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Originally Posted by johnmould
I don't know either and would like to find out as well. I want to do the same thing.
John
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John,
After I posted the note, I re-examined the HVAC panel and managed to remove it. I removed the ashtray by pulling it out and pressing a little tab in the surface of the top-middle-rear of the ashtray. It then slid out all the way. It will give as soon as you depress the tab.
Next I removed a little molded plastic filler just above the ashtray and below the cubby hole. With a popsicle stick (or a flat screwdriver) I pried that thin (1/2 inch by 8 inch?) piece of plastic down slightly and then out. It has two little plastic hooks and two metal insertion tabs.
Next I removed two phillips head mounting screws that the plastic molding covered.
Next I gently pulled at the side of the molding that surrounded that radio, HVAC, and cubby hole. I was a little apprehensive, but it pulled out nicely. As I recall, it is fastened to the dash by metal insertion tabs. Then just unscrew the radio and cubby hole to install the cd changer.
I do not think that you have to disconnect the HVAC controls, just hang the removed panel on the gear shift, with the wires attached.
Unfortunately, the cd changer that I bought did not fit, it came out of a Stratus, not a Caravan. The mounting stud and screw hole were about 1/4 inch off. It is the original equipment and works, but I will have to drill a hole and trim the stud to install it. I paid 148 dollars for it on ebay, the seller simply listed as is and that it would fit a 2003 Caravan. I will try to resell it to someone who has an appropriate model, otherwise I will simply modify it for myself. I need part no. 82207876 for a perfect fit -- you probably need the same OEM part, if you have a 2003 Caravan. But make sure that get the right model -- my radio had the controls for a cd changer, if your radio does not have the controls, you will require a different unit. I got the appropriate part no. from the Dodge Company web site -- I just searched the parts pages. If you have not bought your unit yet or have something other than a 2003 Caravan/Voyager/TC (?) you might try the online sources such as ebay or dodgepart.cc (I think -- it is some place in the State of Washington -- about 264 dollars, if I remember). But make sure that you get the appropriate model for your radio. I was disappointed when I found that my changer was close, but not an exact fit.
This is all the information that I can recall from my research and endeavors.
Good luck John.
Calvin
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02-11-2005, 01:35 PM
2003 caravan - how do I remove the radio/HVAC panel to install cd-changer
