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8.4RB5 Stuck on Hands-Free System Loading
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I have a 2012 Charger with the 8.4RB5 that is stuck on Hands-Free System Loading Please Wait. I cannot click on settings or anything on the phone screen. When I go to uconnect settings I cannot click on Bluetooth/phone either. Also the voice activation button and phone button on the steering wheel does nothing either. I have pulled the (-) battery post for 20 minutes. I have pulled the radio and radio screen fuses with no luck. Has anyone else had this problem? How can I reset the uconnect? I have not even lost my radio channels after doing everything.
If you're lucky, you might have access to the Engineering Mode. Not all radios have the access (or at least the knowledge of how to get into it). Put the ignition in ACC or RUN, but do NOT start the car. Press and hold both the driver's side climate up and climate down buttons for about ten seconds (the red up arrow button and the blue down arrow) If your radio enters engineering mode, browse through the menus until you find the Factory Reset option.
TanBam, You seem to be the man with the secrets. BTW the nav is working great, cameras and all :rocker: Anyhow, I tried this on my 8.4n and nothing happened, any other hidden controls you know of? Thanks
Holding climate up+down+front defrost will enter "Dealer Mode", but it really doesn't do much. Climate up+down+rear defrost will save a screenshot to a USB stick. I suspect that there is still some way to get into engineering mode in all of the radios, but until someone finds them and posts the info, we won't know for sure. I've noticed that when I take my car to the shop, the headlights are always taken out of Auto and the fog lights are turned off. Maybe that is part of the combination, something like headlights on, foglights off, parking brake set, driver door open, button combination.
I had that happen to my 2012 SXT+. The first time, the dealer got it reset. Second time it happened, they had to replace the handsfree module that's part of the 8.4n package.
on changing the hands-free module, about how long did it take them? I called and they have it in stock. I called u-connect and she ran me thru a possible soft-reset - TURN ACCESSORIES ON, BUT NOT MOTOR. PRESS AND HOLD THE TWO BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL - VOICE RECOGNITION AND THE PHONE SYMBOL - FOR 30 SECONDS. THEN, RELEASE AND TURN OFF THE ACCESSORY ENGINE. THEN, SHE ACTUALLY SAID 'OPEN THE DOOR FOR 30 SECONDS AND CLOSE IT'. IT DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK AND IT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME.
I have tried the temp up/down with no luck, does not do anything. I will have to try and turn off the auto lights and fog lights with door open LoL. Sad part is it’s out of warrantee but have the $100 deductible life time warrantee. Just don’t know if it will be covered.
Did you get this resolved via the Life Time Warrantee? I have the TOP TIER Life Time Warrantee on my Charger, I sure hope, for the money I spent, that it is covered.
Remove positive and negative terminlas from battery hold terminals together for 30 sec and check that Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App
Hands free system loading please wait... Great, now I have this problem. Dealer said it will be a couple hours to diagnose - $150. I tried the battery disconnect and it worked for only one start/stop engine cycle. 2013 Charger R/T. Out of warranty, of course.
They told me my hands free module needed to be replaced $775 for the 8.4n
Why wouldn't it be covered under warranty? Aren't you still in your 3/36?
$775.00!! That's BS. If I tell my boss (company car) that we need to spend that much money on a car that's less than two years old he's going to freak. Looks like Dodge customer service will be getting a letter from me.
Nah. I'm at 42k miles. Bought the extended warranty so i only have to pay $100 deductible
Do you know where this module is physically located? Do you have a part number? Thank You.
Don't know where it's located at, and not sure the part number. But I was told it's not easy to replace
Since starting this thread back in September 25th, 2013, I finally got my hands free module replaced. Saturday I had the "Battery Saver Mode" pop up on my display. Shut car off and restarted and it went away. Didn't think about it any more. Monday morning get in it to go to work and battery is completely dead. And of course my car is not on the recall list for alternator. Carried it to dealer and they found the alternator was bad. Then the lady said my water pump was leaking and hands free module needs changing. I asked how much and she said $100 deductible. This alone paid for half of the life time warranty. $536 for an alternator and $200 for a water pump (parts only not including labor). Come on man!
same problem here tried holding down the voice command and phone for 30 sec. steps uconnect said to do, but no luck he said it was probably the hardware. on the battery thing which battery front or back and what do you mean by holding them together? thanks
how do I subscribe to this thread
I have the exact same problem. Worked fine til about a month or two ago.
Do you know where this module is physically located? Click to expand...
