Hey guys,

I'm ready to buy some audio upgrades for my 2004, but I have read different input on what happens to the screen and the steering wheel controls (SWC) when you swap out the head unit. I am doing speakers & amps also, but thats all straight forward.

I currently have the Non-navigation bose setup. When I take out the CD changer I will lose the steering wheel controls. Also I believe I will lose radio info on the factory screen. I cannot confirm this, if you know please tell me.

So to restore the lost functionality I THINK this is whats needed - please confirm or give me your feedback so that I have some confidence before I buy...

This SWI-JACK unit from PAC
http://www.pac-audio.com/products/pr...rface#SWI-JACK
Allows me to restore the SWC to the Alpine unit Im planning on buying.

For the screen, do I have to keep the original head unit stashed behind the aftermarket one? Or will the Alpine interface to the factory system in a way that will still display the RDS, frequency, volume and all that.

Any feedback specific to the 04 or other models with the same setup would be appreciated. I just dont want to lose any information or functionality unexpectedly.

 

Thats the right steering wheel adaptor.

 

Do I still have to keep the stock head unit for screen controls?

 

you'll lose the radio display area on the info screen, but everthing else will still be displayed. the steering wheel controls won't work either without an adapter.

 

Thanks man.

Does keeping the stock unit hidden away gain me anything?

 

Not at all. The stock unit will only display radio station info and CD info when playing.

 

Then why do people do it? Or is that only for later year models?

 

Also, here's the setup Im looking at, and have budgeted.

Alpine CDA-9886 CD Receiver (although I am considering the KenwoodDC-X492


5 channel Alpine PDX-5


A single JL 12W1 in a custom Box molded to the side of my trunk


Front and Rear JL speakers:




And also the PAC SWI-JACK to keep my Steering Wheel Controls functional. Gonna shop around for the speakers, but I think getting the head unit from Crutchfield is a good idea cause then I get the harness and trim piece etc etc...

Feel free to comment.

 

Wow!! You love you some JL Audio huh? Good idea with the 5 channel amp. 1 amp to power everything=less wiring, among other things. I don't know about the front and rear door speakers. To my knowledge, I've never heard the JL components or coaxial speakers so I can't comment on them. I've heard the W1 and it all depends on what you want. Good luck with your project!! Hope all goes well.

 

Did you wind up getting the new head unit, and if so any pics?

 

I think Im settled on the Alpine, but Im just having commitment phobia I want to call Crutchfield and speak with them about how the iPod hooks up and where I stash it or whatever.

I will post pics, dont worry!

 

Well I changed my mind on the head unit, but everything is getting installed this weekend.

I thought there was too much wasted display area on the Alpine, with 2-3 ways of telling you which source you're using and only a 2 line display.

So I bought this Pioneer DEH-P6000 which has graphics that you can turn on or off completely.




PS - if anyone wants to know, my experiences with onlinecarstereo.com and Crutchfield were both excellent.

I'll update with more pics in a few days.

 

Good choice on Crutchfield, not so good for onlinecarstereo ...

 

Oh the irony on my screen/.org ad right now



Agreed though.

 

Damn bud, you still get ads?

 

Regarding Onlinecarstereo.com I read a pretty mixed bag of reviews about them, so I called before purchasing to verify stock on the Alpine Amp. I then bought it on their site and saved $120 - it was on my door 3 days later.

Then, when crutchfield didnt have the rear speakers I called OCS back and they again confirmed stock, I ordered online and they were on my door 3 days later, saving me about $50 from Crutchfield's price.

Back in the day I bought from them for my Z24 Cavalier, and didnt have any problems.

Im not here to advertise for them, just to point out that with care they can be a reliable vendor. I would definitely recommend Crutchfield for the head unit at a minimum because you get all the literature and installation materials. For the front speakers, I needed some special brackets to ensure they fit properly, the rep told me to drop his name on my online order and they were free.

System sounds good, still tuning it though so stay tuned for a full report

 

Its not about whether or not the product gets to you, it is about the fact that they have no right selling/shipping it to begin with. Neither of the products you bought have any sort of a manufacturers warranty.

 

I agree with you in theory, I really do. That's why I bought the majority of the stuff at Crutchfield. But when it's your $2,000 you can decide how 'pure' to be. I had to make a judgment call, and based on the results I am glad I did.

Here's a of shot of the box in progress (Before the carpet)


more to come...

 

Finished Box




I promise to try and take some good pics and get them posted!

 

looks good. where did you put the amp?

 

Mounted it to the rear deck sort of where the stock one was at. I cut a small opening in the fascia to expose the amp and it's blue light. It is out of the way since it's so small. Tried to take a pic, but its dark, so I need to wait until I get out there during the day.

 

Looks good, so where is the floor jack going and how do you like that amp? I was thinking about the PDX series too. I like the size of those amps.

 

Ok, posted a new thread with pics of the stuff in my car. Check it out here:
http://forums.maxima.org/audio-elect...ml#post6793271

 

I have some questions for you about your set up.

Are the stock stereo controls for the FM radio and 6 disc changer are now useless?
I have already added an amp/sub to my stock stereo but I cannot stand the constant skipping in the cold weather. I don't really know how to go about stopping it other than replacing the deck.
How does everything interface? Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

i am doing the same thing with my 2004 nissan maxima and i was just wondering if i will be able to keep the maintenance/fuel econ button functionality? or will all that go away once i install my ddx491hd??