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#1 · (Edited)
Thread Edit: Oct 15 2013 - Added Wish List Items / Updated known issues
Descriptions and Features

The RA3 and RA4 Radios, what are they?

These radio options are commonly referred to as an Infotainment system as they are a combination of radio tuners (AM-FM-XM), a media player (iPod or various memory devices) as well as a control interface for the vehicle. Depending on the model of radio they support different features which I will explain later in this post. All of the 8.4" units have some common features among them such as how they interact with the vehicle.

Each radio has a common software loaded onto it that is shared among many platforms of vehicle. The software is able to "talk to the vehicle" and find out what type, and trim level the vehicle is and display information and interact with various parts of the vehicle based on what that vehicle has in it. I use the words "talk to" for a reason because the software on the radio and the radio itself are not related to very many operational items in the vehicle. For example, you may be able to save the seat seatings, or change a comfort feature on the radio screen, but the radio is not actually "controlling" that device itself. The radio receives the input from you the user, then tells the seat module to save the setting and maybe the HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) module that you want a certain temperature maintained. For those of you who may have experienced a setting that unchecked itself, this is usually cause by the module not acknowledging the change you made and often nothing to do with the radio.

The actual "Head Unit" itself as the radio is often referred to may be configured with different optional cards to support different features. The radio code of RA3 refers to the head unit that does not have navigation, however there are also other optional components at both the RA3 and RA4 that may be different based on your region. For example, not all regions get SiriusXM which can be identified as by the build code "RSD". The software can tell if the head unit has this component and adjust the available inputs accordingly. There are various other features that are available including UConnect Access which is a Cellular Card built into the head unit allowing independent access to data and cell networks. You would need to refer to the options built in your specific vehicle for all of the details.

A brief note on UConnect Access which I will expand upon later... It uses a Sierra wireless card in order to receive commands that can tell the head unit to perform actions such as initiate a remote start. It can also be asked to send a diagnostic report, download new information or applications and can initiate calls for emergency or service related items. At this time, updates for the base software in the radio cannot be downloaded via the Sierra card or via any mobile data connection directly to the car. I will be noting some more information about the software updates and version in Post #2

The RA3 and RA4 Radios, what are they not?

As mentioned earlier on the head unit really only contains its own communications pieces and the audio playback components (the amplifier components are located elsewhere). This means that the modules located throughout the vehicle like HVAC, Seats, Lighting and Collision Mitigation systems are not in any way physically part of the head unit. This means that software changes on the head unit cannot upgrade features of the vehicle. It has been discussed a few times about temperature sensors, climate control or even air suspension not operating as expected. If there is an update released that changes or corrects something such as the temperature that is recalled when you remote start a vehicle, this is not related to the head unit in almost all cases. These type of changes are firmware that needs to be loaded directly onto the module and in my example the HVAC module. At time of posting this there is still a reported issue of the outside temperature not being accurate, again this is a module update and not related to the radio.

Detailed Descriptions for all 2014 8.4" or 5" Radios

An excellent resource for all thinks WK2 is WK2Jeeps.com. There are complete vehicle specification and detailed "how to". For a complete listing of all of the North American radio features please see here: Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 - 2014 model year radios

This site is a fantastic resourse, I recommend you browse the table of contents, there is a lot of useful information there.
 
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#114 ·
Sign me up as a member of the Vehicle Phone Requires Service (VPRS) message club.

My GC (CRD) was built 9/28 and delivered 11/8 with 13.33.xx ver software. Dealer refused to update during make-ready; said the VIN did not show an update was needed. The dealer had my vehicle for thee full days before delivery, and I had specifically requested in writing that this be checked/completed. I upgraded to 13.58 following day.

I experienced the VPRS upon leaving the dealership with 13.33 as well as after the 13.58 upgrade. Most features otherwise work, but I am having the issues reported with radio defaulting to FM, and the phone call screen not clearing after ending a call. I waited a week, reloaded 13.58 with the same results. I usually see the message within a minute of startup after lengthy shutdown, and randomly during drives, perhaps 2-3 times a day.

