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uConnect 15.26.1 is buggy; I want to downgrade.

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99K views 286 replies 65 participants last post by  labtec25 
#1 · (Edited)
Due to the remote exploit vulnerability I have upgraded to uConnect 15.26.1 on my 2014. However, in the two days it's been applied I have already had to restart the Jeep multiple times to regain functionality that used to work flawlessly.

For example: intermittently, climate control fan speed will not work (the fans stay off even though the screen indicates they are on level 1–7). Have to restart the Jeep to get the fans to work again. Also, the backup camera now intermittently displays no video and the path overlay jitters. Have to restart the Jeep to get the backup camera working again.

I imagine there are more intermittent loss of functionality issues I have yet to uncover. This is pathetic.

Does anyone have the service manual for a 2014/2015 who can tell me if there is a separate antenna for the cellular datalink? I want to disable the cellular datalink antenna (leaving FM/SXM radio and GPS reception intact) and then downgrade to the previous version of uConnect that worked fine.

As it stands, the current version of uConnect seems to have built-in simulated hacker interference in terms of having my Jeep randomly lose functionality. Maybe it's so I don't feel left out compared to all those unpatched Jeeps getting exploited by actual hackers.
 
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#2 ·
I'd try a factory reset and see if that clears up the bugs.

Also you can reboot radio without restarting Jeep.

Also sprint has blocked the vulnerability without applying the update.

My MY15 seems fine with update, but it may be different. Except Nav seems to create some odd routes.
 
#3 · (Edited)
Also you can reboot radio without restarting Jeep.
Protip. Thanks. It's still pathetic, though.

Also sprint has blocked the vulnerability without applying the update.
That's good. However, I am done with the datalink. I never wanted it in the first place. All it does is allow FCA to track my vehicle, and having an attack surface exposed like this is nothing but a liability. Obviously they didn't airgap the radio like they should have.

I'm willing to be first to experiment with a datalink antenna disconnect if someone has the service manual. How involved is it to get back there? Weekend project?
 
#4 ·
Wow that's really weird. My late built 2014 had a jittery backup camera image prior to install, and now it's perfect after the update. Very weird that yours actually went bad after the update, and mine was fixed.
No bugs for me, works great.
 
#10 · (Edited)
My late built 2014 had a jittery backup camera image prior to install, and now it's perfect after the update.
Don't get me wrong: the Dec 2013 though mid 2014 versions of the firmware had jittery backup camera video. The last version release before the current version finally fixed that problem.

*This* version (the latest) introduces a brand new, completely different intermittent problem. There is no video from the camera at all. The path overlay jumps around on top of the equivalent of a flickering TV tuned to a dead channel that displays nothing but flat dark grey.
 
#6 ·
How does one get the update? Do they just push it to our Uconnect without consent?
If your VIN qualifies, they're supposed to be mailing the update on a USB to you to install.

You probably can download it yourself from the U-Connect site if you choose.

Or you can take it to the dealer and have them install it for you if you don't want to mess with it. They'll have it available before you get yours in the mail anyway.
 
#7 ·
I want to disable the cellular datalink antenna (leaving FM/SXM radio and GPS reception intact) and then downgrade to the previous version of uConnect that worked fine.
Could you, instead, just stop paying Sprint, and Sprint will disconnect your Uconnect Access from their network?
 
#8 ·
No one pays Sprint directly for any portion of the Uconnect services - it's all through Chrysler. Even if you activate wifi on your Uconnect, you're paying Chrysler - then they pay the Sprint bill.
 
#9 ·
Try reinstalling the update from a fresh download of the file... Sounds like yours is corrupt and didn't fully install or update properly. No one else is having issues.
 
#11 ·
After 2 weeks I'm still having zero issues with the update. If you're having problems, re-download and reinstall. In the past this has proven effective in solving problems with a new firmware upgrade.
 
#18 ·
Heh. Well, at least we have a known good firmware revision (i.e. the previous release).

I may downgrade regardless, but I'm definitely out for blood when it comes to this datalink antenna. It needs to die. I'm not against applying wire cutters for a permanent "fix", if that's what it takes to render it inoperable.

Just need to figure out what's involved getting back there and what to disconnect/sever.
 
