The standard RBK radio in my 2003 Ram has very few features, on a long drive the single CD player is a pain and the Mopar CD changer option is both expensive and a hassle to install. One option is to replace the complete head unit, the only problem I had with that is the 1.5 DIN format so I would loose that factory install look. I decided to use my iPod and the Grom interface kit to solve this small dilemma which allows me to keep my current head unit. This install guide will work with all Dodge Ram 2002 – 2005 and Ram 2500/3500 2003-2005.
The Grom adapter comes complete with everything you need including the CD changer interface cable for the Chrysler line of radios. On to the install…
You have to remove the complete center panel. There is only one 7mm hex screw holding the panel to the dash board. Pull the dash gently from the bottom right hand corner, there is eight clips, so take this slowly. Work your way around the dash.
Once free, remove the connectors and place the dash in a safe place. The stereo is held by another four 7mm hex screws, once removed the stereo will pull out.
Connect the iPod adapter to the CD changer connector. Placing the iPod interface is a little tricky, I am not sure for other Ram’s such as the 2500 and 3500, however I found below my head unit there is just enough room to fit the unit. Once the radio is pushed back and screwed in it holds the adapter in place, its a tight fit but solves the issue of the unit rattling under the dash.
I decided the best location for the iPod would be directly under the heater controls, the small shelf has a rubber mat and is large enough for the iPod. Remove this unit with the four screws holding it on the reverse side of the panel.
Once removed unhook the rubber mat. Drill on the bottom corner of the unit, you need a pretty large hole for the mini DIN connector, I ended up using a uni-bit. Feed the connector through and connect to the iPod interface.
Test the unit, if everything works with the iPod connected, reassemble everything in the reverse order.
Good info and pics, thanks
THANK YOU!!!! Very informative.
Thanks for the excellent info. Could you tell what A Grom interface is and where it can be purchased.
Thanks
Hi Rob, the Grom just lets you connect and control your Ipod through your RD factory series stereo.
The kit is available from http://www.gromaudio.com
Why did you choose the Grom interface over the others?
I am trying to install the same thing on a 2005 dodge ram 2500. The ipod powers on with the ignition, but won’t play under the cd changer mode. Did you have to do anything special with this? My stock radio looks to be the same as yours. Thanks for any help you can give.
Initially on the sound quality. The price is also very competitive compared to similar solutions out there.
Could be a number of things, first question is whats the model of your head unit? An RBK? Or is it something like the RB4 with navigation?
No navigation, it looks the same as yours, but it has a tape deck also. I don’t know what the model number is. GROM Audio sent me an e-mail questionnaire, but hasn’t given me a possible solution yet. They also don’t have a number to call apparently.
When I select the cd changer mode, the display just shows “T1″ with no time. It won’t play using the steering wheel controls, radio controls or ipod buttons. But the ipod does power on with the ignition so I know it’s hooked up properly.
Okay, so the interface was returned. GROM tested the unit and said it was working properly, but is not compatible with my vehicle? Very interesting since they listed it as compatible and still do. Shipping costs were still my expense despite their error. I just purchased another from USA Spec which appears to be of much better quality. I would recommend not using GROM because of their very poor customer service.
And for future readers, I have the RAZ model factory radio.
@Brian M – Thanks for the update and letting everyone know your experience. I did look up the RAZ and there appears to be a lot of revisions as it was made for many years. However, your right, it should work regardless as its stated on the Grom site. Anyone else have a RAZ and had trouble with the GROM interface?
I bought the Grom when I found this site. Set it up in under half an hour. I drilled the hole in the top right of the little shelf just big enough to fit the Grom side of the cable through. Great instructions thanks.
I am in the process of looking for a unit that is compatible with my Dodge 2500. My factory radio also has a cassette player as well as a cd player. Is that what you folks are refering to as the RAZ model radio? I was looking at an icarkits unit. Any input?
Thanks
Installed grom interface kit in my 2005 ram 2500, Thanks for your pics great help. Ipod works fine, but am having an issue w/ an intermittent ding & the fuel gage pegging to empty then returning to normal position. Sometimes the abs light will come on then go off. don’t know if you had any similiar experiences.
@Christian
Thanks for your post Chris, I appreciate the feedback!
@Joe
So once you installed this kit, these problems started? Since the kit plugs directly into the head unit, your not taking power from anywhere else, I doubt its the kit. My guess is that some connection on your dash is loose. Remove the GROM interface and see if the problem still exists.
@Ken S
Radio, CA and Cassette points to the RAZ unit. Some users have had no problems, others have had issues with with certain brands. Your RAZ head unit does support a CD changer, so all of these iPod kits *should* work. Give it a try, if it works with icarkits, let us know!
@Joe
I know EXACTLY what you’re talking about. My truck (2004 1500) does the same thing. It does it very rarely with no iPod hooked up, then every once in a while with an iPod hooked up but not playing, and then all the time if the iPod is playing. I know it’s not something other than the GROM interface because it started the minute I put it in. I’ve contacted GROM about it and they said the same thing – must not be compatible. Well then don’t list my truck as compatible? Oh well. I put up with it, it just worries me because sometimes it goes as far as to randomly make my brights turn down to regular low beams when I’m driving with them on.
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