Dealer cost to upgrade software?

[dirtwheeler]

TLDR part: Is is normal to pay a dealership $185 to update software on the UConnect system?

More background/details if you care...

I have a 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel with a 12" screen. I had it into the dealership recently for some recall work (tailgate latch inspection/adjustment and ABS software update) and I mentioned that Android Auto frequently disconnects. They said there's a software update they could install for $185 that might fix this. I thought this was odd because the system is supposed to receive OTA software updates and I wanted to research this first. I checked the system and I have "Build Number: FCA-MY23.T27.46-PROD". I searched a little and didn't see any mention of anyone reporting a later version that would be compatible with my truck (other than one person mentioning a European market update, but I'm in the US).

I texted the person I was working with at the dealership to ask for clarification on what exactly they would be upgrading to (which version), but I don't expect a response for a couple days with the holidays.

Have other folks on this forum had to pay a dealership to update their software (i.e., it couldn't be done OTA or DIY)? Is $185 reasonable to pay a dealership to perform this work? Keep in mind I don't know exactly what they would be doing or if it would improve the connectivity issues. Here's what they say they will do...



I assume "radio software level" is the UConnect software. I don't know what else it would be, but if I'm ignorant of some other software related to the radio and not UConnect that can be updated, I'd appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

I'm fine paying the $185 if I need to and it will fix my issue. I just find it odd that it would be $185 to perform a software update that I thought was supposed to happen for free OTA with my wifi connected (I have received other updates in the past). Perhaps there's something I'm not understanding about this, so thought I'd ask.

This is my first post on this forum, but I've been here before to read and learn. For the most part I've been happy with my truck and it's got a lot of use as a daily driver, offroad vehicle, pulling various trailers I own, and going on a lot of big road trips. I have a few complaints that seem to be common for this generation and I've found a lot of information on diagnosing and fixing various issues on the Internet and from other sources. I'll be really happy if I can get this fancy 12" screen to play nice with my phone. I'm also 99% sure I shouldn't blame the phone, because the system frequently disconnects with four phones (and various cables) that I've tested. I own two other vehicles that keep their connections with these phones without issues.

I also mentioned to the dealer (service shop) that the system reports "USB surges" occasionally (even when nothing is connected). I thought this might be related, but they just offered up the software update as a potential solution to try.

Sorry if that's too much info. I did provide a "TLDR" synopsis at the beginning!

 

[DeanM2]

My experience with Jeeps (same company) is that there are many Technical Bulletins that provide "fixes" for problems that are limited in scope and that many Owners don't ever encounter or recognize as a problem. These Bulletins provide a description of the problem and the solution, which may include a software update that is not part of the standard software releases. I installed a couple of these on my Jeep and, yes, I had to pay the Dealer to install them.

The Dealer should be able to provide you with the identification number of the Bulletin, and with this you can find it on-line and read it. If it sounds promising, then you can have the Dealer do it. I would not pay the Dealer to do it unless I had already read the Bulletin and thought it was useful for my problem.

 

[dirtwheeler]

My experience with Jeeps (same company) is that there are many Technical Bulletins that provide "fixes" for problems that are limited in scope and that many Owners don't ever encounter or recognize as a problem. These Bulletins provide a description of the problem and the solution, which may include a software update that is not part of the standard software releases. I installed a couple of these on my Jeep and, yes, I had to pay the Dealer to install them.

The Dealer should be able to provide you with the identification number of the Bulletin, and with this you can find it on-line and read it. If it sounds promising, then you can have the Dealer do it. I would not pay the Dealer to do it unless I had already read the Bulletin and thought it was useful for my problem.

Thanks. That seems like good advice. I'll wait to see how they respond to my other questions, then ask about this.

Side note - I have a Jeep too, but WAY out of warranty ('97 Wrangler). There's some pretty unique TSBs for this Jeep. My favorite one so far is TSB 18-08-00 “Erroneous MIL illumination with DTC P0107 – MAP SENSOR VOLTAGE TOO LOW. This may occur during downhill decelerations at altitude or when performing off-road maneuvers when the engine is operating over 1500 rpm".

 

[n8zcc]

TLDR part: Is is normal to pay a dealership $185 to update software on the UConnect system?

I have a 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel with a 12" screen. I had it into the dealership recently for some recall work (tailgate latch inspection/adjustment and ABS software update) and I mentioned that Android Auto frequently disconnects. They said there's a software update they could install for $185 that might fix this.

