Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ Apple CarPlay / Android Auto Multifunction Receiver Install

In today's episode, Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ Apple CarPlay / Android Auto Multifunction Receiver Install we're putting a brand new, state of the art touch screen receiver into our Project Jeep ZJ! For years there was no convenient way to install a modern receiver into a Jeep ZJ due to the dash shape and the space available for the screen. But all that has changed with the Boss ME9ACP Digital Multimedia Receiver! This thing has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands free phone, bluetooth, and incredible sound! The install is pretty straightforward, and we walk you through exactly how to do everything you need! If you want to modernize your Jeep ZJ, this is the ultimate tech upgrade! Grab a delicious drink and join us for Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ Apple CarPlay / Android Auto Multifunction Receiver Install!
#JeepZJ #JeepRadioUpgrade #MotorsandMischief
Link to parts: We use Crutchfield for all our car audio work, and we got you guys a DISCOUNT! In order to get it, click on our referral link and open an account, THEN click on the receiver link and order it. If you do it that way, Crutchfield will automatically give you a discount on your order.
Crutchfield referral link: www.crutchfield.com/I-rRAFc00...
Boss BE9ACP Digital Multimedia Receiver: www.crutchfield.com/p_104BE9A...
Crutchfield will automatically add the adaptors you need to make the system work with your ZJ. You’ll get the Metra 30-6229 Dash Kit and the Metra 70-1817 Wiring Harness, both for FREE.
By using the links above, you’ll get a discount and we’ll get points in our Crutchfield account to use on equipment for new builds, so follow the directions above and support the channel! Thanks for helping out!
Solder Seal Wire Connectors: The connectors we used to solder the radio harness are a cool type of connector that doesn’t require a soldering iron. The connector has shrink tube, crimp rings and solder all built in - you just stick your wires in the connector and heat it up with a heat gun. The crimp rings grab the wire solidly and the solder melts to connect the wires, then the shrink tube seals the entire connector. Super cool! Get yours here: amzn.to/3qE7JHu
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-Motors and Mischief

[@MotorsandMischief]

Thanks to everyone for watching, we really appreciate it! Don't forget to check out our cool new merch! Pretty sweet we found a way to install a modern touchscreen receiver, with Apple CarPlay no less, into our classic ZJ!

[@jkempire]

Thanks for the video, is this wireless or wired? I dont see how you accommodate the usb

[@MotorsandMischief]

Its wired, there are two USB connectors that come out of the unit, we routed ours down to the center console so you can plug in the iPhone and set it in the console. Thanks for the comment!

[@jkempire]

@@MotorsandMischief thank you so much, can you show the final setup in a short vid with good light 🙏🏼

[@MotorsandMischief]

Man sorry we missed this, we try to reply to all comments. Yes, we'll put up a short vid on our Instagram. We'll post here as soon as we do.

[@ihavenfs]

Did your truck come from the factory with the infinity sound system. And if soo how did you get that to work I'm hunting solutions right now

[@robertcourtney6913]

Wow that's sweet! I had a ZJ and had a terrible time finding an aftermarket stereo for it. The stereo shop ended up hacking in a double DIN into the 1 1/2 DIN spot and it worked, but man it sure was a lot of work. This is really cool! Wish I had my ZJ back....

[@wildbrosNW]

Thats a cool unit! I really like the design and how it helped modernized an older jeep.

[@gamingamericanguy6242]

I did this to my zj not to long ago and it works great! Definitely worth the effort!

[@SSPDIVING]

thanks for posting this. Was just looking to upgrade my stereo !

[@ast-og-losta]

This is great! Now I must install in my 5.9.

[@ThomasBromehead]

Loved it, also did the Powerstop Z36 upgrade, world of difference! Greetings from France

[@MotorsandMischief]

That's awesome! Big hello to our French viewers! And totally on the Z36 upgrade, its truly night and day. Thanks so much for commenting!

