UCONNECT Access

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Chrysler 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Uconnect™ Access capability relies on cellular (telematics) technology and subscribed services that are controlled through Digital Rights Management (DRM). The management or DRM along with specific services occur wirelessly through the cloud. Digital rights and a subscription determine the specific services a customer is eligible to receive. Data feeds between Chrysler assembly plants and its radio suppliers are provided to the cellular provider to enable initial capability or provisioning. This initial data must exist in the database of the cellular provider or functionality will be unavailable. Base features are supported through software that exists within the applicable Radio Receiver Module (RRM) (also known as the radio or the head unit) platform and cellular connectivity is provided through the embedded cellular module.

Signal strength and data capability is shown adjacent to the Apps orb soft key found at the lower right corner of the radio touchscreen. Relative signal strength is indicated by a bar graph and data capability is indicated by the display of either a 3G (full capability), 1X (text capable only) or a 0 with a strike-through symbol (no data capability). Depending on location and coverage, data capability can change. Signal strength is a major factor for any wireless connectivity. Third Generation (3G) data is the highest connectivity available at this time. Remote Service features (Start, Lock, Unlock, etc.) rely on data capability. If the vehicle is located in an area of no or low coverage, the Remote Services features may not function. Signal strength and data capability can suffer from the same situations any cellular device might experience. Parking structures, blocks, drops and dead zones can affect performance at any time.

The two switch buttons on the inside rear view mirror identified with ASSIST and 9-1-1 provide a resistor multiplexed input to the Local Interface Network (LIN) slave node integral to the inside rear view mirror. The LIN slave node sends an electronic switch press message to the LIN master node integral to the Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM relays the message over the Controller Area Network - Interior High Speed (CAN-IHS) data bus, where it is retrieved by the RRM.

If the vehicle has the optional Uconnect™ Access Via Mobile application (also known as app) downloaded, installed and enabled on their smart phone their Uconnect™ Access subscription can provide remote services features. In the Uconnect™ Access system the Via Mobile app on the smart phone calls the RRM in the vehicle. The RRM communicates through electronic messages over the Controller Area Network - C (CAN-C) data bus with the Radio Frequency Hub Module (RFHM) (also known as the RF Hub) and the RFHM communicates over the CAN-C bus with the Body Control Module (BCM) to achieve the requested remote features. While the RRM uses electronic message communication over both the CAN-C data bus and the CAN - Interior High Speed (CAN-IHS) data bus, the RRM is not a CAN gateway.

If a Bluetooth™ phone is Short Message Service (SMS) text message capable and compatible with the Uconnect™ Access system (see the Uconnect™ web site for a phone compatibility list), a Uconnect™ Access subscription provides an enhanced Voice Texting feature. This SMS text message free form dictation feature is used to compose a response when a text message is received. The call or SMS text message is relayed to the Bluetooth™ transceiver embedded within the RRM. The Bluetooth™ transceiver then instructs the RRM to announce the incoming call or message. The vehicle operator presses the Uconnect™ Phone button in the EVIC switch pod or the soft button that will appear in the RRM touchscreen display to accept the message and dictate a response.

The optional Wi-Fi hot spot feature of Uconnect™ Access utilizes the same operating principles and components as Uconnect™ Access for wireless connectivity. Digital rights to the Wi-Fi hot spot feature are provided based on a subscription separate from Uconnect™ Access. Several wireless devices can be supported in vehicles with the Wi-Fi hot spot feature and security to prevent unauthorized access can be enabled by the customer.

The hard wired circuits between components related to the RRM and the Uconnect™ Access system may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the RRM or the electronic controls and communication between modules and other devices that provide some features of the Uconnect™ Access system. The most reliable, efficient and accurate means to diagnose the RRM or the electronic controls and communication related to Uconnect™ Access system operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.