[Aluminum Chief]

My 2014 Ram 3500 radio with bluetooth went bad, sent it to United in NY and they said they can`t fix it the board is bad but they can sell me a refurbished unit but it has to be programed to my truck at the dealer. What are my options here? If I buy a used unit I heard you need a lockout code and then they need to be programed at the dealer. Can I go aftermarket to avoid this bs? All I need is a radio with the bluetooth to fit my stock location.

Thanks KC

[Formulabruce]

Yes you can. The original radio may have some timer circuits in it that a aftermarket does not. This might be a power saver timer. A accessory timer shut off. Audio function of security or lack of seatbelt/ air bag.
All you need to decide is to use a remote mic ( roof console) or the tiny mic in the unit, further from your mouth, they often sound like a speaker phone to person on other end.

[Goatracer1]

When I bought my used 2017 Ram I researched replacing the base factory radio with a second hand up graded one and found for what was involved and the cost I was better off buying a good aftermarket one. There are some really nice ones out there.

[Aluminum Chief]

Thank you guys, looks like I will be looking into aftermarket to avoid the Ram dealership bs.

[steve v]

It's not just a Dodge/Ram thing. The cd player in my '04 Silverado quit working years ago so I bought a good used factory unit. Installed it and it went into security lock out immediately. It needs to have the bcm flashed to work in my truck & the dealer wants $100 just to do that. Thanks GM.
The radio still worked so I just put the original radio/cd player back in.

[bluejudge]

Originally Posted by Aluminum Chief

Thank you guys, looks like I will be looking into aftermarket to avoid the Ram dealership bs.

I would look on Crutchfield website. They usually have some options.

[padgett]

I'd check with M&R, they often have NOS deals.

BTW, if all you want is BlueTooth and an amp, this is a possibility.

[Aluminum Chief]

Thank You

[tom s]

Apple car play!Tom

[Aluminum Chief]

Originally Posted by tom s

Apple car play!Tom

Thanks Tom but I don`t have an I phone, got an android.

[unruhjonny]

Originally Posted by steve v

It's not just a Dodge/Ram thing. The cd player in my '04 Silverado quit working years ago so I bought a good used factory unit. Installed it and it went into security lock out immediately. It needs to have the bcm flashed to work in my truck & the dealer wants $100 just to do that. Thanks GM.
The radio still worked so I just put the original radio/cd player back in.

that security feature came in around 1997 or 1999;
Basically (if I recall correctly, the radio communicates with the BCM to see if it matches the signature of the one the vehicle is supposed to have.
It put a dead stop to kids stealing radios.

There are get arounds - look on youtube.

[Aluminum Chief]

Originally Posted by unruhjonny

that security feature came in around 1997 or 1999;
Basically (if I recall correctly, the radio communicates with the BCM to see if it matches the signature of the one the vehicle is supposed to have.
It put a dead stop to kids stealing radios.

There are get arounds - look on youtube.

OK Thanks

[unruhjonny]

I really like factory radios;
The speakers are tuned to match them, and you retain chimes (which the vehicle often makes through the stereo), and all the functionality (eg: steering wheel controls & blutooth).