[@deonhamilton9860]

Bro you came like heaven sent I was reviewing this unit wondering if it would fit thanks much 👌👍👍

[@MotorsandMischief]

Sweet! Man we love that! It was super easy and after living with the unit for about a month now, we're really impressed. Works surprisingly well considering the cost. Think we're gonna get another for the JK. Thanks for commenting!

[@Bretbunde]

Just had mine installed and it fits perfect in my zj. Thanks so much for the tip!

[@MotorsandMischief]

Sweet, that's awesome! So glad it helped, thanks for commenting!

[@Bretbunde]

2 week update and still absolutely impressed. Does the trick if you have got yourself a ZJ. Get it and start replacing your shit speakers. Lol👊🏻

[@jabordy9793]

@@Bretbunde was yours also the 9 inch screen?

[@Bretbunde]

@@jabordy9793 yep, 9” fits perfect but it does cover the two vents below the unit. So great having CarPlay in my old Jeep.

[@leomikitischuk]

@@Bretbundehis in the video looks like fit a little downward, touching the upper. Did you adjust the ball connector in higher position so it fit better?

[@CherryMinecrafter]

Great to know, thought it’d be a lot more work than that.

[@manasseh7]

Love the outtakes haha , quick question do you have a part number or link for aftermarket tweeters? My ZJ has them on the dash right under the windshield

[@michaelphillips4711]

There’s models from all sorts of brands I just barely put in a pioneer radio in my zj you really just need to look for radios with a single din receiver and a separate touch screen monitor that you can put anywhere and there are tons of options out there the radio i choose was the dmh-c2550nex got the dash kit from metra and it went together pretty smoothly

[@MotorsandMischief]

You are absolutely correct! For us, that meant finding a suitable location for the second screen and that just put us back to the original issue. It could have gone down where the information center is since that's somewhat useless and tends to break often enough we're thinking of junking it anyway, but we think we're going to put the aux switches down there. For us, we wanted a self contained unit that would give us all the options in the standard location, and this is the only unit we're aware of that will do that on a ZJ. But awesome you got yours to work the way you want! Thanks for commenting!

[@michaelphillips4711]

@@MotorsandMischief yeah it took awhile of doing research and finding out what would work and after I got my radio I realized how many options there are that can work just need that 1din size receiver

[@530transam]

Does it block the ac vents?

[@DoctorTorque]

I hadn't seen one like that before.

[@MotorsandMischief]

Right? Us neither, but it works great! It cuts off the main vents but from some experimentation over the last couple days, it seems to still blow cold air just fine and of course keeping the heat on defrost/feet makes the vents a non-issue. You need one for the WJ!

[@firstwordcar]

I already have a single DIN pioneer and love it but this looks like the next step so i dont have to have my phone mounted anywhere. Is the brightness adjustable so at night it isnt blaringly bright? I would also love to see what it looks like from the sides and how badly it blocks the vents. Thanks for posting this!

[@MotorsandMischief]

Thanks for the comment! Yes, it does have brightness adjustment and it knows when the lights are on and does turn itself down. We had it maxed for the video so you guys could see. We'll post a pic on our Instagram of what it looks like from the side!

[@Bretbunde]

Just ordered one up with the backup camera included in the kit. $420.00 and I’m all about it for the 5.9.

[@MotorsandMischief]

Haha sweet! We love the 5.2's but the 5.9 is the dream! Thanks for commenting!

[@Bretbunde]

It’s in my ZJ and I couldn’t be happier. Professionally install with camera was $225. Grab one while you can👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@virtuousflow6273]

Looks good scared of getting that radio heard a lot of pros & cons but looks dope though

[@MotorsandMischief]

Been in the Jeep since we posted that video and have had zero issues. Pleasantly surprised. Thanks for commenting!

[@taylorknoblock8254]

How did you route the usb cables that come out of the back? I plan to install my similar head unit this week. Thanks for the video!

[@MotorsandMischief]

We snaked it down and brought it out under the information center, and that keeps the cables near the center console so we can throw the phone in the cubby there so it’s not flying all over the cab. Thanks for the question!

