Installing a stereo head unit in a 2008 Multivan comfortline

[bigtfuzzywarbler]

Evening all

I am sure this is a well trodden topic on the forums, but if anyone can help clear this up for me clearly and succintly I will send them a batch of my famous (in our ciricle of friends) home made Tasmanian quince paste.

As posted previously I bought a 2008 Multivan without a radio. Options are to track down and install an original head unit as there are a few around on ebay, or upgrade to something a little flasher with some more features. At this stage I am working on the second option as I would like Aux and USb input, and possibly bluetooth connectivity.

Went into my local on weekend and told that to install an after market head unit I would need to buy a CAN BUS unit, to connect the head unit into the vehicles "CAN" wiring system, this unit is an additional $220.

So, I call another audio mob on the Sunshine Coast I have had previously very positive dealings with and they advise it is possible to install an aftermarket head unit without the CAN BUS unit as this is only required if you need the head unit to integrate with other aspects of the car's electronics.

Since then been trolling the audio forums looking for a clear answer. I am not particularly technical so there is a change the answer was there and I missed it.

Which is true? To CAN BUS or NOT to CAN BUS.

I am particularly keen on a head unit I spotted in the US, an Eclipse CD1200 G (2 DIN unit). No bluetooth, but being sold off very cheap by Sonic Electronix, and great reviews (although I am told the radio spectrum setup might mean I miss some stations at one end or the other).

With the Eclipse unit I could get something delivered and then installed locally for under $250, which is a nice option.

the Fuzz

[mikinoz]

I am going through this myself.

If your car does not have the big black 'block' style plug but the ISO style (brown connector and a black connector) and you want to run a OEM style radio you will be required to source a CANBUS simulator to run it.

If you want to run an aftermarket radio and you have the ISO, you should be ok, however, you MAY get a battery drainage issue but I have not read much on this, I think that it is more people incorrectly installing the radio than an issue..

Your car actually has a CANBUS gateway, it is really a question if the radio is controlled by it (block connections are, ISO are not) or if you do use a radio with a block connector if the radio drains the battery then you might need a newer version of the gateway. This is because the version of the canbus is not capable of powering down the device correctly into the sleep mode.

I hope that helps.

For me I have ISO in the car, a CANBUS Simulator and this works with late model RNS/RCD VW headunits (RNS510 is on order from EU - yay).

[Sunny43.5]

Hi Bigtfuzzywarbler , I suppose we are lucky our T5 is one of the first ones and had no problem fitting a Chinese import unit 7inch screen with touch screen operation plays DVD,s CD,s Mp3 discs TV Am Fm radio , Bluetooth for phone calls and music streaming plus a dedicated Ipod cable for music , additional inputs for rear view camera and amplifiers etc. Plus built in GPS with trip computer which works in the background if you are listening to some other function , less than $400 delivered and ours have been going for 3 plus years now with no problems . I am considering upgrading to the new model as it is a lot more modern with DVB tv plus loads of other stuff have a look at this one ES848AU 7" Car DVD Player GPS DVB-T iPod special for VW | eBay Now the later T5,s have different shape front like this one which you can order a can Bus adapter for $45 ES878AU 7" Car DVD Player GPS TMC DVB-T iPod VW MAGOTAN | eBay . I have bought quite a few units from this company for my sons van and some of his friends and relations and evryone is happy with their units . Howard

[Ivo]

Hi Howard, can you give any more info on those units? Will an iphone connect via bluetooth to make calls or do I need a bluetooth kit? What about playing music from the iphone through unit, how do you connect it? How accurate is the GPS? How up to date are the maps?
Whats the latest model T5 you have fitted one to? I have an 09.

[Sunny43.5]

