My wife purchased a new 2012 Durango Crew this past weekend. It did not have the built-in factory VES system but was told they can install it, so we paid for the addition with the sale of the car. Today I find out that, no, you're being sent to another place to have an aftermarket stand-alone unit installed. Plus I'd lose the rear a/c controls. Major bummer.

I really need to have control from the 430n headunit with the kids too young to control it themselves.. i.e. insert DVDs, control channels/volume, etc.

I spoke with the service manager and said they can't put in a factory system because the wiring isn't there and would cost $1k just to install the wire & harness. They are offering an upgraded unit with a 13" screen for my troubles, but I still really want that headunit integration.

What do you think are my best options here to get something integrated to the headunit? Should I throw in the towel and take an aftermarket unit, or get a refund and put it towards getting a mopar stock unit and wiring it myself (or hire someone else)?

 

If it is on your "due bill" then they will need to give you what they said they would no matter the cost it would cost them or could be breach of contract.

 

I would certainly raise a stink if you were promised a factory set up!

 

I installed the factory VES in my grand Cherokee. It was pretty easy...but time consuming. I had to drop the headliner and A pillars to run the wiring harness and add the mounting bracket. Not too bad...they are just BSing you since the 11+ systems run off the headunit and the harness just has to be fed to the headunit. I had to run two harnesses...one from the drop down screen to the headunit and then ine from the headunit to the dvd player on the back of the console. The wiring harnesses were less than $150 for two from what I remember.

 

The due bill only has "overhead dvd" as the only description so I don't think I have much to go on there. Basically boils down to a lack of communication on what exactly was to be done.

 

If they are installing an aftermarket flip down and you want control you will need a mygig http://www.coastaletech.com/MYGIG.htm

your only other choice is an aftermarket head unit to control the flip down.

 

That sounds nice. If I decide to request a refund of my money I figure my options are:

Do what you did and find a factory VES system and harnesses.. (I wished they had the wiring in place so people could reasonably install this package post-production.)

Or.. grab a Lockpick and aftermarket system and wire that up. (Though I think I'd still get a Lockpick regardless!)

I'm hoping to find a matching stock VES unit which houses the climate control *****. Really don't want something that screams aftermarket mod... do you or anyone know the stock # by chance?

 

try www.car-part.com You may find a used system

 

Thanks Scottina.

Just spoke w/ the dealer and said they are going to find someone to do it or else give me my money back.

 

my Rango has an awesome alpine drop down screen with DVD player built in...I think they are like $800 on ebay. You may look into that as well