Replacing RCD310 with SPH-DA120

[CHR15B]

I've ordered a Pioneer CarPlay unit to replace my factory fit RCD310. I've been looking for guidance on what I need to fit it to my car but find lots of conflicting information considering the different units fitted to the MK2 throughout it's lifetime.

Can I check what I'll need to fit this to my car?

Connects2 Adapter - Not sure which one?
Antenna Adapter - Any particular model?
Do I need a fascia, is the RCD310 already a standard Double Din?

Appreciate the advice and help in advance.

 

[DavieTDI]

CTSST001.2 Pioneer Steering Control Adaptor For Seat Altea Ibiza Leon Toledo

Thats the one i got for fitting the same unit

Oh and its bugger to get it to all fit. the extra harnes makes it stupid tight in the back so good luck.
i spent 2 hours at it and when i finaly thought it wasd all in and working, the steering control wire fell out and had to pull it all again. I would never do it ever again

 

[Jimbobcook]

Nothing like some good support there @DavieTDI i'm sure @CHR15B is looking forward to it haha

 

[CHR15B]

I've had my fair share of challenges fitting an aftermarket radio - should take a look at the process for an 8th Gen Civic. I'm not too worried about this one, just difficult finding information on the parts required.

Is this the correct wiring harness I need?

Do I need a fascia and a cage too? The unit comes with a cage but do I need anything else?

 

[DavieTDI]

thats all ya need. old face should work if double din already. Oh and the radio addapter "Autoleads PC5-137 - Seat Ibiza, Leon, Toledo Amplified DIN Aerial Adaptor"

 

[CHR15B]

Lovely, thanks - I'll get those ordered.

I'll order a nicer lightning cable for it - out of curiosity where did you route the cable through the dashboard?

 

[DavieTDI]

i dont have anything but USB working. its just to bloody tight for all the cables. dont let me put you off as am sure it can be done. you only have the spot to the left and right to run cables and then you have to site that stupid harnes in the left spot and hope it dont move which it will when you put the unit in. i would run all your cables first and try get the harnes adapter ti then sit in that hole and try get your head unit in after that. get someone to help as you will need more than one pair of hands

 

[DavieTDI]

If you look at the back of your old unit on its left. that plug would sit happy in that spot. but now you will have an extra plug and more wires to fit in that spot. cable ties and patience is key. if you can remove the climate control then a think that wouold make it much more easy

 

[CHR15B]

Cheers Davie - I'll do that.

 

[CHR15B]

Removed the original radio and realised I needed a fascia - grabbed this one which fits well. I can already see this is going to be a tight fit!

I've noticed that the antenna connection into the OEM headunit has two pins (Photo here) and the adapter I've bought only has one pin - should I just connect the one or do I need to source a two pin connector?

 

[DavieTDI]

Yer will need the one for that as a forgot my one was the old style head unit that i removed. It is tight but lookfor a vid on the tube and it will show ya the best way to do it right. i just didn't have time and it was pissing down

 

[The_Saint]

I was struggling for space with an Xtrons unit so with the heater control panel out I carefully cut away any unnecessary plastic from the back of the space for the head unit with a Dremel, made a big difference

 

[CHR15B]

So I actually decided not to install this - I connected it to the car and had a play around but found the radio quality was really poor (I did have the blue cable connected), Spotify didn't work great on CarPlay and the radio took some time to come on.

Instead I picked up an "RCD330 Plus" which was a lot cheaper and has worked flawlessly. It comes on instantly, the buttons match the rest of the interior illumination, radio sounds great and CarPlay works perfect. My only challenge getting it to fit was a part of the casing covering the SD Card Reader. For anyone interested in installing one - full details are on my blog. https://www.chrisbryson.me.uk/fitting-vw-rcd330plus-to-seat-leon-mk2/

 

[densil]

Great post! Thank you for the detailed review.

I too purchased this headunit and it's far superior to my old RNS510 due to the CarPlay. I installed it in to a pre FL Leon and had to purchase a "simulator" so as to allow the older 8 button steering wheel controls to operate. For anyone interested, I purchased the following from aliexpress and it works like a dream. Cheers.

https://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/0.html?orderId=98753607287675&productId=32888260904