I just got the aftermarket dealer installed uconnect system in my nitro SLT yesterday and it kicks ass!! First of all, before I purchased the uconnect kit I talked to many dodge parts and service departments and none of these guys had clue of what was included in the kit, if or not I would have a control panel stuck to my dashboard, and if it would integrate through my speakers and show incoming calls on the radio. Finally, a service guy was able to print out the install instructions and that explained everything. In a nutshell, only 2007 Dodge nitros, chrysler sebrings, and Avengers come factory installed with radios with the uconnect buttons already included on the radio face. These radios are labeled either RES, REQ, or REN. These new radios integrate the uconnect after market kit through the radio which gives you all the features that the factory installed version does. Full call sound through all speakers, voice commands, mutes radio with incoming calls, and it shows incoming calls on the radio itself. The install guy said he thought it worked better than the factory version. The only difference from the factory version is the small speaker (smaller than a pack of gum) is not integrated through the rearview mirror but it was installed in the upper middle near the two reading lights. Hard to explain, but it doesn't look bad at all. The install instructions say to mount it on the upper left panel but I agreed with the install guy that it would be better in the middle. You can order the kit on Mopar.com. make sure you get part #82210083 for the nitro. The only problem is cost!!! $299 for the kit plus labor to install. The dealership charged $200 for labor. OUCH! I guess you could get it installed somewhere else but the dealership actually updates your VIN number and I believe by doing so this enables the kit to work. all and all, if you have $500 to burn, it's worth it.

Glad to see someone finally figured this out. Dodge took such a lax attitude about informing us or their dealers about this..... I finally just bought a Garmin c550 GPS instead. For $350, it came with the Bluetooth phone feature (audio over the Nitro stereo), SD memory slot for MP3 playback, and turn by turn GPS. Works like a charm & cost me less.

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Bill
'07 Dodge Nitro SLT 4x4

No external button, cool. The microphone is probably whats between your reading lights. I have installed some of the newer U-connect systems, but none in any of the vehichles with the Next Gen 4 radios. The Can Bus radios got a new kit too, and it is much better than the old Mopar U-connect. The old kit only muted the radio, it came with an external speaker, microphone, and a big set of buttons that stuck to the dash. The new kits come with the factory hands free module, so it plays through the radio, a smaller stick on button, and the microphone.

When the dealer updates your VIN it adds that option to the list Dodge has for your car, so there will be no question about it being covered under warranty if it needs work later. When a dealer runs a VIN Inquiry on your car the U-connect will come up as a dealer installed option. Some of the newer vehicles also have to get the VIN update to make it work, I remeber having to do this for foglights IIRC. We update the VIN, DCX updates the build configuration on their computer and then we download the new build configuration to you front control module.

Congratulations on getting UConnect operative in your Nitro. UConnect is great! I am very impressed with the voice recognition capabilities of UConnect. Enjoy!

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David
NITRORT - http://www.catechnologies.com/blog/mrnitroplate.jpg

I have a friend of mine picking up the u-connect package for me. I plan on installing it myself. I do radio installs all the time. What worries me is the VIN update. Will it not work until I go back to the dealer and get my VIN updated? I don't see any reason for me to pay 200 bones to have some one else do it when I could. (If I had the directions.)

I'm a little confused. I have a 2007 Nitro SXT 3.7L 4x4. It has the UConnect buttons (both), but it keeps saying "UConnect Not Availabe." I have tried using my wifes phone thinking there was something wrong with my BlueTooth on my phone, but still no luck.

Are you guys implying there is actually something "missing" in my Nitro? It doesnt have the mirrow mounted mic as depicted in the Nitro's manual...

Help would be greatly appreciated as I would love to take advantage of this feature

Dustin-

You would need to have the UConnect kit installed. There is information regarding this earlier in this thread.

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David
NITRORT - http://www.catechnologies.com/blog/mrnitroplate.jpg

right on. I read through it once already, I guess it just dint really sink in

Sounds like a great deal, minus the dealer instal/VIN update fee..I too wonder if it wont work untill the VIN is updated, or if its only for covering warranty??