Replacement radio?

[gbraden]

The factory AM/FM/6-cd radio which is in my 2003 truck does not have an aux. input. I would like to replace that original radio with one that has an aux. input (so I can feed my XM satellite radio output signal to the aux. input).

Also, I would like to keep the steering wheel controls.

I've been told that because I have the Infinity system, it would be expensive to change radios.

Have any of you changed radios?

Are there any radios from more recent model years that would do the trick?

Thanks,

Glenn

 

[DavidC]

Have you looked at crutchfield.com ?. They have a great selection and they say you can use your existing controls with an added part. There is also a section where you enter your vehicle and it shows what fits. I have purchased from them 3 times and customer service has been great.



Dave



Dave

 

[Road Dog]

Crutchfield is a good source of information. If your '03 is like my '02 then the steering wheel buttons work through the CAN Bus (the same as the ECM). If the CD changer is separate then you can add a module for more devices to the existing radio. You need the exact radio model number (any dealer can print out your build sheet for free). If the radio has a SOURCE button instead of dedicated buttons then you can probably buy aftermarket modules.

The Infinity system adds separate amplifiers which complicates the installation of aftermarket radios but it's not impossible.

I never use the buttons on the steering column. It's just as easy to reach over and push a button.

 

[HBarlow]

The factory AM/FM/6-cd radio which is in my 2003 truck does not have an aux. input. I would like to replace that original radio with one that has an aux. input (so I can feed my XM satellite radio output signal to the aux. input).
Also, I would like to keep the steering wheel controls.
I've been told that because I have the Infinity system, it would be expensive to change radios.
Have any of you changed radios?
Are there any radios from more recent model years that would do the trick?
Thanks,
Glenn

I don't think that can be done. Aftermarket satellite radios are designed to be connected to your existing radio via the fm radio tuned to the frequency specified by the aftermarket manufacturer. Aux inputs are a different signal at a different frequency.

Likewise I don't think an OEM radio from an '06 or later Ram will work because it uses CANBUS controls.

As the other two members who replied suggested, I think your best bet is Crutchfield. Their website or telephone sales reps can properly advise you. Crutchfield sells a lot of high quality sound systems designed to fit your dash opening and be compatible with OEM features and controls. A good head unit will probably sound better and may offer more features than any of Dodge's OEM units.

 

[Wayne M.]

I also have this topic on the back burner- waiting for something to come on the market. I have the RAZ unit with the single CD and mode button.

http://http://www.allpar.com/stereo/RAZ/index.html



I did find a box that plugs in series with one of the harnesses, and it gives RCA inputs. It was on a cheesy website and had all kinda disclaimers about losing steering wheel controls etc. I think Crutchfield only has an adapter to use the wheel controls with an aftermarket stereo head unit, but then you loose the amp etc.



It's frustrating. I love my system, but would like to add an input as well, preferably bluetooth.

 

[mainer29]

A Guide to Chrysler (Dodge, Jeep, Plymouth) Stereo “Head Units”
A Guide to Chrysler (Dodge, Jeep, Plymouth) Stereo

 

[mwilson]

I don't think that can be done. Aftermarket satellite radios are designed to be connected to your existing radio via the fm radio tuned to the frequency specified by the aftermarket manufacturer. Aux inputs are a different signal at a different frequency.



Likewise I don't think an OEM radio from an '06 or later Ram will work because it uses CANBUS controls.



As the other two members who replied suggested, I think your best bet is Crutchfield. Their website or telephone sales reps can properly advise you. Crutchfield sells a lot of high quality sound systems designed to fit your dash opening and be compatible with OEM features and controls. A good head unit will probably sound better and may offer more features than any of Dodge's OEM units.

If he can come up with a workable add on aux. input or an aftermarket head unit that has aux in then he can cable the Satellite Unit to the aux in. That is how my unit is hooked up in the '06.

You probably didn't notice the cable on mine as it runs behind the dash trim.

Aux in is the preferred method for those units as you don't get any bleed from other units in close proximity (such as the trucker running beside you listening to Howard Stern or something even worse) or issues from powerful FM stations that are near your pre-set for the Satellite unit.



Mike.