Dash Management ?

[DennyDay]

Need some help pulling the radio on Mom's new 06 Mega with infinity radio. Want to hook up my XM and the antenna antenna box has to go on the back of the factory radio to connect to the XM antenna. It seems like the wood grane trim around the factory radio should pull off but its real tight and I don't want to snap anything or put any screw driver gouges in the dash.



Some help or a suggestion or two sure would be appreciated.



Denny

 

[JHardwick]

On my '03, you remover the gage bezel and the rest pops off of something simple like that.

 

[DeezelDood]

I've had mine out few times:

a. Remove rubber cup holder and plastic sunglass bin.

Remove (3) ea 8mm hex screws on drive shaft hump (two on passenger side, one driver side) 5/16 6-point socket works fine. Pull out this section.

b. Remove (2) more 8mm hex screws on drive shaft hump. These hold down the center console section that is under the center dash recess section. Pull out this section.

c. On Mega Cab (only) this also holds down the backseat AC duct. Duct will impede removal of center recess section. Simple slip joint. Slide out this duct.

d. Remove two black 7mm screws (cross point screwdriver also works). Pull the center recess section straight down. It's clipped in, just a good tug.

e. Remove two more 7mm/philips screws, one each pointing up under cig lighter and power socket. Hard to see but you can feel them with your fingers.

f. Starting on edge next to shifter, slowly snap out the center panel. The SLT wood grain, or Laramie silver, panel does not come off, it is permanently attached to the center panel. There are eight or so spring clips that will be difficult at first, buy you should be able to ease out the panel with your fingers. Avoid using a screw driver. If you have automatic, to remove the panel pull the spring loaded shifter towards you for clearance.

f. You can hang the panel on the wires, or disconnect the harnesses. I left the harnesses connected and rested the panel on a towel to prevent scratches.

g. Radio is held in with (4) black 7mm/philips screws. Radio is clipped in but pops out with a good tug. Warning: The unique Dodge antenna plug on back of radio will pull apart if you are not careful. Be sure to grab the black plastic housing when removing!

 

[DennyDay]

Thanks, DeeselDood - - - I'll give it a try tomorrow night



Denny

 

[DeezelDood]

No problem. I forgot to add that the metal clips that hold the bezel in the dash sometimes pop off in dash slots. I you have ever removed dash or door panels on any vehichle you have run into this. Dig them out of the dash and slide them back onto the bezel or you will never get it to align right and snap in.

 

[DennyDay]

DeezelDood - - - Your instructions worked to a 'T' Again thanks





Denny

 

[DeezelDood]

Glad to help Denny. I have benefited from TDR posts and I try to help other as well.

 

[ScottLewis]

I carefully followed DeezelDood's instructions, removing the cup holder, etc. to get to the screws at the bottom of the center panel. Much to my surprise, the screws weren't there. I don't know if someone left them out at the factory or if someone at the dealer had them out before I bought the truck. The manual didn't say that you had to remove screws but the drawing in that section did show them. I didn't put any in when I re-installed things. I figured if I hadn't looked, I would never have known they were missing anyway. It's a lot easier to remove the center panel now.



Dan