Want to replace radio 3.0 with used similar OEM and avoid programming if possible

[KDanM]

Hello all. I have a 2018 Tradesman with a radio 3.0 (RA1) w/ satellite (RSD) and w/o Bluetooth. I'd like to replace it with the same thing due to a cosmetic issue with the buttons on the radio caused by the extreme heat in south Texas. I have no interest in upgrading, and no interest in going aftermarket. I'd like to just get a used radio from a salvage yard or ebay. Some of the ebay sellers as well as the salvage yard I went to as well as chatGPT say I may need to get the replacement radio programmed at a dealer. I have not had good experiences with my local dealer and would like to avoid that, as well as the additional time and cost that would incur.

So then I had the bright idea of just buying a cosmetically good used radio 3.0 and using only the faceplate from it since I figured that would avoid any programming requirement. I took the faceplate off my old one and saw that it has a circuit board attached to the back. Ugh! So now I'm thinking of one of two options. (1) take the circuit board off my old faceplate (looks doable but maybe there are complications?) and put it on the cosmetically good replacement faceplate that I purchase, or (2) use the circuit board that comes on the faceplate with the used radio 3.0 that I purchase.

I would do option 2 (easier of the two options) if that circuit board has nothing to do with the programming. Does anyone know if it does? I see there is another circuit board inside the head unit (correct term?), and maybe that one is the relevant one for the programming? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

 

[tron67j]

Don't think you need programming, unit should work once plugged in. Just make sure from a 4th Gen Ram. Other Stelantis radios can work, believe I have read they eventually convert from the other home screens, like Dodge. Try scrolling through the 4th Gen radio update threads.

Know you already said no interest in upgrading, but the conversion to a 8.4 from a Gen 4 is pretty easy. A harness from MPGRIMM2 in vendor section, a faceplate upgrade and you get the option to use Google Maps on your unit, which I find really helpful. I don't really use any other things either than the radio stuff

 

[SitKneelBend]

Hello all. I have a 2018 Tradesman with a radio 3.0 (RA1) w/ satellite (RSD) and w/o Bluetooth. I'd like to replace it with the same thing due to a cosmetic issue with the buttons on the radio caused by the extreme heat in south Texas. I have no interest in upgrading, and no interest in going aftermarket. I'd like to just get a used radio from a salvage yard or ebay. Some of the ebay sellers as well as the salvage yard I went to as well as chatGPT say I may need to get the replacement radio programmed at a dealer. I have not had good experiences with my local dealer and would like to avoid that, as well as the additional time and cost that would incur.

So then I had the bright idea of just buying a cosmetically good used radio 3.0 and using only the faceplate from it since I figured that would avoid any programming requirement. I took the faceplate off my old one and saw that it has a circuit board attached to the back. Ugh! So now I'm thinking of one of two options. (1) take the circuit board off my old faceplate (looks doable but maybe there are complications?) and put it on the cosmetically good replacement faceplate that I purchase, or (2) use the circuit board that comes on the faceplate with the used radio 3.0 that I purchase.

I would do option 2 (easier of the two options) if that circuit board has nothing to do with the programming. Does anyone know if it does? I see there is another circuit board inside the head unit (correct term?), and maybe that one is the relevant one for the programming? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

No programming necessary, only the anti-theft code which can be purchased for ~$4 - $15 online.

 

[KDanM]

Don't think you need programming, unit should work once plugged in. Just make sure from a 4th Gen Ram. Other Stelantis radios can work, believe I have read they eventually convert from the other home screens, like Dodge. Try scrolling through the 4th Gen radio update threads.

Know you already said no interest in upgrading, but the conversion to a 8.4 from a Gen 4 is pretty easy. A harness from MPGRIMM2 in vendor section, a faceplate upgrade and you get the option to use Google Maps on your unit, which I find really helpful. I don't really use any other things either than the radio stuff

Thanks for your reply. I did in fact scroll through those threads you mentioned (that took awhile!), but I'm really OK with the system I have. I use the radio for Sirius XM and audiobooks, for which I use a bluetooth receiver (correct term?) plugged into my line in. Works fine. Also I may replace this vehicle before too long, so I don't want to put much money into it at the moment.

 

[KDanM]

No programming necessary, only the anti-theft code which can be purchased for ~$4 - $15 online.

OK good to know. Thanks!