I just finished installing my new Alpine AM/FM/CD deck, which involved diassembling the center portion of the dash. On my manual transmission 3500, on either side of the A/C controls, there are two roughly square storage compartments. When the dash panel is removed, you can see that these compartments are held in by two screws and could easily be replaced by something else.

Furthermore, behind each compartment there is a connector coming off the wiring harness. Each one is "plugged in" to a hole in the dash to keep them from rattling, but it's clear that they are intended to plug into something nearby. Since the only thing nearby would be something in place of those little storage compartments, that got me wondering just what could be put there.

It looks very much like Dodge offers some sort of option(s) in those spaces. Perhaps something that comes with a different trim level than my SLT. I have no idea what power or signal(s) are in those connectors.

Anyone know what optionally goes in those square holes, and whether it can be retrofitted after-the-fact?

 

left: electronic transfer case ****
right: airbag disconnect switch for single-cab trucks

 

Thanks for the info. I have to admit I was hoping for something a little more interesting in those spaces. It's a reasonable amount of volume so they could accommodate even a ~2 inch gauge. Perhaps a clock or something. I wonder if there are any aftermarket gadgets for those spaces?

 

I ordered a 6cd/mp3 stock unit off of ebay for the 2006 ram, should be
here tommorow. Does the center dash trim just "snap" off to allow
access to the radio?

 

I have the manual transmission, and here's the sequence:

1) Lift off the rubber cupholder inserts. Remove the two 8mm hexhead screws underneath. Lift off the boot on the transaxle shift lever. Remove the single 8mm hexhead screw underneath. Lift up the cupholder panel and set aside.

2) Remove the now-exposed 8mm hexhead screws which secure the remaining floor panel (which includes the main shift lever's boot). Lift off that boot, then lift that panel away from the floor and set aside.

3) Two phillips screws which hold the lower dash "kickpanel" are now exposed. Remove them, then pull the panel down at its top to snap it away from the rest of the dash. Set it aside.

4) Finally, you've got access to the two phillips screws that hold the bottom of the dash center panel (includes the cig lighter, power outlet, A/C controls, radio, and center A/C vents). The screws are vertical, under the frontmost lip. Remove them.

5) Starting at the bottom of that panel, pry it away at one corner. It's held in place by a series of snaps. Once you get the first one, the others get easier. Eventually you'll get all of them and the panel will pull away from the dash - but not too far, since there are several cable assemblies connected to the controls and outlets.

You now have complete access to the radio. From here it's obvious. Reassembly is in reverse order. Allow about an hour to do this the first time.

Hope this helps!

 

I was thinking they might be for the heated leather seats option?

 

Thanks for the info, did this today. Worked great except I wasnt
smart enough to "unscrew" the antenne cable and yanked it out..
New one ordered ...

Ive changed quite a few stock radios, believe that was the most steps
it ever has taken... Maybe they should just require removing the engine
and coming in through the backside

 

Will that radio work in my 05 with the infitiy 6disc changer fromt he factory?

 

Its a stock dodge radio, so I would assume so. Costs $595 from
the dealer, "Buy Now" Prices on ebay for $200 including shipping

 

The antenna cable isn't threaded. However, it's VERY difficult to remove and I, too, damaged mine. However, I was able to repair it and all is well. If your damage wasn't too severe you might be able to save yourself the agony of routing a new antenna cable.

Note: The little black plastic ring is part of the antenna cable connector, NOT part of the jack on the radio. It will come out, just be firm. If they separate, you can gently crimp them back together.