Was it Worth It? $146 CarPlay Headunit for Ram 1500+

Buy this at your own discretion. I have done the best I can to get it working for most people, and in my own experience, it is working great. Also remember, you can reach out to the seller for help too!
Headunit (DO NOT BUY THE $117 ONE! YOU WILL NOT GET CARPLAY. MY MODEL IS THE C1, THE $142 ONE): www.aliexpress.us/item/325680...
Amazon Version (I have not bought it, so don't know if it's the exact same): amzn.to/3EiseQB
RCA Connectors: amzn.to/3S8hZUJ
Screen Protector (recommend): amzn.to/3Kkkykt
T-Taps: amzn.to/3EH0LZd
Microphone Upgrade: amzn.to/42UpNhV

[@socalexpeditions]

One more note: The microphone that comes with it is very poor quality. Please see the link in the description for an upgraded model. Also, watch the last video! It will help a ton.

[@jimleoni5557]

Is there a software setting to use internal/external micorphone, or is it activated just by plugging it in?

[@elcachanilla1759]

Thank you for the review! I was waiting for this video to buy it! 🤙

[@homework1167]

Your a real one, bro. Keep us updated

[@socalexpeditions]

Anytime brotha thanks for watching

[@Thames_TV]

I was able to update the firmware after 20 or so attempts powering off and on with the head units power cable. My final attempt where I saw success was after driving around my block for a few minutes then parking and trying again without powering off. I’m unsure if that’s the trick but it started working and then I followed the remaining steps provided in the video. Also, the rear view camera works perfectly for my truck which used the same pin out mentioned.

[@WPSXSATV]

mine will be here on the 20th according to aliexpress. Hopefully the install goes easy thank you for your videos.

[@azmaz73]

Thank you for your videos on this. I just purchased it as well. I originally purchased one from ebay and ended up returning it, as i just couldnt get it working correctly. Hoping this one will do the trick, based on your feedback.

[@AlisterOrme]

2018 Tradesman with rearview mirror camera display. Infotainment has a splice cable for lazy people like me. that is super simple. Thanks for the video. I had the most basic radio that wouldn't even connect to my phone....this is a game changer for me.

[@patb5266]

Thanks I appreciate your videos!

[@socalexpeditions]

thanks for watching brotha!

[@gripsanity]

Real OG! Thank you!

[@socalexpeditions]

Gotchu bro

[@MiStoner710]

Noice, another aev owner nice truck dude the grey is slick, mines white with the anti glare hood

[@socalexpeditions]

Not fully AEV truck but definitely has some AEV parts!

[@Smovchil1]

I just got mines in the mail today. Me and a busy going to install it

[@andresniederhofer8602]

Dude great video. About to buy the same radio for my 15 2500. For the same reason. No need to spend over a grand when I'm not building a custom system. Just want Android auto for the maps when I travel. We pull a camper from time to time and take decent road trips. Thanks again

[@CodyRhodes410]

How did you like it? Worth it?

[@jimleoni5557]

s there a software setting to use internal/external micorphone, or is it activated just by plugging it in?

[@ManguPapi]

Do the LED touch buttons on the side light up at night? I had to reset my unit and when it resets they stay lit up but once the radio finally finishes resetting the touch button lights go off. When trying to change the speed unit to Mph it wont do nothing on the vehicle settings. The install was easy but the software and the hardware are iffy..

[@TheChasej0812]

Do you know how to get the settings from the radio to the info center from celsius and km/h back to us settings?

[@kamronmoate8322]

Will the Amazon version fit 2017 ram 1500

[@TheMemo1776]

why my carplay don’t connect wireless n whit cable don’t work?

[@user-wi6sd4kp2b]

Have had this for about a month. CarPlay quit working today, wireless and wired. Just ain’t connecting. Any input?

[@modshaman]

Where do i find the Factory PIN so i can set my steering wheel and Celsius & fahrenheit. Also my backup camera jack is not RCA . I have a 2019 ram warlock

[@tooltime4640]

Awesome video and great buy! Just ordered one last night. Do you know if you can change the background for the screen when not using CarPlay?

[@socalexpeditions]

Probably can. You can also be listening to music on CarPlay and navigate away from the CarPlay screen and it'll still play

[@TexRider]

how do the gps maps work?