How did you fix this because it is happening to my 2013 RT
I took it to the dealer to have replaced. Was covered under the $100 deductible lifetime warranty. If paying out of pocket its around $700. Since then my ABS and Traction control light came on. While parked my speed odometer was bouncing from 15 to 40 mpg. Then would not go like the park break was on. When I got to the house I could not put it in park nor could I kill it while running. Blind spot system would flash on the dash saying it was not working. Then later have a message saying "Service Shifter". Why do I still have this car? Took it back to dealer. ABS and traction control light was due to a wheel sensor. They re-flashed transmission computer for shifting problem. Then had to order blind spot monitor module. After a week they called said part was in. Dropped it off Wednesday at 8am. And its still in the shop. How long does it take to change the module? They don't know why the message said "service shifter" came on.
http://www.chargerforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237426
I dropped my car off today to have this problem fixed. Dealer called a few hours later and said there was nothing wrong with it. They did a reset and it worked for one start up cycle. As soon as I turned the car off and back on, it went out again. I'll be giving them another call tomorrow. Mine is still under warranty. My problem the inconvenience of having to go back and forth to the dealer. They should have just replaced it the first time.
I have a 4.3, does it work for that one also?
Same situation here... I removed the positive and negative from the battery to drain power, then plugged them back in. Bluetooth comes back for about two days and then goes back to the "hands free loading screen" I swear it decided to stop working after the warranty was up. My only hope is to wait till they come out with a new update comes out and hope it magically works. If not, going to have to pay 700 for it :/
Easy fix. Hold down the volume and browse/enter buttons on the knobs until the radio reboots. No need to reset anything or disconnect anything.
In what vehicle year and model? It didn'the do anything in my 2012 RT
My 2015 RAM 1500 with the 8.4 uconnect worked. I held down both buttons with the engine on and it reset the radio. I will monitor for a few days to see if it goes out again.
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Dodge Journey: How To Reset UConnect
If your Dodge’s infotainment screen or system is glitching or freezing out, don’t fret. Bad updates, overloaded memory, or temporary electrical issues can all cause the system to temporarily bug out.
Luckily, you can reset the UConnect system or the car’s electronics to remove the most common issues.
How to Reset UConnect in Dodge Journey
Ever since the second major release of UConnect, the system can be soft reset solely through the infotainment buttons on the console. You’ll need to turn on the vehicle, but it’s recommended to keep the engine off. Here’s what you need to do:
- Press and hold the “Volume” and “Tune” buttons on the infotainment system.
- Wait until the screen goes blank or displays the Dodge logo.
- Release the buttons and wait for a bit.
- The system should automatically restart, displaying the Dodge logo and other startup information.
- You can now use the infotainment system normally.
For the oldest version of UConnect, it’s best to turn off the car, wait a few minutes, then turn it on again.
In newer vehicles, you can also find a second option for soft-resetting the system:
- Press and hold the “Up” and “Down” arrows on the console (for climate controls). In some cars, you may need to press the “Phone” and “Mute” buttons at the bottom of the console.
- Wait until the “Engineering Menu” shows on the screen.
- Use the scroller on the screen to go to “Reset to factory settings.” You can also choose to reset the radio (“Reset radio”) only if that’s your primary concern.
- Select the option on the touchscreen, then hit “Yes” to confirm.
This option won’t work if the screen itself is unresponsive, but it completely removes previous settings and updates that may be messing with the system.
How to Reset a Dead Infotainment System
If the entire infotainment system is unresponsive and the screen is completely black, then it may have blown a fuse or another electrical component.
The fuse box for Dodge Journeys is typically located under the glovebox. It has a lid that opens by hooking one finger into the gap and pulling. The lid should also have a printed or etched fuse box plan inside.
You need to replace the 10A fuse in the second row of fuses (second on the right). Turn off the car before pulling the fuse and check it with a multimeter to ensure it’s actually blown. Consult the fuse plan on the lid or the owner’s manual to ensure you’re replacing the correct fuse.
If the fuse is not blown, put it back into the box and try to start the radio system. If that still doesn’t work, you may have a deeper electrical issue that warrants a professional inspection.
Reset the System by Draining the Car
As a last resort, you can remove the battery for the car and drain its electricity to hard reset the UConnect system:
- Open the hood.
- Remove the cables from the battery (starting with the negative).
- Honk the horn or turn on the headlights to drain the battery completely.
- Wait for a few minutes.
- Reconnect the battery cables (positive first this time).
- Start the car and check the infotainment system.
