Hi all,

 

Seems like the CD player on my OEM head unit has given up the ghost. So I'm looking to replace it with a single DIN Alpine unit.

 

I've read through other posts where the author has stated issues with drained batteries, switched lives becoming seemingly permanent etc, and just wondered if there's anything I need to know before I order the new unit. In my mind, and having fitted a ton of aftermarket head units in older vehicles in the past, it should just be a plug and play scenario. But I fear it won't be that simple!

 

For reference, my car is a 2006 model with no stalk/wheel controls for the stereo. It's also had the CANBUS Controller replaced within the last few months. Not sure if that makes a difference.

 

Thanks in advance!

If the canbus module edit: "can gateway" edition is a late edition one, then the issue will be resolved already. Was a second hand one fitted, do you know the revision?

 

You may need to scan or read the revision off the module and compare to some postings from a few years ago that specify the cut over for can bus gateway modules that solved the issues, sorry I can't remember off the top of my head. Certainly for factory unit upgrades, say going to the RCD510 from the RCD300, 2006 mfr cars were affected in absence of a can bus module edit: upgrade.

Edited 14 August, 20232 yr by TheClient

Thank you.

 

The gateway fitted was a brand new one. I don't know which revision, unfortunately. I'd only be able to provide a part number here, which I suspect is unlikely to be of any use. 🤔

16 minutes ago, Jim_bobs said:

Thank you.

 

The gateway fitted was a brand new one. I don't know which revision, unfortunately. I'd only be able to provide a part number here, which I suspect is unlikely to be of any use. 🤔

If you have the full part no with the suffix that can be tied back.  For example, I know 1K0907530AD was an updated revision that worked, as I bought one and checked my emails for the part number. Earlie versions for example C,D had battery drain but without some trawling I can't remember the exact transition...  If you know your full part number I'll try and cross check or do some googling yourself if you feel lucky!  Around 2008 was the cutover, so as long as the new gateway was after 2008....

23 minutes ago, TheClient said:

If you have the full part no with the suffix that can be tied back.  For example, I know 1K0907530AD was an updated revision that worked, as I bought one and checked my emails for the part number. Earlie versions for example C,D had battery drain but without some trawling I can't remember the exact transition...  If you know your full part number I'll try and cross check or do some googling yourself if you feel lucky!  Around 2008 was the cutover, so as long as the new gateway was after 2008....

Thanks for your help with this.

 

The part number I have is 7N0907530AKZ00.

Yeah, that the Skoda part number format, what I have was VW, but they were interchangeable parts. Not sure why they use different part numbers on some items but keep vw on others.  Anyways.... On VW can gateway, I found out over revision L in 2008 was the cutover.  Your newish skoda gateway is bound to be ok I would say.

Ps as it happens I have recently got a VW golf mk5 as a second car and have thought about possibly splashing something for a head unit. I don't want to spend much. One options that was fairly well regarded 5 plus years ago was the RNS315 as it came with satnav, bluetooth and usually dab. But by todays expectations, the screen is small and the sat nav will be probably slow and mapping old (without an updated card if available) and it won't support expectations like Android auto or Apple play.

 

Still if I can find some £££ it would probably do me for bluetooth and handsfree and mp3 playability... Out of interest how much is the alpine unit. Is there trim to support the single din? From recall there was skoda single din trim available with a cubby hole but not sure how readily available it is now!!

Edited 14 August, 20232 yr by TheClient

13 hours ago, TheClient said:

On VW can gateway, I found out over revision L in 2008 was the cutover.  Your newish skoda gateway is bound to be ok I would say.

OK, thank you. What was the issue relating to the gateway anyway, in terms of switching out a head unit?

 

13 hours ago, TheClient said:

Ps as it happens I have recently got a VW golf mk5 as a second car and have thought about possibly splashing something for a head unit. I don't want to spend much. One options that was fairly well regarded 5 plus years ago was the RNS315 as it came with satnav, bluetooth and usually dab. But by todays expectations, the screen is small and the sat nav will be probably slow and mapping old (without an updated card if available) and it won't support expectations like Android auto or Apple play.

 

Still if I can find some £££ it would probably do me for bluetooth and handsfree and mp3 playability... Out of interest how much is the alpine unit. Is there trim to support the single din? From recall there was skoda single din trim available with a cubby hole but not sure how readily available it is now!!

The Alpine unit I was looking at is £150. It has DAB and a USB port, which are the only two features I'm interested in. As a bonus, it has Bluetooth with hands free, and user selectable RGB lighting. It looks a bit dated, but I'm not bothered about that. https://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine-ute-204dab-mechless-dab-car-stereo-radio-bluetooth-mp3-flac-usb-aux

 

The same store also sells the DIN adaptor kits.

12 minutes ago, Jim_bobs said:

OK, thank you. What was the issue relating to the gateway anyway, in terms of switching out a head unit?

I'm not sure what the technical reason was, but using later model oem entertainment units or most aftermarket ent units using can bus resulted in the entainment unit staying active and nit shutting down. This meant flat batteries when you went to drive off. The later revision gateways resolved this.  

41 minutes ago, TheClient said:

I'm not sure what the technical reason was, but using later model oem entertainment units or most aftermarket ent units using can bus resulted in the entainment unit staying active and nit shutting down. This meant flat batteries when you went to drive off. The later revision gateways resolved this.  

Ah, ok. That ties in with other posts I read about battery issues after fitting different head units.

 

I think I'll go ahead and order the unit anyway. I guess I'll soon know if it causes any issues! 😄

UPDATE:

 

Received and installed successfully. I had to route an ignition switched live from the fusebox, but that generally comes with the territory of installing electronic stuff.

 

Other than that, all is good. This head unit has also allowed me to remove the dedicated DAB receiver I was using, as well as remove the hideous and bulky CD wallet from the glove box. All my entertainment is now coming through either DAB or USB.

 

I haven't even bothered setting up the Bluetooth yet. There's a slight gap above the replacement surround, but I can live with that.

 

I'm a happy bunny!