Technical Uconnect issues

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Technical Uconnect issues

Zuorio

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I have been a happy and proud owner of a 550L MPW for four years and the only complaint I had was the fact that the eco:drive application never worked (I could not manage to make it work on my mac). However in the last few weeks my Uconnect system just stopped working. First the sat nav will stay stuck in initializing mode and the same with the phone connection. Then suddenly the radio switch off after a couple of minutes. I have to say that in February the car was recalled to the dealer for safety fix that had to do with the entertainment system. But the issues started a couple of months after that so I am not sure it is related.

Has anyone found the same type of issues with Uconnect?

Thanks
 
I have heard of the issue on the nav models of the uconnect freezing or rebooting on various 500X pages, if you're still in warranty get it looked at :)

Firmware updates didn't fix it for those people, it occurs less frequently though.

The eco:drive application is a gimmick to me and just takes so long reading the necessary files, I am not surprised it doesn't work either for you, ensure you have the Adobe Air installed as it uses that as a dependency.

http://ecodrive.driveuconnect.eu/portal/en/Content.aspx

* Due to compatibility issues with Adobe® AIR 3.9 on Mac OSX 10.9,
the installation of eco: Drive may be interrupted. We suggest you
to switch to a previous version of Adobe® AIR that you can download
here (https://helpx.adobe.com/air/kb/archived-air-sdk-version.html) and successfully complete the installation of eco:Drive. Please also
note that once eco:Drive is installed, you can update Adobe Air to
version 3.9.

Try to remove Adobe Air and the eco:drive app and install the older version of Adobe Air (e.g. 3.8) and then the eco:drive app and then you can update Adobe Air again if you require. If it still doesn't run try even older versions probably the 2.X releases.

I don't have the nav model but I believe that it uses the USB for map reading? The USB stick may have bad sectors and/or could be slow causing timeout issues. I don't know the procedure of initialising a new usb with the relevant map software, but I think it's sometime to do with the TomTom Home application to create a new one. If this issue is only persistent with the maps then it could be something along these lines.

Do create an image backup of the usb so you can restore it in case of any issues! You can use something like PassMark imageUSB or win32DiskImager to create an identical copy of the drive and you can restore it to the same drive or another drive.
 
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Thanks for the Reply. I got diagnosed yesterday the issue that the Uconnect system keep switching off. Unfortunately it seems to be related with the fan of that cools down the radio/sat nav. I have been told it cannot be fixed and that the new unit will cost me 900GBP ... and my guarantee has expired. This is really disappointing. As I said I was very happy for my car, but I would never expect that such an essential component will have such a short live (4 years) and that is so expensive to replace ... now I am searching on the web if there is a way to buy second hand devices for instance from savage vehicles ...

Thanks again!
 
Thanks for the Reply. I got diagnosed yesterday the issue that the Uconnect system keep switching off. Unfortunately it seems to be related with the fan of that cools down the radio/sat nav. I have been told it cannot be fixed and that the new unit will cost me 900GBP ... and my guarantee has expired. This is really disappointing. As I said I was very happy for my car, but I would never expect that such an essential component will have such a short live (4 years) and that is so expensive to replace ... now I am searching on the web if there is a way to buy second hand devices for instance from savage vehicles ...

Thanks again!

Yep the uConnect is expensive, which is why I suggested if you're in warranty to get it checked asap. Those on the 500x claimed under warranty and got a new unit. I am shocked that it has not lasted long, I'd think it might be possible to replace the fan if it is that, but from what it seems is that it is thermal tripping as the cpu gets too hot and to protect it from burning out it switches off. Probably poor thermal cooling heatsink designs as well. I'd suggest having a look to install a new fan and probably make some form of heatsink from metal adding thermal paste, I have done it before on a passive network switch which used to go to 90degrees celsius and cut out like this radio.

fe9c8276-11fa-4e41-a146-8ff62722c6e3.jpg


Maybe adding a heatsink block small enough to fit inside the enclosure ontop of the cpu chips. (this is the larger model cannot find one for the 5)

And adding some heatsink fins held on by thermal paste like this

plate-fin-dims1.gif


DSCF4264.JPG


There may not be enough room for the blocks, I cannot find an dissambled uconnect 5 for some reason, this is a chrysler model which is some touch screen radio which looks similar to the outside of the uconnect 5

Maybe an electronic board repair store can have a look it might not be a cooling issue as well, it could possibly be faulty mosfets or traces on the pcb or corroded solder points?

If you are going to get a second hand uConnect, from I can see you will need some radio code as they're linked to the original car's body computer and if it recognizes a different VIN, then it will require the radio code which is found on the radio leaflet. If you have a friendly dealership, they can use the serial number of the second-hand radio to generate the radio code, I do not believe there is an attempt limit (but I have not tried so I do not know) you may be able to brute force it.

If you have the newer 500L with the colourful dash screen then it is the new body computer which can accept the 7" as well. I think anything 2016 and below the body computer is incompatible with the 7", though there have been specialist ex-Fiat engineers to get it to work.

