Ready to buy Journey, Radio Questions

[MCleveland89]

Hi everybody! I'm looking into buying a 2011 Dodge Journey SE with a 4.3 screen. However, I'd like to add a backup camera and GPS to it as well. After all my research, it seems like this is expensive to do for OEM. Other topics on here say it's about 1000-2000 which is too much for me. Am I looking at the wrong area? Or does anyone have any advice on aftermarket radios that would be cheaper? I also want to play music through my iPhone 5s on iOS 8 which uConnect seems to have a problem with. I appreciate any advice. Thanks!

[bigtsr]

Welcome to the forum.

It appears you have done your homework with regards to previous posts covering the subject.

There are aftermarket options such as buying 8.4 gear from autowreckers or

after market suppliers of stand alone backup cameras such as CoastalEtech or

http://rear-view-cameras-review.toptenreviews.com/yada-digital-wireless-backup-camera-review.html

[jkeaton]

Welcome to the group!

[bramfrank]

Upgrading from 4.3 to 8.4 is expensive.

However a Garmin navigator, like the 3490 or 3790 fits very nicely ABOVE the rear view mirror - and it isn't hard to snake the power down the right side pillar, put a power socket behind the trim and connect it to the fuse block that's behind the glove box. If the SE doesn't have Bluetooth, the navigator can also serve as your speakerphone.

Backup cameras are another story - as mentioned there are some integrated options for the 4.3 - but in my opinion they are overpriced and after you have it, you will discover that it is less useful than you expected (I added the OEM one to my vehicle, which is how I know). I suppose my kids will benefit from having it, but I can gauge the bumper very well without having a camera view.

There should be a lot of '11 and '12 model year vehicles coming off lease and being traded in - if the one you are looking at isn't all you want it to be then perhaps you are better off waiting until you find one that IS.

[dhh3]

Welcome to the forum. As for what I have been told, the factory rear view camera only works with the two 8.4" radios offered in the DJ - with or without Nav.

Uconnect only supports iOS7.1. I have an iPhone 6 with iOS8.2, and my phone works flawlessly but I'm still having trouble with the music playing as it should with the radio controls. I even found an iPod Touch with iOS7.1, but it will not integrate with the radio either. But, I do use my phone as a Nav unit. I found a great mount, made by Insignia. It clips to the center vents. The phone is paired with the radio, and I connect the phone to the powered USB port in the console. Siri interrupts the radio when she calls out directions. The phone will stay on until I reach my destination, and the USB recharges the battery. So, no need to buy a Nav unit.

If I were you, I would get an aftermarket double din radio with all the features that you want. Which ever radio you choose, there will be recommendations for a camera. Call Crutchfield. Tell them what you have and what you want to do. They will have everything needed for a tidy installation. And, it will be a lot less if you try to go with any factory unit.

When I purchased my DJ last summer, I made a deal with my dealer: they paid for the camera, and I paid for the installation. The book said 2 hours, so that is what I paid. They had my car 5 days!

IMHO, Chrysler made a huge mistake when they stopped installing MyGigs with the 30 gig HD. This 8.4 radio is infuriating, and I like it less everyday. I like the bigger screen, but that is about it. If there was a way to install a MyGig, I'd do it in a heartbeat. It is possible to do this in the DJs with the old style dash.

Good luck in which ever route you take.

Edited April 12, 2015 by dhh3

[MCleveland89]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome!

Welcome to the forum.

It appears you have done your homework with regards to previous posts covering the subject.

There are aftermarket options such as buying 8.4 gear from autowreckers or

after market suppliers of stand alone backup cameras such as CoastalEtech or

http://rear-view-cameras-review.toptenreviews.com/yada-digital-wireless-backup-camera-review.html

I've spent many hours looking into the Journey, haha. I was really looking forward to an integrated option. Thank you though!

Upgrading from 4.3 to 8.4 is expensive.

However a Garmin navigator, like the 3490 or 3790 fits very nicely ABOVE the rear view mirror - and it isn't hard to snake the power down the right side pillar, put a power socket behind the trim and connect it to the fuse block that's behind the glove box. If the SE doesn't have Bluetooth, the navigator can also serve as your speakerphone.

Backup cameras are another story - as mentioned there are some integrated options for the 4.3 - but in my opinion they are overpriced and after you have it, you will discover that it is less useful than you expected (I added the OEM one to my vehicle, which is how I know). I suppose my kids will benefit from having it, but I can gauge the bumper very well without having a camera view.

