How hard to remove radio out of a 1999 dodge ram

[GoatsRus]

This truck is my DH's baby, so I don't want to crack the console.

How do I go about getting to the back of the factory installed radio?

The radio stopped working and we've narrowed it down to being a disconnect somewhere. All the wires under the dash seem to be in place so we're thinking it's the wires in back of the radio. We turn it on and only get static. The seek function is rolling and not finding any stations, so that tells me the radio works, but isn't getting a good signal.

Is it that hard to remove the area around the front of the radio? What do i use as a pry tool to pry it off so as not to damage the console? Any thing I should know before we tackle this. BTW....DH is not at all mechanically inclined and I usually do these things.

[RonM]

Leave it parked along the street for about 15 minutes....

[ninny]

I think I'd be taking a look at the antenna.

.

[Common Tator]

I replaced the radio in my hubby's 1995 Dodge Ram. I bought the radio at a place that installed it for free.

[GoatsRus]

I'm thinking it's the antenna, but I think it's the connection on the back of the radio since all the other wires appear to be fine. I don't want to replace the radio, just remove it and see if all the wires are attached.

[fordy]

...............Inspect the external antenna and how it is mounted ! Usually , there will be washer type flat item that can be unscrewed and the antenna pulled UP , then the cable connnecting the antenna to the radio should be attached at the bottom . It maybe that the cable has come loose form the base of the antenna , but , you won't know until you pull the antenna up and out from it's mount ! , fordy

[Farm 36]

If you post in shop talk you will get the best answer

[GoatsRus]

Thanks Fordy...I'll do that when I get home...sure sounds a lot easier than removing the radio dash bezel. BTW, you won the prize on my earlier post in the shop forum. Unfortunately since you were right, it cost me $2K!

[mrpink]

we have a 2000 or 2001 ram at work. your 99 ram should be the same. start by grabbing the right side of the dash trim and pull gently but firmly. the clips that hold it on will start popping out. around the steering will you will most likely have to move the shifter to low gear. apply the parking brake first and do it with the truck shut off. once the trim is off then there should be four screws to remove the radio. if there are no screws then there will be two small holes on either side. if this is the case you will need a special to that you can get from a place that sells and install car radios. to reinstall the trim just line it up and push the clips back in.

greg

[diamondtim]

Originally Posted by GoatsRus

This truck is my DH's baby, so I don't want to crack the console.

How do I go about getting to the back of the factory installed radio?

The radio stopped working and we've narrowed it down to being a disconnect somewhere. All the wires under the dash seem to be in place so we're thinking it's the wires in back of the radio. We turn it on and only get static. The seek function is rolling and not finding any stations, so that tells me the radio works, but isn't getting a good signal.

Is it that hard to remove the area around the front of the radio? What do i use as a pry tool to pry it off so as not to damage the console? Any thing I should know before we tackle this. BTW....DH is not at all mechanically inclined and I usually do these things.

Go to your library and look at the Chilton's or Hayne's or Motor manual for your truck. You should get step by step instructions. Could even copy the page in the copier. If the library doesn't have it, check an auto parts store. It would be cheaper to buy than the part you break.

Good Luck

[GoatsRus]

Thanks MrPink and diamondtim. By first doing what Fordy suggested, I found that the antenna was still connected so that ruled that out. It appears to be the FM band as the AM still works (never use AM so I didn't think about checking this first). I guess we'll need a new radio. At least now I have removal directions.

[fordy]

...........It might be that the best option would be to take it to a shop that sells and installs steros and see what they charge too diagnose the problem. If broken , you're going to purchase a new radio anyway so if you buy the radio from them they might install for free as well as remove the old radio . , fordy

[fixer1958]

Any 'you-pick-it' junkyards around your area?
You may be able to get a replacement for nearly nothing.
They have them around here in the city.