I had a 01 Cummins RAM i loved to death, sadly i traded it in for a 300C. The 300C was nice, but in short time, i missed the RAM. I went out and bought a more practical RAM, an 06' 1500. However, i REALLY miss the Dodge GPS unit with the built in CD changer and Sirius radio. I see them on Ebay often for very reasonale prices. BUT, are they a direct plug in?

My current RAM has a CD, AM/FM, Siruis head unit. I know i need a new bezel for the truck which is fine. But does the new GPS Radio wiring harness just plug in to the factory harness? Obviously i have to route the GPS antenna cable somewhere, but does everything else, including the factory Sirius antenna just plug in?

I cannot imagine that Dodge would put a special wiring harness in the truck if it was ordered with factory GPS.

Anyone done this? Other then running the GPS cable, is this a simple plug in install?

Thanks in advance!

 

Yes, it is a simple plug and play install. I just installed a Nav in my 2006 Laraime last month. You can find the bezel online for less than $60.00 GPS antenna just tucks under the dash between the heater vents and can be found for $62.00. Nav units go for $500.00- $650.00. The newest mapping DVD was just released(AF) I would suggest getting a hacked version that allows you(passenger) to make changes while in motion. There are some online write-ups that pretty much walk you through everything. It took me less than one hour to complete the entire job.Im currently looking for another to put in my wifes Caliber.

 

Awesome, thanks man, that what i wanted to hear, from someone who did it.

And just to clarify, the GPS unit connects to the factory install Sirius antenna already on the roof?

 

No,its a seperate antenna. Kinds looks similar but totally seperate. This is the one that you will wedge under the dash between the heater vents. It dosent need to have a clear view of the sky. It will work perfectly.

 

Ok, sounds cool. Do you happen to remember where you saw write ups on doing this conversion? And what site did you use to get the bezel and antenna?I was going to go to my dealer, but something tells me that will not be the cheap route.

Also, when you say hacked DVD, where does one aquire one of those? It sounds like a great idea. I always hatedthat i had to pull over eveen when i had a passenger in my car to do the inputting.

 

I'll get u all the info later tonite. I'm at my kids soccer practice(using my iPhone) right now.

 

No problem.

Hopefully the questions i am asking with the answers you (and anyone else) provide will one day help someone else. That is why i love these online forums. I was a member of the Turbo Diesel register for almost 5 years and made close to 10,000 posts. This forum is great.

As for other questions for you or anyone else to answer regarding these GPS units.....

I am guessing there is one full size version? In other words, whether you own a Ram or a Chrysler of some kind, the units are totally interchangeable? Right now on Ebay there is one from a Dodge Ram and one from a Chrysler, they are identical though, right?


I know when i had my 300Ci asked some stereo shops if anyone made an Ipod adaptor for these units. They told me none exsisted. The ONLY way to use my Ipod with the GPS head unit is with one of those FM Modulators. Is that still true? I was not to happy with my FM Modulators performance. Anytime i drove near powerlines it got lousy and overall, the audio quality was not great.

Any other tips?

Much thanks once again in advance.

 

Yes, they are all the same units. Now, starting in the 2008's they have the new mygig version(they will not work for us) We use the REC Nav units. Here is a good source of info http://www.wkjeeps.com/wk_nav.htmgood info there. I believe that they told you the truth about the ipod adaptors. BUT, that was then, i'm pretty sure Mopar does make the ipod adaptor NOW!!! Try here http://www.moparsupercenter.com/ To purchase a bezel and a GPS antenna(some used Nav unit will include the GPS antenna) try here http://www.officialmoparaccessories.com/Default.aspx They are really nice guys there with great prices. As far as the DVD with the Nav-in-Motion hack.... email me molson28@ix.netcom.com.

 

That Jeep site was super detailed with great pics. But no mention whatsoever of Sirius?

Does the "Rec" model they refer to have Sirius built in standard? I thought it did? But i did'nt notice a specific antenna for the Satellite antenna? Or does it go through the Bus?

 

If you have Sirius now, you will still have it when you swap radios. Sirius is actually provided from a seperate "box". I'm not even sure where the "box" is hidden. I know its in the dash somewhere, but it dosent really matter, just reconnect all the plugs and wires and everything will work fine. Your satelitte antenna is on the cab roof near your third brake light. Here is the walkthrough I used for my install http://www.chargerforums.com/forums/...ad.php?t=48341This is for a Charger, but its basically the same thing. I had alot more wiring connection(you might also) because of my heated seats,power slider etc. but you really cant mix up the connections. Its easy... DO IT!!!!!