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Here's how you update your 8.4 to the latest version without bricking it

AnebuR

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Note: A newer version of the software was released since my original post. Latest version is 40.1. The update process below is still valid for the newest version.

Had my malfunctioning radio replaced earlier in the year. The software version on the new radio was actually older than what I originally had, which is unsurprising because all replacement radios are refurbs from the same model year as your Jeep. Mine was 2018 and there was no way to get a 2021 radio, even though they're totally compatible. After a while, I realized my "new" radio wasn't receiving OTA updates and was stuck at v18.23. Also, the latest version of the software is v39.6 and isn't available OTA. It's part of a TSB that requires a dealer install.

Uconnect's web site ( www.driveuconnect.com ) is no longer supported by the manufacturer and isn't being updated. So, it will likely just give you an older version to download or tell you that you're up to date when you enter your VIN. Since my Jeep is out of warranty by now and the dealer wanted around $300 to update my radio, I found a way to do it myself.

First off, here are the changes in the latest software version:

Final update: UCONNECT_UAQ_8.4_QR39.6_MY18-21_JL_JT.

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Customers may experience one or more of the following:
• Lost radio presets.
• SXM favorite song not displaying/playing.
• Radio display screen is black, intermittent.
• Radio freeze intermittent.
• Incorrect navigation address/location/directions.
• Bluetooth pair or connection issue.
• Radio channel change by itself.
• SXM icon inoperative.
• Backup camera has black display screen.
• High pitch chime noise.
• Contact list not loading.
• Device not supported message.
• Remote app inoperative.
• Travel-Link fuel price incorrect.
• Backup camera gridlines missing.
• Unable to adjust volume.

In addition the following enhancements are included:
• Heavy Duty (HD)Truck USB HUB improvements.
• HD Truck heated steering wheel improvements.

Note: this update might wipe your favorites. Your settings should be retained though.

Here are the steps I took for the upgrade:

v39 of the software CAN ONLY be applied if your Jeep received the OTA updates to get your radio to at least 22.64. You will brick your radio if you get your hands on any v39 version and try to install it before that, including 22.61. These are the TSB's that describe the order that the entire update process goes in:

Jeep Wrangler JL Here's how you update your 8.4 to the latest version without bricking it 1636741630176


Jeep Wrangler JL Here's how you update your 8.4 to the latest version without bricking it 1636741643463


1. I contacted UConnect and asked to have a case opened and forwarded to one of their technical case specialists after explaining that I wasn't getting OTA updates (800-826-6632, Option 9). I had my specialist, Michael ensure that my current radio's info was entered correctly into their OTA update system. To get this info, you need to get to the Dealer Mode screen by simultaneously holding down the leftmost and rightmost bottom toolbar buttons on the radio screen. Here is the info I needed to provide: MSISDN, IMEI, ICCID, modem software version, modem hardware version and radio manufacturer.

2. The tech then had to contact UConnect's connective services team to ensure that the v22.61 and then the v22.64 would get pushed out in the next OTA update cycle specifically tied to the radio info I provided in Step 1 above. The dealer associating my VIN with the replacement radio isn't enough to do this. You must contact UConnect with the rest of the info if your dealer failed to do so.

3. After you've successfully installed the two software updates or if you were already at or past v.22.64, contact the UConnect tech and insist that they send you a download link for the v39.6 file. Assure them that you assume all liability if you brick your radio.

4. Format a USB drive that has at least 8GB of storage with FAT32 system. DO NOT use a smaller drive because the software install process will back up your original radio software to it and will try to roll back if something goes wrong. Without that, you're SOL.

5. Copy the VP4R_Update folder to the root of your USB drive:

Jeep Wrangler JL Here's how you update your 8.4 to the latest version without bricking it 1636743512287


6. After making sure your Jeep's battery has between 13.0 - 13.5 volts, remove anything plugged into its USB ports and stick the USB drive with the new software into one of the media USB ports.

