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uConnect 8.4a (or 8.4an) - Please Let Dodge Know To Get it Fixed!

135K views 460 replies 83 participants last post by  pournstarr  
#1 · (Edited)
**UPDATE 2015-12-23**
There is yet another updated TSB issued from Chrysler on 12/19/2015, TSB 08-083-15 Rev B.
http://www.wk2jeeps.com/tsb/tsb_wk2_0808315b.pdf

**UPDATE 2015-10-14***
The issued TSB (08-083-15 Rev A.) has a new problem, still has EQ/DSP bug at volume levels only now.
See below for new vid and details.

**UPDATE** TSB has been released here for this problem http://www.wk2jeeps.com/tsb/tsb_wk2_0808315a.pdf

If you have a 8.4 with upgraded system with the rear sub AND you have had the sub gain/EQ issue (all over, cuts out, etc), please use the Dodge web site to contact them and let them know of the problem.

For example, my second notice to them was as follows:
Since new, my 2015 Durango R/T with the 8.4AN has exhibited problems with the rear sub (even after the latest uConnect update).

The gain control is VERY buggy, regardless of source of audio (Radio, SXM, Blue Tooth, SD Media).

Same song played through various sources, the bass level from the Sub (not the door speakers) is all over the place. I have to turn to volume down, go to the EQ, then move the "Bass" level back and forth until the sub cuts off, otherwise it seems to simply blast. This has turned a great vehicle (and great music) into something I don't want to use.

Not sure of others complaints, but I do know this is not an isolated problem to my vehicle as others have similar issues.

Not sure if the uConnect development team can simply add a gain/eq control button for the rear sub or not, but this needs a resolution.

When I test drove a 2014 near a year ago, it had a similar problem.

Please assist.
I chose to email them, see the contact option links here:
Dodge - Contact Us


As owners, we're owed a fix to this issue. Post here when you contact them. I'm to the point I'm going to just disconnect the harness to the sub until they fix it.

--Update 4/3/2015--
Thanks to cambo for this vid that demonstrates this perfectly!



--Update 10/14/2015--
So I had the TSB applied today. It's a broken fix!!
It DOES fix the RANDOMNESS of the EQ/DSP problem (tweaking the EQ no longer generates the issue), and has now CREATED another issue of the same sound bug, but only via volume levels!

Volume level 0-9 exhibit the same exact problem as when the EQ/DSP bug happened (increase in bass, flat mid, no high).
Volume 10 and + seems to no longer have the EQ/DSP bug, HOWEVER the highs no longer seem has high/crisp.

Below is the vid of the BROKEN TSB fix for this problem. Chrysler & Harman should be ashamed of poor testing of a supposed fix. (I apologize for the shaky vid, holding a camera and getting angry at how it didn't really fix the problem, trying the youtube shaky image fix, hahah!)

 
#37 · (Edited)
There's a few of us here working the issue with FCA to get it resolved, it is NOT fixed. It's most likely in the amp, maybe the xover in the amp, but not the points themselves, since a xover doesn't insta-switch like that. Seems to something via commands from the CAN bus that's sending goofy signals and commands.

If you have the problem, you need to sit in the vehicle and show your tech the problem, don't let them try it themselves. Make sure it's documented and don't take the "unable to duplicate issue" BS you can get sometimes with this sort of thing. Also provide them the video from this thread as well.
 
#40 ·
Suli and Spark - keep up the good fight! You will have a ton of D owners wanting to buy you a beer if you can help get this fixed. One other goofy thing I've noticed is that my rear speakers have WAY more mid than my front speakers. So to help bring the presence up front without losing the guitars, I bump the balance forward three clicks, then I can bring the mid up to -4 without pulling the stage to the rear. And the fader also impacts the sub output. I'll have to check again, but I think fading to the front decreases the sub output.

Don't get me wrong, these are small issues compared to the EQ bug. I'm not trying to compound this issue, just throwing out some observations. Can't wait to get my JBL MS-8 in there. :)
 
#43 ·
After a quick trip to the dealership this morning the exact event has been CAN bus logged with video and is being (probably already has been by now) forwarded on so the log can be interpreted, problem identified/isolated and fix made available. Be patient as this won't be an overnight fix but I'm sure they will try to get this resolved as quickly as possible. I will keep everyone updated as things progress.

If the problem is solely improper commands being sent by the RA4 then flash drive update will take care of it, if there is an issue with the DSP in the amp that will require a flash that will have to be done at the dealership.
 
#47 ·
Laptop via USB OBD II port (which includes CAN).
juice75 said:
did you show how it changes both between 11-19, and again at volume above 20? Would hate if they just fixed part of the issue.
In retrospect, no, I never listen to it that loud and as a creature of habit I didn't do so during the demo. 0-10 and 10+, yes. I showed the entire scenario on Monday but just in case for the log I have already sent an email to see of 20+ will be necessary. If so I can head back and do another log when he has time. It only takes two seconds to do the log so not a big deal if need to do another.
 
