I have a 2017 Citadel which is fairly loaded. For the 2018 model, the Uconnect has CarPlay and Android Auto. Can I just buy the 2018 version and plug it to the my 2017 model? Is it as simple as plug and play? Thanks.

 

Want to know as well.

 

I wonder if it is just a software/firmware update.

 

OK I just sent an email to FCA Uconnect Support and will give an update when they respond. Maybe DodgeCares can help answer this.

 

Hi fledda,

At this time Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capabilities are only available on select 2017 model year vehicles: Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300 and the redesigned Jeep Compass.As you mentioned, select 2018 vehicles also have this capability. At this time Uconnect has not released a software update including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capabilities for other vehicles. We cannot guarantee that a Uconnect system built for a different model year/vehicle model would be compatible and unfortunately since we do not recommend modifying your vehicle beyond factory settings we cannot offer further assistance with radio swaps. We would recommend contacting a certified dealership for further assistance!

Andrea
Dodge Social Care Specialist

 

A drea, thank you for your quick reply. Would you be able to provide me with contact information at Uconnect and I will inquire about their future plans for my Durango. Thanks.

 

This is the response that I received from Chrysler Group LLC Customer Assistance.

I have confirmed only vehicles equipped from the factory with RFP/RF5 will have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto availability at this time.

I reviewed your sales codes and you are correct your 2017 Dodge Durango is not equipped with the following; this is not an option that can be added to any previous model years. That being said we understand the importance of expanding compatibility to making this feature compatible and our development team is continuously working on updates although we do not have an estimated time of when this will happen we are here to assist you 24/7 and happy to review of any changes at any time.

We advise that before you make any modifications to contact your local authorized Dodge dealership for further information regarding your warranty coverage?s. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide technical assistance, however, please keep in mind these are options that would have needed to be installed from factory. Your local dealership will be able to advise which modifications will void your warranty as well as advise which modifications may suit your needs.

So I am still not sure if it is a hardware or software issue. I will try to contact Uconnect directly and find out more.

 

Companies like Infotainment are working on retrofit kits, allowing you to buy the new unit, swap it with your existing, then plug in a one-time programmer to get the unit going. Earlier last year I swapped one of the new 2017+ Uconnect 4's into my 2016 Hellcat, and it's been working great ever since. I bet once the new 2018's get out there more, you'll see the Durango retrofit kits appear on the market.

 

So is it just a plug and play kind of thing?

 

Essentially, yes. You'll need to remove the radio surround/trim pieces, then the UConnect unit itself is just four screws and a plug. The kit I bought came with a unit (plugged via OBD) that reprogrammed based on my VIN, which setup controls for heated/cooled seats, Performance Pages, etc. Whole programming session took about two minutes, then it reboots and its all done. All of my SiriusXM stuff carried over too.

The final step was to swap the media hub since CarPlay/Android Auto requires USB 3, and the main USB ports in the older (Charger) vehicles are 2.0..I'm assuming the Durango is similar. Even that swap only took about 5 minutes with a flathead screwdriver. We bought an 18 R/T last November, and the new UConnect is leaps better than the unit that was in our old 15 Citadel.