Author Topic: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?  (Read 2305 times)

Kingcreek

  • friend
  • Senior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 3,472
Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« on: March 11, 2019, 02:38:44 PM »
I have a firmware update for my jeep Uconnect hands free system.
Followed the directions and downloaded and extracted the file, copied to a flash drive (properly FAT32 formatted) but was unsuccessful in my attempts to upload it in the vehicles USB port.
Sent an email inquiry and got a phone call. I was told that the system is not compatible with some brands of flash drive.( Whu da ef? )She tells me that it is incompatible with sandisc PNY and a couple others. She doesn't know why they don't include this info in the instructions online. Oh, and it has to be no less than 16G and no more than 32G. Huh again?
She tells me that Kingston and Samsung are compatible and they are usually available at the local Walmart store. I have a handful of PNY and sandisc already. I go in search of the super special Kingston and Samsung. Nobody has them or ever even heard of them. The helpful young man at Best Buy 50 miles from home tells me Samsung are only available direct from Samsung. After trying 4 different stores an office max helper checked and said he could order a Kingston and have it shipped to me. I will soon try this again.
I thought any properly formatted flash drive would be the same as any other.
My new $15 Kingston 16G is bound to be better than the 2 new PNY 32G I got for $9.
Am I the only one to find this hard to believe?
Anybody ever heard such a story?
I think I just spent $15 to have someone blow smoke in my  ...uh ... Ear.
What we have here is failure to communicate.

Brad Johnson

  • friend
  • Senior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 18,030
  • Witty, charming, handsome, and completely insane.
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #1 on: March 11, 2019, 02:51:57 PM »
The capacity thing I can see, but still only in very limited circumstances. The issue with a particular brand, not so much. That reeks of significant smoke blowing (or a vehicle data systems engineering team that needs to be summarily fired for incompetence).

One thing to check... I kinda remember some vehicle systems are not NTFS compatible, only FAT32 (or they are NTFS/FAT32 compatible but not exFAT). That could easily be your problem. Check your flash drive properties.

Brad
It's all about the pancakes, people.
"And he thought cops wouldn't chase... a STOLEN DONUT TRUCK???? That would be like Willie Nelson ignoring a pickup full of weed."
-HankB

bedlamite

  • Hold my beer and watch this!
  • friend
  • Senior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 9,769
  • Ack! PLBTTPHBT!
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #2 on: March 11, 2019, 02:56:37 PM »
Not related to your problem, but Gorilla drives with their nice rubber housing don't work when the temp is below 10 degrees.
A plan is just a list of things that doesn't happen.
Is defenestration possible through the overton window?

Kingcreek

  • friend
  • Senior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 3,472
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #3 on: March 11, 2019, 02:58:02 PM »
First thing I did with my first 2 attempts was format FAT32 as per the instructions. The unzipped file appeared on the flash drive just like it was supposed to.
I haven't decided yet if I want them to be right (the update works with special Kingston fd) or if I want them to be wrong (all flash drives are the same and I'm right).
What we have here is failure to communicate.

Brad Johnson

  • friend
  • Senior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 18,030
  • Witty, charming, handsome, and completely insane.
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #4 on: March 11, 2019, 03:01:03 PM »
First thing I did with my first 2 attempts was format FAT32 as per the instructions. The unzipped file appeared on the flash drive just like it was supposed to.
I haven't decided yet if I want them to be right (the update works with special Kingston fd) or if I want them to be wrong (all flash drives are the same and I'm right).

You told the computer to format in FAT32, but did it actually default to exFAT instead? If so, that may be the issue, or so sayeth some rudimentary Google Fu.

Brad
It's all about the pancakes, people.
"And he thought cops wouldn't chase... a STOLEN DONUT TRUCK???? That would be like Willie Nelson ignoring a pickup full of weed."
-HankB

Kingcreek

  • friend
  • Senior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 3,472
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #5 on: March 11, 2019, 03:02:45 PM »
I might add that the vehicle didn't seem to detect the first 2 thumb drives in the port. The USB symbol was shadowed on the aux devices screen. I've never tried it with any music files or anything else but I will after I try another update on the new super special drive.
What we have here is failure to communicate.

