Sound System- UConnect- SGW

[fooli-o]

Hello, I have a ‘23 Willy’s gladiator and I got an aftermarket sound system installed from a reputable shop who does extremely clean work (not just my personal opinion but other shops say this about it as well). All new speakers, 2 amps, adapters added as opposed to piggybacking on factory wires, etc. The head unit did remain the same- the factory uconnect.

System sounded amazing, worked flawlessly until about one month in I started my truck and the uconnect wouldn’t turn on- even for reversing/ sos and assist light are on (red)/ and the compass nav icon on the dash is not working. No sound either.

Took to dealership and they unplugged everything behind the head unit then replugged- said the amp back there was drawing too much power. Worked fine after they replugged it back. 2 months later I’m in the same boat. Called dealership to see what exactly was wrong from the first time and they now tell me that their notes say security gateway was tapped in to? Different from what I was told in person the original time. Even though I’ve only brought it there once.. I know nothing about that and it seems weird to be having this issue so randomly. Third party shop took a look and said he didn’t see anything wrong with the security gateway but suspects a bad head unit. Dealership is no help unless I completely reverse any aftermarket parts.

Any thoughts???? What would be the symptoms of a bad head unit or symptoms of the SGW being tapped? Thanks in advance

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[dayusmc]

What kind of adapters did the shop use, eg. Rockford DSP or PAC? Those are really the only things that get connected to the radio (vis a T-Harness). If it is a Rockford DSP make sure the Firmware is updated. Itust be updated in TWO different places, once on Mastro's website and then on Rockford's website. Must shops do not know that they must update the firmware both places. If the shop calls Rockford Tech support they will explain it. If it is the PAC piece, you have to call PAC.
These are the only interfaces that I know work with the factory head unit. But the starting point is know what is in the truck. Don't go by a shops reputation, I worked in the business many years ago and I can tell you, must places don't know what they arre doing but have a good reputation. It was a big joke among installers that actually knew what they were doing....

 

[fooli-o]

Thanks for the reply. They used PAC and it’s a 3 way adapter. Interesting that firmware needs to be updated. I honestly haven’t heard of that at all yet! What else can you tell me about that please?

I also attached a photo of what it looks like behind the head unit

 

[dayusmc]

Wow that is messy! They should have put the PAC behind the glove box.
Call PAC and talk to them. I believe I read they also have firmware updates. I had the Rockford DSP in my last Gladiator build and I had to update the unit with both firmware updates to stop some of the glitches.
Depending on what PAC tells you about firmware updates, the next thing I would do is fix that wiring mess. That radio gets really hot, I would definitely not have that adapter back there with all the heat
Basically that adapter interfaces with the CAN bus wires (and the other wires). It could be getting hot a freezing up. Some to try next time it freezes, just disconnect the pac adapter (and wiring, basically the T-Harness) and see if the radio works. Depending on how it is wired, you probably won't have sound, but you will see if the radio comes back on. You basically have to start the process of elimination work to figure it out. I wouldn't bring it to any shop for that, they most likely will just point the finger at the other guy ..
Did you truck come with the factory Alpine system? Ifit did the factory amp is down by the SGW module.

 

[fooli-o]

Dang.. that would make sense if it’s getting too hot. Unfortunately I’m not good with wiring and don’t trust myself to attempt anything but the place I got it done has a warranty and so I’ll probably try to just ask them if they can work something out. My truck came with all the stock options for the sound system!

 

[dayusmc]

If your truck did not come with the Alpine system, you can tell by folding down the passenger side rear seat and seeing if there is a sub behind it, the Rockford DSP and also the PAC have to be set up correctly. Additionally, the radio needs to be set as if you do have a Alpine system in it. I can't remember what I had to do to set it that way. I also watched a video on the PAC unit where they set it up.
But personally I would call PAC get the details and instructions on how that unit has to be set up and be familiar with it before you go back to the shop. A lot of installers will just plug the stuff in and if it works will not read the instructions or notes... Then it may work for awhile and then stop. Bottom line, you need to be educated on that PAC unit before you go anywhere or you will just keep going in circles...

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