Just replaced the standard cassette/radio with Pioneer DEH-P77MP. Using the ISO connectors wired as delivered, saved settings are lost whenever I remove the ignition key. Should the 'always on' and 'on-off' power connectors be swapped around?

Also, the standard radio could be switched on again after the ignition key was removed. This doesn't happen with the new unit. Any fixes/suggestions?

Yep,

For some reason VAG switched & permanent 12V are the "wrong way" around.

Adaptors are available, or you can D.I.Y

OK. I checked with a meter first and swapped the cables. The Pioneer manual mentions that some cars require this swap and provides in-line connectors for that purpose. Quite thoughtful of them.

I suppose there is something special about the standard radio to allow it to function without the ignition key. Also, its fascia lights up with the dashboard even when switched off. There is an optional dimmer on the Pioneer that works when its on - but only on the display and not on the controls. It is a well-made unit, though, and has excellent sound quality.

Hi mike,out of interest did you disconnect the blue power antenna wire from the iso connector on the pioneer lead and connect it to a power booster for the aerial cos if you didnt you will find that on the skoda side of the iso there is a permanant live in that pin and if you dont disconnect it usually puts power back down the power antenna wire while the keys out which in turn drains your battery

Look familiar?

The unit does allways light up, not sure if there is a dimmer function, try in the manual. I wired mine up direct with the supplied leads with the unit and swapped the ignition live and permanent live over, all works as it should.

Not sure if you can turn the unit on without he keys in, have you tried holding the button down for long enough?

Also I used a aerial booster and wired it into the blue antenna wire, no battery drain on my car.

Just checked my Blaupunkt LA, and it works with the Keys out

Needs the power button pressing in & out again so try something along those lines...

This cable (blue-white) has an in-line connector, which was not connected in the as-delivered condition. I have no need of it anyway as I use the standard Fabia aerial. But maybe I can do something with this to allow use without the ignition key? In the unlikely event of having an inebriated passenger, it would be illegal to leave the keys in without me being present.

Hi Ross,

Yes, you are right. It lights up with the dashboard lights - but only if the ignition key is in. I hadn't checked that.

The reason for using the aerial booster is that the standard unit has one built in, the Pioneer doesnt.

The reason for using the aerial booster is that the standard unit has one built in, the Pioneer doesnt.

I am a bit confused. I would have expected an aerial booster to be at the aerial end, not at the radio end. If it is in the standard radio, why does it need a separate supply? Are we not confusing aerial boosters with electric (motorised) aerials?

The part you need is a Autoleads PC5-90 and it boosts your signal cos you may find that reception is poor on FM but more so on MW/LW

No were not confusing things.

The standard radio has a signal amp built into it, they use this system rather than an amplified base as it cuts down on wiring to the base in the roof.

The Autoleads booster needs a positive supply.

Here's the confusion. You mentioned a blue cable - presumably on the Skoda side. I mentioned a blue/white cable on the Pioneer side. This is the only one that refers to an aerial. It is described as "To Auto-antenna relay control terminal." It has a connector in the middle which is, by default, not connected. There is a note to this which says:

"The pin position of the ISO connector will differ depends on the type of vehicle. Connect 6* and 7* when Pin 5 is an antenna control type. In another type of vehicle, never connect 6* and 7*." (6. and 7. refer to the connecting ends)

This is therefore a power-out - a 'blip' to trigger the aerial motor. From what you say, I guess the blue on the Skoda side would correspond (or connect to) to this and is a power-in. Hence, it would be wrong to connect them. However, what I don't understand is why the booster needs a separate power-in. Any idea?

Just replaced the standard cassette/radio with Pioneer DEH-P77MP. Using the ISO connectors wired as delivered' date=' saved settings are lost whenever I remove the ignition key. Should the 'always on' and 'on-off' power connectors be swapped around?

