Nav vs non nav 8.4 uconnect

[Rayzram]

So to be clear here, a guy wont even have the option to purchase a 4C with nav unit and install that in place of the 4C non nav unit? I know it would be pricey but if its something that could be done, to get some of the features I am missing I may spring for it.

 

[VaderRebel]

So to be clear here, a guy wont even have the option to purchase a 4C with nav unit and install that in place of the 4C non nav unit? I know it would be pricey but if its something that could be done, to get some of the features I am missing I may spring for it.

That's a question for @BobbiBigWheels or any other dealers scanning the forums.

Throw enough money at something and anything can be done... isn't that the American way?

 

[ksn240]

So to be clear here, a guy wont even have the option to purchase a 4C with nav unit and install that in place of the 4C non nav unit? I know it would be pricey but if its something that could be done, to get some of the features I am missing I may spring for it.

If it is not possible now, it will only be a matter of time. There are sites out there that buy and sell the different units for the 4th gens/other Chrysler vehicles. It's only a matter of time until they are available for the 5th gen as well.

 

[Lights_out]

In addition to the differences mentioned already, the non-nav Uconnect 4 also does not have HD Radio, or the ability to change the theme (background design etc), you are stuck with the just OK looking brushed aluminum dark grey look.

 

[Twentyways]

So here's my question since the non nav and nav can't be unlocked. If you change the brain behind your non nav screen to the GPS nav brain silver box will the non nav screen work? I'm hearing people say they look different but to me they look the same. I've seen the GPS brain for sale. Your all saying the nav option is two separate parts a Screen and a brain right? Last does anyone have the part number for the nav /GPS brain if that's all you have to switch?

 

[19RamLimited]

You can upgrade to a 4c nav. You just can’t use a 4c nav form a 19. You have to use a 2018 UAQ the only issue you will have is the telematics will not work. You can maybe install the lte antenna. They are in the dash.

The only thing I’m not 100% sure about is the camera. The 19 uses a coax cable for the camera and not traditional twisted pair wire. I would need to verify what the non nav uses. Coax or wire. If wire then direct to a UAQ you go. If not you would need the new screen new control panel. And the separate brain. But there may be another challenge with that because the front panel 8 pin connector may need to have the pins moved . They use same connector diffeeent locations of wires.

 

[AnthroMoto]

The Nav unit has GPS and LTE connectivity. This is required for remote functions and HD radio. The head unit prior to 2018 could be updated with a fee from the dealer to change the sales code and update the software to enable connectivity. It seems for 2019 there are two seperate units and the lesser cannot be upgraded due to hardware limitations, not software. That is my understanding of the changes for 2019's 8.4 head units. @Jared B could confirm, or maybe @BobbiBigWheels ?

HD Radio has nothing to do with GPS and LTE. Why would the HD Radio need GPS and LTE connectivity? I ask because perhaps you know something more about the system, such as the HD digital signal decoding is done in the separate NAV unit that houses the GPS and LTE circuitry, but i have no idea why the engineers would do somethign ludicrous as that. Interesting fact: all manuals including details on the uConnect website state that the 8.4 non-Nav unit comes with HD radio. However, there is no HD radio functionality.

HD radio is all in the decoding of the signal. Since all radios these days are digital processors, it would seem that the reason the 8.4 non-Nav radios are not HD Radio capable is because FCA did not want to pay the licensing fees to iBiquity, the patent holders of HD Radio. This is just an educated guess.

 

[smiles5619]

I've search high and low on this issue. I have a 2019 Ram 8.4 w/o navigation. If I were to buy the 8.4c screen, will it be plug and play with all features? Or will I need to buy the 8.4c screen as well as the module that goes behind the screen?

 

[Lil Miss Always Wrong]

Honestly, my mind is STILL completely blown that the above stated facts are not obvious UNTIL the ink is dry on your contract and you go hunting around in the settings ONLY to find NAV and a black glossy finish are (by far) NOT the only things you gave up when you decided Non nav would do fine...

i am an owner of approx 15 RAMS in past 20 years) and with ALL of my research done PRIOR to purchasing my 2019, was absolutely 100% "astounded" when i found out (after the fact) that Sirius and Guardian had split into TWO entities and if your radio did NOT have an SOS button on the rear view mirror, you will NEVER n-e-v-e-r EVER have it.

