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uConnect 3G service being shut down

34K views 61 replies 21 participants last post by  Den2178 
#1 ·
In light of the Sprint 3G service being shutdown early 2022, has anyone given any thought to their uConnect and alternatives? That is, anyone using the uConnect features. I thought about going the 2018 model year head unit swap but that doesn't really solve the problem for uConnect since the 4G units won't work in an older vehicle due to the radios. Unless Mopar has some sort of adapter to provide for 3G head units.

I personally went with the uConnect service for the vehicle locator. I don't know why but this vehicle has a rather high rate of theft from what I've heard and been told first hand by friends in the field. I'm aware there are alternatives but the convenience of one system is much better in my opinion.
 
#4 ·
I do know I had to upgrade my iPhone. I got a text from my provider that my 5S (I know, I know.. old as f…k) would no longer work under the new network. Kind of like in the mid 2000’s with my GMC Yukon equipped with OnStar. It stopped working because it was ANALOG and everything went digital!
 
#11 ·
So some clarification on the uConnect 3G service being terminated Jan 1 2022. While the 3G service is going away, uConnect support stated they are offering for free, the TMobile 4G OBD adapter. You can choose between a $9.99/month service which has 2GB of data or $29.99/month for unlimited. Naturally, there is a 1 year contract which basically covers their ass for providing free hardware to the customers. Both include wireless hotspot and will function for uConnect services such as remote vehicle start and vehicle locator. The 4G portion WILL NOT begin to work until Jan 1 of 2022. All services will route through 3G until discontinued in 2022. This is the information I was provided from uConnect support just now. At least it is nice to know they won't be leaving people hanging.

FAQ's are at the bottom of the page:
 
#24 ·
I just got off the phone with you connect I own a 2015 Jeep Cherokee limited. I was told that starting January 2022 none of the uconnect abilities will be available for my vehicle any longer. I am beyond angry. I'm paying for a service so I can even Voice Text for Christ sake. Now I can't remote start my car from my phone anymore nor unlock or lock it and will no longer have the theft location either. Now everything is obsolete in my vehicle. While I realize to a lot of people 2015 is an old car but I just bought it 14 months ago. So to me it's a new car with only $54,000 miles on it.
 
#14 ·
I have found this UK based company, Belsee, that has some interesting features. IU sent an inquiry about a list of exact features that may or not work for my jeep

 
#15 ·
I have found this UK based company, Belsee, that has some interesting features. IU sent an inquiry about a list of exact features that may or not work for my jeep

Funny. I just saw something similar to this earlier. I'm a bit sketchy about those adapters they include taking a shit. Also, and this is my preference, I don't like that every function is touch screen related. But, it does look like a cool unit.
 
#17 ·
Just got a message on my cars screen saying my UConnect Access was expiring at the end of the month. I gave them a call to see what my options were.

In the past, I’d pay for a full year, but the service guy said that Only month to month was available this year due to the 4G updates. He also offered me the the OBD plug in with the monthly fees.

He told me… off the record… that there are 3rd party vendors that do head unit upgrades, but there could be glitches and features lost.

I decided not to renew because I’ve never HAD to use the features. They were more of a novelty. I’ve used the UNLOCK feature once or twice when I was too lazy to grab my car keys. The few times I used it, it took several minutes to unlock and might have been quicker if I just ran and got the keys. I’ve also used the MAP feature where you send a location from you phone to you car on several occasions.
 
#18 ·
I personally never used any of the features that required the 3G service but I had originally purchased my SRT because I just had a kid and wanted to still have a functional vehicle while have my fun. That said only now that my oldest is starting to use technology I find a use for this damn 3G hotspot. I could always add it to my cell.
 
#22 ·
I just now found out that the 2018 cherokee I just bought in June that the UCONNECT will be completely unusable after January next year. There at this time in no replacement or upgrade for this issue. REALLY MOPAR? I just talked to a UCONNECT support person who says that the upgrade program failed to be compatible with the jeep cherokee (only). But will work for the other vehicles affected. That's totally BS. Just saying. I should have stuck to my first choice a Toyota 4runner. Lol
 
#36 ·
I'm not sure why they are saying it's not.. According to the link above, for the adapter on the T-Mobile site, it is (Uconnect Tech Support confirmed, on the phone just now this WOULD work for my 2017 Cherokee SRT):

Device Compatible Vehicles
  • 2013-2016 Dodge Viper SRT
  • 2013-2017 Ram 2500/3500
  • 2014-2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • 2015-2016 Chrysler 300
  • 2015-2016 Dodge Challenger
  • 2017 Chrysler Town & Country

  • 2013-2017 Ram 1500
  • 2013-2017 Ram Chassis Cab
  • 2014-2017 Dodge Durango
  • 2015-2016 Dodge Charger
  • 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
 
#32 ·
Any update on an adapter for the jeep.cherokee? This is really is disappointing that no adapter made for the cherokee from 3g to 4g.
I have a 2015 limited jeep.cherokee which I love. But I use the uconnect functions to lock unlock. I hear its going to affect text msgs on screen. What about navigation that I have?? and also Sirius radio??

What is everyone doing??
 
#33 ·
I don't own a Cherokee but if you're looking for a feature to remote unlock/lock via cell phone as well as auto start, you could with something by Viper or Dronemobile. They have offerings, with a monthly service of course, that allow those features. Text messages route through your phone via Bluetooth to your radio. That shouldn't be affected by uconnect going away. I went the Compustar/Dronemobile route since I didn't want the 4g adapter from T-Mobile and I plan to swap out my radio with a newer unit.
 
