Car Stereos: 2008 dodge dakota, 2008 dodge dakota, dodge dakota quad cab

Question
I have a 2008 dodge Dakota quad cab  Want to replace stock radio it has am fm cd player that's it no other things hooked up How do i replace the radio and what kind of cables do i need I'm putting in a Sony am fm cd aux  for mp3 player  Thanks  John

Answer
Hi John,

Sorry about the delay in answering your question.

The answer depends on the type of factory audio system that's equipped in your truck.  If you have the optional Alpine sound system, then you'll need a special adapter to integrate the new head  unit with the factory amplifier.  In this case, the part you need is a Metra CHTO-03.  In addition, you'd need a mounting kit (99-6511) and antenna adapter (40-EU10).

If the Dakota is equipped with a standard audio system, not the premium Alpine system, then you won't need the CHTO-03.  Instead, you can use a Metra XSVI-6522, which should be less expensive.  You can also use a 70-6522, which would be even cheaper; but it would require a bit of extra wiring to connect the head unit to a key-switched power source.  There's no switched power wire in the factory radio plug in your truck; the XSVI-6522 will generate the power output you need, but with the 70-6522 you'd have to find the power source somewhere else (probably at the accessory power outlet).   The mounting kit and antenna adapter will be the same, and the mounting kit will include instructions for removing the old radio and installing the new one.

Hope this helps!

Brian