this is probably basic grind for you experts... I wanted to upgrade a dodge Caravan from radioo only to cassette. got one at the junk yard, ( another factory unit), swapped them out, ( the pins and connections seemed the same) and all I get is power, no display, no sound. Now the original radio does the same thing. Of course the dealer knew nothing, thought it was bizarre. The fuse is OK. Any ideas?
Replies (6)
dffrntdrum on 10/7/2007 18:05:07
The Caravan is a 99. The newer radio was from a later model car, a concorde I think.
Ash on 10/7/2007 21:34:58
You must have a lot of cassettes for you to go with that format...?
Could be a bad connection, but more than likely a flaw in the HU's themselves. If your'e going to use another radio, why not get a new one (aftermarket perhaps). Being in a old format, a good cassette deck should be fairly cheap and will sound better than one from factory.
Is there any reason why you are sticking with the factory ones?
swez on 10/7/2007 21:38:58
Chances are good that the wiring harnesses are the same pin functions and you may have inadvertantly blown a fuse or 2 inside the fuse box. Look into that first.
Also, this is a sideways or lateral move at best. Swapping out a very lame stock radio to another semi-lame stock radio with a few more basic features is just a few steps away from a nice upgrade. The effort is the same, but the results are marginal in this method. (Stock audio gear is very basic and although reliable, we don't get at all what we paid for)
The next level might be a solid aftermarket HU with the features that make sense and are within the budget we have to work with. For as little as $150.00, there are some very good Aftermarket HU's that will run circles around a $600.00 factory product. They are easy to install with the right kit and performance is generally superior to most "Premium" factory unit. If you have a lot of cassettes, get a HU that has a CD and 1 AUX input. The Aux input can be used for an inexpesive cassette player like a Sony Walkman or similar. Just need a patch cord that uses a headphone male plug on one end and RCA's that plug into the HU. (This allows one to upgrade to an I-Pod or MP3 player later if desired)
A word about dealerships... they are in biz to sell products. They would gladly sell us a replacement stock radio at $300.00. But what do we get for that transaction? (Not much right?) OK, they don't know this end of their business well and cannot help unless they get some $$ out of the deal. That's their bottom line.
OK, that's a seed planted. What would you like to do next?
Swez
cplkittle on 10/8/2007 01:03:29
quote "Now the original radio does the same thing."
I assume the origional radio didn't do this before, and is now doing it...
The problem here is a fuse somewhere. check your instrument cluster light fuse. Since they work on the dimmer, there is a chance it might be that fuse (you wouldn't notice this during the day).
It sounds like the replacement radio is the culprit of the problem though. Most junkyard radios come out of the cars weeks after they are brought in, and some get rained on or are damaged from the wreck. Chances are the radio you bought from the junkyard is bad.
In this case, dodge wiring harnesses are pretty much the same. If it fits, it should work. When they make changes, they change the plugs.
dffrntdrum on 10/10/2007 17:22:58
Thanks to all of you for your replies. Sorry for the delay in my responding.
It was a fuse. I had checked under the dash and the radio fuse was OK. what was blown was under the hood, a 10 amp labeled memory.
As for dealerships, I know I was being pollyannish to expect help from one without paying handsomely, even for something so minor on a vehicle bought from them. I was reminded that they have earned their special place in hell, right next to lawyers and their billing hours.
I went with the the used factory cassette as aquick fix on an an old vehicle for someone who doesn't use the stereo much, just wanted to hear some recorded music now and then. I figured the factory unit would be an easy swap, match the instrumentation, not have to worry about theft, and it only cost $16.00. I got lucky, it worked after I replaced the fuse.
In the future I will follow your welcome advice on upgrades.
Thanks again.
swez on 10/13/2007 10:16:43
Got it and good fix on your part Diff.
I totally agree with your comments about Car Dealerships, Lawyers and many Govt agenies. They are in the same catetgory. (The slimy side of the slope) We can live well w/o them all. Hehe (Love your comments...) Spot on all right!
