Anyone know anything about Dodge radios?

Chixdigme

Forum Member
I picked up a new 2008 Ram 1500 and it only has the single CD player. That's all I wanted until I found out that it won't play a f'ing MP3 disc.

I need to swap in the 6 disc MP3 version, can I just buy one off ebay and install it, or are they coded to the vehicle to prevent theft? I don't want an aftermarket because they look like crap installed...Yes, I've seen the dash kits, no I don't like them.

Also, I get a year of Sirius, will I lose that or is it tied to the vehicle and not the radio?

And obviously if anyone put in an aftermarket stereo in their Dodge / Chrysler and has the 6 disc for sale let me know your price...

Thanks.
 
from what ive heard they are coded but you can go to a dealer to get the code to reset them. as for the sirius im not sure but id think you would have to call somewhere to set it up to the new radio
 
I know most new radios are coded to the VIN not sure if the 08 DR base models are or not, I will look into it monday and get back with you. As for the satelite, I know the older cars have a seperate SDARS module that carry the ESN #. Not sure if they went to a intergraded unit or not will have to check. I don't deal with many of the 08 MY stuff yet.
 
Thanks guys.

Will a dealer do the code update for you as long as the radio is legit? I'd think they'd want me to buy one from them for some ridiculous price.
 
Thanks guys.

Will a dealer do the code update for you as long as the radio is legit? I'd think they'd want me to buy one from them for some ridiculous price.


Dealer's have issues with installing used parts.. and I have to say I don't blame them, 9 out of 10 times it ends up causing more issues!!
 
I heard somewhere that certian radio stations will cause random airbags to fire. You should be good though.
 
Sirius will charge you $100 to send the signal to the new radio. They gotta make their money somehow! :lol:
 
I just had a friend at work switch his for free. He called Sirius and told them he got a new radio and they switched it. I can't remember if the base radio is coded or not. If I can remember I'll check with the radio guys on Monday. They might also now how to change it without going to the dealer. It might be as simple as turning the key on and hitting the buttons on the radio in a certain order.
 
You will be ok if your changing from a single disc to 6 disc (RAF to RAQ) According to everything I see should just be a plug in and go swap. The satelite is a seperate module that will not be affected by the swap (unless swaping to a non satelite radio or swapping the module out) Now if you wanted to take one more step up and add the NAV unit, you would then need to add a Nav antenna (simple install) and have the vehicle coded/configured for NAV. Which any dealer can do. Hope this helps.
 
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I dont think they have codes I swap radios all the time somtimes not from the same car at the dealer and we dont re code it or anything
 
I dont think they have codes I swap radios all the time somtimes not from the same car at the dealer and we dont re code it or anything

Correct, I just stated if he wanted to upgrade to a nav unit, the vehicle would have to be configured for NAV.
 
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