U-Connect--FACTORY installation

[mlewis73]

On my '06, I'm starting to think the U-connect would have come in handy (could have integrated with the nav system. )



I know Dodge offers a DEALER installed version, but I'd prefer the features available in the factory version if I were going to spend the money.



Does anyone know, realistically, if a dealership or other installer could install the factory U-connect system, and about what the price would be for parts?



Looks like it'd be really handy... just didn't know anything about it at order time, and don't currently have a bluetooth-enabled phone.



Had figured I could do things OLD SCHOOL (speakerphone on my cell phone--or headset), but would consider adding U-Connect if I could add the factory system.



Thanks,



Mike

 

[BimmerAgent]

Mike- Shortly after buying my '05 I asked the dealer about adding U-Connect... I found it somewhat challenging to talk on the phone and row. If I remember right, it was gonna be around $500 installed. But you gotta have a Bluetooth phone, which I don't have. Here in Colorado, I prefer to have a tri-mode phone for signal, which won't allow the Bluetooth feature. But if I could get a tri-mode Bluetooth phone, I'd add U-Connect right away. Bruce

 

[sonorakitch]

UConnect is well worth it... . especially for the manual. I was hesitant at first, but I am now truly in love.



Do what you can to get it in. You will be happy!



~Chris

 

[BigDieselDawg]

UConnect is definately worth it. I have an '05 3500 and I find it invaluable. You can keep your eyes on the road and still have a conversation if needed... only thing is you look like a nut... people think you are talking to yourself... hehe... the nice thing about it is that it uses your whole sound system so it silences your radio or CD player and you hear the call over your speakers so it is nice and loud and clear... . from what I am told by those I talk to it also sounds pretty clear. Just make sure you let the receiver of your call know that they are on speaker phone ESPECIALLY if you have kids in the vehicle... otherwise they may hear things you do want them to. . . Happened to me

 

[HLewallen]

Yes, I am addicted to my Uconnect. Trying to install the factory system on a non-Uconnect truck is difficult. There have been some very informative threads on this with some knowledgeable members working through the wiring - try some searches, and hopefully some of those with specific experience will see this also.

 

[TFlory]

For a couple hundred more, you could have a sweet GPS system that has blue-tooth enabled phone services. Check out the Garmin C550 streetpilot.

 

[HLewallen]

Actually, the cool feature of the uconnect is that it works with the radio - muting or pausing sources and informing you you have a call, talking and playing calls over the speakers, etc. I would check out an aftermarket stereo with bluetooth capabilities. They seem to have the same phone capabilities, and newer units will even be able to transfer music to the head unit via bluetooth. The only reason I did the factory bluetooth is because the aftermarket was not offering the capability yet. If I were to order the truck now I would not order the factory bluetooth phone system so I would not have to rely on the factory stereo.

 

[Yogafist]

Here is a link to a thread discussing adding the factory Uconnect. One person says he installed it in about 1 1/2 hours at a cost of about $500. 00. He gives step by step instructions and part numbers.



http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37903



I checked his part numbers at Makeitmopar.com and the telematics module is listed at $211. 00.

 

[HLewallen]

Careful - that post is referencing CARS not trucks. If I remember correctly, there was problems with harnesses not being present in the trucks (even that post says base model cars doesn't have a harness from the factory).



See here:https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145097&page=2&pp=15

 

[dhill]

If I didn't have a factory u-connect I would opt for the parrot line of hands free car kits.





www.parrot.biz



Dave

 

[kblranch]

Plan on spending close to $800. 00 to install the actual factory Uconnect in your truck. You need the Uconnect module, Uconnect mirror, mirror harness and an aftermarket harness they are selling on the lxforums web site to connect it all together. You need the harness because if the truck did not come from the factory with Uconnect the wiring is not in the loom under the dash to plug in the module or the wiring that goes from the module to the radio and the mirror. Its a major project.

 

[Yogafist]

Yep. sorry about that, it was about cars.

 

[mlewis73]

Thanks, guys. Sounds like something I'll consider. Aftermarket stereo isn't an option--I'm very pleased with the factory Nav system already in the truck.

 

[sag2]

I have factory Uconnect and don't use it any more. It works great for me on the listening end (from a hand held phone), but at highway speeds the background noise starts to get in the way. My partner at work has it in his truck also, and after listening to him on the freeway, I figured it was not very professional to have all that background noise. Around town is is great though.

I use my head set all the time now.

 

[ilovetrains]

I have factory Uconnect and don't use it any more. It works great for me on the listening end (from a hand held phone), but at highway speeds the background noise starts to get in the way. My partner at work has it in his truck also, and after listening to him on the freeway, I figured it was not very professional to have all that background noise. Around town is is great though.

I use my head set all the time now.

We have the UConnect in my wife's Commander, love it. Looked at adding it my Ram, and still might down the road, but Sag points out the major downfall of the system. At highway speed in her Jeep it is hard for people to understand me. That thing is much quiter than my Ram. I think it owuld be all but useless at highway speed in my truck.