Issues with Uconnect (specifically blue tooth crackling and not recognizing USB)

[canadian_inajourney_sorry]

Hello Journey Forum!

My issue is as follows, starting with background...

I have a 2010 Dodge journey SXT 3.5L model which I purchased used from a Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealer in June of this Year (June-11-2015). I had a look at the Carfax and it showed that it only had One owner with no leans, and also Only had 84k on it. It has the Uconnect REU model, and the I had a test drive, and also had a chance to mess around with the Uconnect Console. I did not use the Bluetooth when I tested the vehicle, I also did not have a chance to connect my phone (note 2 at the time) or a 32gb usb to the console. Radio I found was alright on the day of testing. But it wasn't a priority on my list of thing to check while doing a test drive.

It took me roughly 2 weeks (End of June) to notice something was wrong with the radio. I would just hear static in the background of the station, even though I was clearly in range of the stations (such as Indie 88 or Chum etc). Then I found out about an app called WAZE (if you don't use it you should) and I started to mess around with my console getting my phone (Samsung note2) to connect to Uconnect. The pairing was easy and it recognized my phone right away. While I was in menus I noticed that there was an Hard drive in the Console, then I saw I could transfer music onto this HDD. So The one thing I have plenty of is USB to micro USB cables I just brought one down to the vehicle and stuck my phone into the USB port. There was no recognition of my device. I just brushed it off my shoulder because Im lucky to have a vehicle in the first place and I can just an AUX cable no problem. So I used an AUX cable that came with my A-40 ASTRO headset I use for Gaming, Im figuring its a decent cable (what do I know) So I plug it in... and to my Shock the amount of Crackling and static that was happening was insane. It would get louder as you turned up the volume. Quieter as you turned it down, It would cause crackling when I unplugged it from my device and even when I unplugged the cable from the Uconnect console. I was in shock and in total denial that it was the Cars fault. It had to be mine or the cable or something else. So Then I tried a brand new cable which I purchased from Canada Computers. Same thing happened. It was then when I tried just using the blue tooth option to call my Husband for help asking if its possible that I had two crappy AUX cables, that He came to the conclusion that my Uconnect must need updating and the only way I can do that is through my Dealer. So I Gave a ring to the same Chrysler dealer which I purchased the vehicle from and told them my Issue, They Hummed and Hawwed and said that it would take three weeks for Dodge to send them a Disc for the Update. I said Sure no problem...I was with in my 60 day satisfaction agreement... But it would cost me 250 dollars and if the update doesn't work they would need to speak to me about replacing the radio. I never heard from them Until I called Last week clearly after that 60 days and I was finally able to see them Today. I dropped off my Vehicle (with out an appointment mind you) at 10:30am Oct 7 2015, I didn't get my vehicle back until 3:30pm. That's fine, I'm a student I caught up on work, I was off No biggie. But when I got the Journey back, Nothing was fixed, crackling with Bluetooth Crackling with Aux cable, No recognition of USB device and the Service Manager said that They updated it They don't know what the Issue is. They showed me Uconnects website and showed me all the compatible devices (Mine is not on the List) and They gave me a speech about how Car manufactures are not up to date with technology like Phones are. I said Alright, and I wasn't charged anything but my Issue wasn't fixed ( i guess im thankful for not having to pay 250 dollars).

So How can I fix this Issue? What kind of recourse do I have? How do I know anything was done? Is my particular model of Uconnect even able to handle a new update? Should I just look into getting a new trendy audio system In the future if this issue really bugs me? Is this something I can fix on my own?

Enclosed an picture of the System information (it wont rotate properly)

Thanks for reading that HUGE wall of text. Have a wonderful evening.

-Sorry

[bramfrank]

If you can show them that this is not normal, by demonstrating on another vehicle with your phone and the same radio model, you can hold them to replace the radio at their expense, since you reported the problem during the 'satisfaction period' - or if you got the vehicle with a warranty, under that.

And they owe you a refund for the inappropriate update.

Edited October 8, 2015 by bramfrank

[Lobitz68]

You can get radio updates online and install them yourself, so I'm not sure what they needed a disc for or what could have possibly cost $250... It was unclear in your mammoth post if this happens with all audio, but I am assuming that is the case? Have you tried using the fade and balance on the stereo to see if it is a blown speaker or something like that? You can get decent aftermarket replacement speakers for very cheap... The crackling when removing the cable wouldn't concern me a whole lot, but if you can try and narrow it down some more with the fade and balance and see if this is happening on every speaker I think it would be a good start.

[dhh3]

1. When you hook your devices through wireless Bluetooth, they apparently work, so the Bluetooth Module is good.

2. Both the aux port and the USB port are in the console. The wires may be pinched and/or grounded as they make their way to wherever they are plugged in from he console: radio, or Bluetooth Module.

3. Dealers do not know anything about radios, except to perform updates. They send them out to be repaired, or they just replace them! Is the software version different than when you purchased your car? This will tell you if they performed an update.

4. Go to oemautopartsco,com, and call their 800 number. These guys are awesome and can help you figure out what is wrong. You will need the model number of your radio, and the version number of the software.

5. For what it's worth, Apple just came out with v9.0.2. Uconnect only recognizes v7.1!

[Lobitz68]

1. When you hook your devices through wireless Bluetooth, they apparently work, so the Bluetooth Module is good.

2. Both the aux port and the USB port are in the console. The wires may be pinched and/or grounded as they make their way to wherever they are plugged in from he console: radio, or Bluetooth Module.

3. Dealers do not know anything about radios, except to perform updates. They send them out to be repaired, or they just replace them! Is the software version different than when you purchased your car? This will tell you if they performed an update.

4. Go to oemautopartsco,com, and call their 800 number. These guys are awesome and can help you figure out what is wrong. You will need the model number of your radio, and the version number of the software.

5. For what it's worth, Apple just came out with v9.0.2. Uconnect only recognizes v7.1!

Surprised you didn't rant about how she had an HDD and you don't. Ha!

Still think I would check the speakers first.

[bramfrank]

It's just as (and probably more) likely that there is a blown amplifier or 4.

Blown speakers don't usually 'crackle', but rather tend to get very muddy/buzzy sounding.

Edited October 8, 2015 by bramfrank

[canadian_inajourney_sorry]

Thanks for giving me your opinions and advice!

When I get home from school, I will try tinkering with the fade and balance options. If I remember correctly I find that I only hear the crackling from directly in-front of me from the speakers directly under the windshield. I have tested this only with the driver side door speaker, by stepping out and placing my ear close to the speaker and slowly turning up the volume but I would not hear it coming from that speaker but I will try all of them later today.

As far as wires being pinched or grounded improperly , I have considered this, because the crackling really does sound very much like when you plug in an electric guitar into an amp that is already turned on. BUT I'm not sure why it continues after i've disconnected all my devices and the crackling only happens when after Ive connected (while the device is playing music, or talking on the phone ) or disconnected (when Ive unpaired my device and removed the aux cable) a device but not from a cold start.

I will try giving oemautoparts a call after I speak to the Used card Manager at the dealership where i purchased my car. They are in on Friday.

I understand that UConnect is a little behind, But I really think this issue is a hardware issue and not a software issue.

I don't have a picture/did not write down the previous software update codes or anything, So maybe ill never know lol.

Thanks again for reading that huge wall of text. I will keep you awesome folks updated.

-Sorry

[bramfrank]

Oh, and pinched wires don't crackle either.

[xcaliber81]

A blown speaker will still omit sound bit it will have a metallic kind or rattle in place of the bass.