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Is it possible to install an Android Auto/Apple CarPlay HU in 2014 Jeep WK2 Overland?

65K views 23 replies 14 participants last post by  DueceDropper 
#1 ·
I'm a big tech guy. I recently souped up my house with home automation IoT devices. Replaced all my bulbs, smart door lock, Nest, and custom things using a Raspberry Pi 2.

Two days ago, I purchased a 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland... and to put it lightly, I feel ripped off by their Uconnect system.

I just found out that it requires a $20/month subscription just to use the 4-5 apps that it has such as Pandora. Not only that but apparently their Maps haven't been updated in almost two years.

I live in Dallas, TX and they've just built new highways and roads constantly change near the area that I commute through. The built in maps are useless to me.

I'd love to be able to use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay with Uconnect but judging by the fact that they want to charge me $20 a month just to stream media from my own phone... I'm not holding my breath to find out if they will add Auto/CarPlay support to my 2014 Jeep.

I've seen posts about other people replacing their Connect headunits, which of course means that certain features will be lost, such as climate control, etc.

Is there any way around this?
 
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#2 · (Edited)
AFAIK, there is no workable option for MY14+ yet due to all the electrical system changes that were put in place with the MY14 refresh. Folks have reported here that there are entities out there "trying to figure this out", but nothing to-date.

There is a maps update that was just made available a few days ago. See the sticky thread at the top of this page for more information...toward the end of the thread.
 
#3 ·
Thanks for the reply, I hope they can figure it out.

I looked at the maps update... but I'm still not satisfied. The roads in that update are from 2013Q4, and its points of interest are close to its build date of June 2014. Oh well, I use Waze on my phone for now, as their maps are updated daily by users and approved by Waze moderators.

I myself have updated the maps when there's road closures or when they finish a portion of the highway construction going on.

I hope Jeep engineers can do something about this. I'd much rather have them include a Google Maps App or Waze App within Uconnect that uses the GPS and data from my phone. I'd be willing to pay $5/month for that feature, despite the fact that it's included within CarPlay/Auto.

Driver safety should be their primary concern. It's not safe for a driver to be following outdated nav maps, especially in a city with traffic.
 
#4 ·
Well it seems you haven't done all your research. Get yourself the customtronix RAX or the coastal tech harness and module with MiraCast, install the extra camera while you're at it, and display your phone interface on the 8.4 inch screen.

Also, you don't need a Uconnect subscription to enjoy I heart radio or pandora. You just have to stream it from your phone app.

Never ceases to amaze me how few people are so discontent with this infotainment system which by all accounts is very well rated and which does the job.
 
#6 · (Edited)
Is it possible to install an Android Auto/Apple CarPlay HU in 2014 Jeep WK2 O...




I think it all stems from how non user friendly it is to set up.

I purchased this car used, and because of that Uconnect seemed to still be linked to the previous owner. I guess the dealership didn't clear it.

I just thought there was something wrong with the system because there was no indication that it was linked to a different account. No username or anything. I installed the Via Mobile app and created an account, installed the Pandora app on my phone, linked the Pandora account within the Via Mobile app. Tried launching Pandora on Uconnect, but it would tell me that the trial was expired.

I searched for ways to log out of the account or reset the entire system, there was nothing of the sort in the menus. I finally did research online which pointed me to having to contact Uconnect or whoever runs their service by calling from the vehicle. The person said it would take up to 72 hrs for the system to reset. (wtf?)

Whatever so I waited, it's not that big of a deal, I'm used to simply streaming over Bluetooth, it's just safer to have an app front on the dash. So about 2.5 days later, while I'm driving, the Uconnect system decides to reset and I have to stop and restart the vehicle to be able to use the Uconnect system. I pull over from the highway and do this.

It then goes through this painstaking process to link the Uconnect account, including sending a confirmation email, which you have to click on using a Web browser.

Did all this... But now, any time I launch the Pandora app on Uconnect it gives me a vague error message "No synced account". I have no idea what that means. On the Via Mobile iOS app, the Pandora account shows as linked and the top says ready to connect to via mobile.

I just got frustrated and gave up since it took about 30 mins just troubleshooting it.

I've got 6 years of IT experience, I've got a CompTIA A+ Certification. I'm also majoring in computer science, and run a web design company. I'm 100% comfortable with technology and UI/UX.

I'm not sure who gave this system so many awards. It's definitely the best car manufacturer designed system... But it's far from the best.

I'd like to see a system with the same type of ease of use as an Apple device or an Android device.

