annarbor Posted February 16, 2015 Report Share Posted February 16, 2015 Hi all, 2012 Journey R/T AWD suddenly loses bluetooth and hands-free button ability last week. Yesterday I pulled the battery for 30 mins and completed a Uconnect firmware update via thumbdrive. When I turned the car back on the bluetooth is still gone, cannot make a call or stream music from my phone nor do I have the Bluetooth Icon in my set-up screen. I have Disc, Aux, etc., but NO BLUETOOTH. I drive to the dealer and he advised that $110 is needed to diagnose the issue and probably another $1200 for a radio. I told the dealer that I would return after I did more research. I came home, reflashed the firmware update again and still no bluetooth ability. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! -Thanks in advance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bramfrank Posted February 16, 2015 Report Share Posted February 16, 2015 (edited) No warranty, I presume? That is a bummer, and a great reason to buy an extended warranty while you can. You may only need to have the car's profile restored - the sales code for the Bluetooth may have somehow become inactive. Edited February 16, 2015 by bramfrank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OhareFred Posted February 16, 2015 Report Share Posted February 16, 2015 There is a separate Bluetooth/hands free modual (at least on the 09there is) so you may not need a new radio. If all was working then suddenly quit, I'd check that next. It behind the glovebox on the passenger side, again on my 09 it is..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhh3 Posted February 17, 2015 Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 (edited) The old style MyGig radios had a separate Uconnect/bluetooth module. I'm not sure if the new radios are that way. When I had my Dealer install the rear view camera as part of my deal, they had taken a lot of the dash apart. I have the 8" screen; there was a silver box which looked like a MyGig, with out the screen. All of the normal MyGig connectors plugged into the back of this box, so it must be the radio. So, maybe the Uconnect/bluetooth modules are still a separate unit. They were a small black plastic box, but I have no idea where it would be if it were still a separate unit. But the connections piggy backed into the radio connectors. Edited February 17, 2015 by dhh3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lobitz68 Posted February 19, 2015 Report Share Posted February 19, 2015 I believe that there IS a separate BT module, but that would not explain the hands free issue... Sounds like they will likely end up replacing the stereo. They don't do much for troubleshooting outside of the modules. If the radio itself is bad they will just replace the whole thing. I know it is probably too late for you at this point (maybe not though), but as soon as I saw all of the electronics on the DJ in the lot I opted for the lifetime bumper to bumper warranty. better safe than sorry when it comes to these things. dhh3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bramfrank Posted February 21, 2015 Report Share Posted February 21, 2015 OK, I stumbled across this while Googling something else: As it happens, the BT module is a separate device - it is connected to the radio on one of the two USB connectors on the back of the radio (one is for the BT module and the other for the USB connection in the console - not sure which of the two goes to which application) and is held in place with a plastic lock. Apparently there is a second connector between the radio and the BT module which also has a locking pin. If either of these connectors that go to the BT module (or the one in the actual module itself - and I don't know where that is) becomes disconnected or if the BT module itself stops working the radio will think you don't have Bluetooth . . . . if the lock is broken, possibly because someone with Gorilla hands forced the connector apart without properly depressing the release, the connector can work its way out and break the connection. So, if you've had any work done behind the dash that required pulling the radio or may have disturbed the wiring behind the dash, the connector may have been 'hanging by a hair . . . you can pull the radio module (it is behind the air conditioning controls) and check that out. Good luck dhh3 and pacsound 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annarbor Posted February 23, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 23, 2015 Thanks everyone for your input! I have an appointment next week to get it checked out. I will post an update once things are figured out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walt Elliott Posted March 7, 2015 Report Share Posted March 7, 2015 I had this same issue with my 2013 Dodge Journey RT. The dealer replaced the bluetooth module ( $376.00) and everything went back to normal. BUT the next day the brake lights would come on and stay on when departing the vehicle, then the check engine light came on as well as the traction light. Back to the dealer we went, they