If you do get a nav model on a non-nav installed or vice-versa you will require a 'proxi alignment' as well.

It is pretty easy to install 3rd party radios at a fraction of the cost, just ensure it fits and you'll need to get an adapter set from the proprietary uconnect cable to the standard power and speaker cables. I believe the radio antenna is coax so can be plugged in with no mod? You will need to install a molded plastic frame to get it to double-din size.

If you are going the 3rd party route, you'll also need an interface if you wish the radio to have the functionality of reading to the car's canbus so like steering wheel controls to work. I would think getting an Android radio and using an ELM327 setup with Torque and the Fuel Economy plugin for Torque can serve the purpose of the trip computer.
 
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It does rather sound as though a computer engineer might be your best bet if you cannot follow the advice above. I know it's a silly question but are the ventilation holes all clean and allowing a free flow of air? It might be as simple as a good dusting. Certainly worth a play before shelling out big bucks on a new one.
 
It is pretty easy to install 3rd party radios at a fraction of the cost, just ensure it fits and you'll need to get an adapter set from the proprietary uconnect cable to the standard power and speaker cables. I believe the radio antenna is coax so can be plugged in with no mod? You will need to install a molded plastic frame to get it to double-din size.

If you are going the 3rd party route, you'll also need an interface if you wish the radio to have the functionality of reading to the car's canbus so like steering wheel controls to work. I would think getting an Android radio and using an ELM327 setup with Torque and the Fuel Economy plugin for Torque can serve the purpose of the trip computer.

Is that so easy ? I mean, the Uconnect also serves to maintain a couple of settings, like sensitivity of automatic lights and screen wiper, automatic door locking, cornering lights and so on. What happens if you replace the Uconnect by a standard radio ? Will the car recognize that the Uconnect is no more available and let the driver manage the settings on the tiny display near the speedo ? Or will it do that only after one deactivates the UConnect over the OBD2 interface ? Or will one lose access to this functionality altogether ?

Kind regards
Brandy
 
Is that so easy ? I mean, the Uconnect also serves to maintain a couple of settings, like sensitivity of automatic lights and screen wiper, automatic door locking, cornering lights and so on. What happens if you replace the Uconnect by a standard radio ? Will the car recognize that the Uconnect is no more available and let the driver manage the settings on the tiny display near the speedo ? Or will it do that only after one deactivates the UConnect over the OBD2 interface ? Or will one lose access to this functionality altogether ?

Kind regards
Brandy

Depending on your interface, some interfaces do support the uConnect canbus customization features on a pioneer radio (though I do hope that you contact your adapter oem provider to ensure it has the features you require and to ensure it is compatible with your aftermarket radio) ()

One interface is the Infodapter, which does allow these customisation features to be accessible over canbus.

On a third party radio without an interface, none of the functionality will be present (steering wheel controls, door locking, brightness features/rain sensors if fitted) unless an adapter which supports that functionality is installled.

I am not too sure if the parameters can be set via the dashboard but I suggested an Elm327 connected so that you can see on-demand fuel economy with torque and an addon as that's the only feature I use on the uConnect.

Though do bear in mind, getting an adapter may bring it to a similar cost of the uConnect radio. If you do not have rain sensors and what not gimmicks, then there is honestly no need an adapter, apart from the steering wheel controls.

If you do end up fitting an aftermarket radio without an adapter, the functionality of these gimmicks will no be present and will require to be set through something like multiecuscan or installing the uconnect temporarily to change the parameters.
 
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I found the adapter kit including fascia for the 500L for 150 Euro. A nice 2DIN 7" radio from Pioneer with Android Auto costs approx 350 Euro. Sounds quite interesting to me.

Brandy
 
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Btw, can the Uconnect system simply be disconnected ? Or does one have to deactivate it over the OBD2 interface ?

Many thanks
Franz

Just unplug the uconnect and then the install adapters from proprietary uConnect to standard power and speaker cables and double din plastic mold. The GPS Antenna if the new radio includes an external one can be held onto any metal surface. If you wish to use stock features from the uconnect, then you will need an interface, I am not sure if it is required for steering wheel controls but I think an interface may be needed as they're over canbus (don't quote me on that).

You might get an odometer flashing, then just run a proxi alignment from multiecuscan (Modified ELM327 and Yellow service adapter required), or ask a Fiat service garage but honestly, the software just pays itself with oil changes and so much more. This person had the issue after changing their radio.

Yeah, it is a nice project which I was considering when I originally bought the car in 2016, though the uConnect has served us and my budget solution of an Android tab stuck with magnets for navigation has been serving well for now.

I believe there's many vendors selling the same adapter kits, which seem to be produced from one source, I would just get whatever is the cheapest, sometimes Aliexpress can be cheaper. I did a quick search and saw one android radio with relevant adapters for 280 quid on there. Though I would get one with a brand name like a pioneer, as you know how long the dreaded bootup of an android phone is, the radio would take an eternity to boot up :D
 
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Also, you will need some thought on how the usb is wired through, I don't know if it is extended via usb serial or through proprietary uconnect cables so probably the interface will fix that issue too?

