My son's wanting to upgrade the stereo/speakers in his 07 2-dr X. It has the standard CD/AM/FM stereo with no Infinity speakers, no sub, etc. It's just the basic unit with the door speakers, dash tweeters (I assume), and the soundbar speakers. He just wants a basic system that sounds good. No need for bells and whistles, beyond a provision to hook up his iPod. I've read a few posts on here that have indicated that I should run all new speaker wire and not try to reuse any of the factory harness. When I looked at Crutchfield.com, it also says I need a PAC Chrysler Radio Replacement Interface as the factory doesn't provide a accessory power lead. What does this mean?

I'd also like to hear from those who have installed an aftermarket basic head unit without a separate amp and run through good aftermarket speakers. How does it sound in a soft top? Am I going to have to add an amp as well?

Any advice would greatly be appreciated, especially regarding the PAC Replacement Interface. I'd just like to understand what that's about. What happens if I don't use one?

Thanks,
David

 

Metra XSVI-6522 is the H/U adapter. Same stock stereo and that is what I used.

The Jeep isn't wired with a Red, Yellow and Black like all stereos once were. The factory H/U communicates on the CANBus. Power isn't removed from the H/U, the H/U is told to shut down. The wiring harness has a module that communicates with the Jeep and has the normal Red, Yellow and black coming out of it. Also there is no Dimmer line in the Jeep. The module does that as well.

DO NOT GET THE DODGE/CHRYSLER/JEEP 2005+ Antenna adapter!!! You need one for a 2002+ BMW 5-Series or VW. A few of us on this forum made that $15 mistake. If you go to a stereo shop, make them look it up. If you order it online, also look up a 5-Series BMW. If you find the same part number that is the one. Mine is made by Scosche VW-A3B.

Reading this post and using the information contained herein means you will let us know if you get the wrong antenna adapter. Like I said, quite a few of us have done it.

I installed an amp but it isn't required. Most aftermarket H/Us and speakers are much better than stock and will perform very well.

You can use the factory speaker wiring. The H/U will put out 25W X 4 or so. My amp at full volume, and with the gain maxed, could put out over 100W. I changed out my speaker wire. With no amp you should be OK using the original speaker wiring.

If you get a Double DIN size H/U you will have to cut a brace out of the back of the dash. That sounds a lot worse than it actually is.

 

To make sure I understand...1) I'll need the Metra XSVI-6522 adapter with any aftermarket stereo? If I understand what you're saying, it will convert the signals from the CANBus and make the aftermarket stereo function properly. 2) I can use the factory speaker wires, provided I use the Metra adapter and no aftermarket amp. 3) Use an antenna adapter for a 2002+ BMW 5-series or VW rather than the 2002+ Chrysler adapter.

I noticed on Crutchfield, if you purchase a stereo from them, the adapter they recommend is half price ($65). Will it do the same thing as the Metra unit you referenced?

Thanks,
David

 

ive installed a hand full of stereos in vehicles. including everything from stereo to speakers and subs and amps in dodge dakota, ford focus, gmc/chev pick-ups, satern cars and golf carts. Let me tell u this jk of mine was the worst of them all.

for one theres is hardly any space in there for the wiring. i had a shop 2hrs away order me a part similar to the metra unit because the metra unit was on back order at the time. this part was $180 if i didnt have to drive 2hrs to take it back i would have. forget the make, anyway it was only useful to turn my deck on and off. i had to trace the wires to the speakers and cut them out of my factory harness and connected them straight to the harness that came with my panasonic 7" dvd player.

"1) I'll need the Metra XSVI-6522 adapter with any aftermarket stereo? If I understand what you're saying, it will convert the signals from the CANBus and make the aftermarket stereo function properly. 2) I can use the factory speaker wires, provided I use the Metra adapter and no aftermarket amp. 3) Use an antenna adapter for a 2002+ BMW 5-series or VW rather than the 2002+ Chrysler adapter."

u are correct and i would only use the metra unit if u can because if u use any other type u will run into the problem i had.

 

forget the make but the part i got i believe was made for the jks with infinity systems and the problem i ran into was to do with me not having a external amp for my dash and door speakers.

also wondering does the x come with tweeters i know we have a shell of tweeters on our dash but not convinced theres anything in there and if we do where is the crossover located

 

dgore2: In response to 1, 2, and 3...Yes. Exactly.

I don't know what is in the Crutchfield kit. The price sounds about right. Normally they will provide you everything. Their vehicle specific research is the best I have ever seen. You should get two plastic pieces to bolt to the side of the H/U, the antenna adapter and the wiring harness. Ask them to send you a quote or something listing everything included and then look up all the parts.

I used the Metra and it worked perfectly for me. RAP, dimmer, and I get no fault codes.

blk08: There are tweeters in there. The grill is just snapped into the "tombstone." Using a small flat tip screw driver gently push it between the face and body of the tombstaone pry the front off. The tweeter is held in with a few plastic tabs. On the back of the tweeter is a small cap and coil. It is actually part of the tweeter.

I pulled mine out and threw away the tweeter. I put the aftermarket tweeter in the tombstone. It isn't held by the tabs like the factory speaker but the face is strong enough to hold it.

 

figured thats what it would be if there was one... once i blow the speakers ill upgrade to a component set in the front and prob put one in the back to but so far these speakers have held up just a matter of time before i smell burnt coils i bet though

 

I wouldnt even consider replacing the head unit in a soft top JK unless it has a removable face or some other sort of security feature.. i would keeo the headunit and then upgrade the speakers / amps, etc and do it in a stealth way...

I lost so many stereos over the years when I had my TJ's... in one case I got home.. left the faceplate installed.. ran into my apartment for 5 minutes to change my shirt that id spilled soda on... when I came back out the stereo was gone.. ...

no issues at all since ive been using factory Style stuff...
-Christopher

 

Is it possible to add an external, aftermarket amp to the factory head unit without causing CANBus issues?

David

 

I've read a few posts that indicate that you might have trouble adding things onto the factory h/u as the computer doesn't recognize them and may make other things mis-behave. Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks,
David