The strategy used here makes perfect sense when we look at the details. If you ever get the itch to upgrade your own vehicle and really enjoy the results, come back and we'll "chew the fat" if ya like.
Welcome to CK too, SMILE
Swez
Replies (6)
dffrntdrum on 10/7/2007 18:05:07
The Caravan is a 99. The newer radio was from a later model car, a concorde I think.
Ash on 10/7/2007 21:34:58
You must have a lot of cassettes for you to go with that format...?
Could be a bad connection, but more than likely a flaw in the HU's themselves. If your'e going to use another radio, why not get a new one (aftermarket perhaps). Being in a old format, a good cassette deck should be fairly cheap and will sound better than one from factory.
Is there any reason why you are sticking with the factory ones?
swez on 10/7/2007 21:38:58
Chances are good that the wiring harnesses are the same pin functions and you may have inadvertantly blown a fuse or 2 inside the fuse box. Look into that first.
Also, this is a sideways or lateral move at best. Swapping out a very lame stock radio to another semi-lame stock radio with a few more basic features is just a few steps away from a nice upgrade. The effort is the same, but the results are marginal in this method. (Stock audio gear is very basic and although reliable, we don't get at all what we paid for)
The next level might be a solid aftermarket HU with the features that make sense and are within the budget we have to work with. For as little as $150.00, there are some very good Aftermarket HU's that will run circles around a $600.00 factory product. They are easy to install with the right kit and performance is generally superior to most "Premium" factory unit. If you have a lot of cassettes, get a HU that has a CD and 1 AUX input. The Aux input can be used for an inexpesive cassette player like a Sony Walkman or similar. Just need a patch cord that uses a headphone male plug on one end and RCA's that plug into the HU. (This allows one to upgrade to an I-Pod or MP3 player later if desired)
A word about dealerships... they are in biz to sell products. They would gladly sell us a replacement stock radio at $300.00. But what do we get for that transaction? (Not much right?) OK, they don't know this end of their business well and cannot help unless they get some $$ out of the deal. That's their bottom line.
OK, that's a seed planted. What would you like to do next?
Swez
cplkittle on 10/8/2007 01:03:29
quote "Now the original radio does the same thing."
I assume the origional radio didn't do this before, and is now doing it...
The problem here is a fuse somewhere. check your instrument cluster light fuse. Since they work on the dimmer, there is a chance it might be that fuse (you wouldn't notice this during the day).
It sounds like the replacement radio is the culprit of the problem though. Most junkyard radios come out of the cars weeks after they are brought in, and some get rained on or are damaged from the wreck. Chances are the radio you bought from the junkyard is bad.
In this case, dodge wiring harnesses are pretty much the same. If it fits, it should work. When they make changes, they change the plugs.
dffrntdrum on 10/10/2007 17:22:58
Thanks to all of you for your replies. Sorry for the delay in my responding.
It was a fuse. I had checked under the dash and the radio fuse was OK. what was blown was under the hood, a 10 amp labeled memory.
As for dealerships, I know I was being pollyannish to expect help from one without paying handsomely, even for something so minor on a vehicle bought from them. I was reminded that they have earned their special place in hell, right next to lawyers and their billing hours.
I went with the the used factory cassette as aquick fix on an an old vehicle for someone who doesn't use the stereo much, just wanted to hear some recorded music now and then. I figured the factory unit would be an easy swap, match the instrumentation, not have to worry about theft, and it only cost $16.00. I got lucky, it worked after I replaced the fuse.
In the future I will follow your welcome advice on upgrades.
Thanks again.
swez on 10/13/2007 10:16:43
Got it and good fix on your part Diff.
I totally agree with your comments about Car Dealerships, Lawyers and many Govt agenies. They are in the same catetgory. (The slimy side of the slope) We can live well w/o them all. Hehe (Love your comments...) Spot on all right!
The strategy used here makes perfect sense when we look at the details. If you ever get the itch to upgrade your own vehicle and really enjoy the results, come back and we'll "chew the fat" if ya like.
Welcome to CK too, SMILE
Swez
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