Also, the standard radio could be switched on again after the ignition key was removed. This doesn't happen with the new unit. Any fixes/suggestions?[/quote']

My Head unit came with instructions to swap the power for VW cars you should beable to swap the fuses in the new HU loom

Sorry if i confused you but i ment to say blue/white on the pioneer side of the lead and half way down as you say is a bullet connector which should be left seperated,so if you purchase a PC5-90 it just plugs in between the aerial and the radio and has a blue fly lead which should be connected to the blue/white from the radio

OK, now I'm confused!!!

I took delivery of my Octavia tdi today and was going to swap the stock HU tomorrow night with my Pioneer 8400MP, got the metal keys - ready to go!.

Other than the fact that there seems to be precious little space behind the unit for tucking all the cables that dangle from the Pioneer (how easy is it to remove the glove box anyone???), I WAS (past tense) confident of success.

Now I am a tad confused. The blue power cable on the Skoda end of the ISO block - will I end up with a drained battery with this connected or does it simply mean the unit will work with the keys out?

Secondly - is this signal booster a must? Is the normal reception that shody?

Anyone out there just swapped the units and been happy?

many thanks!

OK' date=' now I'm confused!!!

I took delivery of my Octavia tdi today and was going to swap the stock HU tomorrow night with my Pioneer 8400MP, got the metal keys - ready to go!.

Other than the fact that there seems to be precious little space behind the unit for tucking all the cables that dangle from the Pioneer (how easy is it to remove the glove box anyone???), I WAS (past tense) confident of success.

Now I am a tad confused. The blue power cable on the Skoda end of the ISO block - will I end up with a drained battery with this connected or does it simply mean the unit will work with the keys out?

Secondly - is this signal booster a must? Is the normal reception that shody?

Anyone out there just swapped the units and been happy?

many thanks![/quote']

I got confused by some comments saying that there was an aerial booster inside the standard unit and the blue was a 'power in' for it. I think the Pioneer blue/white cable is a 'power out' for electric (i.e. motorised) aerials. I taped over the unconnected ends for safety and ignored it. No problems with signal levels here (Bristol).

The power cables (red and yellow) had to be swapped. No problem here.

There is little room behind the dash. You need to tape your cables together. Get a thin, flat wooden slick (or a plastic ruler) and poke the connecting blocks through the hole on the left as you slide the Pioneer in. Then it slips in a treat.

Mine doesn't work without the car keys, but I'm not too fussed about that.

Mike,

Thanks for that - Confidence renewed! (Especially as I just checked my pioneer and it has a booster similar to the Autoleads PC5-90 already wired into the loom)

My previous car was a VW Polo so my wires are already swapped, looks like I'm good to go for tomorrow!

Did you pull the glove box or work from the front only?

Whilst still connector related, I'm told my pioneer will work with the Skoda autoloader, the connector looks the same at a glance but there is another smaller connector next to it that I do not have a home for on my Pioneer - anyone have any ideas if I need it?

Thanks,

Chris

Chris,

I have a tray unit underneath, which was left in place. It was useful for resting the Pioneer on while I had a poke about with the wooden stick. I worked from the front only. I don't know about the autoloader connectors. I'm still over the moon about being able to play back mp3s and have a dozen CDs compressed onto one CD! Who needs auto changers?

I like the look of that unit, cheapest place I found it upto now is here

http://www.letsbuycaraudio.com/main/product/152/1/1288

Maverick - Afraid I couldn't tell you!

I can tell you that the 60seconds it takes to remove the glove box (3 screws top, 2 bottom, disconnect glovebox light) is well worth the effort and makes the install pretty easy.

Now all I need to do is find the vibrating noise around the center console someplace that is still there after replacing the stereo (I had the cassette door down as the culprit!).

Anyone with any tips on locating such noises?

The Pioneer has def. lifted what was a very plain sound with the stock unit considerably. I may not bother swapping out the speakers (well maybe just the rears) - which is just as well as I have no cash after buying the car in the 1st place.