U Connect replacement

[Glenn Hazlett]

Hello from the UK.

I have a 2018 Jeep JL wrangler Rubicon that has developed an issue with the U CONNECT system, no power at all. I have been searching to see if I could find an OEM replacement, which is a ridiculous cost new, and then looked at various breakers yards, nothing around. Has anyone replaced with a non Jeep part, and if so what would be a good starting point. Also I am not sure if going this way would limit the functions that are available on a genuine part, like heating controls, climate controls etc. what would I lose by going non OEM replacement. Any advice would be greatly appreciated on a brand, and way forward.

I would like to replace with one that sits behind the cowl in the dash.

Many thanks

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[bcupton]

Greetings from across the pond! (insert Jeep Wave)! Do you have access to Crutchfield over there? Alpine, Stinger, and Kenwood all make direct replacement head units that keep your Jeep's functionality. https://www.crutchfield.com/g_462250/Touchscreen-Radios.html?&pg=2
Good luck!

 

[Glenn Hazlett]

Good evening,

thanks for the reply, not sure about Crutchfield, but will investigate further. Good knowing I can keep the functions

 

[bcupton]

Amazon ???

 

[Glenn Hazlett]

Yes we have Amazon

 

[Spank]

Hello from the UK.

I have a 2018 Jeep JL wrangler Rubicon that has developed an issue with the U CONNECT system, no power at all. I have been searching to see if I could find an OEM replacement, which is a ridiculous cost new, and then looked at various breakers yards, nothing around. Has anyone replaced with a non Jeep part, and if so what would be a good starting point. Also I am not sure if going this way would limit the functions that are available on a genuine part, like heating controls, climate controls etc. what would I lose by going non OEM replacement. Any advice would be greatly appreciated on a brand, and way forward.

I would like to replace with one that sits behind the cowl in the dash.

Many thanks

Virtually every aftermarket radio for the JL will work just fine with your climate controls, camera, USB ports, and safety features. The only thing you'll lose is UConnect-specific services such as SiriusXM Guardian and the WiFi hotspot.

Depending on how well the aftermarket radio is built, you may be able to use your existing SiriusXM/GPS antenna, microphones, etc. Some units utilize their own, others may include adapters for your existing hardware.

Most of these radios actually can't communicate with the EVIC, so your instrument cluster won't show the compass or the clock. This isn't a bug or something broken, it's just data it no longer receives from UConnect. You'll still be able to see them on new radio itself.

 

[OminousSkitter]

Which OEM radio do you have? You’d have to find someone to work with international shipping, but radios like the 7” are often about $350 and the 8.4 around $800 in the marketplace here. You can also use the Gladiator’s radio without any issues.

 

[Glenn Hazlett]

Virtually every aftermarket radio for the JL will work just fine with your climate controls, camera, USB ports, and safety features. The only thing you'll lose is UConnect-specific services such as SiriusXM Guardian and the WiFi hotspot.

Depending on how well the aftermarket radio is built, you may be able to use your existing SiriusXM/GPS antenna, microphones, etc. Some units utilize their own, others may include adapters for your existing hardware.

Most of these radios actually can't communicate with the EVIC, so your instrument cluster won't show the compass or the clock. This isn't a bug or something broken, it's just data it no longer receives from UConnect. You'll still be able to see them on new radio itself.

Thank you for the advice, much appreciated

 

[Glenn Hazlett]

Which OEM radio do you have? You’d have to find someone to work with international shipping, but radios like the 7” are often about $350 and the 8.4 around $800 in the marketplace here. You can also use the Gladiator’s radio without any issues.

Sorry, don’t know which one it is, I do have the part number given to me by the Jeep specialist it is with currently

 

[OminousSkitter]

Is that even a path you're interested in going down? Ordering a used one from the US and getting it shipped there?

UCONNECT 4 Identification (pictures from infotainment.com, a forum sponsor):

7"

8.4"

 

[Spank]

Is that even a path you're interested in going down? Ordering a used one from the US and getting it shipped there?

UCONNECT 4 Identification (pictures from infotainment.com, a forum sponsor):

7"

8.4"

Probably don't want to put a US-based 8.4 in a UK Jeep as it wouldn't have the maps, but I could be wrong.

 

[OminousSkitter]

Probably don't want to put a US-based 8.4 in a UK Jeep as it wouldn't have the maps, but I could be wrong.

True, but we really don't know what he has or how he uses it. An 8.4 for Gaia via Android Auto or CarPlay? A US one should work just fine. If it's even an option to OP, Infotainment might know about non-US Jeeps and maps. I haven't tagged them yet because it might not even be an option to OP.

 

[Glenn Hazlett]

Thank you so much for help with this. I bought the Jeep last year, used it twice and kept in my garage on a trickle charge. tried to start it a couple of months ago and riddled with fault codes, intermittent starting issues. Had the Jeep with my local garage for over 6 weeks all they found was a voltage drain. Have now taken it to a Jeep specialist who has replaced the aux battery and told me that the head unit is dead. Not sure if this has cured the fault codes, but will hopefully find out today. I need to replace the head unit and may as well have one with a UK functioning sat nav, so not sure the US version will be an option for me.

 

[TordFuglstad]

Thank you so much for help with this. I bought the Jeep last year, used it twice and kept in my garage on a trickle charge. tried to start it a couple of months ago and riddled with fault codes, intermittent starting issues. Had the Jeep with my local garage for over 6 weeks all they found was a voltage drain. Have now taken it to a Jeep specialist who has replaced the aux battery and told me that the head unit is dead. Not sure if this has cured the fault codes, but will hopefully find out today. I need to replace the head unit and may as well have one with a UK functioning sat nav, so not sure the US version will be an option for me.

Hi there! Fellow Euro Jeep owner here. Were you able to fix the UConnect? I Have just replaced mine, but the radio is still dead.

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