#14 ·
Just had my dealer update mine. So far no problems. I would have attempted to do it myself, however, I figured I would let them be responsible if anything went buggy.
 
#17 ·
Due to the remote exploit vulnerability I have upgraded to uConnect 15.26.1 on my 2014. However, in the two days it's been applied I have already had to restart the Jeep multiple times to regain functionality that used to work flawlessly.

For example: intermittently, climate control fan speed will not work (the fans stay off even though the screen indicates they are on level 1–7). Have to restart the Jeep to get the fans to work again. Also, the backup camera now intermittently displays no video and the path overlay jitters. Have to restart the Jeep to get the backup camera working again.

I imagine there are more intermittent loss of functionality issues I have yet to uncover. This is pathetic.

Does anyone have the service manual for a 2014/2015 who can tell me if there is a separate antenna for the cellular datalink? I want to disable the cellular datalink antenna (leaving FM/SXM radio and GPS reception intact) and then downgrade to the previous version of uConnect that worked fine.

As it stands, the current version of uConnect seems to have built-in simulated hacker interference in terms of having my Jeep randomly lose functionality. Maybe it's so I don't feel left out compared to all those unpatched Jeeps getting exploited by actual hackers.
Downloaded and installed mine a couple of days ago, no issues. I'd reinstall if I were you.
 
#19 ·
Does anyone have the service manual for a 2014/2015 who can tell me if there is a separate antenna for the cellular datalink? I want to disable the cellular datalink antenna (leaving FM/SXM radio and GPS reception intact) and then downgrade to the previous version of uConnect that worked fine.

Greetings

I've been lurking around for a long time but never really had something I thought significant to share until now. I think I can help…

I never activated even the trial "Access" because, after reading the privacy policy, i disagreed with feeding operational data from my vehicle to who-knows-where-and-why. The proof-of-concept exploit didn't really scare me but after reading quotes from FCA claiming they know everything about how all their products are being used, it's pretty clear that they don't need anyone to agree with their policies to siphon data so it's time to AirGap the Rat.

Yes, the CDMA radio has a unique antenna. And it can be disconnected without compromising the satellite and terrestrial entertainment radios. That's good news.

Satellite-delivered services, like TravelLink, are not affected if the CDMA radio is disconnected. More good news.

Not-so-good news: That radio knows when it doesn't have an antenna and posts a nag screen to have the "vehicle phone serviced". Although the screen can be dismissed or will time-out after a few seconds, it's still a nuisance and will occur each time Uconnect initializes. The "no service" indicator on the rearview mirror is also lit.

Next step is to see if there's DC power on that port to help to decide if I can terminate the antenna port with a dummy load to appease the radio, so I'll be shopping for connectors for a little while - maybe a trip to the junkyard - and hope to offer some more findings before too long.

I'm also curious about just where this antenna is…..sharkfin? dashboard? Perhaps minor details, but if it's in the dash it might also be tamed with a shield……tinfoil hat, anyone?

Anyway, I hope this helps.
In the meantime, here's what I know, for others who also might want to pursue the air gap:

(Connections in the back of the Uconnect head)

White - am/fm terrestrial radio
Green - for sat + nav radio
Pink - for sat radio only
Red - CDMA radio

There is another White connector body, larger and away from the antenna cables, that connects to the USB hub.

(some pics)

The cables…


CDMA connected… (sorry 'bout the glare)


CDMA disconnected, TravelLink lives!


Nag screen…


No service…
 
#20 ·
I am reporting no problems with the 15.26.1 update. The previous one (year old) was buggy as the radio would occasionally have to be reset.

I would be careful with the wire cutting initiative. I would not be surprised if some feedback mechanism existed and once a cellular signal would not be detected, you get some dreaded error message that requires an expensive visit to the dealership.

I find it safer to hack the installation and delete the Sierra Wireless driver from the ISO. If anything is bad, then install the full, unmolested ISO.
 
#21 ·
I find it safer to hack the installation and delete the Sierra Wireless driver from the ISO. If anything is bad, then install the full, unmolested ISO.
My guess is that is impossible because of check sum routine.
 
