[TJM]

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!

 

[Mango~Ridge]

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

 

[ktek01]

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.

 

[Commander Ron]

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

 

[Commander Ron]

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

 

[TJM]

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...

 

[Commander Ron]

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.

 

[Commander Ron]

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.

 

[Commander Ron]

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.

 

[Commander Ron]

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.

 

[Erik Latranyi]

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.

 

[Erik Latranyi]

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.

 

[Commander Ron]

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.

 

[ricky O]

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??

 

[Erik Latranyi]

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.

 

[Commander Ron]

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

 

[Commander Ron]

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

 

[ricky O]

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...

 

[Erik Latranyi]

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.

 

[setsail98]

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