Radio Upgrade ideas?

[User113]

There's a dirty little secret to those "Free Lifetime Updates". Your device has a finite amount of memory in it and even though they promise updates, eventually you run out of memory and simply can't do any more.

True, but the last one I bought let you expand your memory with micro-SD cards. Additionally, they always seem to die regularly anyway. The display fails, it refuses to boot up, etc. Finally, some of the "lifetime" plans also have a disclaimer that lifetime is only X years. I never meant to imply that "lifetime" maps would ever be good for life...

 

[MojaveJoe]

User 113 and others...Ive been weary of attempting wireless mirroring using Android Auto since Ive begun my research. And just as warned my Galaxy S7 is one generation too old to get the Android 9 upgrade. For this reason Iam anticipating upgrading my phone to an S8,9,10 or Pixel 3,4. Of course the Google Pixel is the phone that Google built Android Auto for. even though several other mfrs newer phones are now compatible. So be sure your phone is up to date enough to be using Android 9, or likely (like me) even a wired connection won't work reliably (Ive tried it). Here is a FAQ page RE: Android Auto that may be helpful.
https://www.android.com/auto/faq/
Also, Apple phones seem to have a smoother/easier interface for setup. Since Iam an android junkie I have not researched Apple phones.
Good Luck.........
P.S. I cranked my new Kenwood and new Kicker speakers up to 30 on the fwy yesterday. Bad idea.... LOL. It took about 1 second before I had to lower it to 20 to save my hearing

 

[T_Murph]

I went with a pioneer avic 5000nex several years ago and I've been happy with it.

 

[MojaveJoe]

Update: I went with the Kenwood DMX9706S and got myself a new Samsung Galaxy S10 running Android 9. Went back to BestBuy to get a couple speaker issues resolved and had my tech setup the S10 to work with Android Auto (5 minutes). Now all I do is get in the truck with Bluetooth running on my phone, crank up the radio and AA comes up automatically. Still learning all the ins and outs of AA but so far Im impressed. The new media center (Kenwood) with AA makes my 15 year old truck seem like new again. Which was my goal. My backup camera works great too. Merry Chrstmas to all.

 

[Ozymandias]

Good to hear, enjoy!

 

[capt fast]

I have the basic AM/FM CD player in my SLT. Starting to sound old when you turn up the volume. Thinking about upgrading the speakers and stereo. Don't need much, just AM/FM, and bluetooth. Maybe GPS? Will install myself if easy enough. Want to get in the dash and change out all the backlights with new bulbs anyway (some gone now).
Any and all suggestions, advice or opinions welcome.

This was my experience with the audio systems on dodge trucks. I have been feeding an '03 SLT since new. instead of changing the electronics-which still works great-I replaced all the speakers and assured the wiring was ok. I used Kenwood triplex speakers. sounds great again. Environmental factors do damage speaker diaphragms and degrade the voice coils over time and exposure. If you drive with the windows down a lot or are in a humid environment, your mileage may vary. I did install a Pioneer sound system in my '98 Mark VIII lincoln when the JBL system croaked it's last raspy blast. that also worked well. used the same speakers as well, the Kenwoods. but that was a different story...

 

[MojaveJoe]

Update #2
Been pulling my hair out since my tech told me I could not stream movies, YouTube on my head unit because it doesn't have an HDMI input. After hours of research online I found a possible solution using the A/V In 3.5mm port on the back of my Kenwood. Along with a couple other cables to convert phone's HDMI output to Analog input. Will update this thread when I get the cables next week.

 

[RVTRKN]

Don't know Android, but when Apple went to the lightning plug, we lost anolog video output. Also, you'll probably have to permanently ground the safety wire that allows video when in drive, as well as the other functions locked out when driving.

 

[Blakers]

What does Double DIN mean? I would like to replace the AM/FM/CD in my 03 with something else as the radio is starting to fail and the CD failed long ago. I want something with a CD and something that is easy to see and has big buttons like OEM. I hate the replacement JVC radio the previous owner put in my wife's Nissan Pathfinder as it has no CD and the buttons are tiny little things that are hard to see or push while driving.

 

[Wiredawg]

A din is 2" High, so double din is 4" high.

More info: DIN refers to size 2″ x 8″ opening that a radio fits into. DIN stands for Duetch Industri Normen which the Germans starting using to standardize the radio’s in Audi’s, BMW’s, Mercedes, VW’s way back in the mid 80’s. It has since become the industry standard.