#24 ·
Does anyone know for sure what's the recall update actually consist of ? Is it just the update to the Uconnect ? The 15.26.1. Because I updated my Uconnect to the new version 15.26.1, and I'm having problems with remote lock and unlock plus the assist icons in the screen don't work. It says your vehicle is not registered with Uconnect. It is registered with Uconnect. I took it to the dealer and they said there is nothing wrong with the radio. It's Uconnect sending some update to my Jeep and I have to wait 5 days for it to go through. I think it BS but I have no choice. But they said they did the recall update also. I said that I thought I already did the update to 15.26.1. He said that there was another update they applied for the recall. Is it all Bull Shit? I don't know if I believe them.


Sent from my iPad using JeepGarage
 
#37 ·
I have an early model 2014 (march 2013) and i have not had any uconnect issues in the lsst 2.5 years but after loading the 15.26.1 i have had 2 navigation screen lockups in the last 2 weeks. Between that update and the map update i decided to do the battery cable pull to see if it stops the lock ups. Battery pull has fixed other gremlins on two other occasions involving the maltitude of software updates this jeep has had for other systems. So far so good time will telll, will report back.
 
#38 · (Edited)
i have had 2 navigation screen lockups in the last 2 weeks.
Yes. Nav/map screen completely locks (e.g. zoom doesn't work, location doesn't update) but the rest of the uConnect functionality continues to work fine (e.g. music continues to play), the nav locks for several minutes and then reboots itself, whereupon you see the "Navigation is being activated" message... and then it starts working again?

Check.

I have had that happen twice now too on this latest firmware. Never happened on earlier firmware versions. Once we settle on the proper terminator for killing the datalink antenna I'll probably rollback this firmware release to the previous, bug-free version (well, "bug-free except for horrible remote exploits", that is).
 
#39 ·
On the topic of termination... If anyone has their center console apart, try setting a multimeter to resistance measurement, and measure the resistance of the antenna at the end of the red connector. A capacitance and inductance measurement would also be useful. It could be as simple as wiring a resistor of equal resistance to the radio, tricking the circuitry into thinking the antenna is attached. Share your measurements if you do!
 
#40 ·
Has anyone experienced issues with using the uconnect access app with iOS and not working after conducting update? Any workarounds??
 
#46 ·
yep you can move at will- I've been bouncing around between 14.25 and the latest trying to get remote keyfob functions to work via the app.

in most cases you dont even seem to lose your settings (but sometimes it does and you have to redo settings, bluetooth pairing, and radio station presets.)
 
#47 · (Edited)
So I think i got a lil more insight about this app issue...

Today during my lunch break i decided to call uconnect to see "hey wtf is happening" Woman i spoke to from uconnect advised she was able to see that i had not updated my radio. She told me this after i told her i had already updated both the app and the radio. Interesting to know they are unable to see the update.

So she recommended to perform update. I agreed and ended call.

Soon after i decided to download official uconnect update and install. I needed to do a roll back and then install the update. So i'm at this stage right now and soon as the update completed i did get a message regarding uconnect to register or what not. But as it is i still cannot use the uconnect access app. Maybe there is something that i need to do from inside the vehicle/radio.

Owner connect website doesn't work either and still prompting the message that i locked out the pin attempts to conduct a remote action. So, i want to figure this out prior to re-installing the customtronix update.

I also had a thought. I now magnus mentioned not needing the token but what would happen if i copied and pasted the token to the usb i have the update on?
 
#48 ·
Woman i spoke to from uconnect advised she was able to see that i had not updated my radio
She can't tell you did the update from her database. It will only show there when your dealer enters the recall being completed.
 
#50 ·
I called a 2nd time today and the woman I talked to said she was able to see I had done the update but that it would take a few hrs for the info to sync in their database and that could be the reason the app isn't working for me. According to both women I talked to the reason it ain't working is cause I had not done the update but the 2nd did assure me that everything looks good on their end. We will see... If not I'll be saving myself 14.99 a month soon as I cancel their ass.
 
#64 · (Edited)
The blue connector I found laying loose behind the center stack, looks just like the one listed in the Fakra connector ID sheet, so I think you are correct about it being for a GPS/telematics module of a different build.

The YELLOW "K" connector is SDARS Satellite, which I have and is connected, would be my GPS antenna. I also have a white one nect to it, and a larger gray one which must be the power.
 
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