Leave software to software companies. Jeep should focus on empowering the software companies and provide the best solution to their customers.

:-/ sorry for the rant

I love my new jeep, I even love the entertainment system. I just feel like it's got so much potential that is being limited by internal politics.

Edit : also, the maps. Drives me crazy that its almost two years outdated...
 
#7 ·
Greetings,

As you have found out, their is nothing at the present time to go the aftermarket headunit. Your only 2 options, is go with one of the lockpick devices to get to a better platform or have a split system.

For option 1 as for a lockpick device, you might want to look into the following:

Chrysler Integration | INTRAPHEX

I have not followed this product line for a while now, however, it does give you the ability to integrate other devices in as well thru that systems computer.

Your 2nd option which is costly ($$$$) is to go with a split system. You maintain the use of the Uconnect and have a tablet with either IOS or Android pending your choice. You will be by-passing the OE DSP/AMP.

For example: Using JL Audio's Cleansweep product:

CL-SES - Car Audio - OEM Interface - System Expansion - JL Audio

You can feed the Uconnect signal into one input and your tablet into the other signal and set it up of signal priority. The same can be done with certain aftermarket DSP units with priority bluetooth. And of cause you need the rest of the aftermarket stuff to go along. Since, you are tech savory, it should not be a problem.

As to the sonic quality of the Uconnect system, that depends on your perception of sound. As to Uconnect as infotainment system, their are somethings that I liked and something that I do not like. Ford is now miles ahead of Uconnect. If had to buy a vehicle based on the audio/video system this one would not be it. However, this vehicle is better than most vehicles out their and for the sound system it was not a problem for me.

Best for now.:)
 
#9 ·
Greetings,

You are right. Then the universal version will work if you can get it thru one of the lockpick devices. The touchscreen control will not work then.

Also Nav Tv UCI-11C will not work either.

https://www.navtv.com/products/NTV-KIT410/uci-11c-rev5-84.html

I would call Nav TV and find out if they are working on a solution. The tech department is very good to talk too.


Best for now.:)
 
#10 ·
Greetings,

Here is an interesting thread to check out from last year:

http://www.jeepgarage.org/f155/2014-8-4-uconnect-wiffi-interface-kit-76356.html

Note: Check Cruz's website, they have other versions as well. I believe somebody here is using a wired version that works much better.


It is a small thread with a lot of useful suggestions from many members and links to other good stuff.


With regards to my GPS situation, even through I am able to have an aftermarket HU using the Pioneer AppRadio 3 that allows for a GPS apps that has touchscreen control thru the HU, the app version that I prefer right now is not supported under the AppRadio platform, Sygic. I use it under the mirror link to display on the HU's screen. Once I set the destination I am good to go. Once you get used to it, it becomes second nature. My music and traffic apps work fine in the background mode and visa verse. It is pretty much the same principle as the tread above.

Something to think about also.

Best for now.:)
 
#12 ·
Bluesurf, my original post that you quoted is from a VERY long time ago. There's a healthy thread up above about the Infotainment offer to retrofit. But it comes with caveats including no OTA updates which appears to be becoming an issue since mslogo posted earlier today that there may not be any more USB/downloadable updates. If that's the case, folks who paid out for the MY18 head unit are going to be stuck on the same firmware "forever".

Also, since my original post, the 3rd party interface issue was resolved by the industry and one can choose non-Jeep alternatives from sources such as Crutchfield.
 
#14 ·
How do you expect that software to run in the RA4? It's not even made by the same manufacturer as the MY18+ head unit let alone has different processing architecture.
 
#16 ·
Any update on this? I did see a video on youtube of a guy with a newer mustang that didnt have carplay/android auto purchasing a new media port from a ford dealer and it gave him the carplay/android auto feature.. now yes i know ford and jeep two different companys but i dont see why one can do it and not the other...
 
#17 ·
You have the answer in your post, two different companies. Early Sync3 units had the capability but needed the media hub. The 14-17 Uconnect system doesn't have the capability so adding the media hub will do nothing. You need to add the UAS/UAQ head unit and media hub in order to achieve this.
 
#18 ·
Greetings,

Your other option is to go the aftermarket route if you do not mind not keeping the OE look.

The key is using the iDatalink Maestro as your harness. You have choices between Kenwood, Alpine and Pioneer of the aftermarket headunit.

iDatalink - Maestro - Home

Best for now.:)
 
#23 ·
Not possible to use that unit with MY11-13. They changed the entire electrical system starting with MY14
 
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