Replacing the stereo - O.E. or aftermarket?

Father Ted · Post by **Father Ted** » 13 Jul 2011, 23:21

This one has probably been done to death, but I can't find any posts on it in here so I'll ask again...

I need to get a replacement stereo for my car (2001 Xsara). Is there anyway I can get a non O.E. stereo which can be operated via the steering wheel controls?

Alternatively, how much am I looking at to get a replacement unit coded to the car?

Finally, can new units be bought to fit the car and if so where can I get them? I know the sound quality would be better from an aftermarket item, but I've really go used to the steering wheel controls.

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 14 Jul 2011, 00:18

It is possible.

Most units have a 3.5mm jack on the back for wheel controls. A brand specific patch lead is plugged into this and the other end goes to a control module that is small enough to sit behind the radio. The control module is connected to the main loom through a car specific adapter harness.

Sounds a lot, but it isn't really. Look to pay about £20 for both the patch lead and harness. Don't buy them from Halfords or ICE specialists, they can be found online MUCH cheaper.

Gibbo2286 · Post by **Gibbo2286** » 14 Jul 2011, 08:18

Have you tried here:

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_from=R40 ... Categories

den169 · Post by **den169** » 14 Jul 2011, 16:51

Make sure the car stereo you buy is compatable with the steering controls not all are,Most Sonys are by the way.

lancia58 · Post by **lancia58** » 14 Jul 2011, 20:18

Hi

Try this

http://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/steering ... 7_185.html

I bought one for my Xantia it is plug and play, just make sure that Stereo Patch Lead is compatible with your stereo head unit.

Regards
Zohar

Father Ted · Post by **Father Ted** » 14 Jul 2011, 22:51

Thanks for those links. Am I being ignorant if I ask what a stereo patch lead is?

lancia58 · Post by **lancia58** » 15 Jul 2011, 04:31

The adapter is connected to the steering wheel control keys and to the stereo head unit. The patch lead is the cable that connects the adaptor to the stereo head unit. The patch lead has a jack that plugs onto the head unit string remote control, it should be compatible with the socket of the head unit. You should make sure that the had unit can be controlled via a steering wheel controls. Most Clarion head units have this option. In the following link
http://www.clarion.com/gb/en/products/2 ... 95480.html
look for “OEM Remote control”. Other manufacturers like JVC and Sony have this option on some of their products

Regards
Zohar

Father Ted · Post by **Father Ted** » 15 Jul 2011, 11:24

Thanks for that pointer Zohar. i didn't realise I needed to look out for that.

Therefore, what about this head unit:
http://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/product ... -26566.htm

As an aside how much does it cost to get a head unit coded for my car if I decided to opt for a a replacement secondhand OEM part?

Thanks.

Gibbo2286 · Post by **Gibbo2286** » 15 Jul 2011, 11:36

When I got mine for the Xantia off Ebay the seller had the code for it, it was just a matter of fitting it and entering the code supplied, everything else then worked ok.
If you're buying a used one ask for the code to come with it, if you get one without the code it will cost you anything from a tenner up to get it recoded by a radio supplier. G.

Father Ted · Post by **Father Ted** » 23 Jul 2011, 14:14

Thanks - I've got my eye now on a new head unit. Are there any good diagrams online that I can be pointed to which describe the process of gettign the stereo out of the Xsara - I'm assuming that a sizable portion of the front dash has to be removed to get access?

Thanks.

Father Ted · Post by **Father Ted** » 28 Jul 2011, 11:47

Hi thanks for the help guys - I've ordered the harness and a new stereo.

Would any on here be abel to tell me or point me to instructions as to how to remove and replace the stereo? I know I need to remove the fascia - but how is this done without breaking it or snapping lugs on the fascia itself?

Many thanks,

Post by **RichardW** » 28 Jul 2011, 12:08

Is it a Mk1 or Mk2 Xsara?

Note if it's MK2 then it will be multiplexed and you have to not connect any of the wires except the power and speaker, otherwise all sorts of electrical oddities can occur!

Father Ted · Post by **Father Ted** » 28 Jul 2011, 15:04

It's 2001 so it is the mk2 facelift model.

Post by **RichardW** » 28 Jul 2011, 17:09

Aha! Some info here then when I was considering doing it on my Sister's car:

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=27639

Father Ted · Post by **Father Ted** » 06 Aug 2011, 10:48

OKay got the radio semi installed, but having difficulty locating where the steering wheel connection block should go.

I've been told by the supplier that it goes under the steering wheel column. Does anyone know where exactly this connection block as I'm having difficulty locating it.

There is a ribbon connection located on the steergin wheel beside the wiper stalk - is that it?

Thanks.