Apparently, it's not "supposed" to be available at all for the JK. The 6-disc has the u-connect buttons, but they are entirely dysfunctional. Not sure about the buttons on the other radios... but, as of now, it's not a feature that is offered or available on any JK. So, if your dealer tries to tell you you're getting u-connect, make sure you get it in writing

 

Ok, I called DC today, and they gave me a number to UConnect (877-855-8400). First the rep said "its not available at this time" then after some poking and proding, she broke down and said "no it will not be available"

So, now Im going to my dealer, and Im going to push them for some sort of compensation. One of the big reasons why I bought a 6 speed is because of the Uconnect option that my sales guy sold me on.

 

I assume you ment the 6 disc?

The UConnect feature will never be available on the JK's according to the factory reps.

 

Jeff,
Don't want to belabor the point, and please correct me if I'm wrong, but, even though the U-connect feature will never be offered by DC on the JK, why couldn't an individual order the appropriate parts that go into other Chrysler vehicles, utilizing the same radios, install them and have the system be active? They should just be plug and play devices, either a U-connect module with a seperate mike or a U-connect mirror with the module and mike inclusive. It just shouldn't be that hard to do, if you can get the parts department to sell you the parts. The only problem should be if the radios are not the same as go into other vehicles.

 

I believe the reason they do not offer it is a limitation on the electrical system. They had the same problem a while back with the Libery. Certain options did not work together, like UConnect and Heated Seats, you could have one or the other.

So you may be able to install the UConnect as an add-on, but I doubt it will be able to interface with the buttons on the stereo system.

 

It would be interesting to know what electrical limitations might exist. I can't really think of any. I know on my 97 TJ I've added a winch, 4 off-road lights in addition to the fog lights, a subwoofer, Navigation Radio w/Ipod and XM modules, two electrical air compressors (one for the lockers), an auto dimming mirror with homelink, compass and temperature readings and heated, power Recaro seats. It's got the stock electrical system and alternator. No problems. This is certainly a mystery that just doesn't make a lot of sense.

 

But they are not all being controlled by the factory wiring harness. They are all hard wired in and opperating on their own, which is the difference between your examples and adding a factory option to the system. That is also why I mentioned that you might be able to add the add-on UConect system, but would probably not be able to link it to the radio control buttons.

 

Thanks Jeff. Appreciate your responses, as always. Unlike all my previous arguments with respect to MyGig, I went ahead and put it on my order. So, when the thing finally comes in, I'll just have to look at the system and address the U-connect issue then. It's too much of a safety issue to go without and I'm not wild about the little bluetooth earphones, as they have to be separately charged. Thanks again.

 

I looked into the problem further and there was a TSB on it:

TSB # 08-048-06
SUBJECT:






I will see if I can find anything else out about it. Though the rep said that the system could not be made to work, they may have been just avoiding the issue. Even if the radio buttons won' t work, you may be able to have the Mopar add-on system isntalled, though it does not list the Wrangler in the Mopar Catalog, only the Liberty, G.C. and Commander.

 

I appreciate it and am sure everyone else who is interested in a handsfree option do also. I'm having a hard time accepting that Chrysler is buying radios that are exactly the same for different vehicles, but are then changing the physical characteristics of those radios and the wiring harnesses. It doesn't make any economic sense to do that. I'm betting (Of course, I could be totally wrong.) that, if you buy a JK and a Sebring with MyGig or the 6 Disc radios, you are getting the exact same radio and the exact same wiring harness. The only difference is that the Sebring has a U-Connect module, with a mike of some sort connected to it, that plugs into the radio and allows the U-Connect feature. It will be interesting to see what you find out.