Cheers, Ron

 

[MojaveJoe]

Update: What Ive learned so far:
1. I can watch a video/movie by plugging a thumb drive into the USB cable from the radio.
2. Using Android Auto becomes second nature once you learn it. At times I will use Waze instead for a bigger display image.
3. Using 3.5 mm rear input and various adapter cables from phone does not create a good size image. Basically too small and distorted to enjoy.
4. This unit has a DVD/CD player for those who still use them. DDX9906XR.
5. Not to mention the Hi Def display is exceptional compared to lesser displays.
Hope this helps.........................

 

[tryNto]

What does Double DIN mean? I would like to replace the AM/FM/CD in my 03 with something else as the radio is starting to fail and the CD failed long ago. I want something with a CD and something that is easy to see and has big buttons like OEM. I hate the replacement JVC radio the previous owner put in my wife's Nissan Pathfinder as it has no CD and the buttons are tiny little things that are hard to see or push while driving.

Try crutchfield.com

 

[Teejaym2500]

Understood, ron, about the faceplate. I’m asking if anything behind the dash like bracing or a divider has to be cut up?

I just installed a Jensen CDR5620 DVD Receiver and had to modify the subframe – so the radio would fit in. It was easy enough, use my Dremel and took out plastic where the bottom of the radio fits. I removed a little at a time until it fit.

 

[MGreer]

Blakers: Check out 1Factory radio if you haven't yet. I installed one of their units with Bluetooth added a few years ago and its been fine.

 

[jghflys]

After much searching, I installed a Kenwood DDX9906XR in my 2005 Dodge 3500. It replaced a failing OEM radio and a GROM audio Bluetooth adapter. Besides the radio, I used Metra 95-6522B DD Dash Kit for Ram, a Metra 70-6502 Wire Harness for Chry/Dodg/Jeep 02-08 Trucks 02-05, and Chrysler/GM/Ford Antenna Adapter Motorola M to OEM antenna. Some pictures a re blurry because I did not know how to work the flash properly. Here are a few pictures and comments:


Old radio removed and half of the plastic support cut out to make room for the larger radio.

This is the section I cut out.

This is the bottom of the section I cut out. Notice the internal support ribs that I cut with a hacksaw blade because the blade on my tool was not long enough.

This is the orbital action saw I used. It worked fast with some melting of the plastic which did not matter. I love these tools.

Here is the old bezel removed from the console cover. To remove the old bezel, I first drilled the 11 connection points to weaken the connections and popped those loose. There are also three tabs at the top that I just used a screwdriver to break apart.

Here is the new bezel attached to the console cover with the supplied screws and plastic retainers. It fit perfectly, and so did the ventilation switch pod and the cubby/4WD pod.

Here is how I installed the supplied brackets. The brackets are installed to put the radio as far out in the bezel as possible to give as much room as possible in the back of the radio for the mass of wires and connections.

Here are the wire and cable connections including the radio to OEM adapter connector. I soldered the wires and used heat shrink tubing to insulate so save room at the back of the radio. I use mesh covering to protect the cables and wires instead of the convoluted plastic tubing. It is more compact and looks better. Also, tape the USB and video connectors to breve them from pulling apart as the radio is installed. I addition to the USB connectors, I installed an AUX input cable plugged into the back of the radio jack. It is next to the USB cables on the back of the radio. The AUX cable was not included with the radio. Keep the connections as compact as possible there is less than one and a half inch space between the radio and the defroster duct. Tight.

Here is a not so good picture of the installed radio and console bezel. The bezel and radio fit together as expected. The trim bezel supplied with the radio was not used.

The hardest part of the install was the wire going to the park brake switch. To play a DVD the radio needs to see the park brake set. I removed the two bolts holding a set of connectors and tied the connectors out of the way as much as possible for acces to the park switch wire. I used a T-tap to attach the Park wire to the park brake switch wire. I also installed a switch to simulate the parking brake being set. Alternately, you may be able to ground just ground the radio park wire. I did not try that.

Here is the switch I used and the diagram. The switch is a single pole double throw (SPDT) miniature.

I mounted the switch above the park brake release lever. Lots of room there behind the trim cover. I routed the wires through the square hole behind the cover and mounted the switch on the cover.

