2024 Ram 1500 Limited on 2040-cars

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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

Ram 1500 Lone Star revealed: It's what they call 'Big Horn' in Texas

How important is Texas to the full-size truck market? Well, it gets its very own trim level. The 2019 Ram 1500 Lone Star was announced today at the Dallas Auto Show, making official what had always been assumed: that the Texas-only trim level would make its return on the latest Ram truck. If you should live in one of the other 49 states or Canada, don't feel too left out. The Lone Star is effectively just the Big Horn trim level with a different name and unique "Lone Star" badge. Officially, the feature list has it as a package exclusively available on the Big Horn. Be it Lone Star or Big Horn, the trim level exists above the Tradesman and fuel economy-focused HFE. The Ram SLT is no longer available. As the first trim level not strictly intended as a work truck, these more "civilian" oriented trims have chromed exterior trim (versus black plastic), nicer interior finishings (including a leather-wrapped wheel and cloth upholstery replacing vinyl) and a vast increase in available options. Realistically, most Ram buyers start their shopping trip at the Lone Star/Big Horn aisle. Like every 2019 Ram, the Lone Star will hit dealerships from El Paso to Beaumont in the first quarter of 2018, or within the coming months. It'll be built in Sterling Heights, Mich. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 Ram 1500 Lone Star News Source: Ram RAM Truck

Ram adds 3 more special edition pickup models for 2022

Ram trotted out three new special editions Thursday at the kickoff of the State Fair of Texas, including a revival of the Southfork package, the new (Ram) Red, and the flashy TRX Ignition Edition. Yes, Ram does a lot of special editions. Welcome to trucks. Ram says all three models will hit showrooms before the end of the year.  Southfork returns for 2022 on the Limited model, rather than on the Laramie as it did a few years ago. As we reported previously, it effectively replaces the Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition model that was offered for 2021 and incorporates a multi-function tailgate, a deployable bed step, spray-in bed liner, a metal pedal kit and Falken Wildpeak All-Terrain tires. It comes with an exclusive Mountain Brown interior, standard bucket seats and suede door bolsters with leather insert and a laser filigree detail. MSRP starts at $63,315 (including $1,695 for destination).  The remaining two models are new entries. The (Ram) Red package commemorates Stellantis' pledge to help the Global Fund fight health emergencies in partnership with (RED). It's a fairly on-the-nose package with several red-tinted elements along with (RED) badges outside and in, and can be added to Limited Crew Cab models with either of the two available Hemi V8s or the EcoDiesel with a starting price of $64,945. Next up is the TRX Ignition Edition, which appropriately samples some of the supertruck's existing popular options and slaps them together with some unique aesthetic elements. Inside, you'll find orange contrast stitching and “TRX” seat back embroidery, copper carbon fiber accents and an orange center console badge. Feature upgrades include a HUD, a driverÂ’s screen depicting a TRX in Ignition Orange, and pedestrian emergency braking. You get a special set of (18-inch) wheels in addition to the obvious graphics package. There's also a panoramic sunroof and some other exterior goodies (spray-in bed liner, cargo tie-downs, bed step, LED cab-mounted brake light). Ram says it will only build 875 examples of the Ignition Edition. The TRX Ignition Edition will set you back at least $93,280 ... if you can even find one.