Hello.
I am considering getting a 2015 Durango and was wondering if the Uconnect can be turned off.
I may not want or need to receive signals for the various features-(phone, bluetooth, navigation, etc.), and prefer to just use the ***** for radio heat/AC.
Can it be completely disconnected?.

 

I don't know why one would want to do that but it's your choice. Get a 2015 Durango with the 8.4A radio instead of the 8.4AN. I believe that is an option and will bring the price down. You still have the Bluetooth capabilities on the 8.4A but is not require to pair any devices. Just don't pair the phone. The 8.4A will also include the one year Sirius but if that is something that you also don't want , don't renew it after the year is up.

Again, it's your business if you don't want to use it but, more and more states are requiring hands free cell phone operations. The BT features on today's vehicles is a nice feature to have.


There's always the option of installing an aftermarket radio but remember that the radio also control other features. In my 2014 I can access the setting for the adaptive cruise control, side mirror warning and a few other. Just give it a few days and someone here with more knowledge will give you a definitive answer.

 

I did not know about the 8.4A choice, that's helpful, thanks.
I don't mind a touch-screen for radio and some other things.
My concern is health and privacy issues. I don't like all these electromagnetic signals flying around with satellite GPS, interior Wi-Fi, etc.
I also don't like the idea of the NSA knowing where I am (?), via the navigation system.
Looks like the 8.4A addresses my concerns.

 

Nevermind

 

Lol. They know where you are anyway and you are surrounded by electromagnetic signals everywhere.

 

I figured that you were concerned about something like that. LOL.. Technology is everywhere my friend. Most new cars like the Durango have a CDMA modem that is on at all times. I found that out when I did a factory reset on the radio and it updated over night . Even a dumb phone is not as dumb as people think. If there's access to wifi, cellular etc, they can find the way to track it. One would go crazy worrying about it.

There's just no way to avoid it unless you are willing to move to Alaska and be 100% off of the grid. Even the new smart meters on your house are a huge privacy issue (Look it up). I understand your concerns and I am with you in a way but life is too short. I special ordered my 2014 Durango with everything , Dual DVD Display included. They can probably see what color underwear I am wearing. LOL... Let them spy on me all they want. All they are going to see is regular guy enjoying an awesome Durango...
Drive on and Enjoy your new Durango.....

 

You don't have to pair your phone with the radio. I unpaired my wife's at her request (she is the primary driver) because she didn't like it always connected.

roog

 

8.4A still has GPS and navigation, it's just not activated. It's a dealer activated system. But the gps is still on the car

 

Not all 8.4 Radios are NAV ready. I don't know if a plain 8.4 is available. The 8.4A RA3 and RA4 have the option. My wife's 2014 Dart GT 8.4 does not. We also took it to the dealership and were told that it was not available on that particular 8.4 radio. She doesn't have hands free texting or any connection to the app store, meaning no modem. Easy way to find out. Press the drivers temp up and Down and front defroster at the same time for 5 seconds and the option should pop up if available.

I've try to find the model number of her radio by going into the dealer mode (Hold Driver Temp up and Down are the same time) and I could not find it..
http://www.driveuconnect.com/system/...ango/8-4a-ra3/