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Truth in advertising?

1K views 12 replies 6 participants last post by  sjudlick 
#1 ·
I have a question. I just bought an upgrade radio (refurbished factory radio) from a well known on line store. Here is the product description copied from their site... "This refurbished radio is guaranteed to operate seamlessly with your vehicle. No modifications or expensive dealer programming required. This product line has been introduced for 2nd Quarter 2015 now offering OEM Auto Parts Co refurbished 430 RBZ radios. Save $$ and buy refurbished today!

(Latest firmware update available for this product line is 10.0)"

I understood this to be a 2015 product. However, the last line indicating a version 10 of the firmware was confusing, since the current 2015 firmware was version 50. I called and questioned the description. The sales person said it was indeed a 2015 radio, and I further questioned him about the features. He described the features, and background color indicating it was the V50 build. I bought it and installed it. When I powered it up, it was indeed a v10 firmware.

My question...it is an upgrade from my original radio, and has more features. I am inclined to keep the radio, but I feel they should supply the firmware updates. I am reluctant to try the updates myself from downloads because of comments of corrupt files killing the radio.

What are your thoughts??

Thanks, Steve
 
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#2 ·
The seller may not be able to provide the firmware updates, and the description clearly says that the firmware installed was V10.

I would say that the seller doesn't really have a horse in that race.

You can probably get the dealer to check the firmware the next time that you bring your Jeep in for service. Granted, I have already have the 430N, but my dealer always (claims to) checks the current firmware versus what's available.

You could also call your friendly local service advisor and get an opinion from them.

good luck

Exco
 
#5 ·
I get that the radio works. I think that is all the seller is responsible to provide. No one is required to ever provide any updates.

I am going to venture a guess that V10 is their own custom firmware. I would not try to install any other firmware from a different source (even from FCA).
 
#6 ·
The version 10 firmware is from a 2011 Chrysler build. (10.00.11) The firmware in a 2015 radio should be 50.01.01.

I'm inclined to keep the radio as it is better than the 130 that came with the Jeep, but it would be nice to have the current firmware.

I e-mailed the company and haven't gotten a response yet. It's been 5 business days. I did however, get an e-mail from them asking me to rate the service. I think I will.
 
#7 ·
Here is the radio description from their web site..."This refurbished radio is guaranteed to operate seamlessly with your vehicle. No modifications or expensive dealer programming required. This product line has been introduced for 2nd Quarter 2015 now offering OEM Auto Parts Co refurbished 430 RBZ radios. Save $$ and buy refurbished today!"

Here is their email reply... Keep in mind the newer model is an additional $150. "The “refurbished RBZ” models are the original 2010 model RBZ that was released in 09. It was very popular so Chrysler decided to keep the unit but they changed the hard drive in the 2011 + models. The original units can only be updated to 10.0 and that is the latest for that model. Sorry for any confusion when speaking with Tyhler, he was probably referencing the newer models. We just happened to get a bunch of the 2010 models and decided to sell these much less than what we normally sell the RBZ for. All the 2011 and above models sell for $499.95. But even if you purchased one of these we cannot guarantee it will be a 2015 model unit. All our radios are preowned units. We do want you to be satisfied and happy with the radio you purchase so if you want to return this one and get the newer model it will have the latest software on it. Thank you."
 
#8 ·
I still think that this is a good seller.

They sell the older units for less money. And they are pretty honest in stating that one can't turn an older unit into a more expensive newer unit, simply by updating the firmware (older units can't go past v10).

If you want the newer unit, you need to spend the few more bucks for it.
 
#11 ·
I stopped buying refurbished items a few years ago. A few years ago I bought a refurbished Nikon AW100 underwater camera and it stopped working within 1 year. I only buy new now, buy once cry once.
 
#12 ·
Well, since most feel the radio description wasn't as misleading as I thought it was and I decided I wanted the features of the most recent firmware in the 430RBZ, I went ahead and ordered the $500 radio. It comes in the mail tomorrow. I'll install it and let everyone know if that build is the same as what they advertise.
 
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