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Dodge Ram 2009-Present: How to Swap Factory Stereo with OEM Navigation

If you're wanting to install a navigation unit in place of the stock radio on your Dodge Ram, it's easy and takes almost no time. In a matter of a few minutes you'll be set to go anywhere.

By David Weitz - July 17, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (2009-present).

So you've got your new Dodge Ram truck. If you're like most, one of the first things you're thinking is to replace your stock radio with a state-of-the-art radio/navigation unit. Good thinking! Even better is the fact that the process to swap out your stock radio for the new unit is so easy. It will take you around 10 minutes and the only skills required are the ability to turn a screwdriver and plug in some cables. Read on for the simple step-by-step instructions to upgrade your stereo and navigation equipment.

Materials Needed

  • Basic screwdriver with a "starz" tip
  • A nut driver with a socket attachment

Step 1 – Remove face plate

  • Begin by removing the two screws on the top of the face place with a screwdriver.
Figure 1. Remove two screws from top of face plate.
  • Once removed, go ahead and pull off the face plate.
Figure 2. Pull off face plate.

Step 2 – Remove factory radio

  • Next, unscrew the four screws securing the factory radio by hand.
Figure 3. Removing the screws from the radio.
  • Unplug the antenna, satellite antenna and the main wiring harness cables and pull out the radio.
Figure 4. Remove the radio after unplugging cables.

Step 3 – Plug in some added cables and adapter for the radio antenna

  • Plug in an adapter for the radio antenna.
  • Plug in an added wiring harness directly into the factory wiring harness.
Figure 5. Attach new cables for new navigation system.

Step 4 – Plug all the necessary cables into the back of your new navigation unit

  • Plug in the power main cable.
  • Plug in the power on cable.
  • Plug in the lead.
  • Add the satellite GPS antenna cable.
  • Plug in the radio antenna cable.
Figure 6. Plug in your necessary cables.

Pro Tip

When you add the satellite GPS antenna, simply leave the antenna in the bag it came in and slide it somewhere up in the dash. This is a simple way to add the installation of this part you didn't have before.

Step 5 – Slide new unit into place

  • Tuck your wires back up in the dash and push your new navigation unit into the opening.
  • Attach the four bolts to hold the unit in place.
Figure 7. Slide new unit into place.

Pro Tip

After you tighten the bolts to secure the new unit, it is a good idea to test everything before you put the face plate back on. This might save you a few steps and time if you have to make any adjustments, etc.

Step 6 – Re-install face plate

Push the face plate back on and replace the two screws in the top to secure the face plate. Enjoy your new stereo head unit!

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