#45 ·
They us a special connector with their diag systems for CAN bus data logging (basically a factory branded diagnostic pc). Varies by make, some can do it via the ODB2 connector, some can do it with a tap plug on the harness somewhere.
 
#56 ·
Since Harman made the 8.4a and 8.4an HU, they probably made the amp as well. It's interesting that Harman didn't (or couldn't get a deal to get them in) get to use either Harman Kardon or Infinity speakers and Chrysler/FCA used Alpine in stead... or is that only for the sub?
 
#57 · (Edited)
ITS ALL JUST MARKETING LABELS
The amp is NOT software adjustable, if they do anything they will replace the AMPS
STEVE
 
#59 ·
Ok guys I got this issue not sure if it's related. When I use my xm radio I notice it will cut out for a sec or three then come back. It's real annoying to the point I just use pandora.
I just got some paper work from dodge thanking me for getting the rt , and if I have any issues to call them.
 
#60 ·
when you are driving under an overpass or some other overhead instruction? or are you parked out in an open field when it happens.

Forgive me if you were already aware-

if anything gets between the antenna and the satellite (sometimes even leafy trees) then there can be a "skip".

Unless things have changed- there are actually 3 signals sent to the radio- two come from the sats with a several second delay between them. In theory when you drive under an overpass/etc you loss a few seconds from each signal but since they have a time delay between them the radio puts together the two signals to minimize the interruption. But if it's a longer 'dead spot' than this trick can deal with you are out of luck most of the time. In larger cities there is a third signal transmitted from a terrestrial antenna. Since the signal is so much closer to you than the satellites it's less susceptible to being cut out even though there are more overpasses and buildings.

sirius satellites use a non-traditional orbit, similar to those used for spy satellites. It keeps them at a high angle in the sky most of the day to minimize the things that can block the signal. Due to the oddball orbit, the sats are not in a "fixed" location. XM satellites are parked in geo-synchronous orbits so they always appear to be above the equator. So generally buildings to the south will block them. SiriusXM radios, like we have, look to be using a superset of the XM signals and i THINK they used the geo-synchronous satellites but since they are combining the two systems I'm not 100% certain they wound up using those sats.
 
#62 ·
Rob,
I have the same issue w/ sat radio, so I don't use it either. When I have tried, it cuts out & I understand why if you're in a tunnel or something, but sometimes it cuts out with no obstructions. I am like really? F this . That shit is really annoying. So most times I listen to my music on the SD card or the local hr radio stations. As soon as the trial is over, it will never be used again & won't be missed.
 
#63 ·
Have you tried having sirius send a reboot signal
We had to do that with a few of the company cars here and it got less cut offs after that
STEVE
 
#64 ·
Ok so I am not the only one great. I think I am seeing the bass issue but I'm not 100% cuz I stream music from my cell phone and I can not tell if it's the phone or the car for now. I will bring another cell and see. It's random so kinda hard to pin point.
 
#66 ·
I never had a problem with the EQ issue until someone pointed it out :) Now it annoys me :) Which way did my stereo tuner tune it? With muddy-loudness or without uggggh... With my upgraded stereo, both sound good in a different way :)
 
#68 · (Edited)
I never had a problem with the EQ issue until someone pointed it out Now it annoys me Which way did my stereo tuner tune it? With muddy-loudness or without uggggh... With my upgraded stereo, both sound good in a different way

sorry about pointing it out :oops: I was hoping that with your added components it changed the load on the stock amp and that it may be reacting different than the stock units. Have you confirmed that eq adjustments under ten and over ten change the sound, " similar to the old loudness features that older stereos had ".

I tried to shake the bees nest over at the jeep forum I don't think those guys listen to their stereo's like the Durango group

For a stock unit I can get it to perform very well but all eq adjustments need to be done between 11-19 when over 19 it creates some other type of DSP internal adjustment. Thankfully the eq stays open because it's about 3 layers deep but looking over to re adjust when the music is cranking goes like this. Great song on volume is at 26 eq is dialed in perfect for the song playing next song comes on the genre changes the song needs less bass you may need two small taps on the bass band of the eq but when you hit it lower the bass goes up the sound parameter changes like you made adjustments to all the bands and no matter how many adjustments it just sounds off. Now if the volume is adjusted lower to the 11-19 range then you lower the bass it reacts perfectly then crank it back to 26 and the sound is great for a stock system.

bottom line, someone made a mistake with the design and it creates a hazard on the road to try and adjust and re adjust when you should be focused on the road. If it worked as it should you can see the giant screen with your peripheral vision make small adjustments and not take your eyes off the road



This needs to be reported by as many owners as possible so they can get this pointed out to the tech people at Uconnect or harmon not sure yet who the maker of the unit is I called alpine they only supplied the speakers.
 
#69 ·
Best bet is to both file a case with FCA/Dodge Cust Care (which won't do much but track the problem), and then demonstrate it on your vehicle when you bring it in to service for this issue (and if you can for the service guys, one on the lot).
 
#71 ·
Thanks spark. I asked the FCA rep to stop calling me since I get better updates from the dealer. HAHAH!