uConnect 6.5 (Alfa / Fiat) Root Access

I thought i would start this thread, separate to the Jeep one as the Jeep thread is for the 8.4" uConnect and uses some different files to the 6.5" version.

The aim of the thread is to be able to gain some sort of 'root' access to the file system to be able to update the maps on the system. So far I know cm0002 and Leighm0 have done some great work with the 8.4" - Most of which we can use on the 6.5".....once we have access to the file system.

The problem we seem to be facing is finding a swdl.iso that is old enough to be modified for our 6.5" units.


Mission Accomplished.... mostly


Disclaimer: I can not be held responsible for any damages to your uConnect, Car or your hair falling out from running this modification.
That being said, if you do have a problem please contact me and I will see if I can help you fix it.


For all those people still on v17.07.46 or older uConnect 6.5 firmware I offer you a “jailbreak”, you can now update your maps to the latest versions (currently offering EU 2018Q3 / NA 2018Q1 in my pack). I have to warn you though, the process can take a lot of time!


For those of you who have updated your 6.5 uConnect to v17.35.41 or v18, I am still working on how to update those, FCA / Alfa changed the locks with that update!


For a Full EU / NA update, if you follow my instructions fully, it will take approx. 4hours during which time your uConnect must remain powered on. This time can be greatly reduced by only updating the country or countries you need, or if you are feeling brave, skipping Step 1.


Files / Items needed:
uConnect 6.5 running v17 or older firmware -Supporting Alfa, Fiat and Jeeps too!
At least 8gb USB Drive ***preferably with a flashing led light so you can see file access***
Files from
https://mega.nz/#F!kURhTCbJ!uJhKPMyGiESbvQSDb33CvQ


Stage 1 – Backup your files

Download:
1 Magic -Alfa pre UPD.zip -For Alfa
1 Magic -Fiat & Jeep pre UPD.zip -For Fiat / Jeep
2 Backup.zip


Process:
1. Download and expand “1 Magic -XXX.zip” and “2 Backup.zip”
2. Copy the content onto the root of the USB drive
3. Start car and let uConnect boot up (wait approx 5min for full boot up)
4. Plug in and WAIT, the uConnect will not appear to be doing anything but if you are using a USB with a light you should be able to see it flashing with file activity
5. After some time, in my case it took 1h25 to complete this stage, it should popup a window about there is a update that you MUST answer NO to
6. Pull USB, and power cycle the uConnect*


After that you now have a backup of all the system and map files we are going to change on your uConnect.


KEEP THEM SAFE!


Either use a second USB for stage 2, save the backup folder to your computer or if your like me and use a 16gb USB stick you can leave it where it is.


I have now uploaded copies of the official EU Map Packs from (A) 2013, 2015 and 2017, NA Map Packs (B) 2013, and ROW Map Packs (C) WIP that will function as a backup or official upgrade for anybody needing them, restoring your uConnect back to stock.


***If you have a newer set of Original Map files please contact me, and I can add them to the drive for all to benefit from***


Stage 2 – Modify your uConnect


Download:
1 Magic.zip --You should already have this if you completed Stage 1
D EU Custom 2018 HNEU2018Q3v2.zip --Full EU
E NA Custom 2018 HNNA2018Q1.zip --Full North America
Or
D UK Custom 2018 HNUK2018Q3.zip --UK Only
D FR Custom 2018 HNFR2018Q3.zip --France Only
D DE Custom 2018 HNDE2018Q3.zip --Germany Only
D IT Custom 2018 HNIT2018Q3.zip --Italy Only
***There will be other country / State only update packs soon***
Or
A EU 2013 Original NQEU2012Q4.zip --Stock 2013 Maps, Original EU Release
A EU Update 2017 HMEU2015Q4.zip --Newest Original Map files released 2017
B NA 2013 Original NQNA2013Q4.zip --Stock 2013 Maps, Original NA Release


Process:
1. Download and expand “1 Magic.zip” and “D XX Custom 2018 HN….zip”
2. Copy the content onto the root of the USB drive
3. Start car and let uConnect boot up (wait approx. 5min for full boot up)
4. Plug in and WAIT, the uConnect will not appear to be doing anything but if you are using a USB with a light you should be able to see it flashing with file activity
5. After some time, depending on file used - If country / State only pack approx. 15min if full EU then approx. 2h, it should popup a window about there is a update that you MUST answer NO
6. Pull USB, and power cycle the uConnect*


If all gone well you will now have a uConnect 6.5 with updated maps!