What If the Screen Is Different?
In some cases, resetting the system will change how your infotainment screen and options look. That’s because factory settings will likely revert UConnect to an older version with a different UI. Typically, leaving the car alone for a few minutes with an active internet or cellular connection will prompt it to download the latest UConnect version and fix the issue.
If this doesn’t happen, navigate to “Settings” on the screen and select “Software Update.” This option has been relocated on the display a few times on different UConnect versions and may also be named differently depending on the version. You can typically find the current version number at the bottom of the screen while the system boots. Check the UConnect website for the operating manual for that specific release.
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23 thoughts on “dodge journey: how to reset uconnect”.
This absolutely did not work
Doesn’t work
Same, did not work on my radio
My Dodge Journey Uconnect still down or no operationnal
It should be in your manual.
I have my manual and it says nothing
Did not work and this is very frustrating
did not work for my 2013 dodge journey sxt still can’t connect to bluetooth very sad
How do I preset radio station in 2015 dodge journey
Tried to reset my uconnect but the procedure I found did not work. Still uconnect is unusable. Haven’t been able to use my unconnected for over 2 years and yet Dodge wants to charge me over $200 to fix it because it’s supposedly the module. Dodge should add this problem as a defect. Angry, frustrated 🤬😡
I agree, we pay a lot of money for these options and I am tired of the vehicle industry just washing their hands of their responsibilities to their clientele.
I sold my 2019 dodge charger after 6 months because of this issue, I drive to much for something so trivial to irritate me every single day. Took it in multiple times to get it fixed and the dealer couldn’t/wouldn’t fix it.
That’s hilarious. Up here in Canada it cost me over $1000 to replace. Then it went out a couple of months later.
My 2015 Journey crossroad’s uconnect will not come on after I start the vehicle until a few miles down the road. this happens mostly during cold weather; vehicle is garage kept.
I found a loose connection in the back of my 8.4 uconnect screen that was loose which caused it not to come on or sometimes go out and back on. I pulled all connections apart sprayed some electrical cleaner on them and replaced the connection, haven’t had any more problems sense. Search on You-Tube for instruction on how to remove the device.
I NEED A “HARD” RESET!!! NOBODY GETS THIS??? WILL NOT WORK AFTER FIRESTONE REPLACED BATTERY!!!
Uconnect is GARBAGE. It got corrupted during the update process! NAV never worked since.
Same for me. Don’t know what I can do now, feel certain it’s software not hardware!
I have follow the steps but my dodge journey sxt 2016 uconnect is not connecting
2016 Dodge Journey USB works with IPOD, but not bluetooth. Smartphone connects to Uconnect via bluetooth with no problem, weird thing is, my 2013 Dodge Avenger has no problem via blue tooth with smartphone or Ipod.
I got my self a aux/bt wireless connector / adapter that I plug on the aux input under the armrest with USB power connect my phone and there we go.. Bye bye frustration go away.. Costs me 8 bucks…
I bought a rt model in germany not long ago, the same, total crap, I read everything possible, even about fuse 131,128, total shit, as written above, software sucks from 2012 to 2016 unconnect crap,
Well I have no hope now, having g same problem, I’m not paying for the to fix this bs, guess I just use my bt speaker in car smh
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Uconnect stuck on "Hands free system loading"
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I am soooo hoping someone can help me. Have a 2013 Motown 300 with 37250 miles. This weekend was when the hands free started acting up. Got online and tried to get the update (uconnect.com says I have 2 updates). The first update from EVERY computer I Have tried says File Not Found. Called them, waste of time, said the case manager would get back to me, called him again today and nothing. Any one have the actual files they would be willing to share. Not sure if thats the problem but the dealer when I called said its either an update or I need a new module. Dont want to throw money away at the dealer to do an update without at least trying it myself.
I have no experience with UConnect but I'm sure some of our other members do and I expect they will chime in here shortly. Welcome to the forum!
If I were you I wouldn't bother with that update. The hands free module problem, on the other hand, sounds familiar. I think a number of members here have reported that message and got their hands-free module replaced.
sounds like the module is or has gone bad and needs replacing.
When I got my pre-owned 300s, uconnect displayed the same message. Had to get the handsfree module replaced.