[@coopalis4]

Need a video on setting up the wiring

[@honchos1982]

Does it come with Sirius satelite

[@treywhiteley]

How well do the voices match up if you’re watching a video or something from your phone? I often watch podcasts while driving with my phone in a dash mount. Huge pet peeve of Bluetooth audio doesn’t match

[@socalexpeditions]

I watch KZbin videos while parked and the audio playing through the car, lines up just fine. I can try a podcast tomorrow and let you know, just respond to this comment if you'd like me to so I remember to comment back.

[@1582RAM]

Hi Your settings really helped for the sound quality. Where do you download the firmware to update?

[@robertcasillas3366]

Do you know about any auto dimming option when the lights turn on? Mine seems to keep the brightness settings the same from day to night.

[@socalexpeditions]

Yes it’s in the settings

[@brandonthomas5461]

I have a similar one to this that I got off Amazon. How do you mirror your phone? I can’t for the life of me figure it out.

[@Thames_TV]

Any idea how to disable or enable the horn honk when locking the truck within this head unit?

[@socalexpeditions]

No

[@jakeccr]

Thanks for the review and update, great info. Does the USB keep your phone adequately charged while driving?

[@socalexpeditions]

It charges very, very slowly. I only used wired carplay if I don’t need to charge my phone

[@jakeccr]

@@socalexpeditions great to know thanks

[@steve7202003]

Great video, I have a 2020 so the hazard and traction control button is side by side. I can’t find this unit with a different panel. Does anyone have an idea.

[@deviant4life25]

Did u find one? I’m in the same boat

[@misshuahualiu]

Hi, how can I contact you?

[@brandonglass3611]

Does the factory mic work with the radio? I see the aftermarket in the description. But curious why the factory one doesnt work

[@socalexpeditions]

No it doesn’t. Most aftermarket radios dont use factory mics

[@Bujasim15]

Just installed mine and I also have the manual climate controls but when I turn the knobs it pulls up the climate controls on the screen

[@socalexpeditions]

Interesting! Which car model did you select? (The part where I selected HiWorld -> 2003.dajielong)

[@DamnGoodReviews]

Will it work with pre-wired backup camera that goes to the current headunit only? What about the bluetooth microphone factory installed?

[@patb5266]

Yes he said you can. You need to tap into the correct wires. He showed that in the first video.

[@Bigmacc75]

Can you show on your unit we're all the plugs go...please I'm 62 and like the unit. Just don't want to screw up the plugs in back of the radio. Also which USB cable you can use to wifi, the other for USB memory stick. Also you the factory USB and the Avx work in the arm console. Or do you need aftermarket board for the USB and the avx to work. Which I have.

[@chrisgeorge97]

You’re factory USB won’t work, unless you get aftermarket and connect it into those system. My old aux USB doesn’t work anymore, only worked for the old system. This kit comes with its own usb, you would just need to wire it in place or your factory USB location

[@robertmccormack7526]

Your video was inspiring! I bought the model you recommended and have installed it. My 2014 RAM Tradesman did not have a factory camera, so I installed the one included in the kit. It works fine, however the grid lines do not move with the steering wheel. I did not have wires at pins 31 and 32 in the OEM connector harness. The camera power is pulled from the trigger off the head unit and not the reverse tail lights. I thought that would sync the grid lines, but it had no impact. To your viewers here, has anyone figured out how to sync steering wheel and grid lines on the aftermarket camera? Thanks!

[@socalexpeditions]

Those grid lines are a feature of the camera. You wont be able to add those separately from my understanding. At least I haven't heard of anyone adding them

[@azmaz73]

@@socalexpeditions Actually those are canbus features. My aftermarket camera came with static lines, but when i connected the canbus with a correct profile i got the dynamic lines and i didnt have to connect any additional wires. However, it was with a different unit, that i got on ebay. I did end up returning it, because of other issues and i just purchased this unit as well. I will post up after connecting it, if the same works.

[@gtfelix7077]

@@azmaz73 any update??

[@dudebro5383]

Do you have ram specific instructions? Do any of the factory plugs remain unconnected after install?

[@socalexpeditions]

I do not - The only connection I left out is the GPS one. Everything else is hooked up accordingly.