NO!
I have a 2022 with the 12" Uconnect 5 system. As far as I know, the system automatically updates itself over the air. You can also set up WIFI and have the system update that way. My 2022 connects to my home's WIFI and updates this way; I've also had updates come over the air on long trips. You can not force an update; it will happen when it feels like it, as strange as that sounds.

I think your issue is why your Uconnect system isn't automatically updating. BTW, I did have Android Auto disconnects better than a year ago, but since then, updates have come, and the disconnect issue has been resolved. In fact, the Uncoonect system is working so well and is rock solid stable it scares me.

 

[23RAM]

I have a 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel with a 12" screen. I checked the system and I have "Build Number: FCA-MY23.T27.46-PROD".

Dealers may charge to do an update that is not part of a recall. But since you have the latest version installed already, you'd be paying for them to do the same update again - waste of money.

If you're having problems with disconnects, try deleting your driver profile and creating a new one. You'll have to configure your settings again but that tends to fix some errors.

 

[LRRP71]

"You can also set up WIFI and have the system update that way."

So I am able to change the WiFi to my Verizon home system. I would go into apps-WiFi- Uncheck the box and change to my Verizon WiFi, and put the password in. Then check the box and that would be that? I pick up my WiFi on my phone a block away. So I am sur with my truck parked in my driveway . I should have no problems connecting.

 

[Infotainment]

Updates to Uconnect radios are free, the dealership is charging you for their time and the estimated time to install as if they are preforming labor while the update installs. Go into dealer mode on your radio by holding the Driver Side Temp Up and Temp Down and Front Defrost buttons down at the same time for 7-10 seconds (location of buttons may vary across vehicles). The ‘Dealer Mode’ screen should appear. From there, you need to find your Application Version, in the middle of this number is the version your radio is on currently. 40.1 is the latest version for Uconnect 4 radios.

Example: USA-ASO-8.4-QR-34.5.2-20200113-Q0C4
In this example the version is "34.5.2"

You should just update your radio yourself via over the air or download the update to an USB and install that way.

 

[j_mims88]

@Infotainment uconnect is saying mine is outdated, and it will not update over the air because their explanation is it missed an update and will not update, my current version is 20.04.19 and needs to be updated to the 40.1. Dealer also is not much help. Can you provide assistance or advice or tell me how to get the needed download files, uconnects website says it is up to date and wont let me see any software downloads

 

[John Jensen]

You can't go directly from 20.04.19 to the 40.1. I had the same problem and had to upgrade to 34.2 and then to 40.1.

 

[Dave_Infotainment]

@Infotainment uconnect is saying mine is outdated, and it will not update over the air because their explanation is it missed an update and will not update, my current version is 20.04.19 and needs to be updated to the 40.1. Dealer also is not much help. Can you provide assistance or advice or tell me how to get the needed download files, uconnects website says it is up to date and wont let me see any software downloads

Hi j_mims88 and all who would like to read this information.

I compile the Uconnect Updates for the Uconnect systems that we repair and sell at Infotainment.com.
Just to kind of explain how the software versions are named or how the vernacular is used to describe the versions.

Uconnect 3 Harman systems, such as the VP2/VP3/VP4 (RA2/RA3/RA4 for US Market) Will literally call it software version in the system information.

Uconnect 4 Panasonic systems, such as the UAQ/UAS/UAV/UAX (International markets will have a difference center letter) will display copyright information for Panasonic in the system information. To find the actual software version, it's to be found in the "Dealer Mode" which can be accessed by holding down the bottom corners of the touch screen for 10 seconds, or by holding down the hard buttons on the climate controls "TEMP UP/TEMP DOWN/FRONT DEFROST" at the same time for 10 seconds. Then select "Radio Part Information" and then "System Information". This menu will also state a software version, but that is to be ignored. What is to be looked at is the "Application Version" which will look something like USA-ASO-8.4-QR-40.1.0-20220821-Q0J0
In this example the version is "40.1". Each of those radios have their own version of the software updates, even though they have the same application version labels.

Uconnect 4 Delphi UAG 7" and UAM 8.4" Use the same method to find the software version, as the Uconnect 4 Panasonic systems, "Dealer Mode" then "Radio Part Information" and then System Information. The software version is simple format, FW/SW 18.32.48 is an example.

