I have a 2018 RAM 1500 Big Horn with the 8.4 Uconnect system, Part: 68331635AE. It's the version with Android Auto/Carplay. Does not have the built in Navigation.


A year or so ago the screen on the UConnect unit failed and I had to replace it. In the course of doing so, I inadvertently severed an internal connection that, based on the schematic, provides satellite Radio signal. The satellite radio not working isn't a big deal for me as I do not use it. I did note that my truck compass was sporadically inaccurate which I assumed was also likely due to the connection being severed. I don't really use that either so no biggie. I did not otherwise note any issues until the last month or so. However, in the last month the compass issue seems to be causing the navigation applications through Apple Carplay to function erratically, in that the applications bounce between the phone compass/GPS and the truck compass/GPS. When it bounces to the truck it causes the navigation to go wacky because it isn't accurate. The problems persist in all the navigation apps, Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze (although Waze seems to be a bit less affected).


What I've tried already: I've read that disconnecting the connector in the back of the head unit that provides the SAT/GPS input can sometimes correct this, however I've tried this for all connectors and it did not work. None of the connectors eliminated the truck compass input when removed. I've also checked all the settings I'm aware of within the navigation apps on my phone and the head unit to see if there's a way to default it to the phone but not found anything to adjust it. I've also tried looking for a calibration for the compass in the truck but there doesn't look to be one that I can find.


Questions:


1) Any suggestions for what I may be missing for correcting this issue? Is it possible I'm incorrectly assuming that my severing this connection within the head unit has caused the compass issue with the truck? (The Uconnect schematic said nothing about the compass being associated with the connection that was severed- only satellite radio.) If so is there a way I'm missing to recalibrate the truck compass to correct it?


2) I'm considering replacing with an equivalent head unit, preferably used as the new ones are ridiculously expensive from what I've seen. Any warnings or things to know when buying a used replacement? Is there any additional programming, anti-theft codes, etc., that need to be entered when moving a unit from one truck to another?


Thanks in advance for your help