This is a HUGE deal (but i'm in denial since i refuse to let THAT be the one drawback to my otherwise flawless & beautiful Black Beauty : ) but make NO MISTAKE, they 'crippled" that radio and never let on you were getting a watered down, barely capable system.

Even all the reviewers & salesman are NOT properly schooled, they are like, "with car Play & Android Auto, you don't need Nav... Um, yeah, ya do, IF you want to use your phone for unlocking, starting, hot spot, or theming, just to name a few....

What I would have done IF i were a MFG making such a huge change to insure my previous customers KNEW about such a significant downgrade is to have a DEMO mode message appear that said, "NOTE: Previous Uconnect Customers, be aware, a system with NO NAV will NOT offer ANY remote features....AND YOU CANNOT UPGRADE THIS SYSTEM EVER!!! Press I ACCEPT to continue".....

i know that's a "pipe dream" for them to be so candid," but had they, then i would have said, "whaaaaaa?! And instantly asked the RIGHT questions and subsequently bought the RIGHT radio, not this watered down, pathetic excuse for a Uconnect system... Even the name is a joke... You can't "connect" to ANYTHING.... ugh!

I mean, i don't think i'm way off base here....as consumers, we FREQUENTLY purchase appliances or audio equipment, phones etc, and IF u get home and find you bought a model that is missing features you truly want, you can pack it up, return it and pay more and get the RIGHT model...IF they were going to make SUCH a significant change and not ADVERTISE what a downgrade it truly was, at the very least they SHOULD have made an updated model be completely available should you want to fork out the money once you realize you have to have it.... Its the American way : )

This ball was dropped, wait, not dropped, this ball was punctured, obliterated, destroyed, and no way to continue playing UNLESS u get a $40,000+ NEW ball... REALLY?!

And yes, some say an upgrade will be available at some point, but honestly, you won't catch me going that route, i'm not gonna trade one set of regrets for another set of woes and pay MORE for the privelige....

Sorry for the rant, but its like "Slowly I Turn" every time i hear the words "Uconnect No Nav"...lol

 

[79 300]

Honestly, my mind is STILL completely blown that the above stated facts are not obvious UNTIL the ink is dry on your contract and you go hunting around in the settings ONLY to find NAV and a black glossy finish are (by far) NOT the only things you gave up when you decided Non nav would do fine...

i am an owner of approx 15 RAMS in past 20 years) and with ALL of my research done PRIOR to purchasing my 2019, was absolutely 100% "astounded" when i found out (after the fact) that Sirius and Guardian had split into TWO entities and if your radio did NOT have an SOS button on the rear view mirror, you will NEVER n-e-v-e-r EVER have it.

This is a HUGE deal (but i'm in denial since i refuse to let THAT be the one drawback to my otherwise flawless & beautiful Black Beauty : ) but make NO MISTAKE, they 'crippled" that radio and never let on you were getting a watered down, barely capable system.

Even all the reviewers & salesman are NOT properly schooled, they are like, "with car Play & Android Auto, you don't need Nav... Um, yeah, ya do, IF you want to use your phone for unlocking, starting, hot spot, or theming, just to name a few....

What I would have done IF i were a MFG making such a huge change to insure my previous customers KNEW about such a significant downgrade is to have a DEMO mode message appear that said, "NOTE: Previous Uconnect Customers, be aware, a system with NO NAV will NOT offer ANY remote features....AND YOU CANNOT UPGRADE THIS SYSTEM EVER!!! Press I ACCEPT to continue".....

i know that's a "pipe dream" for them to be so candid," but had they, then i would have said, "whaaaaaa?! And instantly asked the RIGHT questions and subsequently bought the RIGHT radio, not this watered down, pathetic excuse for a Uconnect system... Even the name is a joke... You can't "connect" to ANYTHING.... ugh!

I mean, i don't think i'm way off base here....as consumers, we FREQUENTLY purchase appliances or audio equipment, phones etc, and IF u get home and find you bought a model that is missing features you truly want, you can pack it up, return it and pay more and get the RIGHT model...IF they were going to make SUCH a significant change and not ADVERTISE what a downgrade it truly was, at the very least they SHOULD have made an updated model be completely available should you want to fork out the money once you realize you have to have it.... Its the American way : )

This ball was dropped, wait, not dropped, this ball was punctured, obliterated, destroyed, and no way to continue playing UNLESS u get a $40,000+ NEW ball... REALLY?!

