REAL UConnect

So the one feature I really wanted was UConnect, but the deal I worked out didn't have it. I do have the NAV 6CD in a Limited, and can see the greyed out menu options in the software for UConnect integration.

I'm hoping I can buy the correct parts (Mirror, wiring, software update, etc) and slap the "REAL" UConnect on my truck rather than the crappy aftermarket.

Anyone able to confirm / deny this possibility?

Gotta have my bluetooth!

Yea, It would be nice. We are in the same situation.

If you look in the LX Forums you will find where they worked it out for the LX, but it was quite a bit of work to do it. Ordering all the parts this way is quite expensive, and they had to make their own harness for it.

I am not certain about all this but what I have learned so far is this (from a dealer I spoke with) He says it worked fine in a chrysler 300 (I think it was a 300). You need three parts: A mirror (part #55157066 AD - $250.00) A telematics module (part # 56038710 AH - 289.00) and a short wire harness (part #56050611AB - 32.70) He says they all plug into exisiting harness, radio, etc. and it works just like the factory. I am working on trying to find where it plugs into the exisiting wires and will let you know. I could smack the salesman when he told me they could add it for $300.00 only to find it works nothing close to the factory installed one. I would have taken a Commander on the lot that already had it. I am going to keep looking into but any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks

Follow-up - I found a dealer in PA with the parts at about $150.00 less but am still researching the connections. It pays to shop around on the prices...the dealers really vary on some items as far as price goes. Thanks

I could smack the salesman when he told me they could add it for $300.00 only to find it works nothing close to the factory installed one.

Exactly. In any case, what has been posted so far in this thread makes sense to me. I can't see them having another physical design for the NAV/CD just for the UConnect Mirror to plug into, so I'm fully expecting this to work if I can acquire the correct parts. On the up side, the dealer I've been buying "normal" parts from said I could order the after market version, open it up and return it if I didn't like how if functioned. Naturally I don't care about that one, but I suspect he would offer the same flexibility on the other parts if I ordered them. I bet you could "try" all the parts live on the vehicle (with the dash torn apart, etc) and see if it all worked before damaging any of the parts by installing them.

One more fine point on this... I'm assuming the UConnect Mirror comes with the auto-dimming feature? I would hate to lose that excellent benefit to get the UConnect to work.

Bring on the Intel...

The dealers I obtained the pricing from both said it does include the auto-dimming headlight feature if I were to order the new mirror so that should not be a problem. I hope to learn more this week. My dealership's Management is going to contact me to see if we can work out an arrangement on the pricing since the sale was not as smooth as it should have been and the fact that I should have been advised better as far as the functions with the add-on vs the real factory set up. I am hoping they will sell me the parts for factory set-up for the same price they were asking for the add-on...we shall see.

Well spoke with my dealer today and for what its worth he says the service tech states that even with these parts you would have to replace the main computer (not just add the telematics mod.) to make it work. I think they are mistaken but now I am at a point that I may just live without the darn thing. I could really choke that salesman at this point for giving me bad info. Does anyone know anything about this u-connect and if all this could or would possible work? I get a different answer from each dealership I call.

OK....If anyone out there can please tell me where the telematics mod. is in the Commander (this controls the UConnect), where it plugs into the wiring harness, and then where the other wires go it would be a big help. I know some wires go to the rearveiw mirror, some to the radio, and I would assume some to the main harness. I have asked three dealers and depending on who you speak to you will get at least three answers. I cannot believe I cannot get an answer to these question from the people who are supposed to service this thing. Any help would be appreciated.

Can anyone take a few min. to look at their UConnect factory installed rearview mirror and tell me how many pins/wires are on the lower plug going into the back of the rearview mirror. It would also be a big help if you could tell me the number of wires their and the colors.

There is also a part number on the upper right side that I could use.

I am still convinced you can purchase the mirror, control module, and small wire harness to install it just like the factory. I do not believe it would plug into the main harness on the Commander only the mirror, radio, and module. Even the after marked UConnect from Mopar only connects to the radio, speaker, mic., and small control pad.

It seems the dealership cannot figure this one out or would rather not bother with me to tell you the truth. They would have if I refused to buy the Commander first!

I am trying to install it the same as the factory would have. The salesman said they could install after purchase but turns out its not the same and I would rather have the cleaner factory installed UConnect since I have all the other factory features but this one.

Thanks to anyone for their help.

Commander Ron:

I am in the same boat, wanting U-Connect, but concerned about install.