Hi Ivo yes the Iphone and any other bluetooth phone will connect via bluetooth through the unit you can answer and receive calls through the unit it has a microphone on the front of the unit and you hear the caller through the cars speakers , you can even view your contacts through the unit from your phone . And also you can play music via the bluetooth as well and when a call comes in it switches to the phone function and you can answer via the touch screen . The phone answering works even if you are using the DVD-CD player or any other function for that matter , plus you can connect direct via a dedicated Ipod connector but you don,t have all the functionality if you connect the iphone this way but an Ipod is fine . The GPS has been the best part for me on my particular unit I can set the destination and then go to music radio etc and when the lady tells you to prepare for turn etc the map pops up full screen that way you don,t have to have the map showing the whole time . Now each of these units have different display so I can,t tell you exactly how each one works . The mapping for mine which I bought about 3years ago is fairly accurate there are some new roads around Brisbane that are only just opening and they are on the maps as proposed future roads , Other than that they are fairly up to date the GPS even has a trip computer with various functions so you can check past speed and time travelled etc . Last question I have not fitted one to an 09 as our vans are the first T5s 2005-6 they have the rectangular opening with sharp corners , the second link I sent was for another model but it looks like it would fit the 09 dash as it has the same tapers that the T5 has you can check as it does have the dimensions on the site this model also has the CAN bus adapter available as well for $45
My son has a single din unit with a motorised fold out 7 inch screen in his T4 it is more upto date on mapping as its only a few months old plus his has a new style slide touch screen it operates like an Iphone you can change menus by sliding you fingers accross the screen NEAT Howard .

[Ivo]

Awesome information, thanks Howard!!

The touch screen on your sons sounds interesting, the double din you linked says its has a touch screen. I wonder if its thye same as on your sons.

The standard unit in my 09 is the same size as the unit in my 05 with square corners so it should fit.

Whats a can bus and do I need one?

[Sunny43.5]

They all have touch screens its these newer models that have the slide to change function like my sons , as for the can bus I would suggest you ask some other more experienced members on the site as our earlier T5,s dont have Can Bus . Personally I find Can Bus a bit of a pain . If I ever get a new model I would probably figure out a way to wire it outside of the can bus if required., thers an old expression where there,s a will there,s a way Howard .

[Ivo]

How old are the units you have?

I have emailed Erisin and they also sell direct for cheaper then whats listed on ebay. Not by much though. I will probably get one and take a punt.

Whats the screen quality like for viewing movies etc?

[Sunny43.5]

The resolution is very good I would suggest that because VW have the radio units so high up in the dash I have made a small hood that sits over the top looks real clean and makes middle of the day use very good, at night its excellent {but not while driving } I have fitted a simple switch which grounds out the "Handbrake" wire as its designed to be connected to the handbrake wire so that the DVD screen can only be seen when your stopped and the handbrake is on . As we have extra screens in the headrests and in the passengers sunvisor the head unit screen can be switched off but the rear ones still see the dvd . I have made my own music DVD,s with hours of music videos and I play that on long trips but have the screen switched of most of the time . Obviously if its radio or any other function its fine the police can,t book you , but no TV or DVD should be visible whilst driving . As you have contacted them make sure you order a unit that has the AU in the model number as it then has all the Australian compliance Maps Digital TV FM _AM Radio frequencies etc. They are usually pretty quick once you order we have received all our units within about 7 days from receipt of payment . You have to admit the price is pretty good for what you get when compared with some of the major brands . Word of advise if you are using extra amplifiers with upgraded speakers like us consider a Line Driver makes a huge difference . Regards Howard

[Ivo]

Great info again Howard, thank you!

I will pull mine apart and try to work out if I need the can bus then order a unit. I will also make sure its the AU version.

Got any more info on grounding the handbrake wire?

[Ivo]

I ordered a unit this afternoon with a canbus just in case I needed it. Got it for $362 AU delivered. Fingers crossed it turns up and actually works lol!

[mikinoz]

About $900 cheaper than an RNS too! Best of luck with it.

[Transporter]

I ordered a unit this afternoon with a canbus just in case I needed it. Got it for $362 AU delivered. Fingers crossed it turns up and actually works lol!

I'd be interested to hear from you after you install it, as my on dash 7" GPS/reverse camera is getting too old as far as the maps go.

[Ivo]

I will definitely give a report on how it all goes. Hopefully I can get it connected easy enough. Should be here in 4-7 days.

[Sunny43.5]

All incar DVD players are equipped with a "handbrake" wire this is used to make sure you can only view the DVD or TV screen whilst the car is parked with handbrake applied , it is a single wire that only requires to be connected to earth or to the handbrake wire as it usually goes to ground when its applied . The other method which I use is to just mount a simple off on switch some where on the dash connect one end to earth and the other to the head unit you can then switch the head unit screen off and on whilst driving , but remember you can be booked by the police if they catch you with it on whilst driving . Switching off the screen only disables DVD and TV all other functions will remain visible . Now the factory units would use the same principle as the handbrake but they may also use the automatic transmission to control usage I think it relies on the gear lever to be in park before the head unit will show screen . {Thats what Can Bus is all about integrated electronics } if something fails it will usually take out some other functions at the same time a real pain . Howard