Head Unit Guide & Review

[Which]

Head Unit Options

OEM Head Units

Infotainment carries a complete kit for swapping different versions of your OEM head unit. If you prefer sourcing components yourself you will need a new bezel, A/C control panel (also referred to as a lower stack), A/C and Heater module*, and receiver when swapping from 4.3 to 8.4 uConnect models.

 

Head Unit Types

RE2: Non-navigation 8.4” units. Does not require a GPS signal.
RB5: Navigation equipped 8.4” units. Requires a GPS signal to use navigation. If your vehicle is equipped with Sirius satellite radio this should be plug and play.

 

Parts

I did my best to compile part numbers for relevant components. Please check that these parts are compatible with your vehicle before purchase. RB5 units should be interchangeable so long as it’s not from a Dodge Dart. Part numbers need verification but generally appear as “multimedia" when searching Mopar.

 

Be mindful that there are navigation and non-navigation units. Sellers often claim the unit you’re purchasing has navigation but there is no reliable way to tell even with part numbers. You will also need additional hardware if swapping to a unit with Sirius / GPS from one without.

 

Part	Part Number	Notes
A/C and Heater Module	68263758AB	* In case you cannot flash your existing module to work with the AUTO feature.
A/C Climate Controls w/o AUTO	1RK581X9AD	Center Stack Lower
A/C Climate Control w/ AUTO	6MP801X9AA	Center Stack Lower
8.4 Screen	05064993AG, 05064993AI	Center Stack Upper
4.3 Screen	P05064976AH	Center Stack Upper
RB5 Receivers	68209666AE, 68209666AG, 68209666AD, 5091920AB, 68209666AF, 68209666AA, 68209666AE
RE2 Receivers	5091134ZK, 5091134ZI, 5091134ZH, 5091134ZJ
Antenna Assembly	05091031AA
Cabin Air Temp Sensor	55111178AC
Sunload Sensor	68230114AB, 68230114AA, 55111902AB, 55111902AA, 55111275AA
Ambient Temperature Sensor	5149264AB, 56028364AA, 5149182AB	Intake Manifold Temperature Sensor
Humidity Sensor	55111389AF, 55111389AE, 55111389AD, 68440808AA
Rain Sensor	68587061AA	68587061AA Dodge Journey LDWS Rain Sensor Solar Windshield
4.3 Bezel	1RE271XPAE, 1RE271XPAB, 1RE271XPAC, 1UR34JXPAA
8.4 Bezel	1QC311XPAD, 1QC311XPAB, 1QC311XPAC, 1UR33JXPAA

 

Known Issues

• 22 Degree Bug & Automatic Climate Control: Fixed by using the OBD Genie C-ACC Programmer or AlfaOBD and installing a climate control module with AUTO button.
  • See Sgt. Beer Belly’s AlfaOBD thread for information on what to change where.
• Missing Rear Climate Controls

 

See the Installing 8.4 uConnect (actually doing it) thread for details I may have missed.

 

OEM Injectors

Typically called Retrofit Boxes or Screen Integration. They serve to add complete Android Auto and Carplay experiences to existing OEM equipment and/or provide wireless connectivity to your system. Another option is the Lockpick which allows you to run video while in motion. Mirroring is available by purchasing an additional module. You will need an 8.4” screen to take advantage of these options.

 

JoyeAuto	https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801435040338.html
Azton	https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807904142761.html
Sinairyu	https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807735051445.html
NAViKS Lockpick	Lockpick & Mirror Interface
Unbranded	https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808018954513.html

 

Aftermarket Head Units

If you search for Android head units in general you will find several listings that provide the fascia, CAN bus decoder, head unit, and necessary cables. Information below is for your reference so you know what you’re buying, or if you’re trying to hunt down a better deal by purchasing individual parts.

