Head unit install

[Manaz]

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.

Ah, you didn't have the OEM unit to begin with - sorry, my posts were aimed at replacment of an OEM unit. Once you've gone aftermarket (or even worse, someone before you has), all bets are off on what you'll find.

[Spyda]

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.

Ah bugga. I remember doing my gf 97 honda accord, every single wire was a different color and i didnt have a multimeter. I hate to see a hack job, espcialy on a newish car.

To find the illumination use the mutimeter. Put it on a wire and it should read zero, turn the key and it should still be zero then when u turn on the light it should read 10-12v. Keep trying wires till you get it, its a pain but what can ya do.

If you have trouble im in tullamarine.

[HOLEIN1]

in regards to the ISO connectors etc from aepro i didint have much luck, same with volkswagen...

did end up finding one, but the 'pinning' was different, so i would have had to chop and change wires anyway

ended up just splicing into the standard loom, as im tight and always put the standard HU back in before i sell a car - makes it much easier that way...

dont be too disheartened, i remember my first HU install being daunting, all takes practice, and soon enough you know what to look for... didnt help that some moron had made a mess before you either...

good job with the upgrade, aplpine make some nice HU's, and will make a good improvment over the cruddy standard one once its installed and tuned properly...

[dubbed]

Yah I've installed a high end JVC unit and two separate Alpine units in other cars as well as speakers, amps and subs. With this car I'd rather pay someone to do the work and get a warranty. I've got second thoughts about that now!

I'm going to give it a crack in the next couple of weeks (speakers will be a piece of piss) but it's the light switch button I'm concerned about. Also - should I disconnect the battery before tapping into these wires and soldering? I don't want to have to reset the throttle body or anything like that. Note: I won't be touching any power/ground wires.

[coons88]

Nah you don't need to worry about disconnecting the battery, that will just reset all your computers and annoy you

This is an awesome site for wiring diagrams, The Install Doctor http://www.installdr.com/

Click quick radio wiring info and its got info for various models of cars
Here is VW

http://www.installdr.com/Harnesses/VW-Wiring.pdf

Mk4 is a pain in the ass for trying to fit a head unit in, especially Alpine with their bulky heatsink out the back, it's tight back there!

[Manaz]

With this car I'd rather pay someone to do the work and get a warranty. I've got second thoughts about that now!

Find someone reputable (based on first-hand experiences of people you trust). In Sydney, I'd have no issues recommending FHRX Studios, they've done work on one of my previous cars, and I trust them. They're not the cheapest, but neither did I buy a Hyundai Getz...

[dubbed]

Find someone reputable (based on first-hand experiences of people you trust). In Sydney, I'd have no issues recommending FHRX Studios, they've done work on one of my previous cars, and I trust them. They're not the cheapest, but neither did I buy a Hyundai Getz...

Manaz, I've known about the company for years and even the mobile audio forum recommended them. Maybe they've changed hands since? No idea, but it's a shame.

For what it's worth, the head unit sounds great and really pumps. I don't think it's reached the full potential yet...

[IanJ]

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=1328&page=2

[Fhrx]

Manaz, I've known about the company for years and even the mobile audio forum recommended them. Maybe they've changed hands since? No idea, but it's a shame.

Hey?

[Manaz]

Hey?

Not you, the guys in Melbourne who did his install.

I still need to get down to see you about an earthing kit and Optima battery...

[Fhrx]

Oh okay then; I was racking my brain then trying to place the job!

Optimas aplenty here champ.