[@thomascorcoran2975]

I just took mine out after a month of use, I couldn’t get past the backup camera low quality and the sound was really off on all music, it’s not a bad radio for the price I’m just really a picky person lol

[@ladariusalbritton6429]

Having trouble with my CarPlay skipping around when I play music wired and wireless. Can you help?

[@socalexpeditions]

Never had that problem, did you update the unit and reset it?

[@starkeluke]

I installed the radio last night after seeing your videos. It's working great besides the AM/FM radio head horrible reception. I made sure the plug into the heat unit was all the way in but it's still really bad. There was a second wire that plugged into the oem radio that isn't plugged into anything. Did you run into any issues with your radio during setup?

[@socalexpeditions]

Nope my AM/FM is fine, and I don’t have an antenna because of my snorkel. That being said, I never use it so couldn’t tell you if it cuts out.

[@chrisgeorge97]

I have the same situation as you. Haven’t figured it out. There was a system setting that went based off different countries radio signals, hit the US one and maybe it will do something for you. Nothing for me..

[@nathanparsons4078]

I’m having a problem with car play skipping in and out. Have you found a way to update the apps or android? Also confused as to where you plugged in for reverse camera to use original one from the truck.

[@socalexpeditions]

Restart your phone. Where it plugs in is the cable named back.

[@Oldheadjb]

How did you get your back up camera brighter mine

[@socalexpeditions]

Click on the screen

[@ronclay2598]

Do you have a radio install of pulling the old radio and installing this one?

[@socalexpeditions]

Negative

[@kcaz507]

Hi, I dont have a review camera. Could you plesae let me know if there are settings to disable it completely so the radio doesnt go black when going in reverse?

[@socalexpeditions]

It goes off the canbus. Nothing to disable.

[@kcaz507]

@@socalexpeditions Thanks for the reply. I had seen other android units where it was mentioned that was option, was hoping this was one of them.

[@jonathangoley2359]

Thanks for the awesome informative videos! One question, does the wireless carplay start as soon as the truck is turned on and play where it left off last time you got out? Or do you have to go into it and press play or anything?

[@socalexpeditions]

Yes it will connect. As long as you turn it off on CarPlay, it will connect CarPlay the second you turn the truck on.

[@jonathangoley2359]

@@socalexpeditions thank you for the fast reply! I saw you said the C1 is the model to get. The Amazon link is now $280 but I can get what looks identical on eBay for 170. Are they not the same thing?

[@socalexpeditions]

@@jonathangoley2359 I dont have any experience with the Amazon or Ebay one, only the one from AliExpress. That being said, they are all pretty much the same thing! Just make sure whatever you get, it offers CarPlay.

[@jonathangoley2359]

@@socalexpeditions I just bought one off of eBay wish me luck! I appreciate your help and hopefully I won’t have any more questions for you lol. Thanks again

[@socalexpeditions]

No worries man, if you have any questions just shoot me a message@@jonathangoley2359

[@ftello5598]

Do you need to be connected to hotspot or Wi-Fi before doing the firmware update?

[@socalexpeditions]

No

[@tooltime4640]

What’d you end up doing for the radio antenna? Mine doesn’t have an adaptor for it. Just the Bluetooth antenna

[@socalexpeditions]

Mine had an adapter for it, weird yours didn't come with it. Message them and ask if they can send one. It looked very similar to this: www.amazon.com/Scosche-VWA3B-Compatible-1997-Up-Volkswagen/dp/B00009UHT4/ref=sr_1_5?crid=Q4EWDHUJ5V02&keywords=antenna+adapter+for+car+stereo&qid=1682568290&sprefix=antenna+adapter+for+a%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-5

[@tooltime4640]

Will do. Thanks for all the help. Videos are awesome. Great find on the radio, and awesome to share it

[@richarddisman8451]

Hello. Does the stock CD player in the center console still work? Also what about the GPS?

[@socalexpeditions]

No to the CD player. Yes to GPS, you’ll use apple carplay or android auto.

[@joeplb]

Do you have to use the backup camera that the kit comes with? Or will this work with the oem camera?

[@socalexpeditions]

Works with OEM backup camera by splicing into the OEM harness. If you watch the previous video I made on the headunit, you’ll see how I spliced in and the location of the pins and wires.

