Stock Radio Replacement Suggestions 2

[bsvwoc@msn.com]

Thanks for the three replys to my first thread, in checking out my options for a new radio I was told by a VW dealer the Pioneer radio would work in my car, however next time they need to diagnose anything with the stock radio removed they will not be able to get a reading?
Is this true!

Thanks Again!

[zappa26]

Could be. I bought my NB in June and it came with the airbag light on. I put the Kenwood KDC-MP205 in myself in July and had no problems with it at all. Then in August I took it to the dealer to have the SRS light diagnosed. They tried but said they couldn't get anything, and needed me to come down and remove the radio. So I went down there and just unplugged the wiring harness and they were able to get the problem code for the airbag light.

I asked them multiple times what the airbag light diagnosis system had to do with the radio wiring harness ... they didn't really have an answer, but whatever.

So, as an answer to your question, yes, you will probably need to pull out and unplug your radio next time you need a code reading done.

[OldSkoolVWLover]

It's BS.... you need a new dealership.

The reason some places will say things like that is because potentially and incorrectly installed radio can put power to the OBD diagnostic port. Most newer diagnostic computers that connect to modern cars have a fuse to keep an incorrectly installed stereo from frying out the computer (or smog machine). Not sure if VW is using diagnostic computers that are still at risk but our dealership and the local VW mechanic we use hasn't said anything about either of the newer cars, both of which have aftermarket stereos.

In the end your dealership is giving you incomplete information and advice. The radio has nothing to do with their actual ability to diagnose a problem..... I have had my vert scanned with aftermarket alarm, radio (including subs and amp); only thing they ever said to me was asking if any of the wiring was new and could be causing the problem (they were diagnosing and fixing a gauge cluster under warranty).

BTW, I wouldn't go to a dealer for advice on aftermarket audio products.

[zeusenergy]

Originally Posted by OldSkoolVWLover

It's BS.... you need a new dealership.

The reason some places will say things like that is because potentially and incorrectly installed radio can put power to the OBD diagnostic port. Most newer diagnostic computers that connect to modern cars have a fuse to keep an incorrectly installed stereo from frying out the computer (or smog machine).

This is the K-WIRE fiasco documented all over the net. The stereo wiring harness has a single wire that allows for reading throught the diag port and allows VW techs to set things like whether or not there is a cd-changer installed. This wire can be incorrectly attached at the aftermarket connection harnesses available online. It only needs to be cut and taped up for everything to work properly. Search Google for k-wire stereo and you should find plenty of resources for fixing the issue.

[OldSkoolVWLover]

Originally Posted by zeusenergy

This is the K-WIRE fiasco documented all over the net. The stereo wiring harness has a single wire that allows for reading throught the diag port and allows VW techs to set things like whether or not there is a cd-changer installed. This wire can be incorrectly attached at the aftermarket connection harnesses available online. It only needs to be cut and taped up for everything to work properly. Search Google for k-wire stereo and you should find plenty of resources for fixing the issue.

Just to clarify, in MOST harnesses this wire isn't there..... at least all the harnesses I have used, including cheap (cost not quality) ebay harnesses.

[zeusenergy]

Originally Posted by OldSkoolVWLover

Just to clarify, in MOST harnesses this wire isn't there..... at least all the harnesses I have used, including cheap (cost not quality) ebay harnesses.

IC.
Maybe most of the bruhaha is over certain "installers" just taping the connections together.....

[njmikeb]

The Pioneer DEHP7900BT FITS NICELY.

Pioneer Car In-Dash CD/MP3/WMA/WAV/iTunes AAC Receiver with Bluetooth Wireless Technology.
These days that headunit is less than $300.00 US.