Uconnect audio system

[bbqjoe]

I recently purchased a 2016 Jeep Cherokee.
It has the Uconnect audio and vehicle control center.

When I'm in the car, with it off, I can hear a sound coming from the unit. (not the speakers)
It's rather faint, but still noticeable, and would be rather annoying if say one wanted to get a quick nap, or sit quietly.
It's not quite the same as, but somewhat reminiscent of a fax machine trying to make a connection.
Is this normal, or is the car trying to signal the mothership or something?

Anyone else have this little experience?

 

[swechsler]

Do you hear it even with the ignition off?

 

[bbqjoe]

Do you hear it even with the ignition off?

Yes, as I said, the car is off, key is out of the ignition even.

 

[crouse]

Aliens communicating with their mother ship.

 

[swechsler]

Yes, as I said, the car is off, key is out of the ignition even.

Sorry, your text was a little vague, I thought you meant that the radio was off.

Is the car still under warranty? Have you checked current draw at the vehicle battery?

 

[bbqjoe]

I made a recording of the noise.

 

[bbqjoe]

Sorry, your text was a little vague, I thought you meant that the radio was off.

Is the car still under warranty? Have you checked current draw at the vehicle battery?

The car is covered under warranty ($100 deductible) and a 100 mile round trip.
I believe this is an abnormal noise, but I don't want to make the trip only to have the dealer tell me it's normal.

 

[swechsler]

I believe this is an abnormal noise, but I don't want to make the trip only to have the dealer tell me it's normal.

That's why I asked if you checked the current draw. Even if the noise itself isn't a huge issue, if it's a symptom of a more serious issue then it might be worth getting fixed.

 

[century tek]

That is definitely not normal. Almost sounds like a switch mode power supply type of squeal. I have one that does that but much quieter.

Is it happening 24-7?

 

[bbqjoe]

That is definitely not normal. Almost sounds like a switch mode power supply type of squeal. I have one that does that but much quieter.

I had to crank up the recording to get it audible on youtube.
Since I do have warranty, I'm not ready to open the hood and try to diagnose current draw or anything....yet.

 

[teal'c]

Sounds like the car is reporting your driving habits and locations to the monitoring satellite.
How long does it last?

 

[bbqjoe]

Sounds like the car is reporting your driving habits and locations to the monitoring satellite.
How long does it last?

Continuously.
Goes about every 30 seconds, even after a few days of not starting.

 

[bbqjoe]

I did a whole bunch of tests.
Drove away from the house without my phone. It quit making the noise.
Drove back to the house...there it is again.

Went through the house shutting things down one at a time.
Cell phones, computers wifi...nothing stopped the noise.

Then I did one last thing, and I believe I have it figured out.
The house sits in a little valley surrounded by hills.
On a good day, I might have 1/100th of a cell signal.

I think this thing is just being busy looking for a cell signal to attach to.

 

[Lavane]

Having had a 2012 Jeep Wrangler, and a 2014 Dodge Charger, both had problems with the electronic dash and head (U Connect) units. Either failing or doing goofy things. The Jeep gauge cluster and U Connect unit had to be replaced in the first year. The charger had the unit replaced after a couple years. I still have one Crystler product and that's my 2012 Dodge Ram truck. Two days ago the U Connect unit died. I ordered an aftermarket head unit. Crystler seems to have problems with these it seems.