Thursday 21 November 2013
Sunday 10 November 2013
Fitting a Single-DIN stereo to a mk2 / Gen2 Honda CRV 2002
I wanted to fit a new stereo to my 2002 Mk 2 Honda CRV because the standard Honda stereo didn't have an AUX-IN. I plumped for a Single-DIN Sony MEX-BT3100U system because it A) is cheap and B) has Aux-In, USB and full Bluetooth phone integration (hands-free phoning with built-in mic AND audio streaming + control).
So, the original unit looked like this.
I had been confused by various things I'd read on the net and couldn't figure out if I needed a fascia adapter or not to replace it.
Lesson 1: YOU DO NOT NEED AN ADAPTER TO FIT A SINGLE DIN STEREO IN PLACE OF THE ORIGINAL UNIT.
I also didn't know if I needed a special adapter harness to hook up the car loom connector to the new unit.
Lesson 2: YOU NEED A PC2-68-4 ADAPTER TO FIT A STANDARD ISO STEREO UNIT.
The Halfords guy said I'd probably need a DIN Aerial adaptor too. He was incorrect.
Lesson 3: YOU DON'T NEED A DIN AERIAL ADAPTOR TO INSTALL A SONY MEXBT3100U.
I had also read that when the original unit is disconnected, it will ask for a Security Code next time it's installed. So if you sell it on, be sure to include the code, which should be recorded in the front of the CRV Service Book. (Other sources said it was written in the glove box, or could be found by pressing 1+6 buttons on the unit - they were wrong for this type of stereo).
So, here's how I installed the new unit.
1. Under the central heater vents, there are two cross-head screws. Remove them. Then pull out the whole front of the fascia surround, which is held in with clips. Gently allow the fascia to hang from its wiring connector.
2. Remove the four screws holding the stereo frame into the dash, and the whole thing comes out.
3. Disconnect the aerial and connector from the back of the stereo unit. Unscrew the side screws which hold the original stereo to the frame.
4. Now the original unit can be removed. The new stereo can be installed in reverse of these instructions. Note however that the Sony unit didn't come with any installation screws to fix it to the frame, and the ones for the original unit don't fit the side of the new unit. Luckily I had some spare screws in my toolbox which fit OK.
END RESULT:
Had this installed for a while now and it's fine. I wish the volume knob was on the right of the unit though - it's a bit of a stretch for me! The UI isn't the best - if you click the volume knob accidentally, you enter a mode menu which you then need to find the exit button to get out of. Very easy to do when you're trying to adjust the volume in a hurry. But, to be fair, it's not expensive and the bluetooth streaming works fine, which is all I really wanted :)
So, the original unit looked like this.
I had been confused by various things I'd read on the net and couldn't figure out if I needed a fascia adapter or not to replace it.
Lesson 1: YOU DO NOT NEED AN ADAPTER TO FIT A SINGLE DIN STEREO IN PLACE OF THE ORIGINAL UNIT.
I also didn't know if I needed a special adapter harness to hook up the car loom connector to the new unit.
Lesson 2: YOU NEED A PC2-68-4 ADAPTER TO FIT A STANDARD ISO STEREO UNIT.
The Halfords guy said I'd probably need a DIN Aerial adaptor too. He was incorrect.
Lesson 3: YOU DON'T NEED A DIN AERIAL ADAPTOR TO INSTALL A SONY MEXBT3100U.
I had also read that when the original unit is disconnected, it will ask for a Security Code next time it's installed. So if you sell it on, be sure to include the code, which should be recorded in the front of the CRV Service Book. (Other sources said it was written in the glove box, or could be found by pressing 1+6 buttons on the unit - they were wrong for this type of stereo).
So, here's how I installed the new unit.
1. Under the central heater vents, there are two cross-head screws. Remove them. Then pull out the whole front of the fascia surround, which is held in with clips. Gently allow the fascia to hang from its wiring connector.
2. Remove the four screws holding the stereo frame into the dash, and the whole thing comes out.
3. Disconnect the aerial and connector from the back of the stereo unit. Unscrew the side screws which hold the original stereo to the frame.
4. Now the original unit can be removed. The new stereo can be installed in reverse of these instructions. Note however that the Sony unit didn't come with any installation screws to fix it to the frame, and the ones for the original unit don't fit the side of the new unit. Luckily I had some spare screws in my toolbox which fit OK.
END RESULT:
Had this installed for a while now and it's fine. I wish the volume knob was on the right of the unit though - it's a bit of a stretch for me! The UI isn't the best - if you click the volume knob accidentally, you enter a mode menu which you then need to find the exit button to get out of. Very easy to do when you're trying to adjust the volume in a hurry. But, to be fair, it's not expensive and the bluetooth streaming works fine, which is all I really wanted :)
Thursday 5 September 2013
Monday 25 March 2013
Audi A4 Cabriolet Roof Stuck - Motor Fault
Hi folks, just wanted to write up about what happened to the Roof Motor of my 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet. Basically one day when the car was only 3 years old, the roof got stuck while going up. It went up half way and then no further. I put it down and then tried going up again. This time it worked. I put it down as just "one of those things".
A few weeks later it happened again. This time it wouldn't go up no matter what I tried. With the roof fully down, pressing up on the switch only unlocked the roof compartment - no sound from the motor. However various forum posts suggested that the roof needed resetting by raising it using the manual method (using the red key hidden in the dashboard on the driver's side), dropping it manually, then using the power roof operation. That seemed to work.
But a few weeks later it happened once more, and this time the manual reset method made no difference. In desperation I took it to my local Audi Dealer, Harrogate Audi. The diagnosis was a faulty motor, and I was charged 400 quid to have it fixed as it was just out of the 3 year warranty. OUCH.
Anyway, I asked to keep the broken part. Here it is, the electric roof motor , Part Number 8H0 959 755 A.
I noted these odd indents on the rotor.
But more importantly, when I opened the case, bits of broken magnet were loose inside, seemingly chipped off the magnetic surround. Looking inside, here's where they came from.
Now how on earth did that happen?
Anyway, since I wrote this post I've become aware that a company in Harrogate regularly fixes these motors and may be able to save you some dosh instead of giving it all to Audi for a replacement. Check them out: www.autoelectron.co.uk
Monday 18 February 2013
Nice Burgers
Pack of mince
Whisk 2 eggs.
Add a red onion, coriander, and loads of herbs and spices and ting.
mix it all up, make patties and grill for 15 mins.
Serve with dijon mustard, salad and roasted haloumi for the ultimate boyger!
Whisk 2 eggs.
Add a red onion, coriander, and loads of herbs and spices and ting.
mix it all up, make patties and grill for 15 mins.
Serve with dijon mustard, salad and roasted haloumi for the ultimate boyger!
Chicken and Rice
Chicken Drumsticks and thighs
Marinade in Nandos Spicy marinade for an hour or so
Put in a foil-lined tray in the oven on max whack for 45 mins. DONE
Serve with mexican rice (try bachelors) and salad. NICE.
Marinade in Nandos Spicy marinade for an hour or so
Put in a foil-lined tray in the oven on max whack for 45 mins. DONE
Serve with mexican rice (try bachelors) and salad. NICE.
Spooky stuff to see near Penzance
Madron's Well (and cloutie tree!) : http://people.bath.ac.uk/prsrlp/kernunos/england/madron.htm
Chyauster Ancient Village : http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/chysauster-ancient-village/
Chyauster Ancient Village : http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/chysauster-ancient-village/
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