Slight Bump. I've had my truck for a little over a week and I'm also trying to deal with the finicky Android Auto experience. Overall, Android Auto is pretty good when it works, and it's worth mentioning that my phone's USB port is not great (regardless of what cable I use).
So far, this is my understanding of Android Auto:
Android Auto is not transmitted by Bluetooth. The Bluetooth only establishes a handshake between the phone and vehicle. I think call and music audio might travel through the BT, but overall, the interface only works through USB or 5Ghz Direct Wi-Fi.
In practice, the Bluetooth is supposed to let the phone and car know they're near, then a password is shared to establish a Wi-Fi data connection. It should all happen automatically and then Android Auto should simply come up on the screen. For most of us, that isn't happening. The Bluetooth is pairing, but it's unable to establish that second data link, so it's just stuck in "connecting" status. The solution is to either plug in the USB or manually initiate a wireless connection. Because the USB isn't a great option for my phone, here's what I have to do EVERY TIME I start my Ram:
-Open up my phone and go to settings.
-Browse: Settings > Connected devices > Android Auto > +Connect a Car > Connect using wireless Android Auto
---(I tried to create a shortcut on my phone's home screen, but I've been unsuccessful)
-From there, The Wi-Fi will connect and Android Auto will usually come up on my screen.
-If it doesn't, I'll push and hold the Voice Command button on my steering wheel and that does the trick.
-Android Auto will continue to work with no major issues for the rest of the trip.
I do have one other problem with Android Auto: Music will drop out.
I'll still have sound from my Nav and Android Auto will still work in every other way, but the music will be muted despite it clearly advancing through the song.
I think it has something to do with voice commands or google speech. I've found that I can sometimes go to my phone's keyboard and the google voice will be actively listening, which mutes the audio. I've found a quicker solution is to simply press the radio's power button off and back on really quick and everything will return back to normal.
For both problems, the quirk seems to be on the Phone's side. I'm not sure if it would act differently if I got a newer phone, but Android Auto is definitely buggy.