#34 ·
I have received the same information and called directly. So yes, this is happening midnight 12/31/21. That said, as mentioned how can anyone install something into 5 million vehicles, without some plan for future upgrades. I think a class action is brewing. My local Chrysler Dealership thought I was a hack when I called about it because they haven't heard yet. Then they Google it and apologized. They called me back after researching did not locate any information. The Dongle from uConnect is a band-aid option available only for 11 or so vehicles. There for sure will be no future upgrades.

When I inquired about a whole new system, they said not possible without rewiring the whole car. Although not available at all for the Cherokee, the dongle is available for the Grand Cherokee so owners can continue to use remote features. If someone really does find a compatible system, with Andoid or Apple car play, please keep me posted. I see options out there, but don't have a lot of features, and don't really know if compatible.
 
#35 ·
I have received the same information and called directly. So yes, this is happening midnight 12/31/21. That said, as mentioned how can anyone install something into 5 million vehicles, without some plan for future upgrades. I think a class action is brewing. My local Chrysler Dealership thought I was a hack when I called about it because they haven't heard yet. Then they Google it and apologized. They called me back after researching did not locate any information. The Dongle from uConnect is a band-aid option available only for 11 or so vehicles. There for sure will be no future upgrades.

When I inquired about a whole new system, they said not possible without rewiring the whole car. Although not available at all for the Cherokee, the dongle is available for the Grand Cherokee so owners can continue to use remote features. If someone really does find a compatible system, with Andoid or Apple car play, please keep me posted. I see options out there, but don't have a lot of features, and don't really know if compatible.
What exactly are you looking for? What options are you referring to because I'm a bit confused on what you're losing come 12/31 that can't be replaced using aftermarket
 
#40 ·
I was told today (11/22/21) that the Tmobile OBD II dongle is not available for the Jeep Cherokee. Only the Jeep Grand Cherokee. I would have the same questions it looks like a lot of people have with no real answers from Jeep or Uconnect. Is the 2015 Cherokee upgradable to the 2018 HUD? If so would that make it so the 4G works or at least the OBD II dongle adapter an option to adapt to 4G? Knowing that this was going to be an issue does FCA or any after market companies have a fix whether hardware or software?
 
#41 ·
If you could do the radio swap (assuming they are compatible) you'll run into the issue of the 4g adapter not working then. There are other postings on here but to sum up, the radios are coded to your Vin. So that service can't be activated if you swap your radio with one from a newer vehicle. Having said this, as I've mentioned previously, go with a 3rd party unit if you want to have remote start via your phone or gps tracking. Viper or Dronemobile have these options.
 
#42 ·
I am JUST finding out about the discontinuation of UConnect and am extremely frustrated as I frequently use the remote start to cool down my Jeep in the Arizona heat. I own a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk and thanks to this thread am now aware that OBD adapters are not available through TMobile. Some people have mentioned Viper and Drone Mobile as alternatives. What is your experience with those services? Do you prefer one over the other? I know an alarm and remote start was part of the package when I purchased my car. How do I find out which after market alarm I have? Thanks in advance for the help!
 
#43 ·
I've been using the Drone mobile product since August and it has been great so far. My buddy has a Viper system on his Charger and Durango and he loves that product. From a functionality standpoint, viper and drone mobile do mostly the same things. For me, drone mobile will push notifications to my phone via the app if either the alarm is triggered, battery is low, or other such maintenance or vehicle alerts. Remote start or door lock/unlock via the app work great.
If you go the drone mobile route, you need to buy it with the Compustar remote start package. Best buy sells this and it has been on sale frequently over the past 4 months. On sale, you'll pay about $300 bucks for it plus it includes installation at best buy.

One thing to take note of both Viper and Drone mobile require monthly subscriptions. So instead of paying for Uconnect, you'll pay for the other service which for me ended up being about 2 bucks a month cheaper than Uconnect was.

If you want to know more about the Compustar/Drone mobile combo let me know.
 
#44 ·
I've been using the Drone mobile product since August and it has been great so far. My buddy has a Viper system on his Charger and Durango and he loves that product. From a functionality standpoint, viper and drone mobile do mostly the same things. For me, drone mobile will push notifications to my phone via the app if either the alarm is triggered, battery is low, or other such maintenance or vehicle alerts. Remote start or door lock/unlock via the app work great.
If you go the drone mobile route, you need to buy it with the Compustar remote start package. Best buy sells this and it has been on sale frequently over the past 4 months. On sale, you'll pay about $300 bucks for it plus it includes installation at best buy.

One thing to take note of both Viper and Drone mobile require monthly subscriptions. So instead of paying for Uconnect, you'll pay for the other service which for me ended up being about 2 bucks a month cheaper than Uconnect was.

If you want to know more about the Compustar/Drone mobile combo let me know.
Thank you for this. Good to know there's an option for us when they phase-out 3g. More informative info here:Upgrade from 3G to 4G
I wonder if Viper/Drone Mobile lets you pick the carrier i.e Verizon/AT&T. Cause T-Mobile blows where i live.

I just restarted my uconnect access service via the 9.99 option yesterday and got a notification I have a UPS package coming from tmobile... Now im here lol.
 
#51 ·
In all honesty it boils down to sprint shutting down the 3g network. Admittedly it sucks for anyone (including me) with an affected vehicle. But I'd be willing to bet Chrysler group isn't the only one affected with these types of connected systems. I will say they should have upgraded these units to support 4g earlier in the cycle but what can you do?
 
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