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Dakota Radio Not Working

Rick62

Rick62

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I have a 1994 Dakota. The radio stopped working. Initially the clock still lit up and showed a time but the time never changed. Now when I turn it on, nothing. I checked the fuse, it’s good. Any suggestions? Maybe where can I find a radio?
 
Need to replace it.

I've put Alpine single-DIN Bluetooth receivers in my 01 ram, my 91 Daytona, and my 90 turbo minivan. Radios are like $109, install kits are maybe $35 with pigtails. Easy wiring, easy install.
 
Crazy people on ebay or even at yards sometimes think these things are precious rare replacement parts, and not 30 year old outdated tech plain radios. Maybe a yard by you would be different? My 1998 has a factory CD player, you would need to verify the dash mount is the same size for a factory swap but factory Bose CD heads are out there.

Strongly recommend an upgrade to a new head unit if a call to a local yard reveals they want $40+ for a used radio from 25 years ago. Remember, no guarantee the "new" used $40 radio won't crap out in 2 weeks from a yard. Install kits can be found on Amazon if you don't have a local place to get one through.

You can look those up at local places or Amazon also. For new I would stick to Alpine as mentioned, but Pioneer is not too shabby for the price, Sony you get what you pay for mostly too, but Alpine is sort of on top right now. I would skip JVC or other weird chinese brands, modern JVC is a subsidiary of I think Kenwood and JBL and is certainly not their premier flagship brand.
Alternatively, you can look on facebook market, search "car stereo" and you will find people selling all kinds of stuff for as little as $10. Look for "tested and working" at minimum, but "can demo" is better because they will show you it works. For this realm, whatever you find for cheap that works, can;t beat the price! But if you want to be more selective, Alpine is still consistently good, Pioneer gets better the older you get until you find their peek with stuff from the 1990's. Old Kenwood is usually decent. I wouldn't pay more then $20 for a used Sony of JVC. "Dual" and a few others are walmart trash.

Happy hunting!
 
Go to pick and pull junk yard. Cheap and factory
 
Size is easy. It's a standard DIN-and-a-half. 2 types - recessed with square corners, or flush with rounded corners. Just order by year thru crutchfield, they'll get you the right kit.

If you were closer I'd offer to do it for you. Everything - install, wiring, all of it, takes me about 45 minutes. It's easy.
 
My '03 went last year. Would play for about ten minutes then started making a popping sound then nothing. I pulled the fuse. I'd like to upgrade to one with a screen and backup camera.
cash.gif
 
khryslerkid said:
My '03 went last year. Would play for about ten minutes then started making a popping sound then nothing. I pulled the fuse. I'd like to upgrade to one with a screen and backup camera.
View attachment 1910570
Click to expand...
Most of those are double-din size. Most early Mopars are din-and-a-half. Earliest double DIN Mopar I had was my 05 Magnum r/t...
 
Sixpactogo said:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/236136597590?

This one should plug right in for ya.
Click to expand...
~$73 after shipping. I could buy (4) used Kenwood or Pioneer CD players for that off FB market. Or three of them and a new install kit.
if this was a 1970 Charger I was trying to keep original, I might consider a factory radio. But this is a late model Dakota.
To each their own though.
 
khryslerkid said:
My '03 went last year. Would play for about ten minutes then started making a popping sound then nothing. I pulled the fuse. I'd like to upgrade to one with a screen and backup camera.
View attachment 1910570
Click to expand...
You should look up your system in an 03. It might be a factory amplified system. They put the small factory amp behind the passenger kick panel and they can short out. My 98 has that type with the upgraded factory CD head unit.
Finding a back up camera type is not imposible, but will be more difficult and install will require more also. However, you would want to test and/or bypass the factory amp when you do it because that might be causing all the issue to begin with. So your system would be more of a project than what OP is looking at.
 
Triplegreen500 said:
Size is easy. It's a standard DIN-and-a-half. 2 types - recessed with square corners, or flush with rounded corners. Just order by year thru crutchfield, they'll get you the right kit.

If you were closer I'd offer to do it for you. Everything - install, wiring, all of it, takes me about 45 minutes. It's easy.
Click to expand...
I'll demonstrate my ignorance. I have no clue what DIN and DIN and a half mean...I'm old. Can you help me with a brand, model number and install kit number? Ive attached a picture of my radio. I don't need anything fancy just an AM/FM stereo radio. Carplay might be nice.

truck radio.jpg
 
A DIN size is about the height of your HVAC controls. Din and a half is the height of your existing stereo. Double din is....taller yet.

DIN left, double DIN right:
1756736087929.jpeg


Yours is the recessed, square corner style. This is the flush, rounded corner style

1756736213980.jpeg


Still din and a half, but different mounting style.

This is what I use. Am/fm/Bluetooth. No CD, no cassette. Good sound, nice menus, good EQ capability.

Screenshot_20250901-102559.png


You can find them on eBay, or at a local best buy. And the install kit you need:

1756736994461.jpeg

Here:
Car Radio Stereo Dash Install Kit Harness 1974-2003 Chrysler Plymouth Dodge Jeep | eBay
 
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