I wish I took more photos during this installation. This was the first mod I did after purchasing the truck last summer. It was a challenging and fun project.
I have chosen Pioneer 4000NEX for several reasons,
- Bluetooth hands free calling and audio streaming
- Rear-view camera input
- Apple CarPlay
- Built-in ipod, iphone, ipad control
- Siri hands free operation
- Detachable 7″ touchscreen
- USB inputs (2)
- Dual zone audio
Dodge’s head unit is a 1.5 DIN (180 x 75 mm panel) however Pioneer is a Double DIN (180 x 75 mm panel). Challenge was how to fit a Double DIN unit into the smaller opening and don’t end up with cheap looking plastic all around. Dodge’s dash radio bezel also had two semi-circle eyelets that needed to be filled. Another challenge was, I wanted to keep the little compartment under the stereo.
Height of the opening needed to be centered and enlarged. Little grove behind the bezel proved to be a good guide for the bottom edge. With my Dremel Tool I cut to the rough measurement. I used set of fine files for final touches. Using bezel as a guide I marked and cut two pieces of hard plastic to fill the semi-circle eyelets.
With Lepage Epoxy, I glued the plastic pieces to the bezel. This product is really strong and easy to work with.
After testing the fit, I used Bondo Body Filler and 400 Grit Wet Sand Paper to finish the bezel. I was never a fan of silver finish so I primed and painted it to black
The real challenge came with the wiring. My truck was/is equipped with Infinity Sound System that has 7 speakers and an amplifier that was communicating with the original head unit through the Can Bus Protocol (Controlled Area Network). It was impossible to trick. I thought about running new wires to speakers but that was too much work and I still wanted to use the amplifier. I found PAC C2#-CHY4 harness that was compatible with amplified Infinity system.
I used Metra Axxess ASWC-1 to retain the factory steering wheel controls.
Pioneer 4000NEX has two USB inputs but they are on the back of the unit. Using two PAC USBCBL I brought the inputs to much more convenient spot.
Next, I installed Esky High Definition back up camera.
Pioneer 4000NEX does not come with navigation. However, since it is Apple CarPlay compatible, I can use my Iphone’s navigation and ask Siri to find the addresses for me.
My final set up.
Project Difficulty Rating Easy-Medium-Hard
Project Shopping List
- Pioneer 4000NEX
- Bondo Body Filler
- 400 Grit Wet Sand Paper
- PAC C2#-CHY4
- Metra Axxess ASWC-1
- PAC USBCBL
- Esky High Definition Back-up Camera
- Split Loom
- Rust Oleum Primer
- Rust Oleum Flat Black Paint
- Epoxy Glue
- Wire Connectors
- Nylon Cable Ties
- Electrical Tape
Required Tools
- Dremel Tool
- File Set
- Wire Cutter/Stripper
- Soldering Iron
- Philips Screwdriver
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