My friend wants me to install a cd changer in his 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. He already has a Blaupunkt cassette player installed in it. I wanted to know how to take the dash off to get to the back of the deck to hook in the changer cable. Also when installing a changer, do you only have to plug one wire into the tape deck and it works? or is there a power wire to hook up too? Thanks SMILE
Replies (4)
Tray on 07/24/2003 10:29:55
OK, well, I've never done a 97 Caravan, but....
If there's already an aftermarket HU in, you shouldn't need to tear apart the dash. Realistically you should be able to pull the HU, hook up the CD Changer, and then replace the HU.
As far as wiring.
Don't have much experience with Blau, but typically if the HU has controls, and the CD changer is made to work with the HU, there should only be a harness to plug in. If you're using an RF modulator to hook it up, it will most likely require you to run at minimum, 12v+, Switched 12v, and Ground wires.
Pinch on 07/24/2003 11:28:40
Before you take the dash apart, try to see if the stereo is mounted in a way that would allow you to take it out without taking apart the vehicle. I haven't really dealt with Blaupunkt, but maybe they've got "keys" similar to many other HU manufacturers so you can just insert the keys, and slide out the HU. Often you have to remove the trim ring around the stereo first, but that's a lot easier than taking the dash apart.
However, if you have to take the dash apart...
http://carstereohelp.com/stereoremovalDodgeCaravan.htm
This site seems to have pretty detailed info on removing the factory radio (not a Grand Caravan...but perhaps it's similar), but you said your friend had a Blaupunkt...which I don't think is factory. Oh well, maybe the info will help with dash removal anyway.
As for installing the changer, is it Blaupunkt too? I've noticed that most changers will only directly hook up to a similar brand of HU (Sony changers will only hook up to Sony HUs, etc). Maybe there is a conversion cable or something... But FM modulation is really easy, and that works with any changer/HU combo so long as the HU has FM radio.
Like Tray said, you'll connect 12v+, Accessory 12v, and Ground from the back of the stereo somewhere to the FM modulator itself. You'll also need to connect the antenna wire (that normally goes in the HU) into the modulator. Then you connect the modulator's antenna wire to the back of the stereo.
Just one piece of advice on CD changers. Find the reset button and make a note of it before you install the changer. Sometimes it's on the changer controller. Sometimes it's on the changer itself. Sometimes there isn't one. But if you know where it is before you install the thing, it could save you the hassle of removing something you don't need to.
Good luck!
ttocs on 07/24/2003 16:46:28
blaupunkt has always had a way to pull them from the front, but they have used a number of methods. It may have two allen screws on the side you loosen and then pull, or it could be flat keys that slide in. If it is detachable face, take it off and you will probably see how it works.
You will need a blaupunkt chgr for the head unit, unless it is fm modulated.
khny83 on 07/25/2003 00:10:35
ok, thanks a lot for the help, that caravan dash removal site helped a lot. Also, I didnt really see any special way to take the head unit out by just sliding it. The head unit doesnt budge a bit when you try to pull it out.
Replies (4)
Tray on 07/24/2003 10:29:55
OK, well, I've never done a 97 Caravan, but....
If there's already an aftermarket HU in, you shouldn't need to tear apart the dash. Realistically you should be able to pull the HU, hook up the CD Changer, and then replace the HU.
As far as wiring.
Don't have much experience with Blau, but typically if the HU has controls, and the CD changer is made to work with the HU, there should only be a harness to plug in. If you're using an RF modulator to hook it up, it will most likely require you to run at minimum, 12v+, Switched 12v, and Ground wires.
Pinch on 07/24/2003 11:28:40
Before you take the dash apart, try to see if the stereo is mounted in a way that would allow you to take it out without taking apart the vehicle. I haven't really dealt with Blaupunkt, but maybe they've got "keys" similar to many other HU manufacturers so you can just insert the keys, and slide out the HU. Often you have to remove the trim ring around the stereo first, but that's a lot easier than taking the dash apart.
However, if you have to take the dash apart...
http://carstereohelp.com/stereoremovalDodgeCaravan.htm
This site seems to have pretty detailed info on removing the factory radio (not a Grand Caravan...but perhaps it's similar), but you said your friend had a Blaupunkt...which I don't think is factory. Oh well, maybe the info will help with dash removal anyway.
As for installing the changer, is it Blaupunkt too? I've noticed that most changers will only directly hook up to a similar brand of HU (Sony changers will only hook up to Sony HUs, etc). Maybe there is a conversion cable or something... But FM modulation is really easy, and that works with any changer/HU combo so long as the HU has FM radio.
Like Tray said, you'll connect 12v+, Accessory 12v, and Ground from the back of the stereo somewhere to the FM modulator itself. You'll also need to connect the antenna wire (that normally goes in the HU) into the modulator. Then you connect the modulator's antenna wire to the back of the stereo.
Just one piece of advice on CD changers. Find the reset button and make a note of it before you install the changer. Sometimes it's on the changer controller. Sometimes it's on the changer itself. Sometimes there isn't one. But if you know where it is before you install the thing, it could save you the hassle of removing something you don't need to.
Good luck!
ttocs on 07/24/2003 16:46:28
blaupunkt has always had a way to pull them from the front, but they have used a number of methods. It may have two allen screws on the side you loosen and then pull, or it could be flat keys that slide in. If it is detachable face, take it off and you will probably see how it works.
You will need a blaupunkt chgr for the head unit, unless it is fm modulated.
khny83 on 07/25/2003 00:10:35
ok, thanks a lot for the help, that caravan dash removal site helped a lot. Also, I didnt really see any special way to take the head unit out by just sliding it. The head unit doesnt budge a bit when you try to pull it out.
Copyright ClubKnowledge 2009 * All Rights Reserved
