Asked Service Department about aftermarket radio

[dodgeman324]

Hello, first of all, I'm new to this group, so Hello to you all. I bought a 2011 Journey Mainstreet a couple weeks ago and so far we love it. Anyways, I'm a car audio/video buff and love installing radios and video equipment, and I have a DVD/GPS in-dash unit that I hope to install into my Journey (mostly just for the GPS part), however, after trying to figure out how to remove my dash panels with no luck, I went to my local dealership's service department to ask if they had any write-ups, diagrams, or any information on how to remove the trim. Well, they looked and looked in their computers, no luck, they walked around talking to all the tech's, no luck, and lastly found one picture with some info in their computer software. It said that the "radio" we see in our dash (mine's the 4.3inch touchscreen), is really just a small lcd screen with buttons on side, and the actual radio unit is tucked down further into the dash, and not right behind the touchscreen, and they don't believe there is a hole to put an aftermarket radio there. So, I'm a little upset, because I should have the right to install an aftermarket radio if I choose. Anyways, figured I'd pass the info along. I guess if there indeed isn't a hole to put an aftermarket radio in, then I'll just have to purchase one of them cheap window GPS units for our Navigational needs. Have a good one yall.

[Drivin4fun]

Good idea, but we need proof... now I want to go pick apart my dash...lol

I propose that you find a local custom shop that will make you a small fiberglass bezel, from scratch, for your unit. That would look good, if done right.

My journey is my wifes, I have a 2000 mercury cougar and I am building a fiberglass dash from scratch in it right now. It's going well. I have done several fiberglass pieces, molds, speaker boxes to fit in odd compartments, but this is my first dash board. For a shop to do the work I would plan for a $500+ bill

[Drivin4fun]

Okay dodgeman, here is a link to a kit on ebay for a 2011 journey double din radio mount

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Double-Din-Aftermarket-Radio-Stereo-Trim-Mount-Dash-Kit-/390305798215?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ADodge%7CModel%3AJourney%7CYear%3A2011&vxp=mtr&hash=item5ae009d847#ht_1115wt_952

[Armendegga]

I don't think that will work... The OP is correct. The 8.4N screen you see, is just a screen. The actual hardware is below it. It's actually sitting behind the HVAC controls... There are a few users on here that installed the lockpick unit and had to connect it to the factory unit.

[wonderdoodle]

This post is a bit old, but thought since I'm new that I'd throw my two cents in here. I've got the 2010 DJ. I went to Best Buy and was asking their installers about putting in a touchscreen unit in mine. Man what a bill! They told me that the $700 dollar touch screen system was going to be an extra 4-500 bucks after all the adapters and everything else were calculated in. Then I told him I use my built in satellite radio so he said that I'd need a different antenna and another adapter for that. So almost $700 on top of the original $700 for the touch screen system. What a sham. I'm in the wrong business.

[Mcgusto82]

This post is a bit old, but thought since I'm new that I'd throw my two cents in here. I've got the 2010 DJ. I went to Best Buy and was asking their installers about putting in a touchscreen unit in mine. Man what a bill! They told me that the $700 dollar touch screen system was going to be an extra 4-500 bucks after all the adapters and everything else were calculated in. Then I told him I use my built in satellite radio so he said that I'd need a different antenna and another adapter for that. So almost $700 on top of the original $700 for the touch screen system. What a sham. I'm in the wrong business.

That is insane! You only need another 80$-150$ worth of accessories or adaptors on top of whatever the new radio will run you.

[immjg]

This is what I did: see this post

This will give you a Chinese Navigaiton system, with iPod interface and allow you to play DVD's on the 8" screen.

It does not replace the radio, just the screen and buttons.

If you want better radio and sound, I doubt you will find anything that will fit the screen location without a LOT of modifications.

Remember the climate controls are part of the radio interface, along with the outlet and general settings. You will still need the built in touch screen for some options and settings.

[Mcgusto82]

This is what I did: see this post

This will give you a Chinese Navigaiton system, with iPod interface and allow you to play DVD's on the 8" screen.

It does not replace the radio, just the screen and buttons.

If you want better radio and sound, I doubt you will find anything that will fit the screen location without a LOT of modifications.

Remember the climate controls are part of the radio interface, along with the outlet and general settings. You will still need the built in touch screen for some options and settings.

He has a 2010 DJ

There's s lot of options for him to look at.

There's Chinese versions of the mygig radio too. They have nav, cam input, iPod integration and sub out for your own amp.

Search eBay, search "dodge gps"

[DTSGUY]

That is insane! You only need another 80$-150$ worth of accessories or adaptors on top of whatever the new radio will run you.

I have a 2010 and I changed out my factory radio to a Double Din Pioneer...... it was so easy just like Mcgusto82 said, you only need $80-$150 worth of accessories and adaptors to make it work. I even got my steering wheel controls to work my Pioneer touch screen radio.