Did a search and got some confusing info so I thought I'd try another post,

I have a basic equipped 2012 Express and the radio is the RES with Sirius but does not look exactly like this:
http://www.dodge.com/en/owners/quality/res/
My top row of buttons are for the CD control and "INFO" buttons and there are NO phone/voice button ??? Not sure if this was another option?

1)
So what I wanted to do is upgrade to something with in-dash NAV ability. I would like to just buy a factory unit out of a wreck and plug it in if possible.
a) can this be done and what is involved?
b) what model radios and years of vehicles will work?
c) someone mentioned in 2012 the radios are tied to the vin somehow so does this cause issues with what I need to look for in a swap unit?

2)
Aftermarket option. I don't need to get into what brands/models ect in this thread but what is involved. I would gut everything this way and put in a new head unit, amp(s), speakers and wiring
a) what sort of wiring harness would be needed to get the basic power and on/off controls from the factory harness is needed?
b) I've seen some possible issue where an aftermarket module or converter is needed?
c) does any of this cause issues with the factory computers ect....

Any other tidbits that may be of interest or concern??

Thanks for the help!

 

If you're buying Mopar audio/video equipment over the counter it's really pricey. You will get a lot more for your money going aftermarket IMO.


http://www.crutchfield.com/

They include everything to retrofit and you can call their 1-800 number for technical assistance or help making a decision. (not a paid endorser) However...I found that their speaker prices are a bit out of line. I get mine somewhere else. Just search the model number of the ones you pcik out for the system and search for them elsewhere.

I bought my speakers here >> http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/

 

There's no way I'd go over the counter. I figured either out of a wreck or off someone that upgraded to aftermarket. Right now I am feeling lazy and just like the idea of a stock look NAV unit that is easy to put in. Otherwise yes in the spring I will be more likely to just tear everything out and go aftermarket.

 

If you were to stay with a Chrysler brand radio you would have to stay with model year 2012 and up. From what I have heard earlier years won't work with the 2012 electronics. And, if by chance there was a way to make the earlier years work you could only go back to 2009 and use a high speed bus radio. Prior to 2009 they used a slower speed bus and they are not compatible.

 

Can anybody confirm this, or is this just FUD?

I am considering aftermarket personally. Seeing my express has no volume controls on the steering wheel, I figure I can get more bang for my buck. But if it's a nightmare (expensive adapters or wire cutting) then I will look for a stock unit out of a wreck, but then I'd need to know if I have to look for a '12 radio or if anything from 09 and up will work.

 

Exactly why I posted the question. I would have thought something earlier would work but saw bits and pices of info that they may not!! Exspensive mistake.

The second part of my question is that again bits and pieces say there may be some sort of interface module needed even if you go aftermarket. Sounds like part of the computer system is wired THRU the radio????

These guys are doing all they can to kill the aftermarket!

 

I upgraded my stock 130 to the 430 with harddrive by puchasing one from a salvage yard. It came out of a wrecked 2009 Dodge Journey and was less than half the cost of a new one and came with a lifetime warranty.

I had it installed at the same time as a back up camera and it has been a great, and relativly inexpensive, upgrade.

I would definitly suggest checking into a salvage yard as an option.

Standard Auto Wreckers is where I bought mine from. They have locations in the Toronto area and another in the US.

 

from what ive read all radios 2009-2012 plug right in the only thing is if u wanna ad bt and u do not currently have u would have to add the bt module and mic same thing with sirrus u would have to add the module

 

Here is one way to do it

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/4th-gen...ml#post2907261

 

Curious, what did this end up costing?? (for the radio)