Head unit install

[dubbed]

I just purchased an Alpine head unit (single DIN) and was just wondering how to go about installing it. At the moment I have an aftermarket 2-DIN that I'll be removing. I was going to get a pro audio place to install it but they are booked until the end of August!! So I figured I'd have a crack myself - I've done a few in other cars - never a VW.

So, is it hard? Will I need any special wiring/tips? If I disconnect the battery will the car still work fine after?

Thanks in advance.

[Yes I did a search on here and Vortex but didn't get much.]

[AGO41T]

pretty easy to install, find out the wiring diagram, plenty on the net and just wire the correct together

speakers, ground, power and assesories

[Manaz]

If possible, try to get a wiring adapter to go between your car's loom (it will have a VW standard plug on it) and the head unit (which likely has a different style/shape plug). That way you don't have to cut wires and worry about soldering everything correctly or issues with bad/dry solder joints or electrical tape unwinding and exposing wires, etc later.

[dubbed]

If possible, try to get a wiring adapter to go between your car's loom (it will have a VW standard plug on it) and the head unit (which likely has a different style/shape plug). That way you don't have to cut wires and worry about soldering everything correctly or issues with bad/dry solder joints or electrical tape unwinding and exposing wires, etc later.

Hmm I was thinking that. I'm just not sure how common they are...

How about removing the unit? Do I need to take any of the fascia off?

[RedMk2Gti]

First, check this http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newf...ead.php?t=1328

Aerpro should have the harness adaptor, I've bought one for Mk2. Repro stock them if not they can easily order one for you.

I still can't work out how to take out the HU

[Manaz]

I still can't work out how to take out the HU

I believe you need to remove the surrounding panels (they unclip), and then you require the euro-style "key" (which is a U-shaped piece of metal that goes into the holes on either side of the head unit and pushes in to release the clips that hold the stereo in place).

You can see it in one of the pics on the following page @ ECS:

http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-Jetta_IV--VR6_24v/Interior/Stereo/ES251721/

[D3bb4]

The stock harness has an ISO plug behind it. Provided that the stock harness wasnt chopped to pieces; when you pull the head deck out and follow the harness back, there should be 2 plugs / an ISO connection. You should be able to buy an adaptor harness from the ISO to the alpine head unit. Otherwise, if the 2 din unit is an alpine unit also, it should just plug in.

Then get a DIN pocket to fill the gap.

[OTG1]

I did mine Mk4 R32 - the install itself is very easy, as the Alpine came with all the correct apaptors for a perfect plug and play install. HOWEVER, physically installing the damn thing was a NIGHTMARE!!! Had to damn near take half the dash apart to get the old one out, pain in the ass - would pay a professional mob to do it if I were to do it again. Not worth my time.

Oh, and remember to switch the RED and YELLOW power cables.

[quozl]

I did mine Mk4 R32 - the install itself is very easy, as the Alpine came with all the correct apaptors for a perfect plug and play install. HOWEVER, physically installing the damn thing was a NIGHTMARE!!! Had to damn near take half the dash apart to get the old one out, pain in the ass - would pay a professional mob to do it if I were to do it again. Not worth my time.

Oh, and remember to switch the RED and YELLOW power cables.

All you need is the VW tool and it is about a 10 second job to remove the head unit. graeme86 has them and the part number if I remember correctly it is cheap as chips to buy.

Cheers Al

[dylan8]

me and my dad did my fold out single din display, it may have more cables due to video, ipod, aux, optical etc etc, and then i was running wiring to a rear amp.

We pulled the cup holders, blank shelf thing out, unscrewed the plastic shell that goes around the gear stick and back under the dash to also attack it from the bottom, our biggest problem was finding somewhere to fit all the cables as we couldn't push the unit in without wires getting caught up and preventing it from sliding in.

In the end we got it in 98% of the way (it still sticks out a few mm, but was enough to screw it in etc)

If you have a few hours on a sunday arvo do it yourself. I didn't like the idea of some local dero mucking around in my car, not caring how he treated the interior.

But thats just me... good luck with the install

[dubbed]

I attacked it today, and boy the removal of the old unit was a headache. I finally got it out (after chipping the woodgrain surround and much swearing). The wiring looked a bit messy from the previous unit so I called a mob who could fit in the install today. They were a great help and very friendly, but I am a little disheartened as the fade (front/rear, left/right) is not right i.e. one front speaker and the opposing rear speaker is on when all sound is channeled to the front. They didn't wire up the illumination feature either - do you need to tap into a wire behind the dash? Ugh. I don't know why I bother!!! I'm not going back either because I'm always at work when they're open.

I think I will attack it on one of the weekends coming up.

It does sound good and plays all my CDs/MP3s though... Overall I'm about 6.5/10 happy! When it's wired up properly I'll be happier.

If you have a few hours on a sunday arvo do it yourself. I didn't like the idea of some local dero mucking around in my car, not caring how he treated the interior.

I thought the same, hence why I went to a "pro" audio place.

[Manaz]

It does sound good and plays all my CDs/MP3s though... Overall I'm about 6.5/10 happy! When it's wired up properly I'll be happier.

I thought the same, hence why I went to a "pro" audio place.

That's why one of the adapter looms was suggested.

And if you did use a pro audio place, absolutely take it back and tell them to make it work 100%.

[dubbed]

That's why one of the adapter looms was suggested.

And if you did use a pro audio place, absolutely take it back and tell them to make it work 100%.

Yeah fair call, but the previous installer had cut and hacked away at some things behind there so the OEM plug was gone anyway.

I just don't have the time to get back to the car audio place as I work six days a week and it's a 30 minute drive.

I don' think the little red light on the antenna lights up anymore either...

[Spyda]

How come its so hard? Do you have the climate control stuff or something like that?

I did my gf bora in 15min, stock head unit out, pioneer in but she doesnt have climate control or that other gear. You just match up the colors, if the colors arnt matching up....itll take another 15min. Ive done so many head units though.

Where abouts in melbourne are you? Id be happy to have a look for ya.

[dubbed]

The hard part was removing the old unit (it was some ****ty Chinese/Taiwanese screen) and the wiring behind there was cut and hacked so it didn't make much sense back there. The previous owner also had an aftermarket antenna booster which the guy said wasn't needed for some reason. And yeh it has climate control.

I'm not afraid of swapping and soldering the speaker wire but just want to know where to tap into the illumination. I hope I don't have to go behind the cluster to the light switch.

I've installed a few head units in my time but I didn't want to risk cutting into wires as it was cut and spliced a few times.

Thanks for the offer - I'm in St Kilda but often down Ferntree Gully/Knox way.