Radio upgrade question??

Don Fox · Oct 10, 2005

Hi fellow Durango owners:
I'd like to know if upgrading the AM/FM/CD/Cassette radio in my 2001 SLT + to a newer RDS unit is a plug and play operation if I stay with factory equipment.
I enjoy being able to read what group sings a given song and it seems like so few stations let you know these days. Kind of a hobby for me in hopes I can fight the loss of memory we all may face eventually

BTW, found gas for $2.73 a gallon today in Colerain, Ohio and thought I had won the lottery

Any input would be greatly appreciated as usual.

DurangoDude · Nov 27, 2005

I'm assuming when you say RDS you mean a navigation system like the RB1 or RB2. If so, yes, it'll be a plug 'n play install. I think Dodge even sells a harness to adapt to your factory system.

Hope this helps!

Don Fox · Nov 30, 2005

Thanks for the reply, but not interested in that yet. I just want to be able to have the radio tell me song title, and artist etc as transmitted by the radio station. I think that's called "RDS" as I have seen it on newer DC models that do this.

Don

Pacman · Dec 2, 2005

I just did exactly this. I got a new 2006 radio from eBay (RAZ designation on the radio) which has the RDS and CD changer controls, which my original radio didn't have. You'll need the adapter kit from Dodge, P/N 82207541, which is about $26. Then just remove old radio, install new (pretty much plug and play.) I did this so I could have RDS and connect an iPod adapter. Works great!

Don Fox · Dec 6, 2005

Pacman:
Thanks for your post. This is what I wanted to know.
It'd be nice if someone would chime in and let me know if there are any years (models) to stay away from. I'll say that even with the Infinity 8 speakers, the D's system doesn't hold a candle to my 95 SHO with its subwoofer.

Thanks Don

Pacman · Dec 8, 2005

Yea, I added an 8" Kicker substation to mine and it makes all the difference in the world? I don't like lots of "boom", but I'm a bass guitar player and I just need that extra low end to hear what other players are doing!!

FSTDANGO3 · Dec 8, 2005

Well my original stereo upgrade was to add a sub box to the stock infinity system as well it really sounded much better.
Steve
VP
DOC

Don Fox · Jan 17, 2006

Many thanks for all the responses to this question.
Through this upgrade, I've learned DC has been very smart in that most of their factory radios will "plug and play" over a wide range of model years and vehicles or, if not, the adapter harness mentioned above by Pacman is the ticket you need.

With my extended warranty, I like being able to keep everything factory so there won't be any issues.
My goal was to add RDS capability to my D, and that was easily accomplished with a newer radio and the adapter harness.

Thanks again DOC

Chad · Jan 22, 2006

If you're still looking to upgrade your radio, I bought a 2003 radio for my 2001 Durango.

the 03 radio had CD changer, RDS, and Sirius input.

here's a link
http://replacementradios.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=15&osCsid=13883ccc8b79adad46c9259cc6237736

cheers
chad

sng · Apr 9, 2006

FSTDANGO3 said:
Well my original stereo upgrade was to add a sub box to the stock infinity system as well it really sounded much better.
Steve
VP
DOC

I've been thinking of doing this, as opposed to revamping the whole audio system.

Is it as simple as adding an amp and sub? Will it sound ok?

Most people have told me I'd need to switch out for an aftermarket deck.

FSTDANGO3 · Apr 9, 2006

You don't need to switch to an aftermarket radio. I had my sub box on the stock infinity system for 1.5 years and it was good?not perfect, but good!
You'll need to have someone install a quality low level input converter to convert the outputs from the rear speakers to RCA jacks, then it's just plug and play.
Have fun.
Steve
DOC Pres

TheDodgeGuy · Apr 9, 2006

Don Fox said:
Many thanks for all the responses to this question.
Through this upgrade, I've learned DC has been very smart in that most of their factory radios will "plug and play" over a wide range of model years and vehicles or, if not, the adapter harness mentioned above by Pacman is the ticket you need.

With my extended warranty, I like being able to keep everything factory so there won't be any issues.
My goal was to add RDS capability to my D, and that was easily accomplished with a newer radio and the adapter harness.

Thanks again DOC

I recently did the same upgrade to mine, getting a newer RAZ radio out of an '03 Intrepid at the salvage yard, and the adaptor from my friendly Dodge dealer. The RDS capability was a non-issue, because I needed this radio to get the XM Direct satellite receiver, and that was my main goal. RDS is just a fringe benefit.

I do have one question though?Is there a way to disable the RDS readout if you don't want it? I know some of the GM radios that are RDS capable have a button to turn it off, but I didn't see any ways to do it on this radio.

sng · Apr 9, 2006

FSTDANGO3 said:
You don't need to switch to an aftermarket radio. I had my sub box on the stock infinity system for 1.5 years and it was good?not perfect, but good!
You'll need to have someone install a quality low level input converter to convert the outputs from the rear speakers to RCA jacks, then it's just plug and play.
Have fun.
Steve
DOC Pres

sorry, just to clarify? Is the sub just in-line with the rear speakers or will I need another amp as well?

thanks!

FSTDANGO3 · Apr 9, 2006

No

The line out connectors convert the signal to RCA jacks so they connect to your amp of choice which then powers your sub of choice!
Steve
DOC Pres

TheDodgeGuy · Apr 10, 2006

Line level convertors work well. I had one in my Grand Prix that had adjustable level controls on it, and it worked great. Tied it right in to the rear speaker wires back in the trunk and plugged the RCAs into the amp.
Oddly, I had to tap the midrange speakers in the rear, not the 6x9s to get a clear bass signal. The 6x9s had their own power source that came from an amp/crossover module, not direct from the head unit like the rear midranges and front speakers did.
Just a little FYI in case anyone ever does a sub on a GP and can't get good sound out of it.

Radio upgrade question??

Don Fox

DurangoDude

Don Fox

Pacman

Don Fox

Pacman

FSTDANGO3

Don Fox

Chad

sng

FSTDANGO3

TheDodgeGuy

sng

FSTDANGO3

TheDodgeGuy

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