Need some radio installation help?

What will I need to replace my radio CD player in my 2003 Dodge Dakota?

• The volume control on my 2003 Dakota is acting funny and my guess is that my stock radio CD player is about to go out. I am 58 years old and have no desire for a booming stereo system in my truck but I do want something. I am thinking about the Pioneer GM-Chrysler-Fit CD player model number DEH-P47 DH. My problem is that none of the dealers give dates. It is all about flash and big sound. Heck, who care how it looks in your auto? Well I do care how it looks and would like advice as to if this model I picked will fit in my 2003 Dakota as easy as the advertisers are saying it will? I am keeping my existing speaker system and like I said I really do not care if they boom or not in favor of ease of installation. Any advice on what else I will need and what to expect as far as the installation will be welcomed. Thanks for the help.

• Answer:

  If it's making static noises and is the standard type dial vol control then I suggest a little trick that I use make sure the ignition is off and then rapidly turn the vol control fully left then fully right and do this several times.Don't be afraid to turn it quite fast bec when we service stereo's with static etc in those dial vol controls all we do is take the stereo apart spray it with special contact cleaner and as we do that we rapidly turn it fully and fast. I'd try a U pick auto wreckers bec that way you save cash by taking it out yourself and that money can help you purchase the face plate kit etc.There are several different years and models of steros that will fit that vehicle but you might need a universal wiring harness and a face plate kit.If you shop around though you might find the exact same system that way you don't need anything but to simply pop the old one out and install the new one. Hope that helps and best of luck.By the way if it's only a dirty switch etc why not take the system out and just get it cleaned but believe me that trick does work , but you might need to do it once and awhile.