Brad Johnson

  • friend
  • Senior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 18,030
  • Witty, charming, handsome, and completely insane.
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #6 on: March 11, 2019, 03:06:39 PM »
What year model?

Also, have you ever used the drives in a Mac?

Brad
It's all about the pancakes, people.
"And he thought cops wouldn't chase... a STOLEN DONUT TRUCK???? That would be like Willie Nelson ignoring a pickup full of weed."
-HankB

Kingcreek

  • friend
  • Senior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 3,472
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #7 on: March 11, 2019, 03:12:57 PM »
2014 jeep wrangler unlimited with the 730N RHR head unit. New flash drives never mac'd.
What we have here is failure to communicate.

Doggy Daddy

  • Poobah
  • friend
  • Senior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 5,330
  • From the saner side of Las Vegas
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #8 on: March 11, 2019, 03:35:40 PM »
Have you tried turning the vehicle off and turning it back on?    >:D
Would you exchange
a walk-on part in a war
for a lead role in a cage?
-P.F.

TechMan

  • Administrator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10,562
  • Yes, your moderation has been outsourced.
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #9 on: March 11, 2019, 03:39:37 PM »
Probably the design monkeys locked it into a specific driver/chip on the USB drive.
Quote
Hawkmoon - Never underestimate another person's capacity for stupidity. Any time you think someone can't possibly be that dumb ... they'll prove you wrong.

Bacon and Eggs - A day's work for a chicken; A lifetime commitment for a pig.
Stupidity will always be its own reward.
Bad decisions make good stories.

Quote
Viking - The problem with the modern world is that there aren't really any predators eating stupid people.

Kingcreek

  • friend
  • Senior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 3,472
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #10 on: March 11, 2019, 03:52:14 PM »
Have you tried turning the vehicle off and turning it back on?    >:D
several times and separate attempts before contacting jeep/chrysler/fca and then being told I need super special flash drive to be successful.
I'm not even sure how important the firmware/software update is. it isnt the nav update. That is separate and costs $149 and comes on 2 CDs (which I will not purchase)
What we have here is failure to communicate.

Ben

  • Administrator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 45,745
  • I'm an Extremist!
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #11 on: March 11, 2019, 04:03:16 PM »
How did you perform the fat32 format?

You might try this method:

    Click Start button
    Write Cmd in search box
    Click on cmd
    Type this command C:\user> format H: /FS:FAT32 (where h is your drive letter)
    Press Enter
    if it asking for for yes/no press Y
    Press Enter Now Your sd card change in Fat32 file system

From the command line ensures a full (vs "quick") format.

Also, while 32gb is the upper (though there are workarounds) limit, there is no lower limit. My 4Runner is also picky about USB drives. I use an old 4GB drive in FAT32 with no issues. I have had it refuse a 16GB drive in FAT32 with no rhyme or reason. I don't know why, but most auto manufacturers are simply horrible about this. It's like they're getting all their infotainment tech via time machine from the past.
"I'm a foolish old man that has been drawn into a wild goose chase by a harpy in trousers and a nincompoop."

Kingcreek

  • friend
  • Senior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 3,472
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #12 on: March 11, 2019, 04:11:26 PM »
How did you perform the fat32 format?

You might try this method:

    Click Start button
    Write Cmd in search box
    Click on cmd
    Type this command C:\user> format H: /FS:FAT32 (where h is your drive letter)
    Press Enter
    if it asking for for yes/no press Y
    Press Enter Now Your sd card change in Fat32 file system

From the command line ensures a full (vs "quick") format.

Also, while 32gb is the upper (though there are workarounds) limit, there is no lower limit. My 4Runner is also picky about USB drives. I use an old 4GB drive in FAT32 with no issues. I have had it refuse a 16GB drive in FAT32 with no rhyme or reason. I don't know why, but most auto manufacturers are simply horrible about this. It's like they're getting all their infotainment tech via time machine from the past.

I just did a right click quick format. Default FAT32
If it doesn't work with the new fd I'll try your suggestions.
I don't know why she said not less than 16 or more than 32. The online directions just said 4G or higher.
What we have here is failure to communicate.

Nick1911

  • Administrator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8,486
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #13 on: March 11, 2019, 04:20:25 PM »
Oh jeez, it's an embedded system that's 5 years old now.  It probably doesn't fully (or correctly) implement the USB specification... because cost.  Space constraints are likely similar, only so many bytes allocated for indexing/pawing through the connected media.  >32 gb thumb drives wern't exactly commonplace circa 2013 when this was designed. 