I just got the Commander Tech DVD (with wiring) and will try to look it up.

If it is easy, I might do this myself.

Commander Ron:

The system is completely plug-and-play. The parts you listed on your earlier post are correct. You mount the telematics module somewhere (I did not find where) and the wires plug into that, the radio and the mirror.

It seems very easy.

Erik - I am making progress. The telematics module is mounted on the passengers side behind the kick plate. You will see a black plastic bracket that the unit will slide into. The install seems very simple and I am going to order the parts this week and let you know how it all comes together. I found all of the parts much cheaper through makeitmopar.com. These guys seem to have the best prices around but their shipping is a little high but over all much less.

Here is an updated parts list (one of the numbers I posted earlier was for a grand cherokee). These numbers were verified through Chrysler this week. We double checked by running a VIN # from an 06 that had factory Uconnect installed.

Telematics Module - 56038710 AI
Mirror - 55157066 AB
Harness - 56050611 AB

All you do is replace the mirror and run the wire from the back of it (to control the Uconnect features) over and down the passenger A pillar into the kick plate area where the telematics module is/will be located. The other wires for the mirror will be pluged into the new one from the exisiting one (for auto dim). You plug all of the wires into the telematics and then behind the dash or near the radio there will be a plug on the main harness to go from the radio/harness to the telelmatics unit. I am told all the limited or Commanders have the wire there but if it is not in use it is bundled or taped up in there some where. I am not sure if the computer will need to be flashed to tell it that uconnect is now installed. The dealer is not sure but they were told through a factory rep that it may just recog. it all and be fine but thats an easy fix if it does not.

All the parts through the site I mentioned can be delivered for around $450.00. Not a bad price considering the MOPAR add on unit is $299.00. This will give us the factory install and what I am looking for. I will keep you posted. I still cannot believe I have all the bells on this limited but missed this one. Oh well.... my own fault for not looking into it further.

Commander Ron
interesting to read about you changing the mirror for the Uconnect option. Taking delivery of a JC in a few weeks, I would love the 'smart beam' toy but that is not available over here on the UK spec. Any thoughts if this could be installed as an after market option? Sounds like it could be a lot of work connecting up to the lights etc??

ricky o - Commaner Ron:

The U-Connect mirror with Smartbeam is part # 55156726AE. It is important to get the right mirror because you cannot move the Smartbeam from one mirror to another (it is built-in)

I found the mounting bracket (plastic) under the passenger kick plate. That is easy enough.

I did not find the wire for the telematics module. I have read in some places that it should be near the mounting bracket, but I cannot find it on mine (I even took the glove box out.)

I need to pull the dash and check behind the radio unless someone can assure me the coiled wire is there.

Eric,

The wiring harness that has most of the wires needed is the part number listed as 56050611 AB. The only wire that is in the Commander that you need to find is the one that would or is pluged into the radio/main harness that runs to the telematics harness. Thats my understanding of it. I will be pulling my dash/radio bezel off this week to look but the dealer told me they sent a message to Chrysler and they responded that the other wire (other than the one I just listed that we need to buy) is already in each Commander (do not know if its just limiteds but I doubt it) so we shall see. The dealer and service tech say that the plug is up in there somewhere behind the dash. Hope this helps.

Rick O - I really could not tell you how or if you could add the smart beam option. The only thing I could recommend is having a dealer check a vin that has the option and see if the parts could be ordered and installed after production. That option seems to be an unlikly one but you never know. Do you at least have the auto dim mirror? Sorry I could not be further help. I am kinda learning as I go on this project

Eric,

One more thought. I am going to stay with my last listed part numbers since we know they are right by running a vin # through Chrysler from a Commander that had factory installed UConnect with Smart beam and auto dim so you may want to as well. At least verify when you do order that it is for the Commander with smart beam and auto dim. Thanks

Eric/Ron
Cheers for the prompt reply. I wouldn't want the Uconnect mirror, just the smart beam one if they do it separately. It does have auto dim on the Ltd which is fine, just wish I hadn't read about smart beam on the US web site then I wouldn't be any the wiser!! Always want what I cant have...good luck with the dash pull out Eric...

As an update to all following this thread.

Ron and I each pulled our dash separately to find no coiled-up wire in the back.

This presents a problem as we have 3 part numbers (listed in Ron's post above).

One is the mirror, one is the telecommunications module and the other is a wire that runs between them.

There should have existed a wire that runs from the navigation radio to the telecommunications module, but it is not there.

