Hi,

     just aquired a 2019 Citigo SEL but sadly it wasn't specc'ed with DAB on the head unit. I am trying to work out if the DAB/non DAB head units are the same and it's a coding thing to enable it or if there is a totally different model of head unit. The only model ref I can find for the Skoda head unit is 1ST035871A - and a model name of L69SK2. I believe the model refs vary depending on manufacturer but basically it's the same one in the Up/Mii/Citigo but with different boot logos. If it turns out you can enable DAB via coding then great I can look into that. I am guessing however some sort of aftermarket DAB antenna may be needed (and possibly an signal amplifier?) for it to work. Just wondered if anyone had been able to do as described or by changing the head unit for a different model?  Even better if there's anyone out there who can retrofit it!

 

Any info appreciated.

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I really would have though there's only one configuration of the Facelift radio, especially in an SE L. 

 

The wiring manual suggests one integrated aerial RX5.  Comparing the wires at the back of your radio to the diagram should give you an absolute answer though.

 

Sorry if a stupid question and no insult intended but are you sure you don't have DAB?  I can send pictures of how it's switched between FM/AM and DAB from my facelift radio if that could help

 

Edited 12 October, 20232 yr by maxychat

AFAIK, a dealer might be able to turn it on in software, for cash. I don't think you can do this with home OBD tools, as it's likely to require some encrypted access that they won't have.

thanks for the replies guys. Been away on half term hence the delay in responding. @maxychat - I'm pretty sure my unit is AM/FM only as these are the only options that appear when the 'band' button is pressed and what it cycles through when pressed multiple times. I've not had a chance to remove the radio as yet to confirm any further wiring. @freemansteve - I spoke to a couple of dealers neither of whom had a clue. I suspect you may be right in that the same unit is supplied in the car regardless of DAB (or non DAB) (I believe the unit is made by LG) and that it activated depending on the order placed by the customer. As I understand it the head unit is also coded to the car's ECU and chassis number so won't work in another vehicle without re-coding which would be beyond my knowledge. I have googled extensively to see if anyone out there has any capability to turn the feature on via software but so far have drawn a blank. I would really like to use factory integrated DAB but it may be easier just to install something like a Highway 200 DAB unit via the aux port. Not elegant but should work. I'll keep looking online in the interim as surely there must be someone who knows.

 

thanks again all who took the time to respond.

 

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I've reached out to a couple of VAG retrofitters to see if they have any experience. One thing I noted looking at used head units on ebay though...
I looked at a unit from a 2018 up with a part number of 1S0035869B. Appears to look the same as other Skoda units but the rear appears to have an extra port

 

On the facelift Skoda units I've seen (part number 1ST035871A)

It looks a bit different

 

Wondering if the black port is for the DAB antenna and all the Skoda units I've seen thus far are FM/AM only. 

Confirmed by a VAG retrofitter
"DAB uses a black FAKRA connection. AM/FM uses the white double FAKRA connection. The mustard coloured one is for the USB/Aux if fitted" - so you definitely need that extra port for it to be a DAB unit. 

 

I think I've found the part number for the DAB capable head unit now as well 1ST035869B (Skoda variant).

 

Just waiting to find out two things.

 

1. If I can get the skoda variant of the head unit, could they code it to the car

2. Will it require an external antenna or is that likely already in place

 

I'll let you know if i hear anything back.

 

 

 

On my SE L to go from FM to DAB you push the RADIO button again and it offers you FM or DAB.  I'm sure you already tried that but if you haven't.

 

Edited 24 October, 20232 yr by maxychat

yeh i only get FM or AM. One of the VAG retrofitters checked my VIN/reg and confirmed it's non DAB.  I'm going to source a used DAB head unit from ebay (any brand should work) and take it to a local fitter. We'll try and code it to the car and add an aftermarket antenna for DAB reception. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

 

If it works then I'll at least have integrated DAB reception. Better than some stuck on aftermarket thing.

 

 

Just to advise i managed to source a Skoda branded DAB capable head unit from ebay (1ST 035 869 A)  and found a fitter fairly locally who could do the coding to the car.. Showed anti-theft component protection when first powered on and he had to do some sort of re-auth online to turn this off.  Fitted an after market DAB antenna to the windscreen and now have full DAB as per manufacturer. Antenna install was easy enough. just had to remove pillar trim and side trim from passenger dashboard and could then route DAB cable straight through to where the head unit was located.  Worth the effort in the end.

 Just to resurrect this thread, I’m interested in doing this. 
 

I’ve found radios listed on German eBay with that part number. 
 

they’re for vw ups, I’m guessing there should be no issue in using one of those? I suppose it would say vw on boot up, but I can live with that. 

 

 Do you recall approximate costs of getting the protection removed? Or can anyone recommend anyone in W Yorks / e lancs that can do this?

There is no 'protection' to remove, like a code in the radio, but a change of radio will need it to be enabled in the ECU with software tools.  There is a CANbus data exchange to verify the radio's unique ID is right for a given car.

My 2019 SEL came with DAB enabled, but I recall being told by the dealer that if I bought a different Citigo, DAB could be enabled on that too. I assume it depends on whether the current radio has the DAB socket on the rear for DAB part of the antenna - worth a quick look before buying anything. Not sure if all models have the same antenna though - but I assumed they did, given what I was told by the dealer....

On 06/10/2024 at 19:35, freemansteve said:

There is no 'protection' to remove, like a code in the radio, but a change of radio will need it to be enabled in the ECU with software tools.  There is a CANbus data exchange to verify the radio's unique ID is right for a given car.

My 2019 SEL came with DAB enabled, but I recall being told by the dealer that if I bought a different Citigo, DAB could be enabled on that too. I assume it depends on whether the current radio has the DAB socket on the rear for DAB part of the antenna - worth a quick look before buying anything. Not sure if all models have the same antenna though - but I assumed they did, given what I was told by the dealer....

Good shout thanks, it’s a 2018 facelift colour model, so maybe I’ll get lucky. I’ll check before I buy anything