As I am sure you can understand, there are still some little bugs to work out;

Problems:
UK postcodes > Only 5 digit search
Speedcams > Not working at all
Anything else… you tell me


Fixed:
UK TMC now working
France TMC working again
Italy TMC (paid version) working

There may be other little problems, but I am unable to test them, please let me know and I will look into them and try to fix!






*To Power cycle:
Either remove key, lock car, wait 10min, unlock and restart)
Or use engineers menu to reset the uConnect (Press Radio, More and Browse until menu pops up, scroll down to Reset Radio, answer YES)

I have uploaded some of the files, more to come.
The URL:

https://mega.nz/#F!kMYjlSKB!MCC6U1jclb0_aHc-NdocrA

If you have anything else to share please message me.

So I have found a uConnect 6.5 update file with version no 15.18.xx. Uploaded to the mega share - now to figure out how to modify it!

Update....

The 15.18.xx file is ROW and after modifying it to work for any model, I get a authentication error on inserting the USB!!!!

Icaro03 said:

Hi SquithyX,
Any chance to get the link for "Updated EU Maps (2018q1) formatted for the 6.5"??
Many Thanks in advance!

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

I can upload for you if you want, however until I hack has been found to be able to modify the system, they will not work!

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

andri98 said:

Hi,

I have a working Alfa 6.5" headunit with 14.X.X sw still installed on it. Does anyone know if it is possible to extract fw directly through JTAG? What kind of harware is needed to do such operation?

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

Not sure on JTAG, but if it is a early uConnect (Alfa 940 unit with More button) then the NAND chip is on a separate daughter board, that can be removed from the system. If a interface could be made for that then full disk access could be got.

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

So close, but broken lol

Success......kind of, I have managed to modify a swdl.iso to enable loading of different / modified files, on my Alfa 6.5 uConnect running 17.07.55.

The problem now is I seem to have completely broken navigation!!!!!!

I used the idea from post #216 in the Rooted Jeep Cherokee thread and modified the manifest.lua file in the swdl.iso (17.07.55) to load a script from usb before running the update.

Process goes power on uConnect > wait for it to boot up and display "Hands free ...." > insert USB and wait...it seems like its not doing anything but the script is running in the background > after some time the do you want to update question and answer No.
The fact that is has asked if you want to update is confirmation that the script has finished, however unfortunately there is no indication that the script is being run or how long it will take unless you have a usb with a flashing light, then it will show you something is happening at least! **my usb does not have a flashing light
I tested it with a splash screen update.... that worked perfectly, so no more boring Alfa Romeo logo on silver background for me at start up, I then pushed the modified NaviServer2, nav.sh and navRestart.sh files and rebooted.... new splash screen working perfectly but on pressing Nav button I just end up on a screen saying "Activating Navigation"

I am in the process of uploading the modified files to the mega share if anybody whats to have a look or are feeling brave

Navigation now fixed! working on making a 2018q2 map pack for it now.

Ok, here is a test image (working with v17 and earlier.... unknown for v18).

https://mega.nz/#!IUZDQATI!o1OBd8qbA...mQ5lunDb0opDvs

For anybody wanting to try it, and let me know the outcome.

The script I have included will:
Backup your MAPS license files to the USB
Backup your original Alfa Splash Screen to the USB
Copy a dbver file to the USB, that should contain information about your version of MAPS installed
Push the modified Splash screen and set its properties on the uConnect

Steps:
1. Download and expand
2. Copy onto USB drive (at least 4gb) ***preferably with a flashing led light so you can see file access***
3. Start car and let uConnect boot up (wait approx 5min for full boot up)
4. Plug in and hope
5. After some time it should popup a window about there is a update (with v17) that you answer NO to. With v18 i dont know what it will do, it may popup a window saying newer version installed, Error or maybe not do anything at all.
If that is the case use the led on the usb to make sure no file access is going on and then maybe wait 5 min extra, just to make sure.
6. Pull usb, and power cycle the uConnect - either power off the car (lock car, wait 5min, unlock and restart) or use engineers menu to reset the uConnect
7. Watch it boot....the boot image will be different if success!!!!! (there will also be some new files on the usb)

It is very important NOT to let it run the update, if it offers

I am in the process of uploading my work to my mega share,

I am currently running 2018Q3 UK maps in my Alfa with WORKING tmc. Still trying to sort the speedcams and full postcode search though - they dont work....yet!

sofro1988 said:

did you modify the swdl.iso? or just the script.lua?

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

I have used a modified 17.07.55 swdl.iso with a script.lua - if you download the test above it contains some of the modified files. The rest are currently being uploaded / are already available online.

I have done a very quick video of progress with the uConnect here:

https://youtu.be/ed0O-xXNHdg