Help, I want to listen to CD's

[BCBug]

I was wondering if anyone out there can help me. I have a 2001 NB and it only has a stock cassette deck that has CD capability. Do I only need the stock changer to be able to listen to CD's or is there more to the install than that? I have heard of nightmarish stories regarding after market installs is this true? I would appreciate any advice. Thanks

[LadybugEwa]

After market changer won't work. Stock one will be plug-and-play.

[beej]

Stock changers are cheap enough to get too, just ask in the classified section.

[Beetlemania]

I have a stock changer and mount, I think that's all you'd need.

I don't know the going rate. I could let it go for $100 plus shipping.

Let me know what you think!

[NB dad]

Hi, I know this is kind of an old thread, but I don't want to lock up the radio in my daughter's recently acquired '01 New Beetle. . .

Is a factory cd changer really plug and play? I do not have the radio code, the owner's manual in the glove box has a different VIN on it, so don't want to trust the radio code that is there as well.

Is there a way to find out what the code is without tearing things apart?

Thanks for all your help.

[Luv My 02 TDI]

Open the trunk pull up floor covering the spare tire. Dig around the left side as your leaning in you will find a wire harness. That's the CD changer harness. It should already be connected in the back of your radio.

Here is an idea of what it looks like.

More info

[hestersu]

One thing to note about the New Beetle FAQ linked in the previous post. It is way out of date. You can now by a brand new radio from www.1stvwparts.com for less than $75 and it comes with the code. The radio is simple to remove and replace.

There are several CD changers for sale in the parts and accessories forum. Find one that has the bracket and all of the screws. The changer takes all of 15 minutes to install and does not require a VAG-COM or resetting your radio.

The basic trick is turn off your radio and car and remove the key from the ignition.

Mount the bracket in the trunk (pull back the carpet to reveal the pre-existing holes for the screws, poke holes in the carpet to accommodate the bracket).

Mount the changer in the bracket.

Plug the changer into the pre-existing wiring on the left side of the trunk. Note - if you have an 03 that was intended to have the changer mounted in the center console, these instructions will not work without running wiring from the console to the rear. It can be done but I do not know where to get the cable to do it. Check with Crutchfield - they might.

Now that the changer is mounted, place a CD in the cartridge and insert into the changer.

Insert the key and start the car. Turn on the radio and push the CD button. It should address the changer and load the disc. If you get an error, fear not, most likely, the CD needs to be turned over. Try again.

Enjoy your tunes.

[NB dad]

Cable was easy to find, it's behind a plastic cover on the left rear wheel well, not anywhere near, nor in the spare tire well. Found an inexpensive used cd player with all the hardware, but was afraid to just plug it in.

Thanks for all the info, you've given me the confidence to give it a try. Right now pushing the CD button without the cd player, says no cd found. I guess if everything locks up, I'll figger out how to get the code!

[kaiser]

if you need a code let me know, i can get it for you.

[NB dad]

Cool! Love this place, everyone is so helpful!

[mernst]

Everytime I put a cd in my changer it keeps display CD err so is my changer bad???
if so could I go to ebay and get a 2000 or 2001 changer and plug and play with no codes???

[hestersu]

Yes you could. Doesn't have to be for a 2000 or 2001. As long as it is the trunk mounted version, it should work for you.

[mernst]

thanks