1998 New Beetle, Non-Monsoon Head Unit

[mistermcbrit]

Hi all. I've been scouring these forums for a couple of hours now and found lots of conflicting information. So, I would like some clarification from either experienced (did it yourself) or knowledgeable VW folks.

My sister took her frustrations out on my car and punched my radio, cracking the faceplate, dislocating the "STOP/EJECT" button and basically making every button non-functional except for power, the bass button and the rotating knob for volume.

Finally, this morning, I went to turn on my radio and I got the "SAFE" code. I can't enter in the code, because all the number buttons are broken...so, I'm out of luck.

I've seen a couple of adverts for Monsoon Cassette Decks and there are claims they are backwards compatible with the '98. What's the story? Are they, aren't they? Can I just swap it in an out like on the numerous YouTube videos I've seen?

Please let me know, as I have a rather long daily commute and I miss my tunes!

[mistermcbrit]

bump?

[dmbluebeetle]

You are best off to go with an aftermarket radio, there are too many differences between the radio you have and a Monsoon radio.

[SMG]

I think it's time for your sister to go out radio shopping for you.

[dmbluebeetle]

I agree with SMG.....I'm thinking "top of the line"...."spare no expense"

[mistermcbrit]

I'm not a radio nut, I just want something to keep me from screaming while I commute and ride around town. I never really turn my radio up loud. Will the monsoon system work if I plug it in an enter in the code?

I don't care about bumping beats etc. just something to pass the time.

[Smileybug]

I'm pretty sure there are other components to the monsoon system so a head-unit isn't going to make it monsoon. I think there is an amp with it.

Go aftermarket. You can get something for pretty cheap that will work just fine. You can also get something thats a CD player. Mine is a Sony HU and it has blue and red lighting that matches the interior. Its I guess 3-4 years old now and still works great. Simple but looks nice.

[Kevmo]

Hello mistermcbrit,

Sorry to hear about your radio woes, I had a similar issue, but mine was self-inflicted... buttons were stuck and after pushing way to hard I cracked the face plate of the o.e.m. non-Monsoon H.U. in my 99.

I just bought a new Monsoon H.U. from ECS (they have a recent post in this thread) and just got it installed a few days ago and then got it coded this weekend for free at Dirrito Bros. VW in Walnut Creek (props to Ricky in service) and it works great despite many doubts expressed here and elsewhere as to a non-Monsoon to Monsoon H.U. swap. Sounds identical to the stock H.U. and looks way better. It does not have a changer, but a few years back I found someone at work who sold me their's for $110, but I use it less and less as I mostly play my iPod or iPhone via a Belkin cassette adapter. Sounds plenty good to my burnt out 50 year old ears. Good luck.
p.s. I really like the fact that I did not have to do any mods to the dash or the wiring in the car!

[macdave]

Both head units are identical. One just has the monsoon logo on it to indicate that the car has a monsoon system. Either one will work the same.