7. Without touching the pedals, hit the start button once to turn the Jeep on without starting it. Make sure the radio is also on. There will eventually pop up a prompt on the screen asking if you'd like to apply the update:

Jeep Wrangler JL Here's how you update your 8.4 to the latest version without bricking it 1636743794247


8. Hit Update Now and go grab a beer. There will be a countdown timer after which the radio will reboot and start the update. The process should take around half an hour:

Jeep Wrangler JL Here's how you update your 8.4 to the latest version without bricking it 1636743954898


Jeep Wrangler JL Here's how you update your 8.4 to the latest version without bricking it 1636743998471


9. After the radio finishes the update, a message will pop up listing the current version of your radio software and the update file's version. They should both match and there will be a message saying "Update not available to same software version." Click OK and remove the USB drive.

10. Your Jeep might require about an hour long sleep cycle to return to full functionality. Initially, there's a small chance you'll have temporary issues like a ghost image on the screen, missing apps, missing ORP or connectivity problems. Don't panic. Turn your Jeep off and go drink more beer, watch TV or whatever else floats your boat. Don't turn the Jeep on for at least an hour. Everything should eventually be back to normal. If it's not, I warned you that you're doing this at your own risk. ;)
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johnbyron

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Wow, thanks! It looks like this update fixes the "Device not supported" message which I have been getting once in a while and is quite annoying. My radio currently has version 18.23 but I got it through infotainment.com so I cannot get any OTA updates as I originally had a 5' screen. Do you think that I can still convince Uconnect to send me OTA updates to get to 22.64, or it's just impossible for me to get OTA updates?
 
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AnebuR

AnebuR

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Wow, thanks! It looks like this update fixes the "Device not supported" message which I have been getting once in a while and is quite annoying. My radio currently has version 18.23 but I got it through infotainment.com so I cannot get any OTA updates as I originally had a 5' screen. Do you think that I can still convince Uconnect to send me OTA updates to get to 22.64, or it's just impossible for me to get OTA updates?

As long as you send UConnect the radio info I mentioned above, they can technically do it. Will they? That's another story. If anything, the vendor you bought the radio from should be on the hook for getting them to do it. Try calling UConnect and seeing whether they'll help you first.
 

SpaceCase

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What is this (these) TSB issued for? The images cut off the reasons. I ask because I am constantly having to soft reset the radio to get the WiFi to work properly.
 

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AnebuR

AnebuR

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What is this (these) TSB issued for? The images cut off the reasons. I ask because I am constantly having to soft reset the radio to get the WiFi to work properly.
I don't have the full text handy. However, I'd suggest everyone update their radio to the latest version, since it fixes a whole bunch of flakiness. Keep in mind, there's also the chance your radio hardware is defective and updating the software won't fix your specific issue.
 

SpaceCase

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I don't have the full text handy. However, I'd suggest everyone update their radio to the latest version, since it fixes a whole bunch of flakiness. Keep in mind, there's also the chance your radio hardware is defective and updating the software won't fix your specific issue.
Thanks! Do you have a picture of the dealer info screen after the update?
 

wolf

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I have 20.42.11 on my 20 jlr with apparently no problems. It is a replacement radio under warranty by dealer a while back also just updated a couple weeks ago to 200820.0 on the orp screen. Do I need to update or is it ok?thanks.
 

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JL Fan

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Had my malfunctioning radio replaced earlier in the year. The software version on the new radio was actually older than what I originally had, which is unsurprising because all replacement radios are refurbs from the same model year as your Jeep. Mine was 2018 and there was no way to get a 2021 radio, even though they're totally compatible. After a while, I realized my "new" radio wasn't receiving OTA updates and was stuck at v18.23. Also, the latest version of the software is v39.6 and isn't available OTA. It's part of a TSB that requires a dealer install. Since my Jeep is out of warranty by now and the dealer wanted around $300 to do it, I found a way to do it myself.

First off, here are the changes in the latest software version:

Final update: UCONNECT_UAQ_8.4_QR39.6_MY18-21_JL_JT.

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Customers may experience one or more of the following:
• Lost radio presets.
• SXM favorite song not displaying/playing.
• Radio display screen is black, intermittent.
• Radio freeze intermittent.
• Incorrect navigation address/location/directions.
• Bluetooth pair or connection issue.
• Radio channel change by itself.
• SXM icon inoperative.
• Backup camera has black display screen.
• High pitch chime noise.
• Contact list not loading.
• Device not supported message.
• Remote app inoperative.
• Travel-Link fuel price incorrect.
• Backup camera gridlines missing.
• Unable to adjust volume.