[@leomikitischuk]

First of all, I would like to thank you for all content created in this channel. It always helps! 2 questions: 1- did you try to adjust the ball back conector higher position possible? I think if you didn’t it could help the fit without tilt downward as it looks. 2- do you think it is better to by the 7” version of this same model to try a better fit? This screen is a huge upgrade but I didn’t really like the positioning that you let it. Thanks a lot sr!

[@MotorsandMischief]

The screen is for sure angled down in the video and in the thumbnail, but in reality there was more room to move it up. It sits pretty level in the ZJ in real life. If you want to be able to angle it up, the 7" would be a good idea but in real world use, the angles on ours are great. Thanks for the comment!

[@leomikitischuk]

@@MotorsandMischief thank you, I’m going to get one for me same size as yours so.

[@BigDaveZJ]

Is there enough room for the screen to tilt back a bit so a taller driver is looking directly at the screen? I want Android Auto in my 5.9, but I'm 6'5" so I want the display at a good angle. Thanks!

[@MotorsandMischief]

There is some adjustment, however Joel is also 6'5" AND the seat is broken in the full up position in this ZJ at the moment, and he reports he can still see it just fine, so you may be good at its current angle. Also, we are extremely jealous of your 5.9. Thanks for the question!

[@Yeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeah]

Yeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeah 😎👊🙏

[@frostyxxxx]

Would you be able to set time without the factory radio since it has on it the hour and minute buttons on it?

[@MotorsandMischief]

Yes, you can set the time through the new radio, it's touch screen. We noticed it doesn't always communicate with the information display (small screen on the Jeep that tells you your doors are open, etc) so we ended up having to set the time on the information display using its controls and the time on the radio using its. Oddly, sometimes they do talk and the radio will correct the information displays time, but not always. But short answer, yes you can set the time no problem. Thanks for commenting!

[@user-pr3dv6pk4x]

I have recently seen your video and before I get that radio, I am wondering would you know if the boss audio systems BCPA9RC would be the same fit. I only asked because of a black Friday sale.

[@MotorsandMischief]

Crutchfield doesn't list the BCPA9RC on their website at all, and Boss doesn't list the Grand Cherokee for the ZJ years (good job Boss), so it's tough to find anything saying it *will* fit. Visually, it looks similar to the one in this video, but our unit doesn't have the tilt side to side function, so we can't be sure that doesn't interfere with how far down the unit can slide. On ours, it is at the absolute lowest possible position to clear the ZJ's dash overhang. So unfortunately all we can give you is a definite maybe. Thanks for the question.

[@NobleSix-df1lz]

just wondering how its holding up after a year, any electrical issues happen in the ZJ? asking because i had subs installed on my last jeep and electrical issues started. thank you

[@MotorsandMischief]

Great question! It's holding up surprisingly well, especially considering the price. The ZJ is a daily, and sees 10-15 miles every day between school/work, plus longer trips for recreation, towing the motorcycles and 4-wheeling. In all of that we've had zero issues with it. Its placement in front of the vents has been fine too. It doesn't significantly affect the Jeep's ability to cool the cabin and the unit itself seems unaffected by the cold or the heat. Overall we're really, really happy with it. Thanks for asking!

[@cd5chino]

if i were to buy this for my jeep everything you have bought is there anyway that i can take it to a auto shop or where would i go for someone to hook this up for me?

[@MotorsandMischief]

Yes! There are plenty of audio shops that will install this system, they can even help you sort out the components necessary to keep the steering wheel controls (which we did not keep in this install but plan to add later). Just search for car audio shops near you. Chain stores might not be willing to install parts you provide, but most independent shops will (with the understanding that if something in the radio breaks after they install it, its not on them to remove and reinstall). Sometimes you can even get a better deal on the price of the parts through the shop and they can provide the whole thing. Thanks for the question!