What the latest on the VPRS message? Anyone get any traction with Uconnect?
 
#116 ·
just picked my 2014 j gc 5.7 from service the 3rd week in a row. When I remote start the truck and the remote start shuts off before I get to the trick the climate is still off. This what I brought it in for 3 times already. Radio replaced, flash software updates all 3 times including a recall update this time. Still same issue I guess it's lemon law time......
 
#118 ·
As the 5.7 comes in most models, there is not enough info here for us to assess what is happening.

Please provide more details on WHAT your truck is and can you clarify that the remote start is turning off before you approach the vehicle? If so why would the climate control be running at this time?
 
#119 ·
OK. It's a 2014 grand Cherokee limited with 5.7 Hemi, the luxury package and 20" wheels. Just FYI when I ordered it, it took them 2 weeks to find one with a 5.7. They said nobody wants one. At any rate what I was saying was if I get to the jeep after the 15 minutes runtime has expired for the remote start and get in and start it normally the climate is off not where I left the settings. They've done 8 different software updates and replaced the radio and now as of last night the u connect reset 3 times, just shut down and restarted and when I started it normally after being out to dinner no remote start at all the climate control was off again. Its now worse than it has ever been. I'm at the end of my rope with this truck. I hope I was clear enough.
 
#120 ·
OK,

Couple of Questions... Do you have memory seat options... if so, set your auto setting, the set your memory option with the appropriate fob present in the vehicle. please advise if this changes the behavior at all (may not completely correct but I want to know if it changes).
 
#121 ·
Ahhhh...interesting. So you're saying that if you remote start the vehicle but don't get to it before the auto-shutoff at 15 mins (which is normal), when you start it back up the climate control is OFF instead of what it was at when you left the vehicle previously. Correct?

This could very well be a software bug related to the auto-shutdown. If so, most won't run into it because they go to the vehicle before the shutdown timer expires. I'll try it out on mine today and see what it does...
 
#126 ·
Just FYI is it back at the dealer since Monday Nov 18th. Service manager called me yesterday to tell me they got the truck to do everything I said it was (or in some cases was not doing). He also informed they are back to square one don't know when I'm getting it back. I am deeply disappointed. This is my 4th jeep and now Chrysler told me they were not willing to either but back or replace the truck and I need to be patient while they attempt to fix it. He also recommended to call the BBB and the attorney general and discuss it with them?? Are they kidding??
 
#129 ·
I feel the pain! They stopped replacing at number 3. The current radio was showing an antenna fault. But most dealers are tied up in corporate red tape and can't do any warranty stuff without some high muckity muck saying its ok.

As for customer service. I have nothing good to say at the moment. I have had a few discussions, case closed and now re-opened,supposedly a new case manager but have not heard from them
yet. More cases we open the better. Just have to stay on top if them. Don't count on your dealership to open a case for you.
 
#131 ·
Picked the truck up this past Friday after they had it for four days. Told the climate only works with the remote start if you leave the climate control on Auto. But if you get in and you change the fan setting or anything you take it out of Auto. So everytime you get out of the jeep you have to remember to set it Auto or you're out of luck. Also they want it back (time number 5) to replace the radio for the second time. Also since I got it back the auto-comfort in setting menu will not stay on. You check and 5 seconds later it un-checks itself. Very sad for what this truck costs.
 
#132 ·
Does Boeing use uConnect in its airliners?

It was on the news today that under certain conditions some jet engines can ice up. But, GE said they have a software update prepared to solve the problem. :eek:

I wonder if the pilots have to load it from a usb drive.


---
 
#133 ·
Here's one for the wish list, NAV routing from Phone Book.

My 2011 would allow me to route from my phone book. The only downside on that system is that it would not 'see' my business addresses.

It would be handy to simply sync my phone, pull up the contact and hit route but my 2014 appears to completely lack this functionality.
 
