Upgrading hesd unit in a 2016 Ram 1500

[Imperiumwolf]

I have a 2016 Ram 1500 Quad cab with the base stereo system. I've wanted to upgrade things for a while. Last year I ordered a simple, single DIN Alpine from Crutchfield. It came with what I thought was everything for the install, but after tearing everything apart there was one connection coming from the truck that would not plug into anything. The harness was the Axxess LC-CHRC-01. I can't find any pictures of the plug/wire coming from the dash online, but if you look up pictures of the factory head unit, it's the gray input at the bottom right on the back of the head unit. Luckily it was Crutchfield and I was able to send everything back.

I've recently been thinking about it again. From what I'm finding, I might need to go the more expensive route and get a higher end head unit that uses an iDatalink/Maestro combination.

Does anyone know if this is the correct way? I know I could just return it again if it doesn't work, but I'd hate to have to order and return $500 plus dollars of equipment (not really a big deal, I'd just like to avoid it if possible). The only other thing would be to have a shop install one, but I'd like to do it myself if I can. It's been over 20 years since I've installed any audio equipment so it's all pretty much new to me now.

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[1aespinoza 10+ year member]

I can't find any pictures of the plug/wire coming from the dash online, but if you look up pictures of the factory head unit, it's the gray input at the bottom right on the back of the head unit.

It may just be a mini-USB wire that goes to the radio area to plug the phone in.

 

[Imperiumwolf]

It may just be a mini-USB wire that goes to the radio area to plug the phone in.View attachment 56725

Yes, after doing a lot more searching earlier I do believe that's what it is.

 

[1aespinoza 10+ year member]

Yes, after doing a lot more searching earlier I do believe that's what it is.

Also, if the adapter manufacturers are not addressing that connector, then it may be something that only the OEM radio offers.

 

[Imperiumwolf]

Also, if the adapter manufacturers are not addressing that connector, then it may be something that only the OEM radio offers.

There must have been something else that I missed as to why it wasn't getting power.

 

[1aespinoza 10+ year member]

There must have been something else that I missed as to why it wasn't getting power.

You mean the first unit was not coming on?

 

[Imperiumwolf]

You mean the first unit was not coming on?

No, the factory unit works fine. It was the aftermarket Alpine that would not power up.

 

[1aespinoza 10+ year member]

No, the factory unit works fine. It was the aftermarket Alpine that would not power up.

This is odd. I know some manufacturers put in a disable feature when the car does not read the correct code from the radio. But it is the radio itself that locks out, not the car's power output. I think Crutchfield or Axxess would have addressed this issue if it was common.

 

[Imperiumwolf]

This is odd. I know some manufacturers put in a disable feature when the car does not read the correct code from the radio. But it is the radio itself that locks out, not the car's power output. I think Crutchfield or Axxess would have addressed this issue if it was common.

I may have jumped the gun with returning everything instead of troubleshooting some more. I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to these things, I can just do basics. Last stereo I installed was back in the late 90's in an early 90's S-10, so it was a pretty cut and dry install.

 

[1aespinoza 10+ year member]

everything instead of troubleshooting some more.

Well, there is always a bypass that can be McGuyvered. So next time you want to tackle that task, post it. We can help.