From 5" to 7" UConnect

[aljrod]

I don't think I'm the only one that has upgraded their UConnect unit from 5" to 7".

There is a current Jeep TSB for the flickery display uconnect unit (it includes other issues as well).

Unfortunately, feels like I'm being screwed over by the dealership, and now uConnect.

I purchased my 2018 JL with a 5" system, I honestly should have just purchased one with a 7", but the dealership didn't have one with a hard top and sting gray at that time. Well, I ended up swapping my system for a 7" one after asking mopar if that was allowed, before I purchased my extended warranty. They said as long as it was an original part then it was no problem. I started seeing the flickering issue on my 7" months after replacing it. I went to the dealership for an oil change and tire rotation and I brought it up to the repair individual that helped me check in for the repair. He said that I broke something and it was not covered under warranty. Well, while I waited for them to be done, I looked up the issue and found the TSB on this site, I showed the individual the TSB, and he said he had no idea what I was showing him and that it meant nothing to him. Because of his lack of knowledge, I called and made an appt for them to have a look, the guy told me it was covered under warranty and they would fix it. I was given a loaner vehicle, the next day I get a call from the service agent, and he says since I was using a third party cable to connect my iPhone, my warranty was voided (same agent from the oil change that told me the TSB meant nothing to him). I told him I had been using an apple charger and switched it to see if it helped with the flickering and it didn't so I switched back (apple cable was still in the Jeep). He calls me back later and says the "diagnostic" is to switch back to the 5" uconnect and that I was paying for the diagnostic and the rental car I was given for that day. Essentially I ended up paying almost $300 for what now it feels like an excuse by the dealership to charge the customers. I called and spoke to the head of the service department and he said "well, the technician took a look and spent an hr on your Jeep and that was his diagnostic so he put time into it. Besides, we know if you replaced something yourself, it will not be covered under warranty so you have to pay" - pretty much said when I took my Jeep in for the uconnect issue, explained I replaced my unit and the flickery issue started happening months later, they knew it wouldn't be covered from the beginning, and I would have to pay for everything myself. He also said there was absolutely no damage found when they looked at the unit, and that they could essentially fix it but chose not to, because the unit had been replaced. Not only that but if something went wrong, they wouldn't be held liable. I spoke to UConnect service, and at first they said they'd be more than happy to reimburse me, but then the agent changed her mind once I explained the whole issue and how the unit had been replaced. She also said the dealership could fix it, but most chose not to, and if they did, most of them charged for the firmware/software fix that would take care of everything.

This is my very first Jeep and I can honestly say I am extremely frustrated because not only is the UConnect unit flickering more than ever, the USB port doesn't sync Apple Play/GPS/Charge my phone and the backup camera is acting up. They didn't care and said any work they would do is out of warranty at this point. I was way better off with just a flickering display. Jeep needs to do better, with their hardware AND customer service. The whole experience felt like they were just trying to squeeze money out of me. Now I wonder if/how much commission service reps make from charging customers.

Has anyone had a similar issue and/or has any suggestions? I'm starting to think I would have been way better off purchasing something other than UConnect.

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[jludave]

Has anyone had a similar issue and/or has any suggestions?

You replaced the radio that came stock in your vehicle, therefore it is no longer covered by warranty. The dealership, unfortunately, has no obligation to do or fix anything for you. If they do, they are 100% in their right to charge you for their service on the new radio.

 

[Trainman]

I think it should be covered under the factory warranty, If you are at the same dealer that changed out the radio this should be a no brainer. If you are at a different dealer then the dealer that did the work (changeout) then the radio that you now have does not match the original vehicles specs and I can see where there could be a problem. All being said, Service Mangers have the ability to over ride any repair and Jeep will cover it, I know I worked for a dealer. It's the same as if you install any factory accessory on your Jeep it is covered under the factory warranty period, not sure if it has to be dealer install, or not. You need to call Jeep main office and speak to a service rep., they should be able to help you, looks like that's your only option at this time. I would have called them when the dealership service started telling you not covered under warranty.

 

[BamaJeepTruck]

How did you come by the 7inch radio? If you bought it from the dealer I think it should be covered. 3rd party is another issue. They seem to be overly assholes at the same time though with charging you for the rental car and diag. Don't ever pay a dime at a dealer you dint pre-approve. In my dealer days we even had to let people go without paying for work they approved over the phone because we couldn't "prove" they approved the work. Sadly the squeaky wheel gets the grease be loud in the service department.

 

[SH556JL]

I would have tried another dealer the second time. Some dealers are better then other when it comes to customer modified cars, even with factory approved parts. Did you buy the radio new through something like All Mopar Parts or other authorized retailer? The radio is fairly plug and play, no modification should be needed to the factory wires.

I should note, I have had the dash all apart on my Jeep and have the 7” from the factory. But don’t see how it wouldn’t be plug and play just to change out from 5” to 7”.

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