say it was a bad brake pedal sensor causing all the issues now, and since they replaced the bluetooth module and they could have bumped it they wouldn't charge us for labor to put the new sensor in. Cost of sensor ( $15.00) hope it resolves my issues. dhh3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Official Dodge Support DodgeCares Posted March 9, 2015 Official Dodge Support Report Share Posted March 9, 2015 annarbor, Any update on this? Walt Elliott, Have you had the sensor replaced yet? If so, is all working well now? dhh3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walt Elliott Posted March 14, 2015 Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 Dealer replaced the brake light switch and all is working fine now. Its been about a week with no issues. dhh3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Official Dodge Support DodgeCares Posted March 16, 2015 Official Dodge Support Report Share Posted March 16, 2015 Dealer replaced the brake light switch and all is working fine now. Its been about a week with no issues. Good, I'm happy to hear that! dhh3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annarbor Posted March 26, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2016 Thought that I would follow up to my original post that I made over a year ago. The issues I was having ending up being the result of a faulty Hands Free Module. The HFM has been a nightmare for anyone with the Uconnect system made during that time period. Jeep and Chrysler autos are experiencing the same problem and apparently the only fix is to replace the module at a cost of $650. I had mine installed earlier this month and it has worked flawlessly. Just thought that I would follow up. Ann Arbor- OhareFred, dhh3 and larryl 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bramfrank Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 You've been without BT for more than a year?And what about the poster on this thread who says his HFM cost $376? dhh3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spektyr Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 (edited) I'm having the same type of problem on a 2013 Journey SE with the Uconnect 4.3 radio. The Bluetooth module has failed on me twice in a few months and only a power reset by disconnecting the negative battery cable under the hood for a minute or two has cleared the problem both times. I bought this vehicle used from a reputable dealer in June 2015 and had no trouble for the first few months. The Bluetooth Hands Free system is just a convenience to me, not a vital function, so if it goes out completely I can live without it. A good Bluetooth headset can provide the same function, with the exception of automatically muting the sound system. As for music streaming via Bluetooth, I don't use it. I prefer to hook up my 64gig iPod Touch to the USB port. It's more reliable and gets charged as well. If the Bluetooth module does completely fail and I decide to replace it I'd rather do it myself, if it isn't a nightmare to replace. Why pay a labor fee if you don't have to? Does anyone here know where the module is located and how much work is involved in replacing it? Until then I may just keep a 15mm socket wrench in the rear storage compartment in case I choose to reset it while I'm away from home.Thanks to all who respond. Edited March 28, 2016 by Spektyr dhh3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bramfrank Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 I presume you are posting because you have no warranty left? If so. you can find a replacement module from a scrap yard. Any year from 2011 onward can serve as the donor vehicle. Spektyr and jkeaton 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spektyr Posted April 24, 2016 Report Share Posted April 24, 2016 I bought the vehicle used so it has no bumper to bumper warranty. The interval between failures seems to be getting shorter. The most recent was 3 days. I've done some research and I'm pretty sure I can replace the module should I choose to. I'm just not sure it's worth the money for a new one and I can't guarantee that a used one won't wind up giving me the same problem. I would love to know exactly what is causing the failure. So far a power reset brings it right back. dhh3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spektyr Posted May 8, 2016 Report Share Posted May 8, 2016 (edited) Well. it looks like the module has finally gone completely F.U.B.A.R. When I reset it I now get an error that the "Device is Unreachable" even though my iPhone appears to be paired properly. I even re-paired it but still have the same issue. Oh well. Like I said, I don't consider that functionality to be vital and I certainly do not feel inclined to spend $300+ for a replacement module, especially when I'm not entirely sure I won't wind up with the same problem again later on. Edited May 8, 2016 by Spektyr dhh3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spektyr Posted May 14, 2016 Report Share Posted May 14, 2016 Call me crazy. I got a new replacement module from an Ohio dealer on