[@joeplb]

@@socalexpeditions Thank you

[@peterhuang7148]

have you ever had the car play get stuck on the connect achieved. that is what minne is doing right now?

[@socalexpeditions]

Yes - Couple ways to fix it. First way is closing the app, then opening it up again. Make sure you disconnect your bluetooth and wifi (cycle them on/off). Second way is restarting the whole headunit…I would do this about once every 2 weeks. Takes a couple seconds and then connects flawlessly after that for another 2 weeks.

[@jonnycola5398]

Where do you plug the external mic to. Need help with mine

[@socalexpeditions]

The plug that says Mic

[@autosnottoyahemi5.76.1]

Junk mine only worked for about 20 minutes an now the screen won't turn on 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@bubba334]

I had the basic 5in screen & my A/c settings show & my speedometer shows on my screen. But when I’m in reverse my music stops playing 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@socalexpeditions]

Did you set the exact car model as me? Also there’s a setting for reverse audio volume to avoid that.

[@jimleoni5557]

Mine has a software setting called Mute Audio on Reverse. Try that.

[@toutaitonga6]

You have a video of installing it from the box.

[@socalexpeditions]

No

[@meaneydanielp]

What’s the brand of your phone mount?

[@socalexpeditions]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nF64gGx3r9Kjl9E

[@user-mx9op7xg2v]

How does making call sound? Do you use the OG mic that came with truck or the aftermarket?

[@socalexpeditions]

The mic it comes with is terrible. You will have to use an aftermarket mic, either the one it comes with or another one you find that works. Both the included internal and external mic is such poor quality that nobody will hear you.

[@BraaapHooligan]

Is there a way to wire the factory mic to work with this instead of buying and mounting one.

[@socalexpeditions]

@@BraaapHooligan Maybe, but not that I know

[@MrYarden2010]

What Kindle of phone holder are you using in that truck, PLEASE LET ME KNOW

[@socalexpeditions]

I made a video on it! Check my channel

[@tylerpreston1124]

So have a question I have a 2014 Ram 1500 just the bare basics express just regular factory radio no switches on the steering wheel for the radio or back up camera will this still work for my truck looking to upgrade but don’t really want anything to fancy

[@socalexpeditions]

yes it will work

[@tylerpreston1124]

@@socalexpeditions cool thank you did you make a video of how to install and does it work with iPhone and can you change the background on it ?

[@Bigmacc75]

Hey I bought a C1 radio after watching your video. It didn't come with any instructions. Do you have a link to it. Please.

[@socalexpeditions]

there are no instructions just plug it in

[@jacobsaraullo6621]

Did your unit have annoying alarm when you put it in reverse?

[@socalexpeditions]

Yes watch the previous video I made on it to remove that

[@DavidMiranda-nr4xf]

After I installed this radio my check engine codes U113B and U0147 have you experienced this at all?

[@socalexpeditions]

Nope. Do a disconnect of the battery

[@BAMaher]

What’s the total cost that you have in the setup with this head unit?

[@socalexpeditions]

$170 with screen protector

[@nickbirdseye9333]

Quick question. Just received mine. Where did you connect your USB from?

[@socalexpeditions]

Which USB? The one to make file updates? I used the usb extension cable provided and just plugged it into the back of the headunit

[@Bliink3014]

I saw a comment saying that if you don’t turn something off in settings it will kill your battery is it true?

[@socalexpeditions]

No idea

[@Hemi1997...]

Hello, my question is, the type of 2din car radio C1-quality and performance of the music is the same quality as the factory one? I wonder if the power of the radio to the speakers is sufficient or do I need to buy an additional music amplifier? Thank you very much for your answer.

[@socalexpeditions]

I would say it's about the same as factory. Don't buy it in hopes that it sounds better than factory.

[@Hemi1997...]

thank you very much for your reply, it helped me a lot. Keep going like this.😊

[@chodge8366]

Question: Does this implement the Phone and steering wheel controls? Will this radio use the existing car mic? Question: My truck has the factory sub under the rear seat. Do you know if this would work? Thanks in Advance

[@socalexpeditions]

Your phone controls will not work, but your steering wheel controls will work. The radio does not use the factory mic. I see no reason why the sub would not work.