And yes, some say an upgrade will be available at some point, but honestly, you won't catch me going that route, i'm not gonna trade one set of regrets for another set of woes and pay MORE for the privelige....

Sorry for the rant, but its like "Slowly I Turn" every time i hear the words "Uconnect No Nav"...lol

Three Stooges right??? Niagara Falls......

 

[smiles5619]

Honestly, my mind is STILL completely blown that the above stated facts are not obvious UNTIL the ink is dry on your contract and you go hunting around in the settings ONLY to find NAV and a black glossy finish are (by far) NOT the only things you gave up when you decided Non nav would do fine...

i am an owner of approx 15 RAMS in past 20 years) and with ALL of my research done PRIOR to purchasing my 2019, was absolutely 100% "astounded" when i found out (after the fact) that Sirius and Guardian had split into TWO entities and if your radio did NOT have an SOS button on the rear view mirror, you will NEVER n-e-v-e-r EVER have it.

This is a HUGE deal (but i'm in denial since i refuse to let THAT be the one drawback to my otherwise flawless & beautiful Black Beauty : ) but make NO MISTAKE, they 'crippled" that radio and never let on you were getting a watered down, barely capable system.

Even all the reviewers & salesman are NOT properly schooled, they are like, "with car Play & Android Auto, you don't need Nav... Um, yeah, ya do, IF you want to use your phone for unlocking, starting, hot spot, or theming, just to name a few....

What I would have done IF i were a MFG making such a huge change to insure my previous customers KNEW about such a significant downgrade is to have a DEMO mode message appear that said, "NOTE: Previous Uconnect Customers, be aware, a system with NO NAV will NOT offer ANY remote features....AND YOU CANNOT UPGRADE THIS SYSTEM EVER!!! Press I ACCEPT to continue".....

i know that's a "pipe dream" for them to be so candid," but had they, then i would have said, "whaaaaaa?! And instantly asked the RIGHT questions and subsequently bought the RIGHT radio, not this watered down, pathetic excuse for a Uconnect system... Even the name is a joke... You can't "connect" to ANYTHING.... ugh!

I mean, i don't think i'm way off base here....as consumers, we FREQUENTLY purchase appliances or audio equipment, phones etc, and IF u get home and find you bought a model that is missing features you truly want, you can pack it up, return it and pay more and get the RIGHT model...IF they were going to make SUCH a significant change and not ADVERTISE what a downgrade it truly was, at the very least they SHOULD have made an updated model be completely available should you want to fork out the money once you realize you have to have it.... Its the American way : )

This ball was dropped, wait, not dropped, this ball was punctured, obliterated, destroyed, and no way to continue playing UNLESS u get a $40,000+ NEW ball... REALLY?!

And yes, some say an upgrade will be available at some point, but honestly, you won't catch me going that route, i'm not gonna trade one set of regrets for another set of woes and pay MORE for the privelige....

Sorry for the rant, but its like "Slowly I Turn" every time i hear the words "Uconnect No Nav"...lol

I hear ya. However I have been a Ram owner since the Uconnect was created. I didn't have Navigation prior to either but if I wanted it, all I had to do is purchase it and then download it to the system. I presumed there was no difference in options between the 2019 systems and if you wanted to down the road, get the navigation. My issue is all the other options that come with the PANASONIC system. I could car less about the Navigation since I have Android Auto. I want the other features that didn't come with the 8.4. You are right, they need to do a better job of informing customers, especially ones who trade in their older Rams as I did. Another big change is the tires are 6 bolt. That again wasn't told to me and I now have speciality rims I can't use.

 

[Lil Miss Always Wrong]

Three Stooges right??? Niagara Falls......

yes!!

 

[2wd]

This really should be spelled out better on the window stickers. I actually didn't want the Nav version thinking they were the same Uconnects except for NAV functionality only. Had planned to just use smartphone and wanted to save the $800 or so the Nav unit costs.

Ended up getting the best deal on one with Nav. Never even drove one with the regular 8.4, so had no idea of these huge differences, and almost went to a dealer 100 miles away on a deal on one without Nav (just shopping by price and window sticker comparison).

The window sticker on trucks with Nav should include bullet points of the 3-4 additional radio/phone/Sirius features that it has over non Nav units and it would save people a lot of trouble.

 

[Lil Miss Always Wrong]

....

The window sticker on trucks with Nav should include bullet points of the 3-4 additional radio/phone/Sirius features that it has over non Nav units and it would save people a lot of trouble.

