Uconnect is a robust infotainment system featured in many Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles, offering a variety of functions such as navigation, media, hands-free calling, and vehicle control. One of its most important features for many drivers is the GPS system, which helps them get to their destinations with ease by providing real-time navigation and traffic updates. However, like any technology, Uconnect’s GPS can sometimes stop working. Whether it's due to a software glitch, a corrupted map, or a connectivity issue, a malfunctioning GPS can be frustrating and disruptive to your driving experience.

If you’re experiencing problems with your Uconnect GPS system, don’t worry. In most cases, these issues can be resolved with a few troubleshooting steps. In this article, we will guide you through common causes of Uconnect GPS problems and provide solutions to fix the issue, so you can get back on track with accurate navigation.

Common Causes of Uconnect GPS Not Working

Before we get into the troubleshooting steps, it's important to understand the most common reasons why Uconnect GPS may stop working. These include:

  1. GPS Signal Loss: Sometimes, the GPS system cannot find a satellite signal due to environmental factors like tall buildings, heavy tree cover, or being in a tunnel. Poor signal strength is one of the most common causes of GPS problems.

  2. Software or Firmware Issues: Uconnect’s software may experience bugs or glitches that affect GPS functionality. Firmware updates are often released to fix such problems, and an outdated system may lead to GPS issues.

  3. Corrupted Map Data: If the map data becomes corrupted, it can cause issues like frozen screens, inaccurate directions, or an unresponsive GPS system. This could happen due to an interrupted map update or other data corruption.

  4. Settings or Configuration Errors: Sometimes, GPS issues arise simply due to misconfigured settings or incorrect preferences, such as incorrect location settings or disabled GPS functionality.

  5. Hardware Problems: In rare cases, the problem might lie in the hardware of the Uconnect system, such as a malfunctioning GPS receiver or other internal components.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Uconnect GPS Not Working

Now that you understand the potential causes, let's go over the solutions you can try to fix the Uconnect GPS problem.

1. Restart the Uconnect System

A simple reboot of the Uconnect system can often resolve temporary glitches or software hiccups. Rebooting the system refreshes all its processes, which can help restore the GPS functionality.

How to Restart Uconnect:

  1. Turn off the vehicle’s ignition and wait for a minute.
  2. Press and hold the Uconnect power button on the screen for about 10-15 seconds, or until the screen goes black.
  3. Release the button and wait for the system to restart.
  4. Turn the ignition back on and check if the GPS is now functioning correctly.

Sometimes, a system reboot is all it takes to resolve minor issues.

2. Check for Software and Firmware Updates

Uconnect systems, like any other technology, receive regular updates that improve performance, add new features, and fix bugs. If your GPS system isn’t working, it might be due to outdated software or firmware. Installing the latest updates can often solve GPS-related problems.

How to Check for Software Updates:

  1. Connect the Uconnect system to a Wi-Fi network. You can connect your car to a home Wi-Fi network or a mobile hotspot.
  2. Go to the Uconnect Settings Menu: On the Uconnect touchscreen, navigate to Settings > System > System Updates.
  3. Check for Available Updates: If there is a firmware or software update available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.

Alternatively, you can also visit the Uconnect website and check for updates. If available, you can download the firmware onto a USB drive, then plug it into your Uconnect system to update it.

3. Ensure the GPS Signal is Active

If you are experiencing issues with your GPS not working, the problem may be related to a weak or lost GPS signal. This is particularly common in areas with poor satellite coverage, such as tunnels, urban canyons (tall buildings), or areas with dense tree coverage.

Things to Check:

  • Move to an Open Area: If you are in an area with tall buildings, trees, or other obstructions, try moving to a location with a clearer view of the sky. This can improve the GPS signal.
  • Wait a Few Minutes: After starting the car or resetting the system, the GPS may take a few minutes to acquire a signal, especially if it was turned off for a long time.
  • Check GPS Settings: Ensure that the GPS functionality is enabled. Some vehicles have settings that might disable GPS for power saving or privacy reasons. Check the Navigation or Location Settings in the Uconnect menu to make sure the GPS is turned on.

4. Reset GPS Settings

If your Uconnect GPS system is still not working, you may want to reset the GPS settings to their factory defaults. This can fix issues caused by incorrect configurations or settings.

How to Reset GPS Settings:

  1. Go to Uconnect Settings: From the home screen of Uconnect, navigate to Settings > Navigation.
  2. Reset to Default: Look for an option like Reset Navigation Settings or Restore Default GPS Settings and select it.
  3. Confirm the Reset: Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the reset.

After resetting the GPS settings, the system will revert to its default configuration, which could resolve any issues caused by misconfigured preferences.

5. Update or Reload Maps

If the GPS is still not functioning, the map data on your Uconnect system may be corrupted. This can happen if the map update was interrupted or if there’s an error in the map files. Updating or reloading the map data can often fix this issue.

How to Update or Reload Maps:

  1. Visit the Uconnect Website: Go to the and log into your account.
  2. Download the Latest Map Updates: Find the latest map updates for your vehicle’s Uconnect version and download them to a USB drive.
  3. Insert the USB Drive into Uconnect: Plug the USB drive into your Uconnect system and follow the instructions on the screen to update or reload the maps.
  4. Wait for Installation: The update process may take some time, so be patient. Once complete, check if the GPS is functioning correctly.

6. Perform a Hard Reset

If none of the previous solutions work, performing a hard reset on the Uconnect system might be necessary. A hard reset can resolve deeper software issues that might be affecting the GPS system.

How to Perform a Hard Reset:

  1. Turn Off the Vehicle: Make sure the vehicle is turned off and the ignition is in the “Off” position.
  2. Press and Hold the Uconnect Button: Hold the Uconnect button (located on the screen or dashboard) for 10-15 seconds until the system shuts down and resets.
  3. Wait for Reboot: Release the button and allow the system to reboot. Once the system restarts, check if the GPS is now working.

A hard reset restores the system to factory settings, so make sure to back up any important data before performing this step.

7. Contact Uconnect Customer Support

If your GPS is still not working after trying all of the above solutions, it may be time to reach out to Uconnect customer support. There could be a deeper issue with the system’s hardware or software that requires professional attention.

How to Contact Uconnect Support:

  1. Visit the Uconnect Website: Go to the Uconnect support page for troubleshooting guides and FAQs.
  2. Call Uconnect Support: If you cannot resolve the issue online, call Uconnect customer support for assistance.

Customer support can provide additional troubleshooting steps or help you schedule an appointment with a technician if necessary.

Conclusion

Uconnect GPS not working can be a frustrating issue, but in most cases, it can be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps. Whether the problem is due to a lost GPS signal, outdated software, corrupted map data, or incorrect settings, the solutions provided here will help you restore GPS functionality in your Uconnect system. Start with basic fixes like restarting the system and checking for updates, and if needed, move on to more advanced solutions like resetting GPS settings or performing a hard reset. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact Uconnect customer support for assistance.