Newbie here....

Have my Mom's 1994 Dodge Dakota. I turn on the radio (Part no. P4704305), the time display works, but all I get is static. Change station feature works, as does volume.

I bought a Torx 15 and removed the radio, but now I'm thinking it could be the speakers.

How can I determine what to replace, radio or speakers? (Also, how can I tell if a fuse is burned out?)

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, Untruckworthy

 

Most likely it is the radio or bad connection at the antenna. I would say replace the radio it after all is almost 20 years old. Would you use a 20 year old computer? Walmart sells them cheep $40 or so if you worried about the cost.

 

It's highly unlikely that FOUR (or more) speakers would fail identically and simultaneously. Think about it. Sorta like four flat tires at the exact same time.

As for checking fuses: most of the time you can SEE the broken/burnt element inside the fuse. But the best way to check is to invest $10 in an inexpensive multi-meter (Walmart again) and learn how to use it. It'll save your bacon over and over and over.

Set the meter to measure "resistance". A good fuse should measure at or near ZERO resistance. Just measure from one end/contact on the fuse to the other.

The ability to measure voltage and a bunch of other stuff will be a bonus. It's well worth having one and knowing how to use it. The need will arise more times than you can count.

 

Thanks for the information. I have been to Pep Boys and Best Buy to check out a new radio (I don't do Walmart for anything... don't like their business practices) but have not bought one yet.

I understand a generic replacement radio also requires a wire harness and a faceplate (2 separate kits?). Is it a difficult procedure to install these items and the new radio?

 

The harness kit makes it a no brainer.

The new radio will come with a harness: a proprietary connector (to the radio) and a bunch of multi-colored wires.

The vehicle-specific "harness kit" (for a 1994 Dakota WITHOUT the premium 'Infinity' system) will contain the same color-coded wires plus Dodge-specific connectors. You connect the two harnesses, wire-to-wire (with crimp caps), by matching colors/functions. You can do this part in your living room, while watching TV. When you're done, the radio will simply "plug into" the Dodge.

Note: The harness will be different if you DO have the premium 'Infinity' audio system from the factory. That's really important to know.

The "in-dash receiver mounting kit" simply makes the new unit fit the size/shape of the factory hole in your dashboard. And yes, you need both parts -- the harness part and this part.

Pep Boys, Target, Sears, KMart, Radio Shack -- all sell multi-meters.

 

OK, thanks... sounds like something I can do as long as I can find "crimp caps".

Alright, so.... what is an "Infinity" system, and how can I tell if I have it (as part of the truck I presume?)

Wow... just looking at the radio, the pic shown in the "in-dash receiver mounting kit" looks just like the trim around the radio.

 

Crimp caps look like this and can be found in the electrical section of just about any auto parts store. About $3 per dozen. Best Buy will sell them too -- for about $20, in a kit with a bunch of other stuff you probably don't need. Any sort of splice/connector will work, but these are really easy. Just strip about 1/4" - 3/8" of each wire end, twist them together, stuff them into the cap and give a squeeze with a crimping tool.

"Infinity" is a brand of stereo equipment, just like Sony, Kenwood, Alpine, JVC, etc. Chrysler used their stuff as a "premium audio system" upgrade. Usually the 'Infinity' logo will appear on the speakers or other components. The main problem is the Infinity amplifier. The replacement radio/reciever has to be able to turn the amp on and off, among other things.

The mounting kit is a *bit* more than just a trim ring. It either contains a "mounting sleeve", or it works WITH the one that will likely come with your radio. There are also a few mounting tabs to help secure the radio in place and support it. But yes -- a big part of its function is to make the small DIN-sized radio fit into the larger-than-DIN (but not quite "2DIN") Dodge/Chrysler hole.

 

Armed with all this information and my old radio, I will buy the radio locally, look at the expensive accessory parts at the store, buy but cheaper at Crutchfield.

You are a great help... I will post again when the new radio is in!

 

I'm a big fan of Crutchfield, as you can probably tell.

Their prices aren't all that much higher than what I've found locally. (The receiver I installed two days ago was the exact same price at Best Buy.) But Crutchfield often includes the harness adapter and the mounting kit for free. Shipping is also free. And their tech support and detailed, vehicle-specific installation guides are priceless.

 

Well... I think I will give them a call before using gas to go to the store.