Monsoon in a non-monsoon car?

[sammeh]

Hi guys!
So my radio is perfectly fine, besides the fact that the '3' button doesn't work. I had to remove my center console, so of course I now can't reprogram my radio to work in my car.

I can't find any non-monsoon radios for less than like $90, and those are USED ones. So my question is, will a monsoon unit (cassette player, not CD) work in my car? I know it obviously won't sound as good as it could without the monsoon capabilities, but is it possible that it will work?

The ports in the back look exactly the same so I'm not sure why it couldn't

Oh and if I buy a CD player, will any year's unit fit in my car? I have a 2001, and I'm looking at a 2005 CD player. A CD player will work, even if I used to have a cassette unit, right?

Thanks in advance for any help Oh and if someone has a fully functional non-monsoon unit for a somewhat decent price, let me know!

[daisybug2002]

I have one away in a back closet. Would I need to give you a code for that to work?

[sammeh]

A non-monsoon? CD or cassette? I think I would be able to call VW and get the code.

[daisybug2002]

Ooh I believe it's monsoon. Cassette. Worked great no scratches. Came out of a 2002 beetle GL

[sammeh]

I'll consider it, but I think I have to have a non-monsoon. If I find out, I'll let you know!

[HarlequinPixie]

monsoon ones are meant to work with an external amplifier, so unless you're planning to add one of those as well, a monsoon one won't really work in a non-monsoon car. all in all, must cheaper and easier to replace it in kind.

I assume your code has a 3 in it, huh? bummer.

[pfeifervw]

It makes no difference at all whether or not you use a monsoon head unit...they are identical. The only thing thats different is the amplifier/signal processor in the trunk by the spare tire. In cars where this is installed, you code it differently with a scantool (vag-com/vcds). I have the chart from VW on coding New beetle radios...I'll try and find it.

[dmbluebeetle]

New Beetle Non Monsoon Cassette radio uses 06403 w/CD changer and 06401 w/o CD changer. If you don't have access to a Vag-com scan tool you will have to take it to a dealer and have them recode it.

From what I've seen of the 2005 CD radio pictures on eBay, it should plug right in.