In addition the following enhancements are included:
• Heavy Duty (HD)Truck USB HUB improvements.
• HD Truck heated steering wheel improvements.

Note: this update might wipe your favorites. Your settings should be retained though.

Here are the steps I took for the upgrade:

v39 of the software CAN ONLY be applied if your Jeep received the OTA updates to get your radio to at least 22.64. You will likely brick your radio if you get your hands on any v39 version and try to install it before that. These are the TSB's that describe the order that the entire update process goes in:

Jeep Wrangler JL Here's how you update your 8.4 to the latest version without bricking it 20211210_153353


Jeep Wrangler JL Here's how you update your 8.4 to the latest version without bricking it 20211210_153353


1. I contacted UConnect and asked to have a case opened and forwarded to one of their technical case specialists after explaining that I wasn't getting OTA updates (800-826-6632, Option 9). I had my specialist, Michael ensure that my current radio's info was entered correctly into their OTA update system. To get this info, you need to get to the Dealer Mode screen by simultaneously holding down the leftmost and rightmost bottom toolbar buttons on the radio screen. Here is the info I needed to provide: MSISDN, IMEI, ICCID, modem software version, modem hardware version and radio manufacturer.

2. The tech then had to contact UConnect's connective services team to ensure that the v22.61 and then the v22.64 would get pushed out in the next OTA update cycle specifically tied to the radio info I provided in Step 1 above. The dealer associating my VIN with the replacement radio isn't enough to do this. You must contact UConnect with the rest of the info if you dealer failed to do so.

3. After you've successfully installed the two software updates or if you were already at or past v.22.64, contact the UConnect tech and insist that they send you a download link for the v39.6 file. Assure them that you assume all liability if you brick your radio.

4. Format a USB drive that has at least 8GB of storage with FAT32 system. DO NOT use a smaller drive because the software install process will back up your original radio software to it and will try to roll back if something goes wrong. Without that, you're SOL.

5. Copy the VP4R_Update folder to the root of your USB drive:

Jeep Wrangler JL Here's how you update your 8.4 to the latest version without bricking it 20211210_153353


6. After making sure your Jeep's battery has between 13.0 - 13.5 volts, remove anything plugged into its USB ports and stick the USB drive with the new software into one of the media USB ports.

7. Without touching the pedals, hit the start button once to turn the Jeep on without starting it. Make sure the radio is also on. There will eventually pop up a prompt on the screen asking if you'd like to apply the update:

Jeep Wrangler JL Here's how you update your 8.4 to the latest version without bricking it 20211210_153353


8. Hit Update Now and go grab a beer. There will be a countdown timer after which the radio will reboot and start the update. The process should take around half an hour:

Jeep Wrangler JL Here's how you update your 8.4 to the latest version without bricking it 20211210_153353


Jeep Wrangler JL Here's how you update your 8.4 to the latest version without bricking it 20211210_153353


9. After the radio finishes the update, a message will pop up listing the current version of your radio software and the update file's version. They should both match and there will be a message saying "Update not available to same software version." Click OK and remove the USB drive.

10. Your Jeep might require about an hour long sleep cycle to return to full functionality. Initially, there's a small chance you'll have temporary issues like a ghost image on the screen, missing apps, missing ORP or connectivity problems. Don't panic. Turn your Jeep off and go drink more beer, watch TV or whatever else floats your boat. Don't turn the Jeep on for at least an hour. Everything should eventually be back to normal. If it's not, I warned you that you're doing this at your own risk. ;)
THAT’S how to get an update? What moron came up with this? How embarrassing for him? (Or her, obvi).
 

Jay Gatsby

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Can anyone verify that this update... UCONNECT_UAQ_8.4_QR39.6_MY18-21_JL_JT... does fix the Favorites dissappearing issue? I manually updated my radio to USA-ASO-8.4-QR-39.6.0-20210405-Q0H4 with the map update and my Favorites is still broke. It worked for about a week then the Favorites started dissappearing again! :angry:
 

comatzd

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I updated mine a couple weeks ago and haven't had any issues with favorites or random lockups/rebooting since then. Hopefully that continues.
 
 



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