Pioneer AVH-4000NEX 2-DIN Install
I wish I took more photos during this installation. This was the first mod I did after purchasing the truck last summer. It was a challenging and fun project.
I have chosen Pioneer 4000NEX for several reasons,
- Bluetooth hands free calling and audio streaming
- Rear-view camera input
- Apple CarPlay
- Built-in ipod, iphone, ipad control
- Siri hands free operation
- Detachable 7″ touchscreen
- USB inputs (2)
- Dual zone audio
Dodge's head unit is a 1.5 DIN (180 x 75 mm panel) however Pioneer is a Double DIN (180 x 100 mm panel). Challenge was how to fit a Double DIN unit into the smaller opening and don't end up with cheap looking plastic all around. Dodge's dash radio bezel also had two semi-circle eyelets that needed to be filled. I also wanted to keep the little compartment under the stereo.
The width was ok, but the height of the opening needed to be centered and enlarged. Little grove behind the bezel proved to be a good guide for the bottom edge. With my Dremel Tool I cut to the rough measurement. I used set of fine files for final touches. Using bezel as a guide I marked and cut two pieces of hard plastic to fill the semi-circle eyelets.
With Lepage Epoxy, I glued the plastic pieces to the bezel. This product is really strong and easy to work with.
After testing the fit, I used Bondo Body Filler and 400 Grit Wet Sand Paper to finish the bezel. I was never a fan of silver finish so I primed and painted it to black.
The real challenge came with the wiring. My truck was/is equipped with Infinity Sound System that has 7 speakers and an amplifier that was communicating with the original head unit through the Can Bus Protocol (Controlled Area Network). It was impossible to trick. I thought about running new wires to speakers but that was too much work and I still wanted to use the amplifier. I found PAC C2#-CHY4 harness that was compatible with amplified Infinity system.
I used Metra Axxess ASWC-1 to retain the factory steering wheel controls.
Pioneer 4000NEX has two USB inputs but they are on the back of the unit. Using two PAC USBCBL I brought the inputs to much more convenient spot.
Next, I installed Esky High Definition back up camera.
Pioneer 4000NEX does not come with navigation (optinal). However, since it is Apple CarPlay compatible, I can use my Iphone's navigation and ask Siri to find the addresses for me. I also love using Pandora.
