Azzurri
Ready to race!
- Location
- Vancouver, BC
I'm sure 99% of this is already posted in various places on this site, but as there seems to be new threads almost weekly with questions about installing an aftermarket deck, I figured I'd just post it all in one place. This is based on my own install, plus a few pictures and bits of info I pinched from other people's threads, so I hope nobody minds
I'll try and simplify things as much as possible for the people attempting this for the first time, but please note: This is for informational purposes only. If you're attempting this install yourself and screw up any of your equipment or anything inside your vehicle, that's on you.
That being said, let's get started...
TOOLS REQUIRED
The exact amount of tools will vary depending on the kind of install you're doing, but this should cover pretty much anything you might need...
- Panel removal tool
- T20 Torx Driver
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Wire strippers
- Electrical connectors and crimpers and/or soldering iron
- Electrical tape
- Test light or Multimeter
- Zap straps (aka Tye Wraps, aka Zip Ties, aka Wire Ties)
- A fish tape or wire coat hanger or old antenna, etc
Even if you have absolutely zero tools, you can find all the tools you'd need to complete this job for less than $20.
WIRING HARNESS
This seems to be the topic that comes up the most often. To preface: VW uses a Canbus system to turn your radio on and off, as well as communicate with various other accessories in your car. There is no 12 Volt accessory wire in the factory radio harness. So you have a number of options for getting accessory power to your radio, depending on what options you want to retain, how much money you want to spend, and how much work you feel like doing.
Connects2 Interface - Part # CTSVW002 - www.connects2.co.uk
I have no experience with this unit personally, but it seems to be getting great feedback, and it gives you everything you need in one package, so it seems to be the way to go. This interface will give you the proper RAP (Retained Accessory Power) output, as well as a Resverse Signal (for installation of a reverse camera), and VSS signal (Vehicle Speed Sense, required for some head units with GPS). This interface will also allow you to retain your steering wheel controls, though I'm told that a some people have had issues regarding compatibility with their particular head unit, so be sure to contact Connects2 before you install.
PAC Audio Interfaces - www.pac-audio.com
People seem to have good and bad experiences with PAC Audio products. They make a nice product, but in the past I know they seemed to have a few bugs. And up until recently, if you wanted to replace your radio and keep steering wheel controls, you needed to cram 3 modules into your dash to get the job done... not fun. But now they've come up with a nice all-in-one solution as well, so that should make a lot of people happy.
If you're gonna go with PAC, you have a few options:
1) Part # C2R-VW2 - If you're just going to replace your radio, and don't have/don't want steering wheel control, then this is what you want. This interface will also give you ACC, VSS and Reverse Signals.
- In addition to this, if you want to retain your steering wheel controls, you'll also need the SWI-CAN Module to communicate with the vehicle Canbus, as well as the SWI-X Steering Wheel Control Interface. Note: They also make steering wheel control interfaces specific to the kind of radio you're installing, but the SWI-X is a universal piece, so I won't even bother reccomending them.
2) Part # RP4-VW11 - This is their all-in-one unit that I mentioned above. It gives you all the features of the interfaces listed above, but all in one unit.
Axxess Interface - www.axxessinterface.com
Made by Metra, these are nice units, and can generally be found a bit cheaper than the other units. I've installed lots of them without issue, and the steering wheel controls are easy to program. They don't have an all in one unit, but just one harness, and one steering wheel control interface that you would need.
XSVI-9003-NAV - This is your radio replacement interface. Like the others, is gives you ACC Power, VSS Signal, and Reverse Signal outputs.
AXXESS ASWC - Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface.
Standard Wiring Harness
Metra #70-9003, Scosche #VW03B, or generic brand
As I personally have no steering wheel controls, and the cluster without the MFD, this is what I ended up using. It's a little more work, but BY FAR the cheapest option. To use this option, you'll have to run your own wire for accessory power, and if you need it, find another source for a VSS or Reverse signal. I'll go into locations to find accessory power later.
I'll try and simplify things as much as possible for the people attempting this for the first time, but please note: This is for informational purposes only. If you're attempting this install yourself and screw up any of your equipment or anything inside your vehicle, that's on you.
That being said, let's get started...
TOOLS REQUIRED
The exact amount of tools will vary depending on the kind of install you're doing, but this should cover pretty much anything you might need...
- Panel removal tool
- T20 Torx Driver
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Wire strippers
- Electrical connectors and crimpers and/or soldering iron
- Electrical tape
- Test light or Multimeter
- Zap straps (aka Tye Wraps, aka Zip Ties, aka Wire Ties)
- A fish tape or wire coat hanger or old antenna, etc
Even if you have absolutely zero tools, you can find all the tools you'd need to complete this job for less than $20.
WIRING HARNESS
This seems to be the topic that comes up the most often. To preface: VW uses a Canbus system to turn your radio on and off, as well as communicate with various other accessories in your car. There is no 12 Volt accessory wire in the factory radio harness. So you have a number of options for getting accessory power to your radio, depending on what options you want to retain, how much money you want to spend, and how much work you feel like doing.
Connects2 Interface - Part # CTSVW002 - www.connects2.co.uk
I have no experience with this unit personally, but it seems to be getting great feedback, and it gives you everything you need in one package, so it seems to be the way to go. This interface will give you the proper RAP (Retained Accessory Power) output, as well as a Resverse Signal (for installation of a reverse camera), and VSS signal (Vehicle Speed Sense, required for some head units with GPS). This interface will also allow you to retain your steering wheel controls, though I'm told that a some people have had issues regarding compatibility with their particular head unit, so be sure to contact Connects2 before you install.
PAC Audio Interfaces - www.pac-audio.com
People seem to have good and bad experiences with PAC Audio products. They make a nice product, but in the past I know they seemed to have a few bugs. And up until recently, if you wanted to replace your radio and keep steering wheel controls, you needed to cram 3 modules into your dash to get the job done... not fun. But now they've come up with a nice all-in-one solution as well, so that should make a lot of people happy.
If you're gonna go with PAC, you have a few options:
1) Part # C2R-VW2 - If you're just going to replace your radio, and don't have/don't want steering wheel control, then this is what you want. This interface will also give you ACC, VSS and Reverse Signals.
- In addition to this, if you want to retain your steering wheel controls, you'll also need the SWI-CAN Module to communicate with the vehicle Canbus, as well as the SWI-X Steering Wheel Control Interface. Note: They also make steering wheel control interfaces specific to the kind of radio you're installing, but the SWI-X is a universal piece, so I won't even bother reccomending them.
2) Part # RP4-VW11 - This is their all-in-one unit that I mentioned above. It gives you all the features of the interfaces listed above, but all in one unit.
Axxess Interface - www.axxessinterface.com
Made by Metra, these are nice units, and can generally be found a bit cheaper than the other units. I've installed lots of them without issue, and the steering wheel controls are easy to program. They don't have an all in one unit, but just one harness, and one steering wheel control interface that you would need.
XSVI-9003-NAV - This is your radio replacement interface. Like the others, is gives you ACC Power, VSS Signal, and Reverse Signal outputs.
AXXESS ASWC - Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface.
Standard Wiring Harness
Metra #70-9003, Scosche #VW03B, or generic brand
As I personally have no steering wheel controls, and the cluster without the MFD, this is what I ended up using. It's a little more work, but BY FAR the cheapest option. To use this option, you'll have to run your own wire for accessory power, and if you need it, find another source for a VSS or Reverse signal. I'll go into locations to find accessory power later.
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