Fitting new radio?

[JamesJG]

Hi guys, just had a few questions.
Picked up my new FR 2.0TDi, stupidly fast compared to my old 1.6TDi!!

Opted to go without the iPod connection as it really wasn't that good, kept having issues which were annoying. I didn't, however, realise that I'd have no USB or AUX input to the radio which is a bummer.

I've done a little bit of research which has led me to believe that I'm pretty much stuffed, and my only options are basically:

1) Get an FM transmitter.
2) Get a new radio.

So, opting for option 2 (I hate FM transmitters), I need a new single or double fascia (probably single, judging by the price of these double din radios!), and of course the radio itself, with iPod connectivity (and making sure it comes with the iPod cable as plenty don't )...

So for the question - will I still be able to use the steering wheel controls with an aftermarket radio? If not, do I need to buy something else to make it work?

If there's no possibility of getting the steering wheel controls to work then I might as well save the money and get a FM transmitter.

Edit: Looking at this radio - http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine-ida-x301rr.html - by the sounds of it, everything should work out of the box (just need the fascia!)

 

[Seat-Ibiza-jake]

Alright,

My mate did this on a 1.6 Citroen C2 VTR, the flappy paddle one. (ages ago)

nasty nasty nasty gear box in a nasty car can I just say.

but yeah mate, he had to run some wires and stuff' so that he could use the stalk coming off the steering colum to use the radio, I think he gave up in the end like...

sorry about the lack of technical knowledge.... someone will be more than likely able to answer your question more in depth, maybe I'm wrong! who knows!!!

 

[nightflight]

You'll need a connects2 interface to get the OEM control stalk working with an aftermarket headunit.
Can't remember the exact model of connects2 you need, but a quick search will pull it up as one or two others have odne similar.

You should have an AUX in though,in that panel of buttons tha the hazard lights switch is in, right hand side, row nearest the gearstick, the corner "button" is a flap which lifts to reveal the aux in socket.

 

[jaybro187]

yea ive got a double din fitted and you need a power loom with a patch wire included i got mine for audio seller on ebay you are looking for about 40 quid for the cable but worth it as i bought a non one for a tenner then decided i wanted controls back so waste of money

 

[JamesJG]

Okay... so am I right in thinking that I need...
http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/con-ct24st09-ct24st09-facia-plate-for-seat-ibiza-2008andgt;.html (facsia plate)
http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine-ida-x301rr.html (radio)
http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/ctsst001-can-bus-steering-control-adaptor.html (can-bus steering adapter)
http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/connects2-can-bus-alpine-adaptor.html (alpine adapter)

And that should be it, yes?

 

[jaybro187]

yes yes yes and yes

personally id spend a little bit more and get a double din like mine, i have bluetooth for phone and sat nav, also if you search the wiring loom on ebay you can get the patch cable for free on most sellers instead of paying 2,99

 

[JamesJG]

Odd experience - purchased a sterio AUX lead from Maplins... the sound quality is horrendous. Even if you change the sound level settings between 1 and 3 it's still really bad, no matter what the volume is set at on the iPod or radio. Might be the lead I suppose but I'm glad I can at least return it. :/