I just hit this problem today in my 2012. I first realized it when I didn't have Bluetooth, and then noticed that none of the hands-free commands were working. So, I pulled the battery cable for a minute (then got the "Enter Security Code" message on the radio when I reconnected. That scared me until I found Cool_V_300C's post about how that message goes away...whew!) Anyway, the battery disconnect/reconnect appears to have fixed everything. I removed and re-added the phone, all is well and voice commands are working. I am hoping this is not indicative of a pending failure. Coincidentally, my phone (Galaxy Note 4, Verizon) received a software update a few days ago. I know for sure that Bluetooth and voice commands worked for a couple of days after that update.
So, this morning it is not working again. Headed to the dealer on Thursday - looks like a new radio, I guess? I thought I read here that the 8.4N/RB5 contains the hands-free module inside the receiver.
yep, it appears the hands-free module is inside the RB5, so a new radio will be the fix for this. I hope this isn't becoming a common problem.
I brought it in today to the dealer. The fix is listed as "replaced the hands free module". Part 68222278-AA , replaced under warranty, and they had one in stock. Everything working as it used to. So, at least on the 2012, this module can be replaced without replacing the entire receiver.
My 2013 is also doing this, looks like a trip to the dealer for me too.
disconnect positive battery terminal for a few minutes then reconnect. it worked on mine
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Hands Free Module DOA or not?
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After checking the systems on the car with the OBD, it appears that the reason I am unable to perform a complete Proxy Alignment is because the Hands Free Module (CTM) is in fact not functioning. I am unable to connect with it and the Proxy Alignment stops midway through probably because it is unable to communicate with the CTM. So I have two choices. I can either try to replace the Hands Free Module myself, or I have to go to the dealership and have them replace it. If there is a third option, I would appreciate some suggestions.
Yes, I am getting a code for the CTM. Since I am unable to connect with it, it appears that it is not functioning. This is probably why I was unable to complete a proxy alignment. I will either have to replace it myself, or take it in to the dealership and have it replaced.
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- Audio, Infotainment Navigation, MyGig, UConnect, etc.
2016 dodge journey r/t HANDS FREE ISSUE
By Doug of Dartmouth May 12, 2021 in Audio, Infotainment Navigation, MyGig, UConnect, etc.
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Doug of dartmouth.
My battery died, so I put in a new one. The new one was draining as well over 2-3 days. Electrical Shop tested and found the drain was from Fuse 131 ( hands free), they pulled the fuse and it fixed the drain on the battery.
The hands free had stopped working before the old battery died, but I had not made the connection to the battery issue.
So what needs to be replace? the module, wiring? Because the bluetooth was always searching for the hands free and never connecting, would that cause a power drain even when the Journey ignition was off?
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A good scanner with CAN/BUS capability that can go into BCM controlled systems should point you to the fault now that you know the system causing the drain.
From my recent experience with our 2011(same stuff), I found actual wires to be well secure and that most probably you will find it in the "hands free" module.
Some have posted of similar happenings and said that due to cost and lack of need for the feature , that they had the module connection disconnected.
I'm pretty new to these "new fangled" electronics, so I can't offer much more help. Good Luck, and post back how things "work out".
I bought a pair of wireless airbuds for my i-phone which works well. The handsfree on the steering wheel are nice to have, although I do not get/make many calls
John/Horace
You could get dealer to replace module but you would need to use the product shown in the picture below first.
Probably in the $800 ish zone.
14389ACC-C18F-4353-916D-B64C2D86A408.webp
55 minutes ago, John/Horace said: You could get dealer to replace module but you would need to use the product shown in the picture below first. Probably in the $800 ish zone. 14389ACC-C18F-4353-916D-B64C2D86A408.webp
your link brings up Passion based L ubricant ....LOL
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A 45 gallon drum full, to be precise. Seems appropriate for spending $800 for blue tooth fix.
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Dodge Journey Modifications & Technical Forum ... when I start the ride my bluetooth doesnt sync I go check and I select bluetooth and all I get is Uconnect handsfree system loading and it wont go away turn off ride wait 10min try again same thing ... I went to try the Bluetooth again and giving the message like before hands free loading please ...
I just purchased a 2017 Dodge Journey Crossroads at a Chrysler dealership in Regina Saskatchewan. I am almost 100% sure I have the 8.4 Navigation version of Uconnect. When I got to the phone icon to try to set up the bluetooth connection to my android phone the screen says "Hands Free System Loading Please Wait..." and never changes.