There should be a lot of '11 and '12 model year vehicles coming off lease and being traded in - if the one you are looking at isn't all you want it to be then perhaps you are better off waiting until you find one that IS.

I agree that going from 4.3 to 8.4 doesn't seem worth the price. I'm going from a Neon, which is very small so the backup camera will help me until I'm used to driving a bigger car. I have been watching out for '11 and '12 for a couple weeks now and not a whole lot has changed but some have come and gone. I'm waiting to hear back from a dealer on one right now and whether they accept my offer. Fingers crossed!

Welcome to the forum. As for what I have been told, the factory rear view camera only works with the two 8.4" radios offered in the DJ - with or without Nav.

Uconnect only supports iOS7.1. I have an iPhone 6 with iOS8.2, and my phone works flawlessly but I'm still having trouble with the music playing as it should with the radio controls. I even found an iPod Touch with iOS7.1, but it will not integrate with the radio either. But, I do use my phone as a Nav unit. I found a great mount, made by Insignia. It clips to the center vents. The phone is paired with the radio, and I connect the phone to the powered USB port in the console. Siri interrupts the radio when she calls out directions. The phone will stay on until I reach my destination, and the USB recharges the battery. So, no need to buy a Nav unit.

If I were you, I would get an aftermarket double din radio with all the features that you want. Which ever radio you choose, there will be recommendations for a camera. Call Crutchfield. Tell them what you have and what you want to do. They will have everything needed for a tidy installation. And, it will be a lot less if you try to go with any factory unit.

When I purchased my DJ last summer, I made a deal with my dealer: they paid for the camera, and I paid for the installation. The book said 2 hours, so that is what I paid. They had my car 5 days!

IMHO, Chrysler made a huge mistake when they stopped installing MyGigs with the 30 gig HD. This 8.4 radio is infuriating, and I like it less everyday. I like the bigger screen, but that is about it. If there was a way to install a MyGig, I'd do it in a heartbeat. It is possible to do this in the DJs with the old style dash.

Good luck in which ever route you take.

I believe your post is the one I read before about iOS 8. This is one of the reasons I'm looking at an aftermarket radio. I need my music! I happened to be looking at Crutchfield yesterday and some options I liked. I just didn't know if anyone had an experience with how well an aftermarket radio works/looks on a Journey. I don't want it to be too out of place. I like the idea of the MyGig as well. It's too bad they don't have that anymore. It would be nice to have all my music stored right into my car.

Sidenote for everyone: I also see a 2011 Mainstreet for $1K more but with 20,000 less miles. What is the difference between the SE and Mainstreet? The only thing I can see from the pictures is this one has the 8.4 screen and the 3.6 engine versus the 2.4 on the SE.

Edited April 13, 2015 by MCleveland89

[bramfrank]

The Mainstreet comes with the bigger engine and Sirius radio (4.3 inch is standard). The only other significant difference was that it has touring suspension and 17" aluminum wheels compared with 16" steel with hubcaps on the 'Express', which is what they called the SE in 2011.

The one you are looking at seems to have the 8.4" screen (who knows, it may even have navigation and the backup camera?) And that will bring you Bluetooth automatically AFAIK.

Sounds to me like the Mainstreet is a much better deal if the vehicle is clean and hasn't been accidented or abused.

[dhh3]

The rear view camera is integrated into the black piece above the license plate and also holds the license plate lights. If it has one, that's where it will be.

[silenze]

Get a 2012 or newer with the larger brakes

[MCleveland89]

The Mainstreet comes with the bigger engine and Sirius radio (4.3 inch is standard). The only other significant difference was that it has touring suspension and 17" aluminum wheels compared with 16" steel with hubcaps on the 'Express', which is what they called the SE in 2011.

The one you are looking at seems to have the 8.4" screen (who knows, it may even have navigation and the backup camera?) And that will bring you Bluetooth automatically AFAIK.

Sounds to me like the Mainstreet is a much better deal if the vehicle is clean and hasn't been accidented or abused.

It looks like it may be my only option. The other 2011 I was looking at sold this morning. Ugh! I'm thinking the Mainstreet is better anyways too. I'm going to go look at it tomorrow or Wednesday.

The rear view camera is integrated into the black piece above the license plate and also holds the license plate lights. If it has one, that's where it will be.

