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How to update and secure a vulnerable Chrysler Uconnect system

If you own one of the 1.4 million vehicles affected by the recent Chrysler software recall, you may want to watch this video. In it, we explain how to get the latest infotainment software loaded onto the 8.4-inch Uconnect system. The recall was a response to the findings of researchers who were able to hack into and remotely control a 2014 Jeep Cherokee through its cellular connection. Although Fiat Chrysler has worked with Sprint to plug most of the holes on the carrier side, there are still some vulnerabilities that only this latest software version can patch. Owners have three options to get the update: download it now, wait for a USB stick in the mail, or take the vehicle to an FCA dealer. Chrysler will be sending USB sticks loaded with the software update to customers. Anyone with an internet connection and a USB stick of their own with at least 4 GB capacity can speed things up by downloading the patch from the Uconnect website. We cover that process from start to finish in the video, with the final portion still applicable to those using the FCA-supplied USB stick. If after watching this you still don't want to tackle the patch yourself, you can take your vehicle to the dealer to have it done. Also note that this process is the same for all Uconnect updates, not just the one patching the exploits. Our demonstrator vehicle is a 2015 Ram 1500 pickup. The procedure should be very similar on other products with the 8.4-inch Uconnect system, with only the location of the USB port varying. Once you have the USB stick with the software on it – either after having downloaded it yourself or receiving it in the mail from Chrysler – the installation process is relatively simple. It takes about 15 minutes to perform the update; we edited out the wait in the video. To check whether or not your car's 8.4-inch Uconnect system is running the latest software, go to System Information on the touch screen's Settings page and look at Software Version. The update related to the recall is version 15.17.5. Related Video: Recalls Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Safety Technology Infotainment Videos Original Video hacking

26k Chrysler 200 models recalled over parking woes

Chrysler is recalling nearly 26,000 of its 2015 200 sedans after customers reported that cars aren't shifting into park. Only vehicles equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 are affected by the recall, which includes both front-drive and all-wheel-drive models (which could represent as much as 20 percent of the recalled vehicles). The roughly 26,000 vehicles were built between March 17, 2014 and September 20, 2014. As for where those vehicles can be found, 22,107 were sold in the United States. The remaining vehicles went to Canada and Mexico, with 3,600 in the former and 213 in the latter. Chrysler is blaming the recall on "inconsistent assembly procedures" at a supplier's factory, and will replace the transmissions of any vehicles affected by the defect. Owners of V6-powered 200s are being told to use their parking brake in addition to shifting into park. Although five incidents have been reported, FCA isn't aware of any injuries or accidents. Scroll down for the brief press release. Statement: Park Engagement February 26, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is launching a recall of certain model-year 2015 cars to resolve manufacturing issues that may prevent the vehicles from shifting into park. Inconsistent assembly procedures at a supplier's plant have been linked to five reports involving customers who could not shift their vehicles into park. Without park, a vehicle may be subject to inadvertent movement. FCA US is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. The campaign is limited to the Chrysler 200 equipped with a V-6 engine. There are an estimated 22,107 in the U.S.; 3,600 in Canada and 213 in Mexico. Customers will be advised when they may schedule service. FCA US dealers will inspect and, if required, replace transmissions at no charge. In the interim, customers who own models with V-6 engines are advised to activate the vehicle's parking brake before shutting off its engine, because the shifter may incorrectly indicate park is engaged. Customers with additional concerns may call 1-800-853-1403. Related Video:

Fiat buying rest of Chrysler in $4.35 billion deal, IPO avoided

Chrysler will now become a wholly owned member of the Fiat family, as it's been announced that the 41.46-percent stake in the Auburn Hills, MI-based manufacturer owned by the United Auto Workers' VEBA trust fund will be sold to the Italian company. Concluding the agreement will mark the closure of a piecemeal purchase process that could have resulted in an initial public offering.
The total cost of the sale will see the VEBA healthcare trust receive $4.35 billion, $3.65 billion of which will come from Fiat. $1.75 billion of that will be cash, while an additional $1.9 billion will be part of a "special distribution." An additional $700 million will be paid over four separate installments according to reports from Automotive News Europe and USA Today, although the shares will belong to Fiat following the first payment. The deal was reportedly initially struck on Sunday (though it is just being announced today), and is being portrayed as particularly good news for Fiat and Chrysler, which have now prevented the remaining shares going to the stock market in a UAW-forced IPO.
"The unified ownership structure will now allow us to fully execute our vision of creating a global automaker that is truly unique in terms of mix of experience, perspective and know-how, a solid and open organization that will ensure all employees a challenging and rewarding environment," Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said in a statement.