[@christopherizquierdo117]

did your jeep had the infinity gold amply ???? does the cables go directly to the speakers or amply?

[@MotorsandMischief]

It does have the Infinity Gold amplifier, and the amp functionality is fully retained with this head unit. Sounds great with the infinity speakers! Thanks for the question!

[@bradendamman5934]

Were you able to get the factory steering wheel controls working?

[@MotorsandMischief]

There was a kit that would do it but having struggled with that in the past, we opted to pass on this one. But it does exist if you'd like to keep the factory controls and Crutchfield has all the data on how to install it and what to buy. Thanks for the question!

[@andypants2420]

Great video. Where did you connect the parking brake wire?

[@andypants2420]

Specifically the violet/white reverse signal input wire. It says that this is supposed to connect to the parking brake, but where exactly do you wire this into. Do you have to get a wire long enough to tie in somewhere? And if so, where?

[@MotorsandMischief]

In the US, it is against the law to not wire the parking brake up by running that violet/white wire to the parking brake so that it's grounded when the parking brake is on. It would be irresponsible of us to tell you that if you just ground that violet wire anywhere on the chassis, the radio thinks the parking brake is on and will give you full functionality regardless of the position of the emergency brake, so we won't tell you that. Thanks for the question!

[@sivrxJ]

Does the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work through Bluetooth or does it have to be connected through USB?

[@MotorsandMischief]

Both!! If you plug it in it will charge, which is really nice, but it will work just fine through Bluetooth as well. Thanks for the question!

[@alexsalazar3437]

Awesome video just ordered this for my 98 5.9 couldn't resist 😂 quick question did you hook up the parking brake wire or will it work without it?

[@MotorsandMischief]

We're jealous of your 5.9 🙂 So there's a big bold statement in the owners manual that says its a violation of federal law to not hook up the parking brake sensor. We accidentally grounded the parking brake sensor to the same ground as the radio chassis uses, and the head unit worked fine, but then we noticed our error and quickly connected the parking brake sensor in a 100% safe and federally-approved manner. Thanks for commenting!

[@mverra2398]

Did this work fine with the infinity gold amp?

[@MotorsandMischief]

It did! Our amp had been cut and bypassed by the previous owner but we soldered everything back together and plugged it in and it works great. Sound is excellent.

[@ast-og-losta]

Im getting one for my 5.9 Are you happy with yours?

[@iFiSiKz]

Would the be10acp fit? The 10 inch one?

[@MotorsandMischief]

Correct, the BE10ACP. It's mount to the single din head unit is adjustable and allows it to fit up under the dash overhang. Thanks for the question!

[@cliffbernsen438]

Does this blocks the middle ac vents?

[@MotorsandMischief]

It does, yes. However we’ve been testing it in a variety of seasons now and it doesn’t affect the heat as you typically don’t have the hot air coming out the dash vents. When we trim the AC on the air flows around the unit enough that we feel like the AC is still fully functional (stays nice and cold in the cabin) and the cold air on the unit doesn’t bother the electronics. Thanks for commenting!

[@landenw8040]

Would this work for a 1995 grand Cherokee Laredo?

[@MotorsandMischief]

It will! Put your vehicle info in at Crutchfield to make sure you don’t need a different adapter but Crutchfield will make sure you have all the parts to install. Receiver is still going strong in our ZJ with zero issues. Thanks for the question!

[@JusThyTipp]

Just installed mine, for some reason the carplay apple/android keeps disconnecting

[@MotorsandMischief]

That's frustrating! We've had no issues with ours but we did notice it has issues with one of our phones, and upon inspection that phone has a case that prevents the cable from the head unit fully seating into the phone. If we remove the case, it works fine. Perhaps something like that is affecting you? Thanks for the question!

[@ast-og-losta]

Is the unit pointing downward? Very hard to see.

[@MotorsandMischief]

No its sitting level. The camera doesn't do it justice but in real life it has a very wide field of view and we can easily see it from both driver and passenger seats. Thanks for commenting!

