DIY: 2013-2017 RA3/RA4 8.4" Radio Upgrade/HVAC Conversion

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Mpgrimm2

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Interesting issue just brought to my attention. The HVAC module (68268186AA) has shot up in price. It's now up to $460. (I paid $134 brand new in Oct '18). Makes this a much pricier upgrade unless you can find a salvage yard part.

-K
Happened about 2-3 weeks ago (New Single zone MTC bezel jumped in price also).
Just affects the 1500/factory 7 speed folks but ...

There are 2 other compatible/alternate (previous) HVAC PNs that can be used. May have to pick them up from a salvage yard also vs new.

HVAC Control Module: 68268186Ax (AB, AC, etc) (7 speed Fan specific models)
** (or... 68183973Ax, 68236772Ax)

M² Mods.
 

Dave-NJ

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I found a brand new one for $250 about 2 weeks ago. Most of them were $400 plus
Guess I lucked out
 

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Happened about 2-3 weeks ago (New Single zone MTC bezel jumped in price also).
Just affects the 1500/factory 7 speed folks but ...

There are 2 other compatible/alternate (previous) HVAC PNs that can be used. May have to pick them up from a salvage yard also vs new.

HVAC Control Module: 68268186Ax (AB, AC, etc) (7 speed Fan specific models)
** (or... 68183973Ax, 68236772Ax)

M² Mods.

Wow, yeah. Up to $338 for the bezel now. The conspiracy theorist in me wonders if it was done to discourage people from doing the upgrade. That's a tremendous jump for the same part numbers (i.e. not an upgrade to the parts).

-K
 

Joemomma69

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First off I have a 2017 Ram 1500, thank you for consolidating info on the 8.4 radio upgrade. Seems like it should be simple, ha. I understand the factory 8.4 bezel is different from mine (besides the bigger screen), because of the smart HVAC module\controls. I found this bezel that supports the 8.4 radio and original 7 speed manual HVAC (https://www.infotainment.com/products/ram-truck-8-4-upgrade-radio-bezel?variant=1026315653). Just remove 4 screws from HVAC on original bezel and install on the new. My question for Getupkid, Duneflyer, Mondo161, Cptwing, PJW67, and others. If I don't care about smart HVAC can I buy new 8.4 RA3 radio, $400 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-2017-...CT-RADIO-DISPLAY-SCREEN-OEM-VP3-/253079026178) and bezel for $300? Do I still need the 911 "thing" if I don't plan to pay for Uconnect/GPS?

Will this set up work for $700, knowing I won't have the auto climate control?
 
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Mpgrimm2

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It would be cheaper and more reliable (that basic bezel with knob has been problematic for some people & made their radio/CANbus get a bit screwy) to just add steering wheel audio controls and use the Ra3/Ra4 behind the current bezel. The fit isn't terrible.

- DIY: 2013-2016 OEM Steering Wheel Audio Control Install

& Yes you would still need the bypass plug.

M² Mods.
 

markatmjm

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I have just installed a custom harness from MPGRIMM2 and let me tell you I'm one happy 2016 Dodge Ram new owner!!!
Harness is work of art ( I make my own harness if it is simple job and I have see a harness or 2 in my life) but Mogrimm2 harness is second to non in quality.

And suport I have gotten from Mike (MPGRIMM2) when I had any questions is Superb!
Thank you for all of your help
Mark
 
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Mpgrimm2

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Refound @R.L.K. 's install/review of our 7 speed conversion harness.
7spd 8.4 Radio Upgrade Long HVAC Harness install Picture heavy.

Side note:
Even though we usually don't deal with full conversion kits with radios etc, ... I'm always surprised that folks are willing to pay $500-$1000 more to have someone else get the additional items they can get themselves and use with our harnesses for less than a kit elsewhere. (Based on support questions I get for those 'other companies' kits).

M² Mods.
 

R.L.K.

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Refound @R.L.K. 's install/review of our 7 speed conversion harness.
7spd 8.4 Radio Upgrade Long HVAC Harness install Picture heavy.