I can't really tell from the picture but I'll make sure to look there when I go check out the Mainstreet. It would save me a lot of hassle if it already had it.

Get a 2012 or newer with the larger brakes

Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there is any 2012 around me that I like within my budget. The only ones I see have more miles than I'm willing to buy for.

[dhh3]

I should have mentioned that the camera is right in the middle; just above the licence plate. And, the lens does collect a lot of dirt, just like the rest of the back of the car!

[MCleveland89]

I should have mentioned that the camera is right in the middle; just above the licence plate. And, the lens does collect a lot of dirt, just like the rest of the back of the car!

I'll make sure to look for that too although it's not listed on the features. If it does I probably would just forget about the GPS and be happy with that. Doing more research, it seems like adding an aftermarket radio with GPS and backup camera would be around $800. Ouch! It's starting to seem less attractive to add it in myself.

[dhh3]

If you are in no hurry, find one with Uconnect installed. Uconnect can come with both the big and small radios, but the camera is only compatible with the big radios. With Uconnect you will have Bluetooth, and you can use your phone for GPS. I do. Works fine.

I have started a couple of threads in the Audio section of the Forum. Just adding the right speakers can make the stock radio sound 100% better. I bought a small Alpine Amp, aka brick (because of the shape) or Head Unit Power Pack. I got it for $128.99 @ Best Buy because the box was opened. 45w/ch. It gets installed Thursday, and then I am finally done with my sound. I do not believe that I have spent $800 on everything that I have done. I'm dying to compare my sound to a DJ with the optional sound to see how they compare, but my Dealer does not have one on the lot.

Edited April 14, 2015 by dhh3

[silenze]

Bluetooth is a factory option. If you have phone steering wheel controls you have bluetooth. Most dont come with this

[bramfrank]

@dhh3: uConnect is the infotainment system - Bluetooth is not the same as uConnect.

[MCleveland89]

If you are in no hurry, find one with Uconnect installed. Uconnect can come with both the big and small radios, but the camera is only compatible with the big radios. With Uconnect you will have Bluetooth, and you can use your phone for GPS. I do. Works fine.

I have started a couple of threads in the Audio section of the Forum. Just adding the right speakers can make the stock radio sound 100% better. I bought a small Alpine Amp, aka brick (because of the shape) or Head Unit Power Pack. I got it for $128.99 @ Best Buy because the box was opened. 45w/ch. It gets installed Thursday, and then I am finally done with my sound. I do not believe that I have spent $800 on everything that I have done. I'm dying to compare my sound to a DJ with the optional sound to see how they compare, but my Dealer does not have one on the lot.

It looks like I'm just going to be using my phone for GPS after seeing the prices! Oh well though. I know I'll still like the car without it. Maybe it'll be something I get down the road if I can find cheaper prices.

[dhh3]

@dhh3: uConnect is the infotainment system - Bluetooth is not the same as uConnect.

Bluetooth is part of Uconnect. Without Uconnect, you can not have Bluetooth. Uconnect has many more functions with these new radios: heated seats are now part of Uconnect because the switches are in the screen! If you find one with Uconnect, you will have Bluetooth. You can then pair your phone with Bluetooth, and Use you phone as a GPS with the powered USB port in the console. With my iPhone, paired via Bluetooth and plugged into the powered USB port, Siri interrupts the radio to call out directions. The powered USB port in the console is also part of Uconnect. Uconnect is way more than what is was with the older cars with the MyGigs, but I would still take a MyGig; I want my 30 gig HD back!

This is why I said that if you can wait, find one with Uconnect. If you ask a salesman if it has Bluetooth, he'll scratch his head, and tell you he'll have to check. But if you ask him if it has Uconnect, he should know, unless he is a total dumb a**!

Edited April 15, 2015 by dhh3

[dhh3]

Bluetooth is a factory option. If you have phone steering wheel controls you have bluetooth. Most dont come with this

You are correct that Bluetooth is an option, but the Bluetooth function is built into the Uconnect module. Therefore, you can not have Bluetooth without Uconnect, or visa versa.

[bramfrank]

No. That's not right either.

Firstly ALL 2011 and later vehicles have uConnect (before 2011 it seems that Chrysler meant Bluetooth when they used the uConnect name). uConnect is the factory stereo with the touchscreen and integrated air conditioning controls and control for configuration and options, like heated seats, the power outlet and so on.

