dba

apparently,my Alfa 147 has one.i want to replace the factory fit CD with a MD player.I have sourced a 1 din plate and the MD i am buying comes with standard ISO,so why does a boff on an Alfa site reckon i may struggle with this CAN thing? The chap has now disappeared so i can't ask him.

12LEE

CAN BUS is a protocol used for electronic stuff (audio, nav, phone, etc) on some European cars.

To add MD to your 147 you can replace the head unit as you're doing (together with a fascia adaptor and harness adaptor if there are no ISOs) or you could also use a Sony MDX66 and an adaptor with the OE Blaupunkt 147.

dba

thanks.Its why i'm using a Sony,because its the only one that Halfords will fit because they say you can use standard ISO,

some other guy has said the car may read error messages such as ABS,ASR etc just becuase teh car can't get a signal from the new head unit,so the garage will have to run a bug fix.

chiark

Just think... If the car generates an ABS error because you've removed the head unit then what other spurious errors will it create.

Sounds like typical FUD (Fear Uncertainty Doubt) trying to get you to only fit the alfa "approved" item.

12LEE

Are you/Halfords/Alfa guru talking head units or MD changers?

There aren't many MD head units anyway, but any head unit on the market will present ISO as standard or with a universal/ISO adaptor.

dba

yep,its a Sony head unit with standard ISO connectors,but these boffs reckon it may lead to error messages becuase of this CAN thing.I'm not sure they know what they are talking about,surely its as simple as connecting via ISO and the steering wheel controls will still work and i wont get error messages?

12LEE

I really can't see it.

I don't think that anyone makes a steering wheel control adaptor for Alfa 147 though.

dba

according to Halfords,you dont need one.Only way to find out is to fit the thing i think

12LEE

Disagree. I think that this is what the boffs are getting at.

dba

the Halford boffs,or the Alfa bbs boffs?

I think i might ring a dealer

12LEE

Halfords don't have boffs

dba

lol,this guy was ok,he seemed to know what he was on about,but he was relying on the fact that "if the computer says we can fit it without adapters then we can" then it must be right.

I will try a dealer and see what will happen with a Sony MD head unit and whether a bug fix will be required due to the CAN netwrok

12LEE

There's a difference between fitting and retaining use of your steering wheel controls.

IIRC, Alfa 147 presents standard ISO connectors on the car's harness so virtually any head unit will plug in incredibly easily (with a fascia adaptor) and the head unit will get connections for power, audio, illumination, memory, electric aerial, etc., etc.

Two of the pins in the 147s ISO connector are there for CAN bus. That's how the steering wheel controls communicate with the head unit.

Most Sony head units have a joystick input socket on the back. There are adaptor leads available for various cars' stalk controls to interface with the joystick adaptor.

Unless I'm gonna learn something new from this thread, there will be no corresponding connections in the Sony's ISO connector to match the CAN BUS inputs. I also don't think that anyone produces an Alfa 147 to Sony stalk adaptor.

Halfords boff was checking his fitting adaptor database to let him know what accessories are available. It'll simply be a fascia adaptor as no Alfa 147/ISO harness adaptor will be required.

In the absence of a stalk adaptor, if you want Minidisc and the use of your steering wheel controls, using a Sony Minidisc changer with an adaptor to support your Blaupunkt 147 head unit is the way to go. Can supply

dba

thanks Lee,big help.So you can supply a MD changer,that sits in the boot,and i can keep the standard CD head unit in the car?

I'm defo interested,how much,do you fit etc

12LEE

I can sort this out but I can't compete with the ****-out merchants at MCS.

You want to navigate to factory-fit compatible changers and adaptors and order a SON-AFAS002 MDX66 + Fiat Punto adaptor package (same adaptor works with Alfa 147). £241. Good price. Very good price. Bless them.

Of course, if you can ditch the horrible minidisc format for MP3 and the appeal of an 80GB drive controlled from your head unit appeals, then I can help

chiark

Careful Lee, that's close to being a plug! But in this instance, tolerated.

12LEE

Careful Nick, that's close to money that I spend on banner ads

dba

thanks Lee,much appreciated.If i er,lose the aution i've entered in Ebay i will defo go for the MCS thing,cheers

sorry,but MP3 is too complicated.i just wanna record some old LPs and listen in the car,i can't be arsed with a PC

dba

cheers,ive lost the auction,and will order the thing you advised,cheers