See if you can create a smallish FAT32 partition on something.  You might have to fully wipe it first (like, full overwrite) then use a good formatting tool.  I've had wonky results from windows formatting tools before, I use a linux system for low level disk work anymore.

Ben

  • Administrator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 45,745
  • I'm an Extremist!
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #14 on: March 11, 2019, 04:27:52 PM »
I just did a right click quick format. Default FAT32

Yeah, definitely don't do that. If I'm overwriting the same file system (e.g., NTFS to NTFS,) I'll use "quick", but when changing systems, always use the full format option.
"I'm a foolish old man that has been drawn into a wild goose chase by a harpy in trousers and a nincompoop."

Perd Hapley

  • Superstar of the Internet
  • friend
  • Senior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 61,332
  • My prepositions are on/in
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #15 on: March 11, 2019, 05:00:35 PM »
Cars have USB ports now?
"Doggies are angel babies!" -- my wife

Brad Johnson

  • friend
  • Senior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 18,030
  • Witty, charming, handsome, and completely insane.
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #16 on: March 11, 2019, 06:00:13 PM »
Cars have USB ports now?

Welcome to ten years ago.  =D

Brad
It's all about the pancakes, people.
"And he thought cops wouldn't chase... a STOLEN DONUT TRUCK???? That would be like Willie Nelson ignoring a pickup full of weed."
-HankB

Ben

  • Administrator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 45,745
  • I'm an Extremist!
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #17 on: March 11, 2019, 06:03:06 PM »
Cars have USB ports now?

I noticed there are no longer crank starters in the front either. Still plenty of cranks behind the wheel.

 =D
"I'm a foolish old man that has been drawn into a wild goose chase by a harpy in trousers and a nincompoop."

bedlamite

  • Hold my beer and watch this!
  • friend
  • Senior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 9,769
  • Ack! PLBTTPHBT!
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #18 on: March 11, 2019, 06:08:00 PM »
I noticed there are no longer crank starters in the front either. Still plenty of cranks behind the wheel.

 =D

I thought that's where the loose nut was supposed to be.
A plan is just a list of things that doesn't happen.
Is defenestration possible through the overton window?

Ben

  • Administrator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 45,745
  • I'm an Extremist!
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #19 on: March 11, 2019, 06:10:04 PM »
I thought that's where the loose nut was supposed to be.

I think that's on the sport package.
"I'm a foolish old man that has been drawn into a wild goose chase by a harpy in trousers and a nincompoop."

230RN

  • It's like swimming to shore in an ebb tide.
  • friend
  • Senior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 18,826
  • Pushing back. Help me out, here...
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #20 on: March 11, 2019, 07:14:09 PM »
I noticed there are no longer crank starters in the front either. Still plenty of cranks behind the wheel.

 =D

Izzat right?  Then what's that funny looking crank-shaped thing next to the spare tire and scissor jack for?

            

zxcvbob

  • friend
  • Senior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 12,208
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #21 on: March 11, 2019, 10:03:48 PM »
Have you called your local Jeep service dept?  They should update it for free, or a very nominal charge.
"It's good, though..."

Calumus

  • friend
  • Senior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 1,201
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #22 on: March 11, 2019, 10:59:56 PM »
If it wants to be super picky, you may need to dig up a usb 2.0 drive. I couldn't tell you why; but some older systems have trouble with usb 3 drives.

Kingcreek

  • friend
  • Senior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 3,472
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #23 on: March 12, 2019, 06:57:48 AM »
The Kingston 16g is a usb 2,0
Tried it last night
It didn’t work.
The command prompt I’m supposed to use isn’t one of the menu options displayed and the aux devices screen still doesn’t detect the drive.
Not sure it’s worth all this hassle.
What we have here is failure to communicate.

Calumus

  • friend
  • Senior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 1,201
Re: Flash drive question. Are some better or special?
« Reply #24 on: March 12, 2019, 05:00:52 PM »
it just occurred to me that when I updated my old uconnect (2009) last year I had issues. It took adding 1 random jpg to the drive along with the update to get the system to recognize it.