Ron has connections with a dealer that will pull the dash from a Commander with factory U-connect to find the wiring needed.

If we just have to order another wire, that is easy.

We will keep you all updated.

Me? Moi? I bought the U-Connect on EBAY (MOPAR after install) for $200. Had it installed for $50. It "ACTS" like the original 'cept the differences are EASY to live with. If you are a MAJOR nerd and geek.......... forget it, otherwise, it is ever so safe, orderly, and EASY to use! I LOVE it! Good money spent$

Has anyone been able to install the factory uconnect system on a Limited Commander with smartbeam mirror? Is the harness there? I know where the mounting bracket is for the module. I didn't see a harness though. I have the Nav Radio and Satelite.

I am still waiting word from the company that makes the harness for the 300's to get back with me regarding a harness for the Commander. They are supposed to be working on the 22 pin harness from the rear of the radio that piggy backs into the existing 22 pin radio connector and then runs to the telematics module. As soon as they are available I will definately let you all know.

Thanks Ron. I checked with my parts department. The rear view mirror with the Uconnect and the Smartbeam system lists for 675.00. Dont know if its really worth it.

neongts - I know for a fact you can get all the parts needed for around $400.00 through a Jeep dealer in SC. We are just waiting on that special made connector/harness. They have made hundreds of them to fit the 300's with factory UConnect. If you check the thread you should find better prices for sure. If they manage to get all this together I will let everyone know along with the part numbers for the whole thing to work. This special 22 pin connector/harness should run around $70.00 or so from what they are saying. It is the same price for the 300 mod.

i hate the jeep's uconnect. there's a silent pause for 3 seconds if you dial from your phone where your other party can't hear you. they would hang up thinking on one is on the other end by the time uconnect initializes the connection. two thumbs down

i hate the jeep's uconnect. there's a silent pause for 3 seconds if you dial from your phone where your other party can't hear you. they would hang up thinking on one is on the other end by the time uconnect initializes the connection. two thumbs down

Just dial by voice (either "Dial; 888 555 1212; Yes" or "Call; Mom; Home; Yes") and there is no pause.

i hate the jeep's uconnect. there's a silent pause for 3 seconds if you dial from your phone where your other party can't hear you. they would hang up thinking on one is on the other end by the time uconnect initializes the connection. two thumbs down

I have dialed from my phone dozens of times and have never experienced this pause. Maybe yours isn't working correctly.

Thanks for the info. I didn't realize I had to say the 'yes' at the end of the string. I kept trying and kept getting an error message. I've had to go through each separate command. I'll try with the 'yes' and see how it works for me.

Thanks for the info. I didn't realize I had to say the 'yes' at the end of the string. I kept trying and kept getting an error message. I've had to go through each separate command. I'll try with the 'yes' and see how it works for me.

The semi colons in my message represent where the system will do confirmation.

You press the uconnect button and get something like this...
Uconnect: Ready
You: Dial
Uconnect: Dial
You: 2 1 2 5 5 5 1 2 1 2
Uconnect: Dialing 2 1 2 5 5 5 1 2 1 2, Correct?
You: Yes

Phone dials the number...

Rubicon,

I'm sorry, I didn't make myself very clear. I have no problem using it with the prompts by the uconnect system. The manual says that if you know the string of commands that you want to use, you can bypass the separate command prompts by pushing the 'talk' button instead of the 'uconnect' button and then stating the whole string without any spaces, ie. 'call mom mobile'. I haven't tried to put the 'yes' at the end. I will try that tomorrow and let you know if it works. If it does, it will save a lot of time.

Rubicon,

I'm sorry, I didn't make myself very clear. I have no problem using it with the prompts by the uconnect system. The manual says that if you know the string of commands that you want to use, you can bypass the separate command prompts by pushing the 'talk' button instead of the 'uconnect' button and then stating the whole string without any spaces, ie. 'call mom mobile'. I haven't tried to put the 'yes' at the end. I will try that tomorrow and let you know if it works. If it does, it will save a lot of time.

I never got that one line thing to work. I think they lied. ;-) I just gave up and did it the step by step way.

Because of the different available radios, not all Commanders have the same number of wires going to the radio which means they also don't all have the hands free module connector and the wires won't be at the "A" post dash connector to plug into the mirror harness. But the connector itself never changes so if there's no piggy back harness you can always pin the wires right into the connector. Not something alot of people want to do. Someone mentioned checking the LX forum, great idea. The LX uses CAN and although the parts may not be exactly the same, the way they work is, which makes things a little easier to figure out on the Commander.

we are aware the u connect doesnt necessarly have to come (Or be installed) in the rearview mirror right?

