Uconnect USB Not Working (Follow These Steps)

ByAllan February 22, 2023April 8, 2023

The Universal Serial Bus (USB) feature in a vehicle’s Uconnect system facilitates an easy connection between external devices and the system.

This connection enables media interface and data transfer between these devices and even charging of phones.

A faulty or non-working Uconnect USB connection can hamper these services. What could be the reason why your Uconnect USB is not working?

A car’s Uconnect USB may stop working due to various reasons. It may be due to issues with the connected external device or with the USB port on the system itself. Whatever the problem may be, as you will see, you can resolve it by following simple procedures.

What Is Uconnect?

Uconnect is the infotainment system employed in vehicles such as RAM, Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, and other Fiat Chrysler automobiles.

It combines the media system and other applications in the infotainment system, which drivers can access on the display screen.

The primary functions of the Uconnect system include faster communication, improved entertainment, and efficient navigation of automobiles.

There are different versions of the Uconnect system, depending on the vehicle.

For example, a car may have Uconnect 5.0, 8.4, and 4 depending on its model, trim, and year.

The features of the Uconnect vary according to the version, with the Uconnect 5.0 having the most basic features.

The main characteristics of the Uconnect 5.0 include the following:

5-inch display screen
Uconnect Voice command
AUX/USB connectivity
Bluetooth Connectivity
Speed-adjusted Volume
“Do Not Disturb” mode

Uconnect 8.4 is a more recent version of Uconnect than Uconnect 5.0.

Therefore, it is modified with more features than the 5.0 while carrying over its characteristics.

In addition to those of the Uconnect 5.0 mentioned above, the Uconnect 8.4 possesses the following elements:

8.4-inch display screen
SiriusXM Satellite radio
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
GPS Navigation
User interface customization

The Uconnect 4 is the last version of Uconnect systems. As expected, it carried over the features of the preceding versions as well as possessing more of its own.

The exclusive characteristics of the Uconnect 4 are:

Integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Uconnect Access Smartphone App
Remote Lock/Unlock
Remote Start
Vehicle Finder
4G Wi-Fi Hotspot
Engine Performance Pages

As seen, listed among the features of the Uconnect in vehicles are Auxiliary and USB connectivity.

These features allow external devices which support them to be connected to the Uconnect system.

With these connections, you can also connect mobile phones easily without Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Why Is My Uconnect USB Not Working?

A non-working Uconnect USB could be due to a variety of problems.

These issues could either be from the USB port on the console or the device connected to it.

One of the following may be the reason why the USB in your vehicle’s Uconnect system is not working:

Incompatible USB port and device
Wrong USB format
Damaged/dirty USB port
Damaged external device

#1. Incompatible USB Port and Device

One of the common reasons for failure in USB functioning is the incompatibility of the connected USB devices and USB ports.

There are different USB versions, and the USB port and the connected device should be compatible for proper functioning.

A non-working Uconnect USB can means that the device connected to it is not compatible with it.

#2. Wrong USB Format

Most Uconnect systems support the FAT32 USB file format. Therefore, if your Uconnect USB is not working, it could mean it does not support the format of the connected device.

#3. Damaged/Dirty USB Port

Physical damages to USB ports can render them unusable. Also, dirt and debris can lodge in the port and prevent them from working as they should.

Damages to the Uconnect USB or dirt in it are common reasons why it is not working.

#4. Damaged External Device

Uconnect USB may find it difficult to recognize damaged external devices.

These devices like USB sticks or cables can get damaged by bending, snapping, cutting, and even corruption.

Uconnect USB, like other USBs, can work with damaged external devices connected to it.

How Can I Resolve My Uconnect USB Problems?

Fixing the issue with your Uconnect USB begins by identifying the problem.

Hopefully, you now understand what could go wrong with the USB hub on your vehicle’s center console.

If you have identified the problem from the ones mentioned earlier, the following procedures will help you fix it.

#1. Ensuring Port and Device Compatibility

You have known that your USB may find it difficult to recognize devices that are not compatible with it.

Therefore, before connecting external USB devices like USB sticks and cables, ensure they are compatible.

There are different versions of USB, and similar versions work together optimally.

If you are unsure of the USB version you have, you can look it up in your owner’s manual or contact your dealer.

Sometimes, you can correct the issue with your USB with as little as a change of USB device.

#2. Format USB Device

A wrong USB file format will render your Uconnect USB unable to read the device connected to it. Uconnect USBs usually read the FAT32 file format.

If your device format is exFAT or NTFS, you should consider changing it to FAT32 using the following steps:

Connect the device to a computer
Go to “Computer” to find the device and right-click on it
Select “Format” and click “File System” to determine the file format
If it is not FAT32, click on the box beside “Quick Format” and select “Start.”

These steps will format your USB device to FAT32 file format if it is not already in it.

However, this procedure can erase the information on your device. Therefore, ensure you copy the files into another location before doing this.

#3. Clean or Repair Dirty/Damaged USB Port

It would be best if you did this when you have established that the problem is with your USB port.

To do this, connect your device to other USB ports and see if it works. If it doesn’t, the issue is with the device; if it does, the USB port is the culprit.

You can then check out the port to see if it is dirty or damaged. If it is dirty, clean it with a can of compressed air.

If the pins in the port go out of position, you can use a toothpick or a thin plastic to put them back in the right place.

However, repairing a broken port is not easy as it requires soldering, which you might not be able to do. In that case, you should take it to a professional for repairs.

#4. Change External Device

The problem can be from your external device. First, check your USB stick or cable to see if it is damaged. If it is, you should replace it.

These solutions proffered should fix your USB issues according to the problem detected.

However, if you can’t detect any problem and the USB is still not working, you should do the following:

Cut the power to your Uconnect by removing fuses 37 and 38 in the rear fuse box.
Start the car to discharge capacitors.
Restore power to the system by putting the fuses back on.
Start the vehicle again. Turn the Uconnect system on and off.
Start the system and hold the right corner for ten seconds to reboot.

How to Fix – Please Insert Update USB Screen – Uconnect Jeep grand Cherokee

Summary

The failure of your Uconnect USB to function could be for some reasons.

These problems could be either with the USB port on the system or the external devices connected to it.

Whatever the problem is, the procedures above will help you fix it by yourself or a professional.

Allan

I've been a car enthusiast since I got into my grandfather's Chrysler 300D!
I'm a mechanical engineer and I love to test drive new and old models, especially on my trips where I rent a different car each time. I try to answer any questions you may have about your car as best I can on Wheelfrog!