#134 ·
I hear you. But unfortunately that would be the least of my issues. I'm heading back to the dealership again this morning to change the radio for the second time. This is visit number 5 in 5 weeks. And to add insult to injury last night I'd had a 1/4 tank of gas and went to fill it up and the truck refused to except any gas. 2 different gas stations. A little disturbing to say the least.
 
#144 ·
Not the best solution, but you can turn the volume to zero before you shut it down.
 
#147 ·
thats what i do... turn it to zero

I'm still very new to jeep garage so please be patient if I'm not posting my question correctly or on the wrong place. I purchased my Jeep Summit in October and the build date was Oct 5th which was after they corrected all the software issues. My question is registering the Uconnect does it possibly add issues to the system? I really want to use the text feature and can't until I register but am afraid that may be where a lot of the issues are coming from. Please share your knowledge on this subject.
registered as soon as i got mine in june? july? lol.. no issues. All you are doing is allowing the other functions to work. its not changing any software versions.
 
#145 ·
I'm still very new to jeep garage so please be patient if I'm not posting my question correctly or on the wrong place. I purchased my Jeep Summit in October and the build date was Oct 5th which was after they corrected all the software issues. My question is registering the Uconnect does it possibly add issues to the system? I really want to use the text feature and can't until I register but am afraid that may be where a lot of the issues are coming from. Please share your knowledge on this subject.
 
#146 ·
I'm still very new to jeep garage so please be patient if I'm not posting my question correctly or on the wrong place. I purchased my Jeep Summit in October and the build date was Oct 5th which was after they corrected all the software issues. My question is registering the Uconnect does it possibly add issues to the system? I really want to use the text feature and can't until I register but am afraid that may be where a lot of the issues are coming from. Please share your knowledge on this subject.
I've had my Jeep since May and have absolutely no issues with registering my UConnect. The text feature works great on supported phones. I don't think registering the phone with UConnect causes any issues.
 
#148 · (Edited)
Just took my first short road trip in my new Summit Ecodiesel. As we drove along using the NAV system it would sometimes provide traffic info. Is that coming via XM or the Uconnect subscription. I've got both subscriptions for a year free, and am trying to figure out which ones actually provide me value. Also used Yelp to find a restaurant. I assume that is coming via the Uconnect subscription. Yes/No? I really like the fuel finder app, which I believe is XM based data as well as the weather maps. Correct? Thx.
 
#150 ·
Ugh, I updated my Dad's UConnect on his '14 this past weekend to 13.38.52 during my Thanksgiving visit to his place and it all went smooth. Then my mom decided to take it in to the dealership for the WK2 recalls. They said they had to do 4 of them, and one was the radio. The f*ckers "upgraded" his WK2 to 13.31.6. Do*chebags probably didn't even look to see if it already had a newer version.
 
#151 · (Edited)
I know how you feel. I got my jeep back after the 5th time to the dealer 3rd radio and numerous updates. The service advisor and my Chrysler "rep" told there is no fix for the problem which is HVAC related at this time. So I need to be patient and live with it until they come with new software update to fix the issue. That was my breaking point. I contacted my attorney. The truck just broke 900 miles today. Its 3 months old and its been to the dealer 5 times. Sorry you have to live with it for now. Ah no.....
 
#152 ·
Update: Just picked up the Grand after a week and a day or two in service. My radio had already been replaced two times and with each swap the phone requires service message got progressively worse to the point the message showed up at every start without fail.

The last time in the radio indicated an open antenna circuit but corporate didn't provide a fix. After some 'rhetoric' with customer service (mostly pleasant but they did close my case on this issue without any follow up to see if it had been resolved) the dealer contacted me and said they were sending another tech in from motor city and asked how often I got the message and about the red light in the mirror if it stayed on or went out (stayed on all the time)

Same error code so he authorized a replacement of the hybrid antenna. The antenna was on back order but tagged in the system for special handling (this is why they had it for over a week).

I (knock on wood) started the Jeep for the first time in 5 months and didn't get the obnoxious phone needs service message. Over the next few days I will post another report.

Wish me luck and maybe this is the ultimate fix for this issue. MAYBE!!
 
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