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-...ereo/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