whats the blue plug for?

[mrathell]

I'm changing the factory radion in my 99 beetle to an aftermarket using a aftermarket wiring harness. The original radio is an am/fm cassette with no bells or whistles.

When I took out the old radio there were three plugs, one of the three plugs was a small bue plug. What is that plug for. The radio works without using that plug but I'm sure it had a purpose. The aftermarket wiring harness did not allow the option to plug the blue wire into it.

I was wondering if the blue wire was for a built in amp because the bass seems to be no where as good with the aftermarket radio.

I case it matters:
1) I had to switch some wires around because the wires on the wiring harness didn't match up with the wiring layout in the car.

2) This Beetle was assembled in Mexico.

[Audiomechanic]

Optional 6-disc CD changer in the back.

[mrathell]

But what about the loss of bass? Is it possible that the factory wiring is screwed up given the power wire wasn't in the correct place? Is it possible the positiveand negative was reversed at the factory in mexico?

[Supercharged98]

The Monsoon radios are the only one with the amps. The basic radio only uses deck power. Maybe the new radio has less wattage than the factory radio.
What radio did you buy?

[charmingtrouble]

Originally Posted by mrathell

I'm changing the factory radion in my 99 beetle to an aftermarket using a aftermarket wiring harness. The original radio is an am/fm cassette with no bells

do you have the code for the stock radio/is it still fully functional? And if you do would you be willing to sell it? I'd buy if for $30 plus $11 to have it shipped in a flat rate priority mail box

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by mrathell

I case it matters:

2) This Beetle was assembled in Mexico.

FYI - AFAIK, all Beetles are/well, were assembled in Mexico, most came through the Port, via ship, here in Houston. Beetle production of air-cooled continued for many years in Mexico, long after sales of same ended here in the US. Sales here ended because the air-cooleds could not meet stringent Federal crash requirements. And as AFAIK, VW facilitated the use of the same plant.

MORAV

[Tico4Life]

What kind of HU did you pit in the NB now? If it is a decent one, based on my past experience the audio should have notoriously improved. I have replaced many OEM radios with Pioneer and Kenwood HU's in the past and I always thought the audio improved a lot. Did you equalize the new HU yet? I don't know what kind of power does the monsoon amp throw but most head units now a days put out at least 15 watts RMS and that hould move the base in your factory speakers with no problem. How many speakers do you have in your car? Are they also Original or after market?

The only reason why I don't want to replace my HU is looks, I am willing to sacrifice sound quality (note I said quality not volume) to keep the factory interior look.

[Tico4Life]

Originally Posted by mrathell

I case it matters:
1) I had to switch some wires around because the wires on the wiring harness didn't match up with the wiring layout in the car.

2) This Beetle was assembled in Mexico.

1) I'd dare to say it does depending on what was switched and how it was done. Polarity maybe? Are all existing speakers working after the radio swap?

2)As morav said it does not matter, they're all Mesicans Todos los buggos son el Mexicano

Blue plug has nothing to do with audio quality, CD changer control only as stated above too

[charmingtrouble]

Originally Posted by charmingtrouble

do you have the code for the stock radio/is it still fully functional? And if you do would you be willing to sell it? I'd buy if for $30 plus $11 to have it shipped in a flat rate priority mail box

Oops, I forgot to mention that I'm just looking into buying a new radio, I'm waiting for a iPod adapter to come in a few weeks and if it doesn't work then I'll want to buy for sure, but right now I'm at a maybe

I'm sorry if I'm causing confusion