How-to add Bluetooth to your OEM radio

All other things being equal, it is. They used to be trash but they're really impressive now. I have it and it is the exact same audio quality as the factory radio/cd player
It's not the same quality, FM is limited with the amount of data it can broadcast. so CD is technically better quality.
It might not be noticeable though, which can make these transmitters a decent option.
 
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FM is analog, data rate makes little sense when you are discussing an analog signal. I think FM is clipped at 15khz so you are never going to hear the high frequency stuff that is on a CD. I don't have to worry, I can't hear those frequencies anyway.
 
This is definitely tempting since I don't want to run anything but the factory stereo since I don't want to attract car thieves when I'm parked with the top down, but I still kinda want to be able to play CDs, lol. Will think about this one since the price is definitely right and I'm not afraid of a little basic soldering.

P.s. Awesome post and thanks for sharing!
You could also just buy an fm transmitter and use the 12v outlet/cig lighter. You can get them for 10-$20 on amazon. No soldering, no disassembly, just plug and play, plus you gain USB ports for charging! Here’s a couple that have a few thousand great reviews,

Just throwing this out there as a way to keep your factory radio and gain usb and Bluetooth. Not trying to knock on the original post! Definitely some cool and impressive work and study and time you put into it! Hands down to u bud!

Anker Roav SmartCharge F0 Bluetooth FM Transmitter for Car, Audio Adapter and Receiver, Hands-Free Calling, MP3 Car Charger with 2 USB Ports, PowerIQ, and AUX Output (No Dedicated App) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GJ7DHMP/?tag=wranglerorg-20

IMDEN Bluetooth FM Transmitter for Car, QC3.0 Wireless Bluetooth FM Radio Adapter Music Player FM Transmitter / Car Kit with Hands-free Calling and 2 USB Ports Charger Support USB Drive. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F2RTN5Z/?tag=wranglerorg-20
 
It's been a while, and I have actually sold my TJ as I had to leave Australia, but thought you may still benefit from this.

I actually made this mod even better by soldering a mic to the Bluetooth module so that I could use it to make and receive calls.

Do you see the two extra holes between the top G and +? well these are L and R for mic input.
1578672137391.png


you can buy a mic as a single component, mine was 80 cents from Jcar in Australia, plus a 1meter, 3.5mm headphone jack extension cable.
I set it up so the mic is removable in case I need to replace/relocate it.
1. Cut the cable about half way.
2. Solder the half cable with the socket side to the module.
3. Solder the half cable with the the jack side to the mic.
4. mount the mic, and route the cables under the dash util they meet.
5. connect and secure it with a zip tie to anything, like another harness just so that it wont wiggle around.

I mounted the mic near the sun visor, where the cage meets the windshield frame. It wasn't Ideal as the wind noise during a drive on the highway would go through the call.

You can also buy something like this and set it up however you want:
https://www.banggood.com/3_5mm-High...-p-1253635.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CN
 
Can you tell me more about how you added this to the cd changer port? You could absolutely add Bluetooth to this and I'd even gladly make a guide on how to do it once I do mine with your cd changer method.
Ahh sorry I never saw this reply!

Car Stereo Radio MP3 CD 3.5mm AUX Adapter Interface Compatible for Chrysler Dodge Jeep Non-Navigation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IP655YQ/?tag=wranglerorg-20

that’s basically what I purchased then I simply had to splice into an acc wire for power to the unit. It was super easy and the harder part was maneuvering the plugs when removing and putting back in.
I’m still trying to figure a clever way to add Bluetooth a year later lol.
there has to be a better way than using a receiver and adding a usb to power it. I’ve already tapped a power wire for the adapter and I don’t really want to tap another one.
 
Ahh sorry I never saw this reply!