I know the Sony radio has an internal usb port on the back but I'm not too sure on how these newer radios are made.

Edit:
525720330_6_644x461_fiat-330-vp2-ece-.jpg


[ame]https://youtu.be/Goy_kltdFVM?t=4m53s[/ame]

Seems like they're using the standard that I'm thinking of, I think Fiat are using an extension cable from Mini USB to Female USB, something like this but a bit more insulated and longer (for noise isolation) at 4:53 in video:
1174700-1.jpg


I haven't seen the harness but I assume it's this as there's a standard mini usb port on the original uconnect vp2 330. So you will need an adapter from Mini USB to another form if the newer radio doesn't have this.

Seems to be an ok job for the experienced DIYer, though just need to make sure you got all the adapters and necessary tools and the multiecuscan incase we have to do an proxi alignment.
 
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I have the Multieuscan, never used it on my 500L though, up to now I just needed it to reset the airbag light on my barchetta )))


I am considering a Pioneer SPH-DA230DAB, any thoughts on this ? It has a large 7" display and supports Android Auto, so it should support google maps navigation. Unfortunately the Pioneer installation manual doesn't specify the type of USB port, but I guess that issue can be solved ;) Most of the work of the 'project' would probably be the installation of a rear view camera.


Brandy
 
What about 'settings' and trip information on the screen. Will this work on aftermarket radios?
 
I have the Multieuscan, never used it on my 500L though, up to now I just needed it to reset the airbag light on my barchetta )))


I am considering a Pioneer SPH-DA230DAB, any thoughts on this ? It has a large 7" display and supports Android Auto, so it should support google maps navigation. Unfortunately the Pioneer installation manual doesn't specify the type of USB port, but I guess that issue can be solved ;) Most of the work of the 'project' would probably be the installation of a rear view camera.


Brandy

The rear camera can also be a wireless model that works with Android it just needs power, that is if you will get an radio with Android installed (not Android Auto as those apps are standard Android apps and not 'auto' apps) though you could do it the old way with the camera video cable hooked up to the back of the radio.

It will work when using the infodapter described above, additionally to the aftermarket radio.

Brandy

The features on the settings of the settings of the uConnect will be made available depending on the adapter so its best to contact the manufacturer of the adapter as some do steering wheels controls and others provide the features of the original uConnect.

As for the trip, there are addons if you plan to get an Android standalone radio such as fuel economy for torque Pro which will use an elm327 Bluetooth connection.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.fuelEconomy

[ame]https://youtu.be/P4KDbenz_PQ[/ame]

Or if the radio you will install provides such fuel economy measurement feature then there is no need.

The trip log information is also available on your dashboard if your radio does not have the feature.


Overall it does seem a nice project and we could even end up selling the botched uConnect to cover for this as its been fine but its honestly not a very good system.

You will need to do your own research into which system suits you and what implementations you will use.
 
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I just ordered the connects2 infodapter set with all the cables and fascia for the 500L, and I'll keep you updated )))


Did someone install a rear view camera and can recommend one that is easy to install ?



Brandy
 
I just ordered the connects2 infodapter set with all the cables and fascia for the 500L, and I'll keep you updated )))


Did someone install a rear view camera and can recommend one that is easy to install ?



Brandy

I hope it goes all well, I would like to hear from your setup as I may try it out as well :)

I can't find out what specific features infodapter includes but we shall hope it includes the steering wheel controls and other canbus stuff like parking sensors rain and personalization like door locks, I think it may also do climate control but I dont know if it is supported on 500L

The camera is something to be researched as well including its size for placement and the wiring to the radio, I assume power can be through boot light but don't want to trigger the error correction warning on dash of back headlights by wiring to stop headlamp for example.
 
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I hope it goes all well, I would like to hear from your setup as I may try it out as well :)

I can't find out what specific features infodapter includes but we shall hope it includes the steering wheel controls and other canbus stuff like parking sensors rain and personalization like door locks, I think it may also do climate control but I dont know if it is supported on 500L.

I'll definitely post the results here :)

Regarding the supported features, aren't they clear from the Youtube video you posted in this thread ?

[ame]https://youtu.be/MYcg25jGALg[/ame]

The video seems to relate to the 500L specifically, and it shows moreorless everything that can be set via the Uconnect. Additionally it seems to show a graphic display of the rear parking assist (but not the status of each sensor ;))
Steering wheel controls are apparently mandatory anyway, since the infodapter is activated via the Menu button on the steering wheel. I wonder whether the infodapter uses the 'reverse gear' input of the radio to 'capture' the display. This would explain why it apparently has an input for the reverse camera, and the camera needs to be plugged to the infodapter instead of the radio itself.

Brandy
 
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I have ordered everything, radio, DAB+ antenna and rear cam are sitting at home, waiting. The infodapter that I ordered at a british shop is still somewhere in GB, parcel tracking shows it spent 3 days (!) at 'customs documentation and labeling' alone. Customs ? Did I miss something and Brexit already happened ? ;)
 
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