The radio sounds good, Bluetooth audio was a little low on calls and there is an audio offset adjustment to level the various inputs so you do not have to adjust the radio volume on calls. The problem I have is that the radio and my android 8.0 phone will not connect via WI-FI. This keeps me from using Android Auto wirelessly. Android Auto works great through the USB connection. No other issues so far.

 

[Ozymandias]

After much searching, I installed a Kenwood DDX9906XR in my 2005 Dodge 3500. It replaced a failing OEM radio and a GROM audio Bluetooth adapter. Besides the radio, I used Metra 95-6522B DD Dash Kit for Ram, a Metra 70-6502 Wire Harness for Chry/Dodg/Jeep 02-08 Trucks 02-05, and Chrysler/GM/Ford Antenna Adapter Motorola M to OEM antenna. Some pictures a re blurry because I did not know how to work the flash properly. Here are a few pictures and comments:


Old radio removed and half of the plastic support cut out to make room for the larger radio.

View attachment 120102

This is the section I cut out.

View attachment 120103


This is the bottom of the section I cut out. Notice the internal support ribs that I cut with a hacksaw blade because the blade on my tool was not long enough.
View attachment 120105
This is the orbital action saw I used. It worked fast with some melting of the plastic which did not matter. I love these tools.

View attachment 120107


Here is the old bezel removed from the console cover. To remove the old bezel, I first drilled the 11 connection points to weaken the connections and popped those loose. There are also three tabs at the top that I just used a screwdriver to break apart.

View attachment 120108


Here is the new bezel attached to the console cover with the supplied screws and plastic retainers. It fit perfectly, and so did the ventilation switch pod and the cubby/4WD pod.

View attachment 120109


Here is how I installed the supplied brackets. The brackets are installed to put the radio as far out in the bezel as possible to give as much room as possible in the back of the radio for the mass of wires and connections.

View attachment 120110


Here are the wire and cable connections including the radio to OEM adapter connector. I soldered the wires and used heat shrink tubing to insulate so save room at the back of the radio. I use mesh covering to protect the cables and wires instead of the convoluted plastic tubing. It is more compact and looks better. Also, tape the USB and video connectors to breve them from pulling apart as the radio is installed. I addition to the USB connectors, I installed an AUX input cable plugged into the back of the radio jack. It is next to the USB cables on the back of the radio. The AUX cable was not included with the radio. Keep the connections as compact as possible there is less than one and a half inch space between the radio and the defroster duct. Tight.




View attachment 120111



Here is a not so good picture of the installed radio and console bezel. The bezel and radio fit together as expected. The trim bezel supplied with the radio was not used.

View attachment 120112


The hardest part of the install was the wire going to the park brake switch. To play a DVD the radio needs to see the park brake set. I removed the two bolts holding a set of connectors and tied the connectors out of the way as much as possible for acces to the park switch wire. I used a T-tap to attach the Park wire to the park brake switch wire. I also installed a switch to simulate the parking brake being set. Alternately, you may be able to ground just ground the radio park wire. I did not try that.

View attachment 120114

Here is the switch I used and the diagram. The switch is a single pole double throw (SPDT) miniature.


View attachment 120115


I mounted the switch above the park brake release lever. Lots of room there behind the trim cover. I routed the wires through the square hole behind the cover and mounted the switch on the cover.

View attachment 120116




The radio sounds good, Bluetooth audio was a little low on calls and there is an audio offset adjustment to level the various inputs so you do not have to adjust the radio volume on calls. The problem I have is that the radio and my android 8.0 phone will not connect via WI-FI. This keeps me from using Android Auto wirelessly. Android Auto works great through the USB connection. No other issues so far.

Nice write up, soyour truck doesn't have the factory Amp nor the steering wheel controls?

 

[jghflys]

Nice write up, soyour truck doesn't have the factory Amp nor the steering wheel controls?

No, but Crutchfield has a setup for that that model. I saw it while I was shopping for my radio.

 

[Ozymandias]

No, but Crutchfield has a setup for that that model. I saw it while I was shopping for my radio.

Yep, I have that in my Laramie. I just wanted to make sure that difference so people check for that before ordering parts.
It's all not so easy anymore then in the old days.

 

[AH64ID]

Pretty sure the soldering comment is talking about to the adapter for the OEM harness and not cutting the OEM harness.

If you still have the OEM harness I’d consider reinstalling it (assuming you didn’t trim it too close to reattach) and then adding the adapter others have mentioned.