Also in the last pic you will see the favorite artist. I hit that button and once I go back to the radio it no longer appears whether I have selected the artist/song or not....
 

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#286 ·
Thanks Giving is not that big of a deal up here, compared to what you guys do with it ; the spirit and meaning are there of course, but having it in early October makes it less... festive ? Anyhoots, thanks for the wishes ;)

Ok now I see what you meant. The 2014 radio display is (was) much different than mine.

The favorite thing I get now too (sorry I didn't earlier). My son uses ours, not me, so I'm not that familiar with the feature. One thing I know is when he hits the Favorite artist or song button, he gets a list of what it is (or what they are if more than one), and often he'll choose one, go back to the radio screen and I notice the Fav artist/song thing is gone, and he tells me it's because the song has ended on the other channel. I don't know... Have you verified there are still Favorite songs or artists actively playing on other channels while your notification is blank ? If so, then I'm stumped... Maybe it's a bug, maybe it's working as programmed... as in you only get one look.

Perhaps others with updated 2014 radios can comment on the favorite song/artist thing ?

But as far as the look, you're stuck with the new one. AFAIK, there is no turning back...
 
#285 ·
If you haven't already worked with your Jeep dealership to troubleshoot, I would recommend making an appointment with them. If you have an appointment, we can escalate a case for you to our case handling team. You're welcome to send a private message with your VIN, dealership, and appointment date/time.

Kori
Jeep Social Care Specialist
 
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