Hands free system loading please wait... Great, now I have this problem. Dealer said it will be a couple hours to diagnose - $150. ... 2017 Dodge Charger R/T (04/26/2017 - 3326 miles) Pitch Black EXT/Black INT + Plus Group + Blacktop Appearance Package HOW TO: Map Update on Uconnect CTP11 & CTP12 (2011 - 2012)
One tip: remove that trim panel under the steering wheel, and you can reach your cellphone in there, and snap a picture of the part# label on the module, to make 100% sure you order the correct module. In my case, there were two different modules for cars with/without NAV. The module is gonna cost you about $500.
The dealer ended up putting in a new radio and everything worked for about a day and I had to reset my Serius Radio and now have a code to put in somewhere if the battery gets disconnected. Like I said, everything worked for a day and then the UConnect stopped. It just says, "Hands free system loading". I tried connecting my phone using a USB ...
Turn the ignition on but stay in park. Push the Volume and Tuner buttons at the same time. Hold the buttons for 10 - 20 seconds until the screen shows the Dodge logo. The screen will now go blank. Your Dodge Journey logo will be visible when your screen comes back on. Now you're automatically back to the primary screen and reconnected.
Symptom/Vehicle Issue: Radio Displays "Hands-Free System Loading Please Wait" Discussion: If the radio display is frozen, message is, "Hands Free System Loading Please Wait". Update the Hand Free Module software to the latest software update available. If no change or software updates available, replace the hands free module to repair.
The fix is listed as "replaced the hands free module". Part 68222278-AA , replaced under warranty, and they had one in stock. Everything working as it used to. So, at least on the 2012, this module can be replaced without replacing the entire receiver. 2012 300C 5.7L HEMI AWD Luxury Edition.
One of the possible codes is: B2223-00- (HFM) HANDS FREE PHONE INTERNAL. Replacing will require a PROXI alignment. If you don't do the PROXI, your cluster will light up like a Christmas tree. The alfaOBD app and the OBDLink MX bluetooth dongle will let you get the codes and do the PROXI.
Hands free system loading please wait on my dodge 2013 journey, just bought it second hand how do I fix this? - Answered by a verified Auto Mechanic. ... Hello, my 2013 Dodge Journey sxt is coming up with "hands-free system loading" and I am not able to access the Bluetooth screen.
For the latest Uconnect® version 8.4, this is how you can perform a soft reset of the system: Turn your key in the ignition to "Run," but leave the car in park. Simultaneously press the volume button and the tuner knob at the same time. Continue pressing them down for 10 - 20 seconds. After pressing the buttons for 10 - 20 seconds, the ...
This weekend the hands-free system on my 2013 Journet began exhibiting a problem. The only message I see, from the mobile menu is the message "Hands-Free System Starting". Sadly, it never seems to start, thus my cell phone is unable to establish a Bluetooth connection. ... Dodge Journey Modifications & Technical Forum ; Audio, Infotainment ...
I just purchased a 2017 Dodge Journey Crossroads at a Chrysler dealership in Regina Saskatchewan. I am almost 100% sure I have the 8.4 Navigation version of Uconnect. When I got to the phone icon to try to set up the bluetooth connection to my android phone the screen says "Hands Free System Loading Please Wait..." and never changes.
Odometer flashing and the "hands free system loading - please wait" message. Recorded it on Flip Video recorder I happened to have in the car with me. It may be a couple weeks before I can get it looked at. ... Dodge-Dart.org is a forum dedicated to the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart. Join and participate in discussions about maintenance, performance ...
08 - Electrical/8E - Electronic Control Modules/MODULE, Hands Free/Description DESCRIPTION. The Hands Free Module (HFM) (3) (also known as the Bluetooth™ module) is found in vehicles equipped with the optional Uconnect® Hands-Free System. This module is located beneath the instrument panel and above the steering column.
I just bought an iPhone and paired it to my uconnect.. work fine one day then I went to use it and it was stuck on hands free system loading please wait. can any one help before I go to dealer? thanks. Jump to content. Dodge Journey Forum ... Uconnect 2012 Dodge Journey R/T Uconnect 2012 Dodge Journey R/T. By brqust01 July 9, 2014 in Audio ...
DESCRIPTION. The Convergence Telematics Module (CTM) (3) is found in vehicles equipped with the optional Uconnect® Hands-Free System. This module is located beneath the instrument panel inboard of the steering column where it is concealed behind the instrument panel steering column opening cover. The CTM hardware and circuitry is contained and ...
My battery died, so I put in a new one. The new one was draining as well over 2-3 days. Electrical Shop tested and found the drain was from Fuse 131 ( hands free), they pulled the fuse and it fixed the drain on the battery. The hands free had stopped working before the old battery died, but I had not made the connection to the battery issue.