radio removal
Asked by PCElectric1 Nov 27, 2007 at 09:32 PM about the 2007 Dodge RAM 2500 SLT Quad Cab RWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
How do you remove dashboard pieces to get at radio?
3 Answers
littlehorn answered 16 years ago
I believe there are blind screws holding part of the dash bezel on. Not sure exactly where they are on the '07s. You can try gently prying at the plastic center piece around the radio as well -- many of Chrysler/Dodge's vehicles use press-fit center dash trim.
Maybe I can help? 1.) Remove the entire center panel (18"x18") that surrounds the radio, a/c controls, elec. exhaust brake, and a/c vents. the trick is to pull gently, but firmly on the driver side with your fingers until you feel it "pop" loose...then do the same on the pass. side 2.) Now, you have to remove the wiring harness' from all of you electronic controls (label with masking-tape and a sharpie, if needed) 3.) Then, you can remove your factory radio head-unit. Undo main harness, radio antenna, etc...from the rear of the radio. 4.) Purchase your new wiring harness from a reliable (knowledgable) sourch, such as a mobile electronics store (like CKR, etc...) NOT from Circuit City, or Best Buy or Wal-Mart!!!!! Your harness should cost around $50 for our trucks, becuase of the "new-fangled" factory alarm system. DO NOT buy a harness for 2003-2005 trucks (which is cheaper) it WILL NOT work properly. If need-be let the stereo shop wire your truck, if you feel uncertain (not sure about our trucks, but some of the other trucks, the wire colors DON'T always match). So, be careful, and if you feel unsure, check the instructions that come with your harness, and your new radio (to compare and contrast, to make sure you're crossing the right wires), or ask an installer at your local stereo shop. DO NOT cut the wiring harness ANY shorter than necessary! Also, use "butt-connectors" NOT "crimp-caps", for the harness-splicing. Make sure all wires are crimped firmly, and ONLY strip-back enough of the outer sheathing to fit inside of metal band in each end of the "butt-connector", so that there are NO exposed wires! The outer sheathing should fit inside of the plastic housing on both ends of the "butt-connector", with no copper showing! Once harness' are wired, electrical tape both "fat-stands" into one solid, long, strand, to ensure that no wires pull-apart. 5.) You will also need a "dash kit" which will bring your "double-din" sized opening down to a "single-din" size for your aftermarket radio. 6.) Once you have the radio/"cage" assembly, and your "dash-kit" remove the "cage" from the radio, and install it the proper way in the "dash-kit". Make sure to bend the tabs inside the "cage", outward (away from where the radio will sit) to hold it firmly in the "dash-kit" DO NOT bend the sides of the "cage", or the radio will not slide and "lock-in" properly. 7.) Tools needed: Crimpers, butt-connectors, electrical tape, screw-drivers (both flat and phillips), needle-nose pliers, and possible a few others. 8.) If you are familiar with this type of install, it should take you less than an hour to disassemble, re-wire, tape-up, and re-install. Hope this helps some folks! Good luck!
sounds like alot of work with the potential for wiring mix up...take to a speciality shop and let the pros do it...