eBay for about $230 and installed it today. It was a bigger pain getting the old one out than putting the new one in. I had to remove the brake pedal assembly. Anyway, I got the new one in and it works, for now at least. The hardware and software dates on the new module are a year newer than the old one so I'm hoping they have the bugs worked out and I won't be going through this again any time soon. dhh3 and titrisol 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlindSquirrel Posted May 16, 2016 Report Share Posted May 16, 2016 (duly obliging) U crazy. This is such a common problem, I am not looking forward to the day that my bluetooth module craps out again as it will likely be out of warranty at that time. It will make it a lot more difficult to sell the vehicle privately. dhh3 and Spektyr 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spektyr Posted June 4, 2016 Report Share Posted June 4, 2016 So far the new module works flawlessly. Good thing too because my present situation has me using it a lot more frequently. It is very convenient and makes taking calls while driving a whole lot safer. dhh3 and titrisol 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
titrisol Posted July 7, 2017 Report Share Posted July 7, 2017 Oh well, add me to the list of failures... just had this happen and came here looking for a hint. Seems like replacing the module is the way to go? Anybody else has a solution? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bramfrank Posted July 7, 2017 Report Share Posted July 7, 2017 (edited) They changed my BT module today because the audio was intermittent, and until now I was able to get it to work by banging on the dash, suggesting a bad connection, though I'd have thought it would be in the wire harness before the module, the 30 or so miles since I got the DJ back today were almost uneventful. Hopefully changing the module will resolve my issue. If not, then they can troubleshoot further at FCA's expense. What drove the service visit was a growing looseness in the steering which they seem to have fixed by changing a link somewhere in the steering/suspension on the left side. I did have to go into the settings menu to set the announcements back to brief. It was unsettling to me to have the module treating me like a 2 year old. Every time I went to make a voice-activated call the system displayed the help menu and once the system initiated the connection, the disembodied voice reminded me of how to hang up after a call. Very annoying. Edited July 8, 2017 by bramfrank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bramfrank Posted July 8, 2017 Report Share Posted July 8, 2017 On 2015-02-16 at 5:51 PM, annarbor said: Hi all, 2012 Journey R/T AWD suddenly loses bluetooth and hands-free button ability last week. Yesterday I pulled the battery for 30 mins and completed a Uconnect firmware update via thumbdrive. When I turned the car back on the bluetooth is still gone, cannot make a call or stream music from my phone nor do I have the Bluetooth Icon in my set-up screen. I have Disc, Aux, etc., but NO BLUETOOTH. I drive to the dealer and he advised that $110 is needed to diagnose the issue and probably another $1200 for a radio. I told the dealer that I would return after I did more research. I came home, reflashed the firmware update again and still no bluetooth ability. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! -Thanks in advance Save the $110 and skip the radio (which this nice dealer was going to sell you at full retail). Start by pulling the radio out from the dash and reseating the two smaller telephone-like plugs in back - those are the USB connections; one goes to the Bluetooth module and the other to the USB jack in the console - do not exchange their positions, I have no clue what might happen, if anything, but their addresses may be hard coded. If you can get to the BT module (conveniently - NOT - located above the steering column, under the dash and a pain to access) I would try reseating it's connector as well. If that doesn't work then buy yourself a new (used) Bluetooth module from a scrap yard (check LKQ) for cheap and put it in and continue to drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spektyr Posted September 25, 2017 Report Share Posted September 25, 2017 The new module I installed crashed today and needed a power reset. I have a bad feeling it might be failing the same way the other one did. I'll keep you all informed about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RTJourney2012 Posted December 29, 2017 Report Share Posted December 29, 2017 I have a 2012 Journey RT with the 8.4N radio. I was looking to buy the hands free module online, but the parts guide said the module was in the radio, if it has navigation. I believe there is a module under the dash where one would be. My problem is no hands free phone, it says system is loading and it just stays there. Anyone replaced the module for the navigation system? Where did you get module? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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