Agreed! And it ought to be in BIG RED LETTERS for dummies like me who "skim" cuz even if it WERE on there i'd of prolly missed that too : (

 

[slimchance]

we have 2 Rams .. one has nav and one does not have nav ... on a day to day basis, i don't even notice when driving the trk without the nav ... to me, just more high tech junk that i do not need

 

[Rick8325]

It did't bother me about not having the remote features as I didn't use them or NAV in my other Ram but what really pissed me off is that I don't have HD radio! It's 2019 and should be STANDARD! I find myself listening way more to my free year of sat radio now.

 

[RedRocketZ28]

I knew going in the my 8.4 without NAV was giving up some awesome features. However, it wasn't a deal breaker for me at all. Would it be nice to start the truck from my phone? Yes, but I can also walk to the window at work and use the key fob. At home the truck sits in a heated garage and in the summer I really couldn't care less about remote start anyway.

I had an Apple CarPlay radio in my 2003 Suburban 2500 that worked flawlessly and CarPlay was the only thing I really cared about on the Ram. With that being said, I have had some issues with CarPlay and am waiting to get it updated on the truck.

Also, I prefer the matte finish over the glossy.

Rick, I wish it did have HD Radio as well. Honestly though, I haven't even listened to an actual radio station since owing my truck for a month. I have used Sirius or my phone to stream music/podcasts. As of now, I don't miss the local radio stations at all.

 

[Rick8325]

I knew going in the my 8.4 without NAV was giving up some awesome features. However, it wasn't a deal breaker for me at all. Would it be nice to start the truck from my phone? Yes, but I can also walk to the window at work and use the key fob. At home the truck sits in a heated garage and in the summer I really couldn't care less about remote start anyway.

I had an Apple CarPlay radio in my 2003 Suburban 2500 that worked flawlessly and CarPlay was the only thing I really cared about on the Ram. With that being said, I have had some issues with CarPlay and am waiting to get it updated on the truck.

Also, I prefer the matte finish over the glossy.

Rick, I wish it did have HD Radio as well. Honestly though, I haven't even listened to an actual radio station since owing my truck for a month. I have used Sirius or my phone to stream music/podcasts. As of now, I don't miss the local radio stations at all.

I'm having an issue with CarPlay as well. USB ports charge but won't recognize phone or any usb thumb drives. Going to dealer next week. I think some of these trucks (and other 2018-19 Chrysler vehicles) have bad USB media hubs.

 

[troutspinner]

I’m not knocking anyone, I just have a difficult time understanding consumers. When I decided to trade up from my 14 Ram, I knew the new one I was going to buy had differences, especially since it was redesigned so a little homework before I spent $40-$50k (real money, not MSRP) was in order......and this is the part I have a difficult time understanding.

People research EVERYTHING! Little things like grills, phones, computers, vacuums and the list goes on and on but they don’t research what is probably the 2nd or 3rd biggest purchase in their life? How can you assume? How can you blindly sign a check or contract for $40-60k not knowing what you were buying? Once again, I’m not trying to knock you, I just honestly don’t understand and we see the posts here daily that reminds me of my confusion because people are confused by what they purchased.

 

[ksn240]

I’m not knocking anyone, I just have a difficult time understanding consumers. When I decided to trade up from my 14 Ram, I knew the new one I was going to buy had differences, especially since it was redesigned so a little homework before I spent $40-$50k (real money, not MSRP) was in order......and this is the part I have a difficult time understanding.

People research EVERYTHING! Little things like grills, phones, computers, vacuums and the list goes on and on but they don’t research what is probably the 2nd or 3rd biggest purchase in their life? How can you assume? How can you blindly sign a check or contract for $40-60k not knowing what you were buying? Once again, I’m not trying to knock you, I just honestly don’t understand and we see the posts here daily that reminds me of my confusion because people are confused by what they purchased.

100% agree with you. However, there was a lot of misinformation out there, especially if you bought early. The dealer I bought from said you could upgrade nav, there was media out at the time that said you could add nav after the fact. That's also part of the risk of buying early I guess. I have the non nav radio and that is the on the only thing on my truck not what I was expecting as far as upgrade ability. I'm not that upset by it. It was mainly for the wifi hotspot for the kids but I just turn it on my phone. 100% agree due diligence needs to be made prior to such a large purchase.