Replacing missing radio unit

Tiny
CHRISTOPHER FORREST
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 3.2L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 156,377 MILES
We have the van listed above It use to belong to a Mennonite, so you can imagine that all the radio and radio parts have been taken off, and removed from, the vehicle. We live in Hagerstown Maryland, and I am trying to find a newer replacement radio, plus the parts. I have a Flash Drive at home, and I would like to insert that into the car radio, to listen to my music, so the new radio has to compatible to fit a Flash Drive. I have no idea what to look for, and then I came across your page here. I am wondering if you can help, in any way. Many thanks.
Tuesday, July 14th, 2020 AT 8:05 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,237 POSTS
The OEM unit was nothing special without any type of reader for media. If it was me I would likely get an aftermarket unit with the features you want and an install kit to match the van. I would suspect they left the speakers installed as well as the wiring as they generally only remove the main head unit and stick a block off plate or a cubby in it's place, at least that's all they do locally. The center trim panel just pulls out from the clips and you can see if the harness is still in place. If it is the kit should be plug and plat with an aftermarket stereo. If yours had the CD changer below it I wouldn't bother hunting that down either, it was more trouble than it was worth really, and most new units would have CD in them.
I also wouldn't bother using a newer OEM unit because they can be difficult when it comes to the media used in them. Plus once you get to the units that can handle flash drives they wouldn't work in your van because of the way the newer security systems interface to the stereos. The 14 we have will use only 2 types of USB drive reliably and even then the songs have to be split up into folders to make things work. The aftermarket unit I have as a shop radio plays pretty much anything I can stuff into it.
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Tuesday, July 14th, 2020 AT 9:46 AM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER FORREST
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thank you Steve W for your reply. I did look at buying a new system. The guy who operates a stereo place for vehicles said a new unit could be put in where the old one went, and the large space where the old radio was, would be completed with a new surround. However, I am not paying the almost $800.00 he wants for the job. If I needed just to replace the old one with exactly the same unit, it would cost me less then $200.00. However, there is no wiring where the old radio was, so when they stripped it, they did exactly that, even the outside aerial has gone. Like I said, I just wanted something newer in place, but if around $800.00 is what I am looking at, I will forget that idea and just hum to myself. :) Many many thanks once again for your informative reply Steve W.
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Tuesday, July 14th, 2020 AT 3:07 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,237 POSTS
Never seen them tear one out that way, but I guess they may have. Around here they just unplug the unit and stuff the wiring plugs out of the way. That would mean all new wiring and speakers along with a replacement head unit if they pulled the wiring. That isn't a fun job. Think you could take a picture of the dash opening and post it, might have an idea depending on what I can see.
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Tuesday, July 14th, 2020 AT 3:15 PM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER FORREST
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I will see if I can get a pic/video of it sometime tomorrow morning for you.
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Tuesday, July 14th, 2020 AT 4:30 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,237 POSTS
No rush. We'll be here.
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Tuesday, July 14th, 2020 AT 4:48 PM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER FORREST
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
This is the best I could get. Where the gap is, if you put your hand in there, you can actually fit half your arm all the way in, which explains what I was meaning when I said there is nothing there. You may have to rotate the pic and enlarge it.
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Wednesday, July 15th, 2020 AT 7:13 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,237 POSTS
That is the factory surround just missing the radio. It can be gently pulled out to remove it, then look in there and see if you find any disconnected plugs, There will be one multi-pin connector that could be tucked just about anywhere because it isn't very large. As for a replacement, you can get a kit that lets you install an aftermarket unit right in that opening. The trim gets pulled out and the kit has brackets and clips to install the replacement unit.
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Wednesday, July 15th, 2020 AT 8:26 AM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER FORREST
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Any ideas where I can shop for an aftermarket replacement? I have no idea of what I am suppose to be looking for.
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Wednesday, July 15th, 2020 AT 9:04 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,237 POSTS
That depends on what you want. Best Buy has car stereos, or visit Crutchfield. Com and use their selector to find units that will fit and the kits to install them. They have units from $23.00 up to wallet draining numbers. Or use the Crutchfield guide to find something you like and buy it somewhere else. Even WalMart sells some units and kits so there are multiple places.
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Wednesday, July 15th, 2020 AT 10:11 AM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER FORREST
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
How do I even begin to thank you for everything? I guess just by saying "thank you" is all I can do, so thank you. I really appreciate the knowledge you have, and shared on my question, and the quickness in replying. This site is lucky to have you here, so thanks once again.
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Wednesday, July 15th, 2020 AT 10:58 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,237 POSTS
You are welcome. It's what this site is here for, helping those with automotive issues.
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Wednesday, July 15th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM

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