[@bennyburns77]

What do you mean by phone controls not working, are you talking about on the unit itself

[@socalexpeditions]

@@bennyburns77 No, on your steering wheel.

[@bennyburns77]

@@socalexpeditions got yah

[@1koadog]

where did you get your phone holder?

[@socalexpeditions]

I made a video on it

[@christianleblanc5718]

Can you lower the brightness? @SoCalexpeditions

[@Vic-su2hj]

Is there an installation walkthrough you could do please

[@socalexpeditions]

No sorry, it’s not very difficult. Just look at the parts and plug them in.

[@Vic-su2hj]

You’re right, installation is very easy, I was missing a part, that’s why I couldn’t figure it out earlier today. Thanks for the reply though

[@socalexpeditions]

@@Vic-su2hj No worries, I'm glad to answer any installation questions, but I really, really do not feel like removing everything to reinstall it haha

[@revbryon701]

Is Google Playstore installed on this? Thx.

[@socalexpeditions]

Yes

[@morganshepard2522]

I just installed this exact unit and the side control buttons like the volume and stuff stopped working. Any reason?

[@socalexpeditions]

You need to select the canbus model

[@morganshepard2522]

They worked at first I'm talking about the buttons on the actual unit. Still have to select canbus model?

[@morganshepard2522]

Got it working thanjs

[@brandonbruce5571]

Can’t get mine to boot up, but if I press it he reset button Android Auto pops up and the screen goes blank

[@brandonbruce5571]

Forgot to plug in the small black box that says buzzer! Everything’s working now. Thanks for the vid.

[@socalexpeditions]

@@brandonbruce5571 Yessir!

[@jackmartin3901]

Any update on when you'll be installing your backup cam?

[@Gstevenz1]

Why wldnt you use the unit for Bluetooth ?

[@socalexpeditions]

Cause it has Car Play

[@smokin316]

Will this fit on 2011 ram

[@80glk5]

09 and up are all this style dash

[@l24x4]

I need help!!!😂😂 mine won’t even power up. Is there a trick?? Thanks

[@l24x4]

Who do I contact for instructions. Ordered from same site as you listed in first video

[@socalexpeditions]

@@l24x4 I think I responded to your DM, but make sure the black canbus box is plugged in!

[@jskare23]

I just received my unit after your review. Curious if they send installation instructions. I've reached out to the seller but just wanted to see if I'm missing something

[@jmarg76]

I just got mine over the weekend. No instructions whatsoever.

[@socalexpeditions]

No, there are no instructions. Pretty simple - Install the mounting brackets to the bezel first, then the radio, then follow my setup instructions on the other video.

[@jskare23]

where did you plug your RCA plug for rear OEM camera into head unit. I don't see a connection point @@socalexpeditions

[@socalexpeditions]

@@jskare23 Use that individual yellow RCA cable and plug the spliced RCA from pin 31 and pin 32 into it. The yellow RCA cable that goes into the headunit is NOT apart of any harness! It's its own cable included with the headunit kit. Pin 31 is positive, pin 32 is negative.

[@peytonrisnerdrums]

Does it still allow you to use xm radio?

[@socalexpeditions]

No

[@rcaddix5259]

No but I added a small separate XM module that plugged straight into the stereo CD Aux and factory XM antenna

[@peytonrisnerdrums]

@@rcaddix5259 do you have a link?

[@cookingwiththemasseys5295]

Hey where is the video of you hooking this all up

[@socalexpeditions]

Non existent

[@cookingwiththemasseys5295]

@@socalexpeditions thanks

[@natej1322]

I cannot get USB to work on mine

[@rcaddix5259]

Use the one in the console... one of the plugs that connects goes to the usb outlet in the console,

[@gunnerschumacher6217]

Is there any on eBay you would recommend?

[@socalexpeditions]

No. I’ve talked with a few people who got theirs from ebay and have had issues that I cannot help fix

[@azmaz73]

I just ended up returning one i bought on ebay. Just coudnt get it work properly. Thank god for ebay easy return policy.