Uconnect 5 HIGH Harman systems, such as the UBL/UBQ/UBN will not require a dealer mode access, just like the Uconnect 3 Harman systems, simply go to settings and system information. However, you'll be looking at the option that says "Build Version" and it can be similarly lengthy to the Panasonic version, such as UCONNECT_R1HIGH_S23.13_MY22_DT,RU,WL,VF which is called the "23.13"

When updating any of these radio systems, there are some instances where certain vehicle models require a specific update. For Example, the first UAQ version was 21.9, and all vehicles EXCEPT the Wrangler JL used it. The Wrangler JL used a 21.10, and if the wrong update was installed, the Wrangler would lose Back-up Camera functionality, and then the radio would refuse to take the 21.10 because the part number effectively changed inside the radio due to the wrong update. So updating is a very careful process, do not download random updates online and just install them. There is a pathway to prevent problems. Also, shout out to @John Jensen for pointing out that these radios need to be updated in steps. The radio will refuse to take an update too high from what it currently is on.

I created a knowledge base article on our website for updating the UAQ models specifically, but I'm still in the progress of creating ones for the remaining Uconnect systems. I have the software updates, I just haven't built the articles.

https://infotainment.zohodesk.com/portal/en/kb/articles/uaq-software-updates

@j_mims88 can you DM me your VIN, and send me what it says in the "Dealer Mode" for the application version. I can provide you all the updates to get fully updated. If you have the UAQ model, feel free to follow the article I linked above.

 

[Dave_Infotainment]

TLDR part: Is is normal to pay a dealership $185 to update software on the UConnect system?

More background/details if you care...

I have a 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel with a 12" screen. I had it into the dealership recently for some recall work (tailgate latch inspection/adjustment and ABS software update) and I mentioned that Android Auto frequently disconnects. They said there's a software update they could install for $185 that might fix this. I thought this was odd because the system is supposed to receive OTA software updates and I wanted to research this first. I checked the system and I have "Build Number: FCA-MY23.T27.46-PROD". I searched a little and didn't see any mention of anyone reporting a later version that would be compatible with my truck (other than one person mentioning a European market update, but I'm in the US).

I texted the person I was working with at the dealership to ask for clarification on what exactly they would be upgrading to (which version), but I don't expect a response for a couple days with the holidays.

Have other folks on this forum had to pay a dealership to update their software (i.e., it couldn't be done OTA or DIY)? Is $185 reasonable to pay a dealership to perform this work? Keep in mind I don't know exactly what they would be doing or if it would improve the connectivity issues. Here's what they say they will do...

View attachment 194450

I assume "radio software level" is the UConnect software. I don't know what else it would be, but if I'm ignorant of some other software related to the radio and not UConnect that can be updated, I'd appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

I'm fine paying the $185 if I need to and it will fix my issue. I just find it odd that it would be $185 to perform a software update that I thought was supposed to happen for free OTA with my wifi connected (I have received other updates in the past). Perhaps there's something I'm not understanding about this, so thought I'd ask.

This is my first post on this forum, but I've been here before to read and learn. For the most part I've been happy with my truck and it's got a lot of use as a daily driver, offroad vehicle, pulling various trailers I own, and going on a lot of big road trips. I have a few complaints that seem to be common for this generation and I've found a lot of information on diagnosing and fixing various issues on the Internet and from other sources. I'll be really happy if I can get this fancy 12" screen to play nice with my phone. I'm also 99% sure I shouldn't blame the phone, because the system frequently disconnects with four phones (and various cables) that I've tested. I own two other vehicles that keep their connections with these phones without issues.

I also mentioned to the dealer (service shop) that the system reports "USB surges" occasionally (even when nothing is connected). I thought this might be related, but they just offered up the software update as a potential solution to try.

Sorry if that's too much info. I did provide a "TLDR" synopsis at the beginning!

Can you DM me your VIN? I should be able to send you download links to update the software. The updates have a lot of bug fixes, but you're experiencing an odd issue. I would think the updates would fix the issue, but if it doesn't, then the radio module might be having a Wifi failure. When connecting to CarPlay or Android Auto, the radio pairs via bluetooth, but it switches to a Wifi signal for a better connection (This even applies to vehicles that we've upgraded to this radio model and those vehicles do not even have the Telematics Module for internet connection) So the Wifi connection doesn't need an internet connection to keep the phone paired to the radio unit. One of the updates you'll need to do will be 19+GB, which might be the reason why the dealership is looking to charge, since it has a built in Mapping package, hilariously called a Nav Payload, which at 16GB is safe to call a payload rather than a package.