The SRT jailbreak allows owners of Dodge vehicles equipped with the company’s Uconnect infotainment system to unlock additional features and customize their car’s software. While jailbreaking itself is free, installing the jailbreak requires hardware that starts around $150 for a basic setup. Once installed, the jailbreak opens up a range of new possibilities for customizing a Dodge vehicle to suit the owner’s preferences.
What is an SRT jailbreak?
The SRT jailbreak is a method of hacking into and modifying the factory-installed Uconnect infotainment system on select Dodge vehicles like the Challenger, Charger, Durango, and Grand Cherokee. SRT stands for Street and Racing Technology, Dodge’s high-performance division. While not created by or endorsed by Dodge, the jailbreak software allows users to get around limitations imposed on the Uconnect system and access its core programming.
With an SRT jailbreak, Dodge owners can customize features like the look and layout of the touchscreen interface, button assignments, gauge styles, startup and shutdown screens, and more. Many also use it to activate built-in features that are disabled by default, like a backup camera on base models or the ability to control certain settings through the steering wheel buttons. The jailbreak grants users an unprecedented level of control over their vehicle’s electronics.
Benefits of an SRT jailbreak
– Customize the look and feel of your infotainment system
– Unlock hidden or disabled features already built into your car
– Reprogram gauge, screen, and button settings to your liking
– Display performance data like engine dynamics, temperature, voltage
– Install unofficial 3rd-party apps and plugins
– No need to replace hardware or make permanent changes
Risks and downsides
– Voids manufacturer warranty
– Risk of “bricking” Uconnect system if jailbreak fails
– Safety issues from tampering with factory settings
– Certain features may become unstable or unreliable
– Upgrading Uconnect software can undo customizations
– Resale value may be lower for modified cars
– Requires discontinued Uconnect 8.4″ system
Hardware needed for SRT jailbreak
To perform an SRT jailbreak on your Dodge, you’ll need to purchase some supplementary hardware and install it alongside the factory Uconnect system. Required hardware includes:
ZAutomotive Tazer Mini or Tazer JL Mini
The Tazer Mini is a small black box developed by ZAutomotive that plugs into your car’s OBDII port under the dashboard. It costs around $150 direct from ZAutomotive. The device enables communication between your PC and the Uconnect system to allow programming customizations.
The standard Tazer Mini works on Charger, Challenger, Durango, and Grand Cherokee models 2014 and earlier. The Tazer JL Mini was created for 2018-2022 Jeep Wrangler JL models.
Laptop or PC
You’ll need a Windows laptop or desktop computer to run the jailbreak software itself. The computer connects to the Tazer Mini box via USB to flash the custom firmware onto your Uconnect system.
Any relatively modern Windows machine should work fine. You’ll also need an internet connection on the computer to download the jailbreak files and apps.
OEM Uconnect USB hub
To connect the Tazer Mini to your car’s Uconnect system, you need the official Uconnect USB hub accessory made by Mopar. It plugs into the USB port in your car’s center console and provides additional ports for auxiliary devices.
The USB hub retails for around $250, but you can often find used ones on eBay for under $100. Make sure to get the hub designed specifically for your car’s make, model, and year.
Micro USB cable
This inexpensive cable connects the Tazer Mini box to your Windows laptop to facilitate communication during the jailbreak process. A 6 foot cable is recommended so you can sit in the driver’s seat while jailbreaking.
Optional: JLCPA Pod Adapter
Some newer 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler JL owners may also need the JLCPA USB Pod Adapter to ensure proper connections between all the components, at an additional cost of around $50.
Jailbreak software
In addition to the hardware, you’ll also need software on your computer to actually modify your Uconnect system via the Tazer Mini. The main options are:
Tazer Jailbreak
This software from ZAutomotive gives you access to an array of different tweaks and customizations for your Uconnect system, with regular updates adding new options. It costs $125.
SRTApp
A more basic jailbreak utility developed by the SRT community. Fewer tweaks than Tazer but gets the job done for free. SRTApp is open source software.
Alpine iLX-207 Jailbreak
Developed specifically for unlocking features in Alpine’s iLX-207 aftermarket head unit replacement for Uconnect. Cost is around $50.
