Audio and Electronics Discuss in-car entertainment systems, audio and video systems, car alarms and other electronics topics.

replacing my head unit

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-11-2011, 09:06 PM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Perseus's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 160
replacing my head unit

i thought i'd just be plugging in some rca cables but i wasn't really paying attention when i ordered everything on crutchfield...

i got this http://www.crutchfield.com/p_020CZ10...cz101&skipvs=T and i was recommended by the automatic crutchfield service to buy all the necessary accessories including this adapter http://www.crutchfield.com/p_142C4NN...dapter&tp=3486

could someone please help me? how do i install the adapter and what should i do to all the gain adjustments? i've never done something like this before and i don't mind learning but would it be smarter to return this and get another adapter(if using another one is even possible)

looks like i'll need a soldering gun and i do have access to one but i've never used it before

Last edited by Perseus; 08-11-2011 at 09:20 PM.
Perseus is offline  
Old 08-12-2011, 07:29 AM
  #2  
Suspension Yoda
iTrader: (89)
 
djfrestyl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Central, NJ
Posts: 13,501
Just match up the wire colors with the speaker output wires from the head unit.

Then, crank the volume on the HU to about 90% with the gains of the adapter set to 0. Slowly turn up each gain till you hear distortion, then back off a little.

Oh, and read the Bose replacement thread. It will explain why you need that adapter.
djfrestyl is offline  
Old 08-12-2011, 06:37 PM
  #3  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Perseus's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 160
thanks. after reading multiple threads/reviews from other sites i finally figured out what to do. no soldering required...although i have to say that i would prefer the security of a solder over crimping the wires

ran into another issue though. the trim for my head unit doesn't fit -.- and if i leave it off there's a 1/8 inch gap between the head unit and the dash kit(though i'd prefer no trim anyways). i want to fill the gap with something black but i don't know what to use

Last edited by Perseus; 08-12-2011 at 06:58 PM.
Perseus is offline  
Old 08-12-2011, 09:29 PM
  #4  
Suspension Yoda
iTrader: (89)
 
djfrestyl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Central, NJ
Posts: 13,501
Nothing you can really do there - happens. Post a pic and I'll let you kno if it's a standard gap or abnormal.

Ps - I crimp everything - never had a problem.
djfrestyl is offline  
Old 08-13-2011, 01:46 AM
  #5  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Perseus's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 160
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/4397/77131095.jpg

i was thinking about just gluing some black foam onto the dash kit to take up the space. not sure how i would get some though

Last edited by Perseus; 08-13-2011 at 03:13 AM.
Perseus is offline  
Old 08-13-2011, 09:05 PM
  #6  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Perseus's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 160
ended up getting packing foam. cut it to size roughly and you can't even tell it's there when it's in the car(unless you look for it)

unfortunately i ran into another issue regarding the crimping -.- i think at least half of the crimp caps fell off while in the process of install. i kept putting them back on but they were just terrible caps. replaced what fell off with our own caps and those were fine. unfortunately when i had everything set in place and tested the audio i noticed a cap was missing and when i tried to replace it more caps fell off. the only way to replace it would be to take out the entire unit. i'm just gonna solder them...
Perseus is offline  
Old 08-15-2011, 07:03 AM
  #7  
Suspension Yoda
iTrader: (89)
 
djfrestyl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Central, NJ
Posts: 13,501
Sounds like you're not using the right caps, or not using them properly...if they're CRIMP caps, then they should be crimped on, and shouldn't fall off.
djfrestyl is offline  
Old 08-15-2011, 03:28 PM
  #8  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Perseus's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 160
Originally Posted by djfrestyl
Sounds like you're not using the right caps, or not using them properly...if they're CRIMP caps, then they should be crimped on, and shouldn't fall off.
wouldn't be surprised if i just used them wrong lol. either way, i did end up soldering them and i'm happy with the final result. for the gap between the dash kit/head unit i would've preferred a different solution though. using some black silicon would've been ideal, but the only tube we had was already solidified -.-
Perseus is offline  
Old 08-15-2011, 07:04 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
locknuts27's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Castle Rock
Posts: 670
I like to use screw caps myself. Makes it a bit easier to use and take apart. No cutting needed!!!
locknuts27 is offline  
Old 08-17-2011, 06:16 AM
  #10  
Suspension Yoda
iTrader: (89)
 
djfrestyl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Central, NJ
Posts: 13,501
Originally Posted by locknuts27
I like to use screw caps myself. Makes it a bit easier to use and take apart. No cutting needed!!!
No cutting? You still have to strip and twist. Only difference is screwing the cap on vs crimping it.

Not to mention that screw caps are more for home use and not car....
djfrestyl is offline  
Old 08-28-2011, 11:45 AM
  #11  
Newbie - Just Registered
 
thaxton87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: mcminnville,Tn
Posts: 1
hey guys im new here if someone could pm me or email me i have a few qustions about replacing my styock bose h/u with my jensen vm9311 done many swaps over years just never messed with a bose setup before
thaxton87 is offline  
Old 08-29-2011, 06:08 AM
  #12  
Suspension Yoda
iTrader: (89)
 
djfrestyl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Central, NJ
Posts: 13,501
^^ Read the "BOSE Radio Replacement" thread - it has every answer you need.
djfrestyl is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MikesChevelle
Audio/Video/Electronics
1
09-11-2016 06:36 PM
melteye
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
12
05-16-2016 12:02 AM
BunkyMaxima
6th Generation Maxima (2004-2008)
2
08-22-2015 12:58 AM
MikesChevelle
Audio and Electronics
0
08-09-2015 11:50 AM
MikesChevelle
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
4
08-06-2015 11:36 AM



Quick Reply: replacing my head unit



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:36 PM.