Side note:
Even though we usually don't deal with full conversion kits with radios etc, ... I'm always surprised that folks are willing to pay $500-$1000 more to have someone else get the additional items they can get themselves and use with our harnesses for less than a kit elsewhere. (Based on support questions I get for those 'other companies' kits).

M² Mods.
Glad I can continue to help out Mike [emoji106][emoji106].
If you ever need another write up you know I've done just pm me , I can find them quickly [emoji16]

Thank you M2MODS !!! MIKE & MIKE. , For all y'all do !!

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RyeThomas

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Add me to the list of people trying to wade thru the parts needed for this upgrade. Here I thought this was a pretty easy plug and play install, lol.

It’s making my head hurt and coming from an absolute base model, no microphone, no gps/Xm antenna, the parts list and cost is going up.

I don’t want to go aftermarket, don’t like the look but man the price for me to upgrade, I may have to.
 

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Add me to the list of people trying to wade thru the parts needed for this upgrade. Here I thought this was a pretty easy plug and play install, lol.

It’s making my head hurt and coming from an absolute base model, no microphone, no gps/Xm antenna, the parts list and cost is going up.

I don’t want to go aftermarket, don’t like the look but man the price for me to upgrade, I may have to.

I thought even the base model radios had XM. Your truck has no roof antenna at all?

-K
 

kad

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Add me to the list of people trying to wade thru the parts needed for this upgrade. Here I thought this was a pretty easy plug and play install, lol.

It’s making my head hurt and coming from an absolute base model, no microphone, no gps/Xm antenna, the parts list and cost is going up.

I don’t want to go aftermarket, don’t like the look but man the price for me to upgrade, I may have to.

I've got a RVM with the microphones for sale over in the For Sale forum that will fit your truck (it came out of my 2014). Covers and all.

-K
 

RyeThomas

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No my truck is the most base of the base, no shark fin or anything on the roof.
Vinyl seats, rubber floor.

I think to keep my rear view mirror camera I’m going to get the Brandmotion 5000 microphone. Thanks for the offer.

Who wants to offload a 8.4 quick? I’d rather buy from a truck brother than some stranger on fleabay
 

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No my truck is the most base of the base, no shark fin or anything on the roof.
Vinyl seats, rubber floor.

I think to keep my rear view mirror camera I’m going to get the Brandmotion 5000 microphone. Thanks for the offer.

Who wants to offload a 8.4 quick? I’d rather buy from a truck brother than some stranger on fleabay
What year is your truck and do you have the 4speed or 7speed fan ?

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R.L.K.

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2013, 4 speed fan
You need 7ea items Sir , for a complete list with part numbers and vendor info see post #3 of this thread [emoji1360]

As for the backup cam , I'd just replace your mirror with a mirror with microphones and sell your backup cam mirror to recoup some $$.
Then put M2mods harness in to rout the backup cam to the much nicer 8.4" screen [emoji1360][emoji1360]c0a8a37351184500421b04922daf6890.jpg

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RyeThomas

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Thanks for the reply, I already sent a PM to M2. If I decide to go the mirror route I’ll send you a PM as well.

Thanks for the time and help Gents, I really appreciate it. Rye
 
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Mpgrimm2

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Thanks for the reply, I already sent a PM to M2. If I decide to go the mirror route I’ll send you a PM as well.

Thanks for the time and help Gents, I really appreciate it. Rye
Just spoke with Rye. Thanks for the referral everyone. I should be able to get him squared away.

M² Mods.
 

RyeThomas

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So as usual I went against the grain (for now) I like having the camera in my rear view. So I went with a Brandmotion 5000 microphone rather than switching out my rear view mirror for now. That said if it doesn’t work out , or I don’t like it I’ll let everyone know and actually contribute to this thread.


M2 Mods Mpgrimm2 has been awesome answering all my questions all be it on a Sunday and Mother’s Day at that.

I ordered a gps/xm antenna combo from Infotainment. They had the only kit I could find that can be mounted inside the truck and I won’t have to cut holes in my roof and add a shark fin. I will be totally honest of how that works out as well.

I should have everything in a few weeks and I will post my results.

Be safe Gents, Rye.
 
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