[wackocrash5150]

Hi everyone. I was hoping that my first post would not be a question but, go figure... lol

Ok so I just got my first truck and it's a beaut. Love it. It's a 2012 Ram 1500 Crew Cab with a 5.7L. When I test drove it, was told that it came with UConnect, when I came back again to show the kids, sales man said "Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you that it has a backup camera as well." I thought that was great. No when I got it home, I couldn't get the UConnect to pair with my phone. In fact, it would not acknowledge any voice commands at all. So I booked a service appointment. They called back saying that the previous owner actually installed the backup cam with the display in the mirror and that it was not factory (it looked like factory to me) and that the UConnect microphone was actually in the mirror which had been replaced. The factory installed radio is the 130 RES so there is no display on there. The dealership said basically "pick one"; camera or UConnect. I then asked if it was possible just to "add" a microphone to the existing setup so I can have both as it would not be the end of the world if I had to strategically hide a microphone and wire. They said no.

Are there any options that I'm missing?


Thanks in advance

 

[res1551cue]

You will have to choose between the camera or uconnect. The reason is because I can bet that the camera that was installed is not OEM because that requires the RBH or 7" touch screen. So if you want to keep both you are going to have to spend about $1000 on replacing your factory radio with the 7" screen factory radio and buying a $300 lockpick to run the aftermarket back up cam and then having to go and buy a new rearview mirror to replace the current one in order to get your uconnect back.

You could however, buy an aftermarket Double Din headunit (stereo) which you can connect the back up cam too that also has bluetooth and an aftermarket microphone BUT you will most likely loose the steering wheel controls and it wont be Uconnect. And then going to have to replace the rearview mirror because it will just look funny with out the back up camera showing on it.

Either way you are looking to spend about $1000 or more.

 

[GTyankee]

wackocrash5150

Welcome to the RamforumZ

You will need to click on the Image of the Rams at the top of the page
it will open a new window & show you everything about this site
Just scroll down through the list to find the best place to ask your questions

By the way, any stock 2009 - 2012 Ram truck radio with a touch screen will work with a stock back up camera

 

[Ramzaq]

If your back up camera is in the mirror I don't see why you can't have Uconnect. The mirror camera should be bypassing the radio and not effect the Uconnect. The factory system did come with the mic in the mirror so if it was replaced you will need a mic.

If all you need is a microphone one can be installed in the A pillar or even in the edge of the headliner.

If I remember correctly the 130 RES does not have Uconnect built in, the 230 RES does. If you have the 130 with the added Uc module behind the radio you should only need a microphone hook up.

When you press the phone or voice button what does your radio display say?

 

[GTyankee]

There were 2 different RES 130 radios
They both use the High Speed Can Bus, same as all Ram radios from 2009 - 2012

The RES 130s, has the Hard Keys for the VR, (Voice Recognition) & Phone
It uses the same Uconnect/Bluetooth external module as is used for the 430 model radios
The 430 radios are the REN, RBZ, without Nav & the RHB 430 with Nav

_____________________________________________________________
The RES 130 does not have those 2 hard keys, it uses a completely different external Uconnect/Bluetooth module

_____________________________________________________________
I bet that if you were to stop at a auto stereo place, they could set you up with a microphone, that would work with your current radio

Your radio can be removed by you in less the 20 minutes the first time, the second time it would be closer to 10 minutes

You can find out more below
http://oemautopartsco.com/products/uconnect-hands-free-microphone

videos, watch both

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBE6AbNu86k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYa4pFjZSts

 

[wackocrash5150]

That was my first thought. "Why can't i just add a mic?" It does indeed have UConnect as I have the original window sticker. I really don't care if I have to put it up by the headliner or whatever. Is it just a matter of unplugging something from the uconnect module and plugging in the mic that i've seen with other connect kits?

Here are some pics of the unit. (Videos were very helpful GTyankee btw.... thnx)

 

[badgerflips]

If your back up camera is in the mirror I don't see why you can't have Uconnect. The mirror camera should be bypassing the radio and not effect the Uconnect. The factory system did come with the mic in the mirror so if it was replaced you will need a mic.

If all you need is a microphone one can be installed in the A pillar or even in the edge of the headliner.

If I remember correctly the 130 RES does not have Uconnect built in, the 230 RES does. If you have the 130 with the added Uc module behind the radio you should only need a microphone hook up.

+1 :smileup:

 

[wackocrash5150]

Yup. Found the UC module behind glove box and added pic. Now what exactly do I need to run an "external" mic? (sorry if these are dumb questions but I am all new to Dodge)

(btw .... i asked the dealer about doing just that and they said not possible)

 

[Ramzaq]

If your truck originally had the mic in the mirror the wires that plug into the mirror are run for the mic already. You would just have to tap in the line there and mount your mic.

I don't know which wires, you would have to find a schematic for that, maybe do a search here or online. You might also try a place that installs upgrade radio's and see if they can help.

Not a dumb question, most of us don't have the answers also. We all work with the community and eventually come up with the answers.

 

[trojjan]

Hi everyone. I was hoping that my first post would not be a question but, go figure... lol

Ok so I just got my first truck and it's a beaut. Love it. It's a 2012 Ram 1500 Crew Cab with a 5.7L. When I test drove it, was told that it came with UConnect, when I came back again to show the kids, sales man said "Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you that it has a backup camera as well." I thought that was great. No when I got it home, I couldn't get the UConnect to pair with my phone. In fact, it would not acknowledge any voice commands at all. So I booked a service appointment. They called back saying that the previous owner actually installed the backup cam with the display in the mirror and that it was not factory (it looked like factory to me) and that the UConnect microphone was actually in the mirror which had been replaced. The factory installed radio is the 130 RES so there is no display on there. The dealership said basically "pick one"; camera or UConnect. I then asked if it was possible just to "add" a microphone to the existing setup so I can have both as it would not be the end of the world if I had to strategically hide a microphone and wire. They said no.

Are there any options that I'm missing?


Thanks in advance

Don't you just love car saleman! Any story to sell a car, them they forgot your name.

 

[wackocrash5150]

Well, I decided to let them go ahead and do the work. I figured that I'd just set one of my eventual goals as replacing the 130 head unit with a 430 down the road and a "lockpick" of sorts I guess. Was not happy about having to make the decision but, the hands-free UConnect is much more useful to me on an everyday basis. The police are really cracking down here on "distracted driving" infractions lately.

 

[JohnnyDollar]

I think you made a good choice. UConnect is super handy. My 2012 came with UConnect but no backup camera.
Same radio as you have (130RES)

The backup camera is especially nice if you need to hook up trailers, or back into a tight garage.

What I did was buy a 430RBZ radio and factory tailgate handle camera kit on e-Bay, and did the install myself.

It's fairly easy if you are at all handy with basic tools. - Be advised you do have to have the computer flashed at a dealer to get the factory camera working.

A few tips if you decide to buy a used radio:
1. You have to make sure it is a High Speed Bus Radio.
2. If it is anti-theft, make sure there it comes with the code - getting one can be a pain.
3. If it is NOT an anti-theft radio, you may not be able to upgrade to the newest firmware version.
My radio is from 2009, works fine, but I am stuck with an older version of the software.