[@jaysonmiller116]

I've been having an issue with my head unit, It resets every time I take the key out of the ignition. I'm just wondering if you'd have any tips on my situation!

[@jaysonmiller116]

Also I had to hard wire the whole setup so its very possible this was a personal mistake, I've looked over all my wiring multiple times and everything seems correct.

[@MotorsandMischief]

If its resetting, that usually means its losing power when you shut off the system. Ideally its wired with keyed power to turn on the headunit so it doesn't drain the battery but it also needs constant power so it doesn't have to reset every time. Depending on where you grabbed constant power from, sometimes the car will keep power on for a few minutes after you shut off the key, and then shut off power completely (for like windows for example, so you can close them after the car shuts off). If you tapped into one of those, then it could seem like constant power but actually be shutting off after a while. If you've got keyed and constant hooked up properly, and the constant power really is constant, then the power loss might be in the head unit itself and you'll need a replacement. Good luck to you!

[@tomking3942]

How was the screen when in the sunlight outside?

[@MotorsandMischief]

It’s awesome. Screen looks great in sunlight. Still in use daily, and very pleased with it.

[@eddieseverance5648]

Can you tag the part? And where you got them from

[@MotorsandMischief]

Theres a link in the description. We don't get any money for it tho, so you can also just go to Crutchfield.com and put in Boss and the Cherokee's information. It's still available as of replying to this comment. And FYI our unit is still going strong with zero issues.

[@jamesmanza2246]

What dashcam are you using?

[@MotorsandMischief]

They are VIOFO A129's. We've got front and rear cams, and they have a motion sensor that will turn them on if someone walks past them while the Jeep is parked, or if someone bumps into in the parking lot. Plus the regular dash cam features for while you're driving. The rear plugs into the front and the front records both to the SD card. Any severe G's cause the camera to save and lock the footage so it can't be accidentally erased. Works pretty cool! We got it on Amazon: amzn.to/3IlTHk4

[@jasonsimpson1039]

Will the vents being covered affect the radio from heat or ac blowing on it 🤔

[@MotorsandMischief]

Excellent question! We thought about this, and too cold won't bother the system, but too hot might. We keep the vents closed, and so far have experienced no adverse affects from the heat. We'll keep the vents closed for cold as well, but we haven't had an opportunity to test that since its winter, but again, we're not overly concerned about cold. We'll post again here if we note any issues while using it with either hot or cold but so far so good. Thanks for commenting!

[@Stalkerfiveo]

Looks like your link now goes to a different model. Maybe the one you used was discontinued?

[@MotorsandMischief]

We just double checked and at least for us it still goes to the BE9ACP and Crutchfield says its available and in stock. Maybe try searching by the part number? Thanks for the heads up!

[@flashh0]

Did you have to hard wire this to your parking brake in order for it to work?

[@MotorsandMischief]

We get this question quite a bit. According to the US Dept of Transportation, it’s illegal to not hook that wire to the hand brake so that you cannot use certain functions (like movies) while you’re driving. We did, for the sake of science and research purposes only, test that wire and determined that it’s only looking for a ground signal and if you wire it permanently to ground, all functions on the radio will work regardless of whether the Jeep is moving or not. But again, the DOT says doing so is illegal. Thanks for the question!

[@flashh0]

@@MotorsandMischief I am having a hard time finding any video instructions on how to hard wire it :(

[@MotorsandMischief]

Totally understand. A shop can for sure rig it up for you but if you want to go at it yourself, be sure to use the adapters we linked in the description. All the colors were exactly right (meaning they matched the head unit), and the wires had what they were printed on the side of them for easy reference. So between the wiring diagram for the head unit and the wiring diagram for the adaptor, it was a very easy connection. If you get both of those, it should be very straightforward for you and then its just a straight plug and play for the Jeep. Hope that helps!

