Uconnect upgrade

[Adam Friend]

Hi guys. i was wondering if you can take out a 2014 uconnect8.4 sat nav system and replace it with a 2018 system... is there anyone who has tried or can you do it. would love to get some help on this

thanks

[st_za]

Assuming you are asking about replacing an OEM head unit in a 2014 JK with another OEM head unit from a 2018 JK - sure, that should be just plug and play. AFAIK they are the same head unit though so you wouldn't be gaining anything.

The JK never came with the Uconnect 8.4 system and retrofitting one into a JK would be extremely difficult and costly.

[eksjay]

I was about to create the same thread when I saw this.

Assuming one must find a head unit of the same vintage, but it just can't be found, is there an aftermarket unit e.g. Pioneer, that would slot right in and even run the existing reverse camera?

I am looking into the future which can be a dangerous thing, and like my XJ, my JK is a keeper. I can see any OEM head unit packing it in after a few years. Should I buy a spare uconnect now???

The beauty about the XJ is that it will have new replacement head units available for centuries to come, even in my preupdate. I am still on my first aftermarket head unit in that car.

Edit: How long has your uconnect lasted?

[st_za]

Originally Posted by eksjay

...is there an aftermarket unit e.g. Pioneer, that would slot right in and even run the existing reverse camera?

The only aftermarket plug and play head unit that I know of is the Alpine X409-WRA-JK, but that seems almost impossible to get in Aus and super expensive. The rest will all need a facia kit, CAN Bus adapter like PACRP4CH11 and an aftermarket reverse camera.

Originally Posted by eksjay

I can see any OEM head unit packing it in after a few years. Should I buy a spare uconnect now???

My RB2 lasted 4 years of getting dusty and wet during rock crawling and beach runs because I run a soft top permanently and I put the top down as frequently as possible. The DVD player was stuffed from day one so I can't comment on its robustness but I never had an issue with anything else.

I don't think you should buy backup outdated technology when there are better and more modern solutions available. Even if an OEM head unit is an upgrade and very cheap, I would still put that money toward something aftermarket.

I am biased but I think a large floating screen head unit from a good brand with Android Auto and Apple Carplay is the way to go.

[Adam Friend]

I have a Grand Cherokee WK2. not what you are all talking about.. I wa asking if you could just plug and play a head unit that had android, or apple carplay on it. what would be the problems, if any, and can you tweek it to work in a later model

[st_za]

Ask a question in the JK section, get a JK answer...
You're looking for the WK WK2 Grand Cherokee section of the forum.