The Bluetooth module is external to the uConnect system and is plugged into the rear of the uConnect radio via a USB connector - the Bluetooth module module itself is located above the steering column under the dash cover. To have Bluetooth you also need to have the proper steering wheel controls and the microphone-equipped mirror, making it impractical to add to a vehicle not equipped with it from the factory.

[silenze]

Uconnect means absolutely nothing. Dodge calls the radio in every 2011+ journey uconnect. It does not describe any feature your radio is equipped with.

The word uconnect means u connect your iphone and it might work. It might not. Lol

Edited April 15, 2015 by silenze

[dhh3]

No. That's not right either.

Firstly ALL 2011 and later vehicles have uConnect (before 2011 it seems that Chrysler meant Bluetooth when they used the uConnect name). uConnect is the factory stereo with the touchscreen and integrated air conditioning controls and control for configuration and options, like heated seats, the power outlet and so on.

The Bluetooth module is external to the uConnect system and is plugged into the rear of the uConnect radio via a USB connector - the Bluetooth module module itself is located above the steering column under the dash cover. To have Bluetooth you also need to have the proper steering wheel controls and the microphone-equipped mirror, making it impractical to add to a vehicle not equipped with it from the factory.

A short History of Uconnect. Uconnect was Chrysler's way of connecting a mobile phone to the car; nothing more, nothing less. The radio only came into play as a way to display the phone number on the radio's screen. Originally (around 2006) Uconnect was a module which contained the Bluetooth capabilities with which to connect a phone. It worked with the Radios with the small and large screens. Around this time, Chrysler was introducing radios with built in Nav. If standard from the factory, there were two hard keys on the interior rear view mirror: one for phone, one for speech, along with the microphones. If you purchased an optional accessory Uconnect Kit, it consisted of the Uconnect Module with Bluetooth, a stick on switch with the two buttons (speech and phone), and a stick on microphone. Uconnect never was the Radio. Uconnect only utilized the radio to display the phone numbers for incoming and outgoing calls.

Somewhere around 2008, Chrysler came out with Generation II. All of the radios, both with big and small screens, had two hard keys on them: one for phone, one for voice. If Uconnect came from the factory, the microphones were on the rear view mirror. If Uconnect was not installed, and you pushed one of the two buttons, the message would be: Uconnect unavailable. However, Uconnect was available as an accessory option. It came with the Uconnect Module with a newer version of Bluetooth. It also came with a stick on microphone and activated the two hard keys on the radio. Again, Uconnect only used the radio's screen to display phone numbers. This system was used in the original DJ with the old style dash. It is what I had in my Nitro. It is also what is still offered in the mini vans.

I guess we can call the newest version Generation III with the 4.3 and 8.4 radios. Again, Uconnect only uses the radios to display information. Each new generation gave more information to display. But again, Uconnect is not the radio. It is still a separate module with a newer version of Bluetooth, with which to connect the phone. However, the radios themselves are referred to as Uconnect 4.3 or Uconnect 8.4. Uconnect (voice command and Bluetooth) is optional on the 4.3. I believe that it is standard on the 8.4. From the beginning, the Uconnect with Bluetooth has always been a separate module. However, there was at least one or two Generation II MyGig(s) that had the actual module built into the radio. When Chrysler designed all of the new dash boards which no longer use a MyGig, they are now calling the new radios Uconnect 4.3 or 8.4. Sounds better, but the 4.3 may not have a Uconnect Module with Bluetooth. It's an option! Confusing.

Uconnect with Bluetooth has always been a separate module from the radio, except for the Mygig(s) mentioned above; just using the radio screen to display what is going on. Today, with these two new radios, Chrysler has expanded the terminology of Uconnect to mean many more things because of all the soft keys on the bottom of the screen. (This where you are correct in what you posted) All of the heat/AC icons are rather redundant because all of the hard switchers are already there to use. Somewhat unsafe, IMHO because of how long the driver has to take his eyes off of the road. Everything that I have read, the consensus seems to be that Uconnect is the best system because it is the easiest to use. I still think of Uconnect as just a phone connection, and I was really ticked when I found out that heated seats are no longer offered as an accessory option, because the switches are on the screen; therefore part of Uconnect.

Having had vehicles with all three generations of Uconnect, I still think of Uconnect as a way to connect a phone to the car. The radio is the radio, and is used by Uconnect to display information pertaining to the phone.

Edited April 15, 2015 by dhh3

[bramfrank]

No. You have the current description wrong, history lesson or not.