Installation process
With all the necessary hardware and software acquired, you can then perform the jailbreak using the following steps:
Step 1: Open up dash and plug in Tazer Mini
Remove panels beneath the steering wheel to access the OBDII port. Plug the Tazer Mini box into the port.
Step 2: Connect Tazer Mini to computer
Use a Micro USB cable to connect the Tazer Mini to your laptop. The LED ring on the box will light up to indicate connectivity.
Step 3: Plug USB hub into Uconnect USB port
Access the Uconnect USB port in the center console and plug in the OEM USB hub accessory.
Step 4: Connect Tazer Mini to USB hub
Use a USB-A to Micro USB cable to connect one of the USB hub’s ports to the Tazer Mini.
Step 5: Load jailbreak software on computer
With the Tazer hardware connected, load your jailbreak software of choice (Tazer Jailbreak, SRTApp, etc) on your Windows PC.
Step 6: Follow software prompts
Launch the jailbreak software and carefully follow all prompts to initiate the jailbreak process. This will install custom firmware on your Uconnect system.
Step 7: Customize settings
Once jailbroken, you can start tweaking UI settings, activating hidden features, installing apps, and more using the software tools.
Step 8: Disconnect and reassemble dash
When done customizing, disconnect all components and reinstall the interior dash components concealed during installation. You can now enjoy your jailbroken Uconnect system.
Cost breakdown
Here is a full overview of the costs associated with acquiring the necessary hardware, software, and tools for an SRT jailbreak, priced at retail rates:
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| ZAutomotive Tazer Mini | $150 |
| Windows laptop or desktop PC | $700+ (or existing computer) |
| Uconnect USB hub | $250 |
| Micro USB cable | $10 |
| Tazer Jailbreak software | $125 |
| Optional JLCPA pod adapter | $50 |
| Total | $1285+ |
As shown, the total cost comes to around $1,285 assuming you need to purchase a dedicated Windows computer and USB hub at full retail pricing. There are often ways to save, like finding used hardware components or using the free SRTApp software instead of Tazer Jailbreak. Nonetheless, expect to spend about $1,000 to $1,500 to purchase everything required for a complete SRT jailbreak setup.
Can a dealer or shop do the jailbreak?
Although it is possible to have a car dealership, modification shop, or specialty service jailbreak your Uconnect system for you, most avoid doing so as it voids the vehicle warranty and they cannot legally endorse tampering with the car’s electronics. The SRT jailbreak community recommends owners perform their own jailbreak so they understand the risks and process involved. Those new to jailbreaking often connect with experienced community members online for guidance their first time. While inconvenient, executing the jailbreak yourself is the best way to learn the intricacies of customizing your particular Uconnect hardware and software.
Is the SRT jailbreak reversible?
The SRT jailbreak process is indeed reversible and ultimately does not make any permanent changes to your Uconnect system. You can always revert back to the factory default programming. This is advisable before taking your car to a Dodge dealership for service, as they may reflash the factory software which erases your custom jailbreak modifications. To reverse a jailbreak, reconnect the Tazer Mini device and use it to re-initialize your Uconnect system to its original state. This restores the original Dodge software and UI. Note that some changes made through certain 3rd-party apps may still persist.
Legal considerations
Although popular with enthusiasts, using jailbreak tools to modify a vehicle’s factory systems is legally questionable. While the jailbreak itself is not illegal, it does violate the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) by circumventing manufacturer-implemented restrictions on copyrighted software programs. Dodge and parent company Stellantis do not authorize or condone jailbreaking. Doing so violates the official new vehicle warranty and end user license agreement. While not an inherently illegal activity in itself, owners must carefully consider associated risks like stability issues, safety hazards from tampering, permanently damaging components by mistake, and problems arising from using unfinished jailbreak software. As with any unauthorized modification of proprietary systems, owners assume all responsibility.
Conclusion
The SRT jailbreak provides Dodge owners with an unparalleled level of customization over their car’s electronics. But it comes at a price. Expect to spend around $1,000 to $1,500 on hardware and software to perform a Uconnect jailbreak, in addition to assuming legal risks. With persistence and care, the process allows unlocking hidden features, customizing screens and gauges, and tapping into diagnostics most owners never knew were possible. While not for everyone, the SRT jailbreak community offers an intriguing look into just how far smart vehicles can be pushed through hands-on hacking and programming.