Car Stereo Radio MP3 CD 3.5mm AUX Adapter Interface Compatible for Chrysler Dodge Jeep Non-Navigation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IP655YQ/?tag=wranglerorg-20

that’s basically what I purchased then I simply had to splice into an acc wire for power to the unit. It was super easy and the harder part was maneuvering the plugs when removing and putting back in.
I’m still trying to figure a clever way to add Bluetooth a year later lol.
there has to be a better way than using a receiver and adding a usb to power it. I’ve already tapped a power wire for the adapter and I don’t really want to tap another one.
If you have the aux jack already, couldn't you just buy an aux jack to bluetooth adapter to plug in like this?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075T9ZXK4/?tag=wranglerorg-20
 
If you have the aux jack already, couldn't you just buy an aux jack to bluetooth adapter to plug in like this?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075T9ZXK4/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Hey thanks for the reply!
so the answer is kinda, however I don’t feel that’s the optimal solution here.

I’m not wire wizz but I do have electronics merit badge and know my way around a soldering iron.
that is a battery powered receiver which would require charging like every other day it seems.

The other option I’ve seen is similar except rather than battery powered it needs to be powered by a usb or cigarette outlet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0836N1G6Q/?tag=wranglerorg-20

You can bypass this I suppose by connecting the device directly to a 12v power source ( which I did for the aux conversion) but I was kinda hoping to crowd source a cleaner option.
 
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Hey thanks for the reply!
so the answer is kinda, however I don’t feel that’s the optimal solution here.

I’m not wire wizz but I do have electronics merit badge and know my way around a soldering iron.
that is a battery powered receiver which would require charging like every other day it seems.

The other option I’ve seen is similar except rather than battery powered it needs to be powered by a usb or cigarette outlet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0836N1G6Q/?tag=wranglerorg-20

You can bypass this I suppose by connecting the device directly to a 12v power source ( which I did for the aux conversion) but I was kinda hoping to crowd source a cleaner option.
Interesting! Keep us updated with what you end up going with.
 
Long-time lurker, just registered. Anyway, someone else posted a link for BT and I discovered the vendor has a hands-free option, too. This plug & play add-on goes directly into your OEM radio CD changer port and provides AUX, BT, and hands-free.

  1. BT works great and the audio quality is quite good in my 05 Rubicon OEM stereo
  2. Hands-free calling & mic works as advertised. The inbound call has good quality running thru the speakers but my voice going back to the caller is understandable at 30-35 mph max. Everything over that is a no-go with the provided mic. I experimented with my wired PC headset and mic which gave improved audio when I spoke so one of those trucker headsets may be in my future.
  3. AUX feature I have not messed with me due to the BT functioning
  4. Easy install - pop off the front bezel, remove the 10mm nut from the back of the radio (accessed from the glovebox)

Not bad for $120 all-in and delivered and keeps everything looking factory. Not a bad Father's Day gift!

Here's the link to the source:
https://www.discountcarstereo.com/a2diy-chry02.html?category_id=438
 
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You can also use this if you don’t want to solder
http://www.discountcarstereo.com/BLU-CHRY98.htmlI installed on mine and works great actually sound quality is better then radio
This is what I bought. Easy to follow instructions installed in a snap. The only issue I have found is with the optional microphone for phone calls. Has anyone else purchased this unit with mic? Where did you end up putting it? My callers are clear, but they have a hard time hearing me. Lots of noise in various locations....hardtop.
 
This is what I bought. Easy to follow instructions installed in a snap. The only issue I have found is with the optional microphone for phone calls. Has anyone else purchased this unit with mic? Where did you end up putting it? My callers are clear, but they have a hard time hearing me. Lots of noise in various locations....hardtop.

Resurrecting an older thread. Just installed the discountcarstereo.com BLU-CHRY02 module in daughter's '04 LJ. Plugged right into the CD changer slot on back and worked like a champ. Only took 15 minutes to install start to finish - most difficult part was getting in to zip-tie the module up behind the dash to keep it from rattling around. Audio quality is surprisingly really good while streaming to the factory 7-speaker setup (with a Quadratec replacement sub). Ordering a second unit for my '04 Rubicon 7-speaker setup.
 
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