My '11 (and every single DJ sold starting with the 2011 model year) has uConnect. Mine did not have Bluetooth. As I wrote, lots of '11s had no BT because the dealers did not realise that Chrysler had changed the description and that Bluetooth was no longer part of the basic uConnect nomenclature.

Bluetooth functionality is hardware dependent and is NOT embedded in the uConnect (radio/display driver) module. It is located external to the module, as I wrote, perched above the steering column in the 2011 and later Dodge Journeys. BT is a separate feature, sold at extra cost on the lower end models and in some markets and models is not even available at all. On an SE, the option descriptor for the BT is "Handsfree Communication w/Bluetooth" on the Dodge web site - and, for the record, the included radio is described as "Radio uConnect 4.3 AM/FM/CD/MP3".

uConnect is described by Chrysler as the technology that allows the owner to interface with the vehicle - Bluetooth is one (depending on which uConnect radio you order, optional) accessory for the system.

Suffice it to say that you can buy a Gen-II DJ that does not have Bluetooth, but all Gen-II DJs have uConnect. And if you are unlucky enough to have gotten a unit that doesn't have factory Bluetooth, adding it is usually not a practical option.

[dhh3]

OIC. Chrysler no longer refers to it as a radio! Now, you have become the Teacher and I the student. Uconnect to me is pairing a phone to the car; nothing more, nothing less. At least, that is what it used to be. But, I am Old School and want my RBZ MyGig back with the 30 gig HD! LOL I have no idea why they would remove the HD, because they didn't replace it with anything. Maybe Uconnect takes up the whole 30 gig on the HD! I can see why the Dealers would be confused because the minivans still use the old style radios.

BTW, do you know what the difference would be between the Canadian and US Crossroad? I see under your name that it says Crossroad (Canadian edition). Just curious.

Also, on my window sticker it does say:

8.4-Inch Touch Screen Display

Uconnect 8.4 CD/DVD/MP3 - This must be the radio, but no mention of the SD slot.

Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth - this must be the module above the steering column

I guess I never looked at it that closely. Thank you for the enlightenment. I learned something today. Life is not worth living unless one learns one new thing everyday.

Edited April 15, 2015 by dhh3

[bramfrank]

In the US the Crossroad is a regular SXT with blacked out headlight surrounds, platinum accent pieces, special bumpers front and rear and 19" hyper-black wheels. You also get the 8.4" regular radio.

In Canada the Crossroad is on a par with the Limited. But you trade off the leather seats on the Crossroad for heated seats & steering on the Limited - I have that option on my unit - it is great to have the heated steering wheel when it is -30 out.

There are truly significant differences between the national models - for example you can't get a 4 cylinder engine on the Canadian version and the windows on both sides are express up and down in Canada, where you only get express (down only?) and only on the driver's side. The power seat is supposedly 8 way up here, 6 way down there according to the US web site. You get the touring suspension if you have the FWD version, the sport suspension with the AWD.

You can't buy a 5 passenger version of the Crossroad in Canada for 2015 (I have a 5 passenger '14).

For some inexplicable reason you don't get the roof crossrails in Canada (not sure if you get them in the US) and on the FWD you don't get floor mats (I kept all that stuff from my SE Plus, not that I ever used them). You also don't get the cargo net (kept that from the old vehicle also).

Moving to the AWD crossroad in Canada will get you Alpine premium sound, the backup camera and Parksense, remote start, Homelink, the flashlight, full leather, heated seats, floor mats and the cargo net, all standard. The AWD Crossroad is positioned above the R/T up here

There's more, but I only have so much patience.

By the way, for the person who complained that his vehicle didn't match his window sticker. I clearly recall that he said the sticker said he had a 6 speaker system. For his information, the basic system has six speakers. The Alpine sound package has SEVEN speakers, so I suspect there was no error and so far no one has figured out that he got the six speakers he paid for,

[dhh3]

A lot of differences! Mine came with Leather Seats with mesh inserts (specific to the Crossroad), Premium Floor Mats, cargo net, Stitched Leather Panels on the doors. Premium Sound is an option. I'm making my own, and I had to buy my cross rails. The radio I listed 2 posts up was also standard + Sirius, no Nav and no heated seats. I never looked when I bought it. Saw the leather and just figured they were heated. Express down only on the driver's side. You seem to be correct on the other things you mentioned, going by my window sheet. The only options were the V6 and the third row.

Patience is a virtue.