My son has an Infinity system on 1500 Ram Truck 2003. Cd player isn't working and he wants a new unit that is IPOD capable. Truck has sound controls on steering wheel. Have been given conflicting information on whether or not (or how well) an after-market will work with the infinity speakers (7 speakers) and steering wheel controls.

Anyone have any suggestions or advice on a unit that will a) work with the speakers, b) IPOD capable, c) work with steering wheel controls d) all of the above?

Talked to Crutchfield and they suggested Alpine 9856 but total on that (without installation) is over $350 and you have to buy a remote to "teach" steering wheel to work with the radio.

Thanks!

 

You may be in a bit of a bind there. If I am correct the Infinity system has an amplified speaker system. You can figure out which speaker wire on the speaker creates it's output and cut it, in turn you better have a good deck to send a great signal so you still retain sound quality. To answer your other question if your looking to have the fun little toys like Ipod capable and stuff like that your looking to spend some money. The second question you should ask yourself is do you really need to have your steering wheel control system. Most of your decks today come with remote's anyway. Just a thought. Good luck.

[IMG]local://upfiles/41359/DD2CD552CF24449CAB080EF85460578E.jpg[/IMG]

 

I have an 05 with infinity system.

I have done a lot of research on my 05. From everything i have read you should be fine. On 03's and earlier 04's I believe all you need to do to power the infinity amp is to connect the blue power anntenna wire; this will power on the amp. I would not be concerned with the amp; best case scenario just download your 03 manual, (not user manual) and confirm that it is a +5v turn on for the amp. On my 05 it was a pci data line that turned on the amp; which sucked because i had to remove it. 03's should only be +5v to turn it on.


Now as for the steering wheel controls; i havent done any research; i would call crutchfield - they should be able to help you.



Thanks,

Boyd

 

you can buy a fm tranmitter for his ipod....tune radio to a specified fm station and the ipod will play over his truck speakers. i followed a buddy of mine in my truck about 1/4 car lenght behind his truck and i was able to pick up his ipod music.

 

I have an 2005 with the infinity system and steering wheel controls. The only reason I have not replaced my stock head unit with an aftermarket, is because the only way to still use the steering wheel controls is with an infrared transmitter. In my experience with this type of transmitter, they are more trouble than they are worth. Having to teach them on the functions you need and their response time is a burden. Yes, most aftermarket units have remotes, but the point of the buttons on the wheel, is so you don't have to reach for a remote, and take your hands off the wheel. The wheel buttons was on my top list of options when I bought my truck, so I'm not about to just disconnect them. On the iPod topic, I have the 6 disc in-dash changer, and Periphial electronics makes a harness/box that connects into a plug on the back of the radio so that you don't have to use an FM transmitter.