[@bennyburns77]

GOT MINE IN THE OTHER DAY, WILL I USE ALL THE HARNESES THEY PROVIDE

[@socalexpeditions]

YES YOU WILL USE EVERYTHING JUST PLUG IT IN AND MAKE SURE YOU PLUG THE BLACK BOX IN TOO

[@bennyburns77]

@@socalexpeditions 10/4 thanks

[@5.7omarbro]

mine doesn’t have the carlink 2.0

[@socalexpeditions]

Did you order the right model that includes CarPlay? C1 model or greater? The $117 one doesn't include CarPlay.

[@5.7omarbro]

@@socalexpeditions yea i ordered the right one the 146$ one

[@socalexpeditions]

@@5.7omarbro Interesting, no where on the apps does it have carlink? If not message them and they will send it.

[@5.7omarbro]

@@socalexpeditions nvm bro just found it in apps ☠️thx tho 💪

[@aaronbeatty44]

Any idea how to stop the beep every time you push a button on the head unit? Did you use the GPS wire and unit that came with it?

[@socalexpeditions]

Go in the menu settings and turn off the beep. And no, I didn't.

[@Vlogs.ft.V]

How is now a day ??

[@socalexpeditions]

Sold the truck

[@jeanbrodeur5108]

Hello I am from Quebec Canada, I installed the same radio on my 2013 ram, the radio works very well when the engine is running but I cannot make it work on an accessory, is there a way to connect so that the radio works on an accessory.?

[@socalexpeditions]

You need to find a known accessory wire from the trucks harness and tap into it. Not hard, just need to study the pin diagrams and then wire it up. Mine only works on the “Run” position too.

[@jeanbrodeur5108]

Hello my friend! I'm afraid of destroying the radio, I know which wire to use for it to work on the accessory, but I have to combine the accessory and run wire together if I want to keep the radio's memory, has anyone tried it?

[@brendansavage9221]

​@jeanbrodeur5108 run it to your 12v cigarette lighter. It is usually keyed. If not, swap the fuse over on slot yo make it keyed acc only.

[@user-dz6ce1to1k]

Can you stream Netflix/KZbin/ other apps while driving?

[@jacobm9574]

Has anyone bought the Amazon version yet?

[@socalexpeditions]

A ton of people have. The software is a little different than the AliExpress one - I have recommended to most people to get the Aliexpress one though as I’m familiar with it. However if you have issues with it, the one from Amazon is much easier to return/get replacements for

[@jacobm9574]

@@socalexpeditionsthanks! I’ll probly go with Ali express just because there’s a lot more info on it in here! I think I’m gonna go with the higher end one ($312). Does it come with the adapters I need for the truck? My truck has the same screen as your old one did. Just looking for a decent upgrade with CarPlay and so I can plug in my amp to it. Thanks for the quick response!!

[@socalexpeditions]

@@jacobm9574 Yup, it'll come with what you need. The Higher GB ram is worth it, but I'm not sure if $312 is. Pretty expensive

[@jacobm9574]

@@socalexpeditions okay sweet thanks a lot!

[@jacobm9574]

@@socalexpeditions hey they all come with apple car play right? Because I only see the picture in all the models that says android 11 so I’m just checkin thanks

[@Jack8540gmail]

I have the android 12.0 Sam size same everything when I turn them on the volume go high automatically I did everything I put them on a default I don’t know what to do. Do you have any suggestion? Are you able to reset the unit to the factory reset it didn’t work is still the volume going all the way high on the radio in the CarPlay everything

[@socalexpeditions]

Do you have speed adjusted volume on?

[@Jack8540gmail]

No, I turned that one off

[@socalexpeditions]

@@Jack8540gmail Hmm...I can't think of what else could do it. Even if you lower it, it goes straight back to loudest volume setting? Have you messaged where you bought it from explaining the issue? Theres one other person who had this issue and I'm not sure how they resolved it.

[@Jack8540gmail]

Yes, it was worth it. It was a beautiful unit. I like everything about it only problem with the volume and thank you for answering all the questions to. I do really appreciate it.

[@maguire9496]

So I need rca cables or is that only for the camera.

[@socalexpeditions]

only for the camera

[@maguire9496]

@@socalexpeditions legend thank you

[@user-dz6ce1to1k]

Can you stream Netflix/KZbin/ other apps while driving?