To anyone who has completed an aftermarket stereo installation, please take a quick read and advise. Thanks in advance.

My 2006 911 C4S didn't have integrated bluetooth and I wasn't happy with the stereo (and less importantly, lack of NAV system), so I decided to replace the entire head unit etc. instead of installing a mobridge adapter.

Had a very reputable shop install a Kenwood DNX7180 HU, a HERTZ HDP5 5 channel amplifier and a new sub-woofer (mine was AWOL!). Sounds a million times better, bluetooth works great with my phone and NAV system isn't bad. That's the good news.

For some reason, there is no power to the unit with the key turned to the "accessories" position (one turn). It only powers up with the key turned to the "on" position (two turns), which powers up everything (fans, etc), and does the oil clevel check. Even worse, you can't turn the car off without the entire unit powering down, after which you need to turn the key back to "on" and wait for the damn thing to power up again if you want to listen to the stereo.

For those of you with experience in installing aftermarket head units - is this normal? Or can you listen to your stereo/program your NAV/talk on the phone handsfree with the key in the "accessories" position? I used to be able to turn the car off and continue listening to the stereo or talk handsfree for 10 mins or so until the car automatically shut down to save the battery.

Thanks.

 

I don't have experience with the 997 specifically, but I used to manage a car audio shop and have done a number of installs (including my own 996). I don't see any reason the power would work any differently on an aftermarket radio than it did for stock unless something is now wired differently.

Chances are they used some type of wiring harness to mate up to the OEM harness, and then connect to the aftermarket radio. One of the power wires may be pulling power from a different location than it did with OEM. This should be fairly easy to remedy with a test meter and some time, but it means pulling the radio back out and doing some looking...

Someone on the forum may be able to tell you exactly which wires in the factory harness should be used to supply power, but with a meter or test light, you (or your installer) could figure it out.

 

dailydriver - thanks for your input. It's going back tomorrow morning to wire it "properly".

Cheers.

 

every stereo shop that i have been to, high or low end, all mess up something during the install. not sure why it is so hard to do a job right. i tend to think they just don't care.

this is why i'd pay 3x more for a factory stereo than deal with aftermarket stuff. even if the aftermarket is better.

 

The only sure way to get it to behave properly is to tap either the thick wire coming from the ingnition switch (red I think) or to use a fuse tap in the fuse box. I can't remember which fuse I used, but if you look in the fuse box diagram, you'll find a 10A fuse that powers something that powers on when the key is inserted. Your shop should be able to straighten it out easily.

 

Car went back to the installer and is now working as anticipated.

Cheers.

 

Alright!! Glad they made it right.


Where have you been to and what exactly got messed up?!

 

You know the old saying...only one that gives a _hit about your stuff is you. I try to do everything myself if possible...has nothing to do with being cheap either.

Wife is wondering why I want to spend $4500 on a hoist. Getting to that age where crawling under the car is no longer fun.

 

$4500 must buy a gold plated hoist with diamond encrusted controls

 

A lot of 6speed members wouldn't be bothered with even attempting to bring their car to an aftermarket shop. I realize you're fresh to the board but we have a mixed bunch, some members will have their dealers pick and drop off their vehicles never even having to talk to anyone, billed to their CC. Others will do their own maintenance, to each is own.

 

I think we have a bit of a failure to communicate here. I was just joking about the cost of the hoist. I was just looking at one so I could put the 1964 Valiant Convertible and the 911 in the garage together and the quote was $2300.

 

We do, sorry, I miss read the post. I thought the 4500 was in reference to buying a OEM radio/Nav.

Cheers!

 

No worries. I am on a lot of vehicle bulletin boards. This one is pretty much white glove and tuxedos compared to some others!

 

I have 2006 C2 with 2.1 Bose edition that went dead on me last week, I figured its wiser to get a aftermarket head unit with all the bells and whistles ( Bluetooth, iPod hook ups, touch screen navi etc ) I just bought Pioneer avic x940 bt ( I hope I made a good decision ). Any recommendations for installers in LA area? And what would be a fair charge for the install?

 

I had installed a Pioneer AVIC-Z14BH in my 07 911S. The head unit powers the speakers and the original bose amp powers the sub. Sounds pretty good not outstanding, but the car is so noisy it really doesn't matter. Had a shop in Culver City, CA do the install. They have done other 6speed members cars and they work on a lot of porsches. The owner has 2 black 997s.
The voice activated dialing doesn't work well. You have to download your contacts from the phone and if any one of your contact names has any character besides a letter eg. #,&,-,@,. it will not work properly.
Install done at:
Haas Entertainment
5774 Uplander Way, Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 641-4700