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8.4 radio replacement

rotwiler

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My 2021 8.4 radio(base audio) has had a odd kind of static in certain freq, i bypassed ANC, updated firmware to latest, replaced all speakers, removed fuse for radio under dash. Nothing helped, some songs sound OK, then ones with higher vocals sound kind of static sounding. Added a jbl dsp amp, still hear it. All inputs sound like that, sometimes worse than others, xm, usb, even tried flac, AA. Now thinking Radio must have issue. If I replace, do I have to get a 2021 Radio? I know I will need a unlock code, anything else? The 2021 radio uses different firmware than 2019-2020. I want to retain everything like trailer steering, trailer tpms in settings. Or should I go for a uconnect 5. Radio now is fine for me, just hate the static sound, could switch over my screen if needed since mine is in perfect condition. Any help appreciated. Going on trip in 2 months and really want to get rid of this bad sound. Weird thing, most rap sounds sound good, but songs with good vocals sound crappy.
 
My 2021 8.4 radio(base audio) has had a odd kind of static in certain freq, i bypassed ANC, updated firmware to latest, replaced all speakers, removed fuse for radio under dash. Nothing helped, some songs sound OK, then ones with higher vocals sound kind of static sounding. Added a jbl dsp amp, still hear it. All inputs sound like that, sometimes worse than others, xm, usb, even tried flac, AA. Now thinking Radio must have issue. If I replace, do I have to get a 2021 Radio? I know I will need a unlock code, anything else? The 2021 radio uses different firmware than 2019-2020. I want to retain everything like trailer steering, trailer tpms in settings. Or should I go for a uconnect 5. Radio now is fine for me, just hate the static sound, could switch over my screen if needed since mine is in perfect condition. Any help appreciated. Going on trip in 2 months and really want to get rid of this bad sound. Weird thing, most rap sounds sound good, but songs with good vocals sound crappy.
The best thing to do is to get the same part number radio. Once you pull the unit out, there will be a sticker on the radio which will have the part number. Getting the same part number will allow for the features your vehicle has to work on the new radio unit.
You can also send your radio to use for repair service. We will repair the sound issue if it is replicated on our bench.
 
how do I remove the U-Connect screen assembly- looking for bad or disconnected line out to power amp

This is on the 8.4 display. The 12 inch is little different.
Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
Remove the upper center bezel tray liner, remove the two screws.
Firmly grasp the sides of the instrument panel center bezel by hand, disengage the retainer clips that secure the instrument panel center bezel to the instrument panel, you have to pull pretty hard straight out.
Disconnect the wire harness connectors.
Remove the screws holding the DSM in place.

But...
The screen does not feed the amp. It communicates with the radio via CAN-IHS bus.
"The radio receives touchscreen signals via the LVDS wire harness that connects directly between the radio and DSM. The DSM communicates via a hardwired backchannel protocol with the radio over the LVDS wire harness"

What symptom do you have?
edit: also consider subscribing to AllDataDIY for specific information on your MY truck.
Do It Yourself Automotive Repair Information | ALLDATA DIY
 
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