C5 Mk1's With Fitted Cd Changers...

[Guest Dan Slatford]

The hidden mysteries of my new C5 continue!

 

Looking for factory-fit CD changers to retrofit, I had assumed the green six-pin socket behind the radio - which is currently empty - would be the changer socket. Next to it is a blue plug with six wires leading off somewhere, and another plug with two orange wires.

 

Yet I discover tonight from somebody else that the blue plug is infact the CD changer plug! So, I have a changer cable factory-fitted into my car (2001 SX) , but I don't have the changer. Thing is, I can't find the other end of the cable. I've looked (and nearly broke my neck) everywhere I can under both front seats, and there's nowhere I can see where it might be hidden away in the boot either.

 

So, if anyone has a changer fitted to their car as standard, where is it? And if you can tell, where the heck does the cable appear from? I assume the free end of mine is poked away somewhere, ready to plug the changer in, but no sign of it :huh:

 

I have no idea what the two orange wires do at the back of the radio either. Nothing stops working with them disconnected...

 

This car is full of secrets!

[Guest Ray]

Hello Dan ...

 

Funny that as I was looking under my seats of my 2.2 SX this afternoon and couldn`t find any plugs/wires either !!

As I also would like to fit a cd changer ..

I`ll keep watching this thread to see if we get any luck from someone else ..

 

Ray ........

[Guest Ray]

No luck with the cd leads dan ?

[Guest Dan Slatford]

No luck with the cd leads dan ?

 

I've learned that the changer sits in the front of the drivers seat (in place of the tray, in its own cradle) and I've discovered a plug that seems to have all the CD changer wires connected to it plus a couple more (presumably power), hidden under the plastic cover on the carpet (part under the chair rail, from under which the airbag / seatbelt wires emerge).

 

That plug is way too short to connect to the changer, so I figure there's a separate lead that connects between this and the changer, like the airbag/seatbelt wires. I've also read though that just fitting a compatible changer may not be enough, a garage with the necessary computer may have to enable the changer within the stereo!

 

That being so, I'm not sure even the connect2 adapter for Sony changers would work. Or maybe the changer itself contains the VIN code. Whatever, due to the strong possibility of a stock changer not working straight away (and given the age of the changers now) I'm really not willing to spend very much on one.

 

But I am tempted by a Pioneer head unit, they can interface with the remote controls AND the dash matrix display with the right adapter, which I really want. I just don't know how well it integrates - ie what it displays or how well, whether it still shows the time, trip computer etc as well as the radio stuff. From a usability perspective, the stock radio works extremely well. I'm loathe to give that up.

 

Seems also that if I fit any other non-standard radio, it won't turn off with the engine. I've worked out that the ISO socket seems to provide ignition-switched axillary power, BUT this power stays on for two minutes after switch-off, then drops to ~ 2v. Only a minor gripe that I'd have to turn the radio off, but still a valid one! :(

[dalex]

I've learned that the changer sits in the front of the drivers seat (in place of the tray, in its own cradle) and I've discovered a plug that seems to have all the CD changer wires connected to it plus a couple more (presumably power), hidden under the plastic cover on the carpet (part under the chair rail, from under which the airbag / seatbelt wires emerge).

 

That plug is way too short to connect to the changer, so I figure there's a separate lead that connects between this and the changer, like the airbag/seatbelt wires. I've also read though that just fitting a compatible changer may not be enough, a garage with the necessary computer may have to enable the changer within the stereo!

 

That being so, I'm not sure even the connect2 adapter for Sony changers would work. Or maybe the changer itself contains the VIN code. Whatever, due to the strong possibility of a stock changer not working straight away (and given the age of the changers now) I'm really not willing to spend very much on one.

 

But I am tempted by a Pioneer head unit, they can interface with the remote controls AND the dash matrix display with the right adapter, which I really want. I just don't know how well it integrates - ie what it displays or how well, whether it still shows the time, trip computer etc as well as the radio stuff. From a usability perspective, the stock radio works extremely well. I'm loathe to give that up.

 

Seems also that if I fit any other non-standard radio, it won't turn off with the engine. I've worked out that the ISO socket seems to provide ignition-switched axillary power, BUT this power stays on for two minutes after switch-off, then drops to ~ 2v. Only a minor gripe that I'd have to turn the radio off, but still a valid one! :(

 

 

Hi folks

I've fitted a Sony x-plod mp3 changer to the original head unit via a connects 2 adaptor in my '54 VTR Estate (no visit to dealer)

There were a couple of issues

Firstly the adaptor needs to be set-up in a certain sequence the shop were able to call a mate and write it down for me (could try and find it if it would help)

Secondly I seem to have full use of all aspects of the re mote's and screen except that if you select random play for the CD changer then it won't go back to sequential play without disconnecting the power.

Lastly like a lot of the older head units it will only display 99 tracks on each CD although it will play the whole content if left to continue beyond track 99

So all in all I'm happy with over 1000 tracks in the boot plus and normal CD up front.

 

Hope this helps

 

DAlex

[Guest Dan Slatford]

Firstly the adaptor needs to be set-up in a certain sequence the shop were able to call a mate and write it down for me (could try and find it if it would help)

 

That was another option I looked up (although a bit expensive given the low power of the head unit and slightly 'hacky' solution)

 

Can you tell us this sequence? I can't really figure out what or why that might be.

 

How does the adapter handle browsing MP3s in different folders? I'm guessing that it skips forwards and backwards through all MP3s on disc in sequence, ignoring the folders they're in? So you might say have to skip forward or back a hundred tracks rather than go down four folders, for example...

[dalex]

That was another option I looked up (although a bit expensive given the low power of the head unit and slightly 'hacky' solution)

 

Can you tell us this sequence? I can't really figure out what or why that might be.

 

How does the adapter handle browsing MP3s in different folders? I'm guessing that it skips forwards and backwards through all MP3s on disc in sequence, ignoring the folders they're in? So you might say have to skip forward or back a hundred tracks rather than go down four folders, for example...

 

 

OK Found the installation notes, on connecting and activation of a Connects 2 interface unit. to a original factory fitted RDS CD / Audio unit (Clarion PU-2472B)

 

As follows

Sequence MUST be followed

Ignition off

Radio off and power lead disconnected

Remove changer magazine

Connect the interface to head unit loom and changer leads / connect power lead

Ignition on / radio on

Press CD button / press FM button

Insert changer magazine

Press CD button again - that's it.

 

I had to do the whole thing twice before it recognised the changer.

 

As for browsing folders your correct it just plays through but allows full scope of the re-motes to move up or down selected CD or scroll to next CD

From memory the Connects 2 Interface cost £50 ish and apart from the problem with the random selection (mentioned above) I've got no complaints. Perhaps a 3rd install would even fix that small problem.

 

Good luck

DAlex