Question about adding RA4 and Backup Cam

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BigPhilly21Fifth

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Hey guys,

New RAM owner here. Big horn 1500 5.7 4x4. I have the 5.0 with bluetooth and plan on adding the Ra4 8.4 and the backup camera next week.


I bought the radio on eBay. Came out of a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited. I have the request code and VIN so I think I should be able to retain the GPS. I also purchased the modified bezel off of Infotainment with HVAC cut outs to accommodate the new head unit. I plan on using a anit-theft code service on eBay for the code.

I can manage the radio install, but plan on taking the truck to the dealer to get the backup camera done.

My question is, should I install the radio before or after I take the truck to the dealer for the camera? Trying to avoid an extra trip. Based on my reading, if I get the unlock code I don't think I need the dealer to "program" the radio. But if that's not the case, perhaps I should have them do it during the camera install. Thoughts?
 

SitKneelBend

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Hey guys,

New RAM owner here. Big horn 1500 5.7 4x4. I have the 5.0 with bluetooth and plan on adding the Ra4 8.4 and the backup camera next week.


I bought the radio on eBay. Came out of a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited. I have the request code and VIN so I think I should be able to retain the GPS. I also purchased the modified bezel off of Infotainment with HVAC cut outs to accommodate the new head unit. I plan on using a anit-theft code service on eBay for the code.

I can manage the radio install, but plan on taking the truck to the dealer to get the backup camera done.

My question is, should I install the radio before or after I take the truck to the dealer for the camera? Trying to avoid an extra trip. Based on my reading, if I get the unlock code I don't think I need the dealer to "program" the radio. But if that's not the case, perhaps I should have them do it during the camera install. Thoughts?

I'd have them install the camera first. That way they won't blame anything on aftermarket parts if things go wrong during their install.

Personally, I'd return the infotainment bezel too and install steering wheel controls and the OEM 8.4 bezel instead. You'll be happier in the long run and depending on the cost of the infotainment bezel, likely richer too...

Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk
 
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BigPhilly21Fifth

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I'd have them install the camera first. That way they won't blame anything on aftermarket parts if things go wrong during their install.

Personally, I'd return the infotainment bezel too and install steering wheel controls and the OEM 8.4 bezel instead. You'll be happier in the long run and depending on the cost of the infotainment bezel, likely richer too...

Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk


I actually already have the steering wheel controls.

Paid $140 for the bezel. My understanding was that the HVAC controls on the OEM 8.4 bezel are not compatible with the 5.0 wiring. Incorrect?
 
Last edited:

SitKneelBend

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I actually already have the steering wheel controls.

Paid $140 for the bezel. My understanding was that the HVAC controls on the OEM 8.4 bezel are not compatible with the 5.0 wiring. Incorrect?
Partially right (but easily overcome). You can get the stock 8.4 bezel to work by also getting the Stock 8.4 HVAC module and a custom wiring harness (which can be bought) to tie it all together.

Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk
 
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BigPhilly21Fifth

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Nice. Looks like I missed out on the HVAC module. The upgraded HVAC controls would have been worth the extra $75.

If the dealer installs the Backup Camera on the 5.0, will they need to reprogram the 8.4 to recognize it after I do the swap? Or are the 8.4s good to go in that regard?


Here's the HVAC module for sale in our classifieds section. There's also a single zone bezel for sale there too...

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/to...&share_fid=17770&share_type=t&link_source=app

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SitKneelBend

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Nice. Looks like I missed out on the HVAC module. The upgraded HVAC controls would have been worth the extra $75.

If the dealer installs the Backup Camera on the 5.0, will they need to reprogram the 8.4 to recognize it after I do the swap? Or are the 8.4s good to go in that regard?
It should recognize it on its own if it displays correctly in your 5.0 / RA2 radio.

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leowes

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I just did this swap and installed the oem camera as well. You can use an oem 8.4 bezel if you get the retrofit harness from mpgrimm2 and a hvac module.You can message him. There is a lot of info on this conversion . The radio will is going to display the jeep logo when turned on. The dealer may not want to change it to ram. You can do this with Alfa obd. The whole process is Time consuming but not too difficult
 
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