[@cheesy_oh2x280]

Did it cover the AC Thing

[@MotorsandMischief]

It did, and we’ve been testing it through winter and summer. During winter we don’t use the dash vents (keep the air either windshield, feet or split) so no effect on the display there. It’s been crazy hot this summer and obviously the electronics don’t mind the a/c blowing right on them and the cabin has stayed perfectly cool. So yes the unit blocks the center vents but a/c and heat are still fully usable. Thanks for the question!

[@Bretbunde]

Yes it does. I have mine tilted down and no issues so far👍🏻

[@xoeloz]

Does anyone know if it can fit 1995 zj

[@MotorsandMischief]

This unit mounts as a single DIN head unit, and then the screen plugs into the head unit. There is quite a bit of adjustment up and down, which is why its able to clear the dash overhang in the ZJ. It should fit your 95 just fine. Thanks so much for the question!

[@xoeloz]

@@MotorsandMischief awesome thank you so much love your vids

[@Formerlywarmer]

Did u bypass the factory amp?

[@MotorsandMischief]

We did not, the amp is fully functional. Some previous owner did bypass it, cut the harness connector in and out of the amp and crimped everything together to bypass it. Which was weird because it had the stock head unit in it when we got it. We cut all that nonsense out, wired it back up like factory, and it worked like a dream with the new head unit. Thanks for the question!

[@Formerlywarmer]

@@MotorsandMischief Ive been trying to get this answered for a while now so thx! I’ve been working on a well used 5.9 ZJ and finally have the outside looking pretty good now moving to the inside. Among a few other issues I’m correcting the Amp wasn’t working as best I can tell with the oem head unit long gone but all of the original wiring intact and looking good. Now that I know That you didn’t eliminate it completely I’ll make sure it or another one works and put in the same system u used. Again thx for replying to a question on your video from a while ago.

[@rcghalohell]

Does that block the vents?

[@MotorsandMischief]

It does, there's some discussion in the comments about it. We can say that in the middle of summer the ZJ still stays nice and cool, no issues, and the screen obviously doesn't mind having the cold air blowing on it. In the winter, we keep the vents closed so hot air doesn't blow on the unit and we've been through both a winter and a summer with this unit and are pleased with HVAC performance even with the vents blocked.

[@rcghalohell]

@@MotorsandMischief it's under debate since I live in the south where it's hot and humid

[@zachmccormic6543]

No way the bottom screen works for the doors being open and the time my doesn’t work or my buddy’s

[@MotorsandMischief]

We had to do the solder repair trick to get it to work, we've got that in a previous video if you want to check it out, it worked great. Thanks for commenting!

[@darkside59]

I'm not a fan of Boss Audio. Their quality ain't there. I'm a huge fan of pioneer and looking at getting the DMH-WT8600nex for my XJ. It costs a lot, but the sound quality will be 100x better then the Boss.

[@MotorsandMischief]

Ok sure, but you get what you pay for. Is the Pioneer system a better system? Undoubtedly!!! Is it also 3-5x the cost of the Boss system? Yes. Yes it is. So if you don't care about how perfect the sound is, the Boss is a great system. More importantly (and this doesn't apply to your XJ), the ZJ has a dash that's shaped such that 99% of the non single DIN units out there won't fit in the Jeep. So the Boss is cheaper and fits. Two big pluses. Also, we've been using the Boss daily since this video came out and its still running strong with zero issues. Not to bad for the price.

[@KrossGarage]

Nooo cutting the factory harness is not acceptable !

[@MotorsandMischief]

Totally agree with you, we didn't cut the factory harness. Watch the video again, we got adapters from Crutchfield and connected the adaptor to the new head unit, then plugged directly into the factory harness.

[@KrossGarage]

@@MotorsandMischief yeah I saw I was replying to your comment about cutting it being acceptable

[@MotorsandMischief]

Oh good call, sorry about that its hard to see what comments go with what from the main comments section. And now we feel sheepish cause you made a good comment and we messed it all up. Dang it! Well, thank you very much for replying again even tho we blew it the first time and thanks for commenting!