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New 2019 Laramie owner with radio reception problems HELP

stoner74

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Well I got a new antanee today working so far but time will tell
 

stoner74

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well antenna didn't fix the problem, guess they'll get to try again
 

DaveP

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I just picked up my new Ram on Tuesday. I’m having this same issue with my radio. The channels fade in and out and makes it hard to listen to the stereo. Please keep us informed if anyone gets this problem resolved. Thanks.
 

Maineiac

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There is a software update available. My dealer applied it yesterday and so far the problem hasn’t come back. The update isn’t listed on the UConnect website but your dealer can see it when they check your VIN.
 

giardibe

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I have the same problem with my 2019 Laramie crew cab with the stock radio without navigation. When I start the vehicle, literally 50% of the time, the FM channel will fade in and out as I drive. If I scan thought the stations, it will only find around 4 to 5 channels. As soon as I switch to the AM station and then back to FM station, it instantly fixes the problem and finds several channnels again. In some cases after doing this fix, the surround sound mode sounds like stereo mode until I go into the audio settings, and notice surround sound mode is already selected. When I click the surround sound mode button again regardless, it instantly sounds correctly. I have it at the dealer right now, but they claim there is not a fix for this and Ram is not even aware of this issue. Yet when the dealer tried it on another brand new Ram on the lot, it did the same exact thing. The dealer checked and the radio software is up to date. Clearly this is a problem and needs to be resolved quickly before I start questioning the overall build quality of Rams.
 

giardibe

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There is a software update available. My dealer applied it yesterday and so far the problem hasn’t come back. The update isn’t listed on the UConnect website but your dealer can see it when they check your VIN.
Any idea if this service bulletin is the update they did to fix your truck? TSB# 08-091-18 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/lvko1eeesqajou5/Radio and Back-up Camera Enhancements.pdf?dl=0)
They didn't do this update last time I brought it into my dealer for my radio reception issue because they said it wasn't the issue described, but I initially noticing the issue when the radio would fluctuate in volume while listening to an FM station. That is one of the items in the list "AM/FM volume fluctuates". Probably worth a shot doing the update in my opinion. I just don't understand why the updates are not released to everyone that has that radio (like on the U-connect website), instead of a service bulletin update that only the dealers can see.
 

Maineiac

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Any idea if this service bulletin is the update they did to fix your truck? TSB# 08-091-18 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/lvko1eeesqajou5/Radio and Back-up Camera Enhancements.pdf?dl=0)
They didn't do this update last time I brought it into my dealer for my radio reception issue because they said it wasn't the issue described, but I initially noticing the issue when the radio would fluctuate in volume while listening to an FM station. That is one of the items in the list "AM/FM volume fluctuates". Probably worth a shot doing the update in my opinion. I just don't understand why the updates are not released to everyone that has that radio (like on the U-connect website), instead of a service bulletin update that only the dealers can see.

Sorry, I don’t know. I just went there and said I was having issues and asked if they could check for updates.

Mine is the non-nav 8.4 so it has no cellular to download OTA updates but you’d think they could still post it on the website so owners would know...
 

giardibe

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Any idea if this service bulletin is the update they did to fix your truck? TSB# 08-091-18 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/lvko1eeesqajou5/Radio and Back-up Camera Enhancements.pdf?dl=0)
They didn't do this update last time I brought it into my dealer for my radio reception issue because they said it wasn't the issue described, but I initially noticing the issue when the radio would fluctuate in volume while listening to an FM station. That is one of the items in the list "AM/FM volume fluctuates". Probably worth a shot doing the update in my opinion. I just don't understand why the updates are not released to everyone that has that radio (like on the U-connect website), instead of a service bulletin update that only the dealers can see.
Just a follow up after showing the dealer this service bulletin TSB# 08-091-18 and having them do the update. So far it has been over a week since having the service bulletin update done and have not had the reception issue occur since. Other than this reception issue being fixed for me, there are no noticeable differences that I can see with the way the system operates. I will update my post if the reception issue reoccurs.
 

Longhorn5G

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Sounds like an update issue to me, but food for thought:

I have had a few cars, including the BMW in my sig, have reception issues in the past. What is usually came down to was the antenna power. The antenna in the BMW, which runs on an Alpine OEM system coincidentally, is powered. Has like some amp for it to boost reception.

Pardon my terms, im not an expert, just recalling what i can about it.

But it was either loosely connected (power module and the actual antenna) and needed to be secured better, or the module was fried and it needed power, period.

But I dont know if these units use amplified antenna, i am assuming so. I didnt hear anyone speculate this in the thread, so I thought id throw it out there.

If theres a diagram somewhere of the wiring set up for the system, its wirth a look to see.

But it sounds a LOT like the BMWs symptoms. And it too was an Alpine.
 

stoner74

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Well I finally got mine back to dealer to update the computer/radio yesterday and so far so good 24 hrs later. Keep you updated
 

stoner74

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Well it’s been almost a week and mines still doing good no problems looks like software update might have fixed it.
 

AnthroMoto

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I thought I was going crazy. I just bought my truck two days ago and the radio does exactly what is described here! The truck had been on the lot since September, so if there was any update, I am sure it has not been done yet. I have an appointment tomorrow to have them look at the radio. Not too happy!
 

AnthroMoto

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Update: Went to the dealer today with the Service Bulletin in hand. They tried to tell me I just didn't know how to use the system. They then looked at the Service Bulletin and realized I was right. They updated the software and it did indeed fix the problem! So in summary, ALL 2019 New Style Ram 1500's with the 8.4 Non-NAV radio manufactured before November 1, 2018 have a software glitch and must be updated. The 8.4 NAV and 12 NAV units do not have the software issue.

On a side note: The uConnect website lists the 8.4 non-NAV unit as being HD Radio, but it is not. This does not please me as the HD radio was a desired feature for me. I wonder if that to is a software upgrade that can be done?
 

Lkduck

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I haven't complained to a dealer setvice yet but my 2019's radio often fades in and out. I suspect it is an antenna problem or a poor connection. It is such a hassle to take it to a dealer service but I guess I must.
I like the truck a lot but this is annoying.
 

AnthroMoto

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I haven't complained to a dealer setvice yet but my 2019's radio often fades in and out. I suspect it is an antenna problem or a poor connection. It is such a hassle to take it to a dealer service but I guess I must.
I like the truck a lot but this is annoying.

If the truck was manufactured prior to November 1st, 2018, there is a software glitch in the 8.4 non-Nav uConnect unit. All it needs is a software flash update at the dealership. The fading in and out is one of the key symptoms.
 

Tempu

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Hello ScooterB,

I am terribly sorry to hear you're having such a tough time with your new Ram. Are you planning on making your dealer aware? Send me a direct message if you'd like to discuss your thoughts and next best steps.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist
Same to me 2019 Ram bighorn
 

Degarcia0811

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Just bought my 2019 Laramie 1/1/19 and having the same issues with the radio! Has anyone found a way to fix it? It is soooo frustrating!
 

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