Might be a stupid question. But they're different alternatives to installing U connect.

We are aware. This thread was for some of us that want the factory install and are not too interested in the dealer installed option.

I bought my Commander used and it had the dealer installed option in it. It works great. I am not crazy about the way it looks but it really does work like a champ. I sure wouldn't pay $500-$600 to change it.

The MYGIG has the U-Connect buttons right on the radio. I read somewhere it's gonna be available on the LX's in the new year so it should be available on the XK shortly after.

http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/13/0,,i=133274&sz=1,00.jpg

Any success with the OEO addition of u connect w/smart beam? I really would like the option. Thanks,
Ed

That's OEM and I'm still interested.
Ed

Im not sure why they didnt go with a kit like this one, from the same manufacturer, http://www.autointelligence.com/ai/blueconnect.asp I think thats a much neater install then the Mopar kit with its exposed wires and dashboard wart. Another option, for those with a base mirror, http://www.hammacher.com/publish/72986.asp?promo=hc_auto

I too wish I had U-Connect in my Commander. When I got the rig, I didn't know how handy Bluetooth was until we got it in another vehicle we own. Ever since, I regret not getting it. I've been reading this forum with interest, but the add-on price of U-Connect is more than I'm willing to spring for.

So, about a week ago, I saw the following item on the internet and got it today. It's BASIC Bluetooth, but for $40 it seems to be the ticket for me. I bought it at the website below, but you can probably pick it up elsewhere. It plugs directly into a DC auto/boat/whatever power port.

There is NO dialing out with it. What it does is answer the phone and allows 2-way conversation and then another button to hangup. One nice feature is that after you answer, if you want to do the rest of the call with your cell phone, you hit the "answer" button and it transfers the call to the cell phone.

In the first shot, you can see what appears to be a cord, but it's really the mike which sticks up about 6 inches on a flexible cord for better sound pickup.

This package is high enough tech for me.

http://www.gpspassion.com/upload/bt1.jpg

http://www.gpspassion.com/upload/bt2.jpg



http://www.semsons.com/biblcarkit.html

I noticed with the uconnect people can't hear me that well. And when by boyfriend uses his in his dodge. It's the same way... It's staticy... It seems to only work well when your parked. Am I the only one who's having this problem? So I went back to my bluetooth ear piece which works way better.

I noticed with the uconnect people can't hear me that well. And when by boyfriend uses his in his dodge. It's the same way... It's staticy... It seems to only work well when your parked. Am I the only one who's having this problem? So I went back to my bluetooth ear piece which works way better.

Not having that problem... people say its actually clearer than when I use my phone's built in mic while driving.

Any update on this one? Looks like the Commander I'm looking at doesn't have Uconnect, and I'd really like a factory like setup....

Looks like the LX guys have this figured out. You need to get the mirror and the telematics box; and depending upon what kind of wiring you have in the Commander, you may need a wiring harness. A guy with an Aspen was able to successfully use their kit; along with a bunch of LX'ers. MoparSuperCenter.com has the complete OEM-parts kit. The kit is $373 without the wiring harness.

http://www.lxforums.com/board/showthread.php?t=40190&highlight=uconnect


I spoke to Joel at MoparSuperCenter.com. He suspects that their kit will work with the Commander, provided you replace the LX Uconnect mirror with a Commander mirror. Their kit will allow you to keep your Smartbeams functioning. You need to get the dimming Commander mirror with Uconnect and Smartbeams. The price difference between the LX and Commander mirrors are negligible; and they'll substitute the mirrors for you.

I noticed with the uconnect people can't hear me that well. And when by boyfriend uses his in his dodge. It's the same way... It's staticy... It seems to only work well when your parked. Am I the only one who's having this problem? So I went back to my bluetooth ear piece which works way better.


Ours is crystal clear.

Not sure if anyone is still interested in installing the factory set-up for UConnect but I see now that moparsupercenter.com now has the kit available just like the factory for $557.88. This is for the mirror with smartbeam, telematics unit, and the harness and the website says it is all plug and play so I thought I would pass the info along. I am glad I waited knowing they would figure it out sooner or later since they have been working on making this work. Now if they would finish up the back-up camera kit I will be finished with the mods and broke...

Thanks for the update, that is the only option I do not have in my XK other than the saddle brown seats that nobody will part with. And I know what you mean about being broke, but boy was it fun to get there.