New Stereo

[CJMC]

Apologies in advance if this has been asked a hundred times, i have been searching the forums read loads and loads of topics and have well and truly confused myself!

I recently bought a Kenwood 7018DABS to go in the old girl.  I don't have steering wheel buttons, or the station on the dash (or not that i have noticed).  Would I need a canbus still to eliminate battery drain? if so i understand the last letter needs to be after L? also what kits would you advise to try and make it as close to plug and play as possible? I'm pretty handy under the bonnet but when it comes to electrics I am absolutely useless!

Thanks!

[shail]

I have a Kenwood headubit, it's been in for 4 years.  I also don't have steering control etc.. but I used a Connects2 CTSVW002.2 adapter, with the Kenwood patch lead. 

This is for retaining steering controls, but also get around battery drain issue (it did for me), and was cheaper and less hassle than updating the canbus with the benefit of it also being a harness for plug and play headubit install.

[CJMC]

thanks for the reply - this one?
http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/ctsvw002-2-can-bus-steering-control-adaptor

so if i get that its pretty much plug and play? did you need to get a new cage, surround etc?

[shail]

Should be plug and play from memory.  Just remember to get the right Kenwood patch lead.

VW wiring plug fits into large connector, Kenwood wiring fits to smaller plug and patch lead goes from connects 2 box to headunit.

You'll need a fasica too. 

[CJMC]

perfect! exactly what i was looking for.... very much appreciated, will get all those bits on order now.

[CJMC]

Should be plug and play from memory.  Just remember to get the right Kenwood patch lead.

VW wiring plug fits into large connector, Kenwood wiring fits to smaller plug and patch lead goes from connects 2 box to headunit.

You'll need a fasica too.

Hi mate - this looks like everything i need? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CT24VW09-Car-Stereo-Single-Double-Din-Fascia-Stalk-Fitting-Kit-for-Volkswagen/402270652094?hash=item5da93306be:g:~P4AAOSwLiBex7hf

@shail

[shail]

Try and get the kit with the different fascia.  The one in your link has a rectangular insert into the bit of the fascia you screw in.   I've had one and it doesn't look as nice as this one :Connects2 CTKVW01 kit.  With the ctkvw01 kit the part of the fascia which clips to the outside is one piece and looks much better.

[shail]

And when you fit it be prepared for making adjustments so the headunit isn't too car in or out of the hole.  The metal plates on the cage allow for adjustment.  I never got mine 100% but it's close enough.

You might also need a dab aerial if your kenwood has it.  I bought a cheap one that sticks into the windscreen.  Depending on reception in your area you may get away with it under the air vent on top of the dash.

[CJMC]

Brilliant, really appreciate all of your help... so if I get this kit I am good to go? https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/ctkvw01-vw-scirocco-tiguan-touran-transporter-double-din-car-stereo-fitting-kit.html (guess just need to make sure that the patch lead works with Kenwood)

Makes sense re: adjustment.. I have a dab ariel as you mentioned, plan was on the windscreen saw a few threads about top left seems to be a good spot ...

Cheers bud.

[shail]

Yes, that's the one.  Just noticed that the FM Fakra aerial harness in that kit is a single one.  My car had 2.  Look up 'dual Fakra aerial'.  Not sure what difference it makes though - I only listen to dab.

[CJMC]

perfect - again thanks for your help bud been a lifesaver!

[CJMC]

Thanks for all your help @shail ... got it in, need to earth it apparently for android auto, and the dab doesn't work but i bought a cheap one off eBay about 2 years ago so confident its that! need to adjust like you mentioned, thought i nailed it but its out by a few mm.... looks 1000x better...


https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/i/cjmc/IMG_20200613_105728.jpg

(cant seem to get the pic to load up in here)

[shail]

No worries.  Looks good, although the fascia looks like it's sticking out a bit.  Mine sits flush with the surrounding plastics. 

[CJMC]

yep! - that's the adjustment I need to do, thought I nailed it but it just needs that extra bit of tinkering... hard part is done now anyway!

[TyColl]

I’m also looking at this stereo, couple of quick questions:

Im assuming that kit also helps stop the battery drain? I have a 57 plate so not sure its an issue.

Are you able to turn it on and off without ignition?

AND most importantly... is the sound quality a lot better than the standard rubbish old thing? Haha

Cheers!!