2013 Dodge, swapping OEM head units?

[JTK]

I'm considering swapping out the basic factory AM/FM/CD head unit in our 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan SE, for one with Blue Tooth. We don't need anything fancy like Chrysler's U-Connect, touch screen, etc.. Would just like the BT and not loose the steering wheel controls functionality.

My question is, is there any funky computer programming needed for security reasons with today's Chrysler products? I'm wondering if this is an easy DIY project or not.

It's been many years since I dabbled with this type of automotive goodness. The last one was on my 2001 Ford Windstar, where I swapped out the original OEM AM/FM/Cassette for an eBay purchased OEM AM/FM/CD. All it took was a set of double-DIN forks and literally 10sec of time to swap. The eBay AM/FM/CD player even came with someone's 3 Doors Down CD still in it IIRC. LOL.

Thanks for your help.

 

[BurrWinder]

If you want to save yourself even that trouble and you have an aux. input for headphones on radio or in the console get one of these...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/A-M-P-Smartbean-Bluetooth-Audio-Receiver-Color-Black-White-/191584849052

They work great and you can even use it like a bluetooth headset and talk and listen without any crosstalk in your vehicle.

Just an idea for a solution...

BurrWinder

 

[kkreit01]

You should be able to to add bluetooth to your current HU. I assume you have the 130 RES HU. Check if you can add UConnect/Bluetooth to it. You'll probably also need the new rear view mirror --- which will get spendy. It will cost a lot more than an aftermarket unit, and sound much worse. They may also have to program for it. Ask your dealer.

You could use something like this (which is much more than a good aftermarket HU):

http://oemautopartsco.com/products/uconnect-hands-free-kit

 

[bubbatime]

Do your research on crutchfield.com.

You can get a lot of info off of that sight about what works, what doesn't, what fits, what doesn't, etc.

Loks like you will need a custom install kit that run about $75-$140, on top of the price of a new stereo if you want to retain some factory functionality.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: bubbatime
Do your research on crutchfield.com.

You can get a lot of info off of that sight about what works, what doesn't, what fits, what doesn't, etc.

Loks like you will need a custom install kit that run about $75-$140, on top of the price of a new stereo if you want to retain some factory functionality.


I don't think I would need any type of install kit going up one level of head unit. Should be a plug-n-play hardware swap out. If it wasn't I wouldn't bother. Based on what I can see online with OEM is, one level up includes the head unit with the phone button for BT, and a satellite radio button. I'd leave it alone before I went aftermarket. The OEM one sounds great to us. Much better than the base AM/FM/CD that was in our 2008 Odyssey.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: BurrWinder
If you want to save yourself even that trouble and you have an aux. input for headphones on radio or in the console get one of these...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/A-M-P-Smartbean-Bluetooth-Audio-Receiver-Color-Black-White-/191584849052

They work great and you can even use it like a bluetooth headset and talk and listen without any crosstalk in your vehicle.

Just an idea for a solution...

BurrWinder


Thanks for that! Being way behind the times in this realm, I didn't even think of that.

 

[Wampahoofus]

Since you say you don't want all the fancy stuff, I'll assume you have the RES radio (most Chrysler radios have a 3 letter code in the corner of the faceplate up until the absolute newest stuff).

Mopar has an add-on Bluetooth/UConnect kit:
http://www.mopar.com/part/82213221?s=353143&i=2206106&b=dodge
or
http://www.mopar.com/part/82212159?s=353143&i=275395&b=dodge

depending on how your vehicle was built. Both will contain an auxiliary hands free module, microphone which is usually mounted on the driver's A-pillar, and (depending if you have hands-free buttons integrated into your steering wheel) a hands free button fob. Everything is controlled by voice since your radio doesn't have a high resolution display which can be cumbersome, but the voice recognition is pretty good.

Visit www.uconnectphone.com to check out compatibility between your phone and the Mopar systems. If a phone isn't on the list it may still work...but no guarantees.

If you feel up to it you can install it yourself, but you'll need to make a trip to the dealer so they can download the updated build option codes into the van.

Hope this helps.

 

[JTK]

Thanks Wampa. Unfortunately that's way out of my price range.

All I'm thinking about doing is replacing this head unit:

With this one:

I just don't know if they're plug-n-play with no dealer intervention required.

 

[kkreit01]

^ You'll need more than the new HU. You'll still need the mic/kit for BT to work, etc. It will cost way more to stay OE, vs. going aftermarket.

 

[JTK]

Ah.. This is exactly why I posted this! Thank you kkreit01. I was thinking the mic was part of the HU, but they are not. Looks like I'll be sticking with what I have and using a BT adapter that plugs into the 3.5mm aux plug.