Replacing the stock radio

One of the first real "mods" I wanted to do was replace the stock radio in the Jeep. After all, it's just the radio and a CD player - who uses CD's anymore? So, I set about watching several YouTube videos, reading about various options I have, and decided to push forward with the DIY project.

Which Radio Site To Buy From

There are so many options out there, but the one site I kept coming back to was Crutchfield. Not only do they have a lot of options, but they also include a mounting plate, bezel, and wiring harness that will convert into your existing Jeep.

Which Radio to Buy

This will vary depending on whether you want a 1 DIN or 2 DIN system. The DIN designation apparently is just a standard dimension for radios that is universally used across pretty much all vehicles, Jeeps, included.  Options range from pricey $300-$1000+ systems that have nagivation, backup cameras, and a litany of other options.

For my budget ($100), a Kenwood KMM-BT315U was perfect because it met my needs:

• Bluetooth Capability
• USB Port
• AUX port
• Low cost

Removing the Factory Radio and installing the New Radio

In order to perform the installation, I first had to remove all the dashboard components that keeps everything sealed up. This included:

Cowl Cover

Dashboard

Glovebox

To do this I needed a flathead screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver and a 1/4" flat socket. Here's the process:

Step 01 - Removed the top part of the dashboard covering the cowl

Step 02 - Removed screws holding the front part of the dashboard that covers the radio and AC controls

Step 03 - Removed the front part of the dashboard covering the radio and AC controls (pulled gently but firmly LOL)

Step 04 - Removed the glove box

Step 05 - Removed the anchor screw from the back of the yoke that holds the factory radio stable (royal p.i.t.a.)

Step 06 - Removed the screws that hold the yoke brace in place

Step 07 - Removed the yoke

Step 08 - Gently removed the cabling from the back of the factory radio

At this point, I took the wiring harness that Crutchfield sent and soldered the Kenwood wiring to the converter harness. I also added some heat shrink to ensure these wires stay put.

Step 09 - Added wiring harness converter to Jeep wiring

Step 10 - Went to add antenna converter from Kenwood (new radio) to factory wiring

*****

At this point, I noticed that the fragile coax male pin had broken that went into the factory radio. 

Following this back along the Jeep, I noticed that it had a female connection point to a male Motorola plug going back to the antenna.

The Kenwood radio also has a female Motorola plug on it, so I started thinking about why on earth I would want to go from a male Motorola plug to a coax and then back to Motorola. I didn't. So I went out and bought (through Amazon) an extender that could reach from the back of the glove box all the way over to the radio and maintain the Motorola connection ($5).

*****

Step 11 - Changed out the antenna wiring per above.

Step 12 - Connected up the radio and turned the vehicle on to test audio connections - it worked! Time to reassemble!

Step 13 - My radio came with a Bluetooth microphone, so at this point I also took that and fed the wires through the dash, and mounted the mic just to the right of my speedometer/tachometer display.

Step 14 - Next, I took the twist tie that came with it and bundled up all the extra length of this mic wiring to keep it neat and tidy.

Step 15 - Mounted radio in the metal sleeve.

Step 16 - Mounted dash kit back on the open bay where old radio used to be

Step 17 - Slid new radio in place and bent the framing pieces up to hold it in place behind the mounting kit.

Step 18 - Tested audio again just to be safe

Step 19 - Pulled dash cover back up onto dash and attached screws back as needed

Step 20 - Replace yoke screws on each side of cowl so nothing rattles around.

Step 21 - Replaced cowl cover

Step 22 - Replaced coin holder above dash

VOILA

The only thing left is the decision on what color to set the radio display to: