Type of Removal

• Before you begin removing your Dodge stereo, decide what type of removal you will be doing. You can take out just the radio and media console, which is the easiest type of removal. If you are replacing the entire sound system, including the truck's speakers, the process will be significantly more involved and might require the disassembly of much of the cab's interior.
  
  

Materials Needed

• Before removing the stereo, download a wire harness guide. This document explains what all of the different color wires and connectors mean, and it also contains updated information for installing newer stereo systems. Most Dodge stereo wiring systems are similar---if not identical---to those found in Chrysler models. The easiest way to avoid mistakes with the wiring is to purchase a snap-on wire harness adapter designed for either Dodges or Chryslers. It allows you to easily plug in the truck's colored radio wires before connecting the adapter directly to the new stereo unit. You will also need a screwdriver to remove the dashboard panel and stereo console unit.
  
  

Removing the Console

• Begin by detaching the battery from the truck to avoid any electrical shocks. In most Dodge trucks, the dashboard panel trim is held in place by two screws located behind the steering wheel above the instrument panel. Once these screws are removed, you can gently lift the trim off and away from the instrument panel and console. Be careful when lifting this piece, especially in older trucks. The plastic facing away from the cab can have sharp edges, and it can easily become snagged on the dashboard. The trim in older Dodges is made of brittle PVC that can snap under too much force. Once you are able to carefully remove the trim, the stereo unit will be exposed. Most factory stereos are held in the Dodge's frame by four screws that can be removed like normal. Then, the stereo console unit can be slid out from the panel far enough for the wires to be detached.
  
  

Considerations

• When removing your truck's radio, be sure to find a replacement that fits your console area. If the new radio is too large or too small, it will not fit properly in the space and can slide around when driving, especially when handling bumpy off-road terrain. If you need to cut your Dodge's dashboard trim, remember to sand the edges to make them smooth before reinstalling the panel.