 

• Units do not always come with the Android version displayed in images or the proper screen resolution. Closely inspect details in the listing description as many sellers use the same stock photos and verify when you receive your unit.
• They can be purchased directly from Seicane, Alibaba, or Aliexpress. Some units are available from North American retailers such as Amazon and eBay. Products originate from the same place and are typically white-labeled and marked up. Some sellers simply have distribution warehouses located in North America for quicker delivery but you can purchase the same item at a steep discount from their overseas stores.
• You may benefit from swapping to a climate control unit with the AUTO button and programming your vehicle if you don’t already have it. Most of these CAN bus decoders and A/C software interfaces assume you have the AUTO function.
• Try purchasing from a “branded” supplier for easier access to updates.
   

CAN bus Decoders

There are two kinds of universal CAN bus decoders. You may have difficulty finding them by part number. Search for “dodge journey CAN bus” or “Android CAN bus” and you should find both. Both are typically capable of selecting between multiple CAN bus protocols.
Below are part numbers and markings of CAN bus decoders I’ve seen for the Journey.

 

RZ-JP06: Typically silver. Both connectors attach to the rear.
DWS-2022-04-12: Black. Has one connector attached to the side and one on the rear. 

 

CAN bus Protocols for Dodge Journey
The protocols compatible with the Dodge Journey on these head units are: Raise, OuDi, Dogen, Union, and BSJ. Raise is typically recommended for all models, but you may have better luck with OuDi prior to updating your decoder software. Reach out to your seller if features are missing or not working. 

 

Head Units

Most head unit hardware and software is made by FYT or MTCD. Head units are referred to by the processor or in some cases manufacturer for those that have custom software for their units, like Mekede / DUDUAUTO. Almost all head units you purchase, branded or unbranded, run the exact same software as all the others. Focus on the specifications of the device you want. Popular resellers are Atoto, Joying, Mekede, and Navifly.

 

• 4-6GB of RAM is the minimum if you're going to be doing more than running Android Auto or CarPlay.
• If you're getting a unit with a higher resolution be sure it has a UIS7862, UIS7682s, or UIS7870.

 

CPU Architecture

(Compare CPUs at GadgetVersus.)

CPU	Description
UIS7870	64bit 8-core (4x ARM Cortex-A55 @ 2.1 GHz, 3x ARM Cortex-A76 @ 2.3 GHz, 1x ARM Cortex-A76 @ 2.7 GHz, )
UIS7862s	64bit 8-core (2x ARM Cortex-A75 @ 1.8 GHz, 6x ARM Cortex-A55 @ 1.8 GHz)
UIS7862	64bit 8-core (2x ARM Cortex-A75 @ 1.8 GHz, 6x ARM Cortex-A55 @ 1.8 GHz)
UIS8581a	64bit 8-core (4x ARM Cortex-A55 @ 1.6 GHz, 4x ARM Cortex-A55 @ 1.2 GHz)

Bezels & Fascia

Search for Fiat Freemont or Dodge Journey fascia or frame and you will find one that fits. There are also fascia for the 2009-2012 Journey’s with the raised stereo on the dash. 

Here’s a kit from SKYFAME that includes a compatible CAN bus and cables. Pair this with a 9" or 9.5" universal head unit.

Edited December 30, 2024 by Which
Added link to Infotainment RE2/RB5 kit.

[Which]

My Experience

Waiting on my second android head unit to arrive after the holidays to compare, will update post then.

 

Initial experience from eBay unit I purchased after coming across @RealFloopyGuy's review.

 

23 hours ago, Which said:

I managed to get the steering wheel controls working after going back and forth with the seller for a while. The only outstanding issue I have with my unit is Metric vs. Imperial units on the main display. I was able to change it once but then it reverted to metric—no update on a fix for that issue yet. Other than that, my unit from the eBay seller had a misreported Android version, different screen resolution, and less cores than advertised. I'm not unhappy with it. This is apparently pretty common for these things and it's snappier than uConnect at any rate.

 

Other Reviews

Edited December 30, 2024 by Which
Added initial review.