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Just bought an '06 Rubicon. I want to install a factory navigation head unit

9K views 72 replies 17 participants last post by  rubibluejay 
#1 ·
As the title says. I just purchased a 2006 Rubicon and I want to install a factory navigation unit, but I have some questions:

1) From what I've read the RB1 should be the correct OEM unit. Am I wrong?

2) What will I need to install the unit? (other than a satellite antenna). Will I need a special harness or harness/plug adapter?

3) Has anyone else done this. Is this a fairly easy and straight forward install?

Thanks,

-Stephen
 
#31 ·
TJJP77 said:
A 6-disc changer takes up a lot of real estate. Why not just get the ipod integration kit and use an ipod? It works great and you can even see the album/artist/song title info on the screen. I have an RB1 and the ipod kit in my '06 Wrangler.
Can you use the navigation feature and play your iPod at the same time?
 
#39 ·
I have one of these in my '02 - I like it, but it is slow to update while driving and slow to re-calculate if you miss your turn. The RB1 works much faster. The upside is that you can add custom POIs and topo maps to the trail guide.
 
#40 ·
Does anyone have a good site where one can get the correct RB1 model number that will fit jeeps. I called the local dealership and they gave me some obscure parts number which is nothing close to what sellers on ebay say will fit my 03, they also told me that the bracket that is used on the stereos is no longer made.:dunno:
 
#43 ·
Any RB1 regardless of part number will fit an '03-'06 Wrangler. The only issue is that earlier RB1s do not support certain features (like ipod kit or amp turn on signal) that the later ones do.
 
#44 ·
Just a follow up to tjjp77, a friend of mine has a RB1 in his 2005 jeep rubicon.
Yesterday we were discussing if his RB1 would fit(play) into my 2003, so he removed it from his jeep(nice guy) and we plugged it into mine, worked perfectly. His RB1 is the one that ends in (AH) #P56038629AH and has the same connectors.
In my search for a proper model number for my 03, some sites indicate that it is not compatible with my 03, wrong.
So I can for sure state that at least the one used on the 05 WILL fit the 2003, just make sure it has the "21" pin connector, hope this helps
 
#50 ·
Just a point of clarification: the RB1 was never offered in the Wrangler from the factory. If a 2003-2006 Wrangler has one, it was either dealer or owner installed.

Also: all 2003-2006 Wranglers use the newer style 22-pin connectors. Other Chrysler applications switched over around 2002. Adapters exist to convert the 22-pin connector to the older style connector, so for example if you had a 2001 300M with the rounded corner radio but the older harness, you could buy the adapter harness and install an RB1.
 
#45 ·
TJJP77 said:
Any RB1 regardless of part number will fit an '03-'06 Wrangler. The only issue is that earlier RB1s do not support certain features (like ipod kit or amp turn on signal) that the later ones do.
Do you know how to tell the difference between the older and newer versions? The iPod interface is a must for me, so I want to make sure I'm getting the right unit.
 
#49 ·
The only way to tell is if it still has the sticker on top of the unit with the part number. Apparently it has to be an AH level radio or newer to support the ipod kit according to various internet sources.

Without yanking it out of there, I'm pretty sure the unit I have in my LJ is an AG level and it works with the ipod kit, contrary to the accepted internet wisdom. If you want to be absolutely sure, get an AH or AI level radio.
 
#48 ·
The RB1 will also let you listen to music while navigating and automatically turn down the volume of the music when it gives directions. That said, if I were buying one solely for navigation, I would look for a standalone unit. As much as I like google maps over my cell connection, quite a few places in remote area don't have reliable cell service.

I like the RB1 for the factory look, Sirius integration, and nav ablilty if I can't use Google navigation where I'm at
 
#53 ·
It's not really the features or the ability to play DVDs that draw a lot of us to the unit. It's the fact that it's an OE head unit that has a decent navigation setup and the ability to play SAT radio. I can't can't speak for everyone, but I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to my Jeep's interior. I like the factory TJ interior, and the RB1 fits it well.
 
#55 ·
Southbound, next to the 22 pin connector is another place for another smaller connector plug on the RB1. I'm pretty sure that is where the Ipod connection goes in. Now the problem, according to what I've read, is that Jeep no longer carries the connector harness but is still available on line, not sure of the price. The xm unit also plugs into that port and I saw them advertised for $300.00+:eek:
 
#57 ·
U connect

I too like the factory look of the Din and half RB1 for the OEM look.

I'm researching and thinking of putting the 2004+ RB1 radio AH or A1 into my 2006 LJ.

Another feature is...Can also add U connect with bluetooth from a Chrysler car thru the rear view mirror kit.
 
#58 ·
I'm not sure you'd be happy with the performance of the bluetooth system in a vehicle as noisy as a Wrangler. Early implementations of bluetooth on the JK left a lot to be desired, and you'll be working with older tech that was designed to work with the old J-1850 radios/bus systems.
 
#60 ·
I'm going to answer my own question as I just stumbled upon it: 82207541

Does anyone have the Mopar Part # for the iPod direct integration kit? The one that allows control from the head unit while charging the iPod.

Also, will any SAT antenna work with the RB1 for navigation purposes only? I know the Sirius antenna is different, I'm simply looking for a standard SAT antenna that will allow the RB1 to navigate. Is there any one brand that is more reliable than others? There seems to be a lot of Chinese crap on eBay. I'll pay a little more for a quality part that will not break in the first year of use.
 
#62 ·
The ipod adapter is P/N 82209616AC. It is obsolete, but a number of dealers have one on the shelf.

As far as the antenna goes, the OEM one was probably made in china anyway, so I wouldn't get too worried about it. All you need is one with the same Alpine style connector and it should work.
 
#64 ·
Okay I am very interested in this RB1 kit and want to Clear something's up
what you need to install RB1 into a wrangler and be able to play/charge your iPod and make it accessible through the head unit is-
RB1 Radio (part number ending in AH or AL)
bracket
iPod kit
SAT antenna

is that it or am I missing a adapter or harness?
 
#66 ·
I sold my '06 and got a '99 Wrangler. I still want to install a RB1 in it. Here is what I have so far to make the conversion work:

RB1 - AI model (latest nav disk w/ in motion)
Sat Antenna
Mopar iPod Integration Kit
Mopar Radio Conversion Harness/Kit
Mopar RB1 Wrangler install bracket
Jeep TJ lower dash bezel (4-switch)

What I'm looking for the complete the install:

Jeep TJ '03-'06 center dash bezel
(The square shaped radio opening on '97-'02 dash bezels will not fit the round faceplate of the RB1)

I'll post a write up and link it here when I'm done.
 
#67 ·
#68 ·
Wow, that's expensive!:eyebulge:

Does the RB1 have an actual auxiliary input built in, or is that something you're planning on adding with some type of integration adapter (through the 10 pin CD changer port)? I didn't see any pictures (just a quick google search before my post) showing any AUX input, but I did see the word (AUX) on the radio face.

It looks like the Bluetooth built in to the mirror can pass through Bluetooth to a radio with Bluetooth. Does the RB1 offer Bluetooth integration? The only info I know about the RB1 is that it is a AM/FM/CD Nav. (proprietary DVD based) radio.

:cheers2:

Jay
 
#69 ·
Mine has a AUX input as I run the Mopar iPod Integration Kit. As far as I know, the RB1 does not have a stand AUX input on the back. I would have to pull my radio and double check to confirm.
 
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