The AM/FM radio that is standard equipment for the 1989 Dodge Ram Charger can be replaced by an improved aftermarket head unit in minutes. If you need to replace a malfunctioning stereo or upgrade to a more powerful unit, you will first have to remove the factory radio from the Charger's dashboard stereo dock. Purchase the necessary adapters and save money by replacing the stereo yourself.
Tools Used: 10 mm wrench, Phillips screwdriver, Installation sleeve, Flat-head screwdriver, Wiring harness adapter
Wire Radio
Lift the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable from the negative battery terminal with a 10 mm wrench. Remove the cable from the battery and set it aside.
Remove the five screws across the top edge of the truck's dashboard with a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the single screw just above the stereo head unit. Pull the main dashboard panel away from the dash by hand and set it aside.
Remove the two screws on either side of the stereo deck with a Phillips screwdriver or 10 mm socket and drive. Slide the stereo from the mounting dock and disconnect the stereo wiring and antenna cable connectors from the back of the unit. Remove the bolt holding the grounding braid to the back of the radio with a 10 mm socket and ratchet.
Slide the aftermarket radio's installation sleeve into the vacant stereo dock. Pull the stereo wiring and antenna cable from the back to the front of the stereo opening in the dashboard. Bend the metal tabs inside the sleeve outward with a flat-head screwdriver to secure it within the stereo dock.
Plug the stereo wiring connectors into the wiring harness adapter leads. Plug the wiring harness adapter lead connectors into the corresponding outlets on the rear panel of the new radio. Insert the antenna cable lead into the FM antenna input on the back of the new radio.
Slide the radio into the installation sleeve until it locks into place within the dashboard stereo dock. Place the main panel back onto the Ram's dash and replace the screws.
Place the negative battery cable clamp around the negative battery terminal post. Tighten the bolt on the clamp with the wrench and close the hood.
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