Jeep hacking concerns: What drivers can do

DETROIT – Reports of a software flaw in thousands of vehicles from Fiat Chrysler leave many drivers wondering how to get the problem fixed.

The flaw allowed two security experts to remotely hack a 2014 Jeep Cherokee, and disable the SUV's engine functions and controlling items like the air conditioning, the locks, and the radio.

In a blog, FCA points out that the well-known hackers have been working on hacking into one of their own vehicles for the past year. And, the company said, "To FCA's knowledge, there has not been a single real worked incident of unlawful or unauthorized remote hack into any FCA vehicle."

Still, FCA is also contacting potentially affected customers to inform them about the story and offer a software update. There are two ways for drivers to update the software on their vehicles.

First, dealers are able to fix the problem for free. Local 4 called a handful of dealers the morning of July 22nd and their service departments were still waiting for instructions on the software update. By late afternoon, dealers seemed to be receiving the new information, and a FCA spokesperson said all dealers had been updated. One dealer in Farmington Hills said he was already booked for the rest of the week, and was taking appointments for the next week.

Do It Yourself?

If you want to download the software upgrade yourself, FCA is offering instructions on how to you can do the upgrade at home. Basically, you go to the website www.driveuconnect.com and download the software update to a USB drive and install that update in your vehicle. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to determine if your vehicle actually needs the update.

The Local 4 Consumer Unit borrowed a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and attempted the procedure at the station. The process didn't go smoothly. At one point, the consumer producer and a member of the IT department were trying to download the new update. There were instances where a screen has a "Download" icon, but you were actually supposed to follow a link that said "click here".

In order to get the upgrade onto the flash drive, they called the help number (877-855-8400). A representative was able to talk them through the process and get them back on track. That representative also said the process might vary a little, depending on which web browser you use. Finally, they downloaded the update onto the flash drive and inserted it into a USB port in the vehicle. Then, the actual download into the vehicle should take 30-45 minutes.

If you are tech-savvy, the process may go more smoothly for you. If you're a person who doesn't like dealing with computers and flash drives, you may want to let your dealer take care of the problem.

List of Vehicles

The vehicles listed below that have a 8.4 inch touchscreen radio system need this software update:

2013-2014 Ram 1500 Pickup
2013-2014 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
2013-2014 Ram 2500 Pickup
2013-2014 Ram 4500/5500 Cab Chassis
2013-2014 Ram 3500 Pickup
2014 Grand Cherokee
2014 Durango
2013-2014 Viper
2014 Cherokee
Some 2015 Chrysler 200s

For any questions regarding how to complete the software update please call our Customer Care Center at 1-877-855-8400.