Need to swap my stereo - never done it before so help needed please!

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17 March 2002, 09:59 AM

Bravo2zero_sps

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I want to take my cd head unit out my bmw and put it in my scoob where I have a mini disc player. Both are sony headunits. My thoughts are that they should just swap straight over as both same manufacturer so must have same connections etc. Is this a correct assumption? Also do I need to disconnect the battery or anything so I don't get electocuted! Apologies for the stupid questions but I don't have a clue with electrics or anything mechanical, thats why I work in IT

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17 March 2002, 06:32 PM

Hanslow

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Think it depends what year your scoob is and if it is Jap import or not. My MY00 UK uses standard ISO connector so it was a simple job (once I got all the wires crammed in the dash

). Not sure on the older models, I think some require a loom. Shouldn't be too hard to whip it out and check though.

You should really disconnect the battery for most things electrical, but I never bothered. Just made sure the key wasn't in and turned at all.

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17 March 2002, 11:01 PM

Bravo2zero_sps

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Hanslow, thanks for your reply. I tried taking the face plate off and unfortunately didn't get any further than that! I took the screws out, got the surround off but then one end of the face would not come away to let me get to the cage, I was not impressed. So I put it back together again for now to think what I do next. Doing my bloody head in having to listen to the radio all the time as I have no minidisc recorder!!!!

It is an MY98 UK turbo. It does have a loom but assuming as its a sony in there now, and I want to replace it with another sony that all cabling should be a striaght swap, once I can get to it that is!

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18 March 2002, 12:55 AM

Alas

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Maybe being a bit thick here m8, but what are you doing taking screws out. Have you not got keys to remove the unit from the dash?

Then its just a case of swapping connectors as they should be the same.
You can get keys at Halfords etc.
Alasdair.

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18 March 2002, 01:18 AM

Bravo2zero_sps

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Had to remove the screws to get the feking surrounding plate off which makes it all flush which covers the holes where the keys go. I have probably done it all wrong but I have the keys from my other sony head unit and the thing just doesnt wanna come out the hole! Got really pissed with it and put it back together to leave for another day.

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18 March 2002, 01:23 AM

Alas

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Sorry to hear that. Usually just a case of removing the face off unit. Flat face screwdriver goes in the slot at the side(usually of the surrounding plate and can be popped off. Then key out the unit, unplug and hey presto. Or not in your case.
I've changed a couple of Sony units and not had the problem you're getting. Maybe worth taking to a friendly garage or hi-fi place?
Cheers
Alasdair

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18 March 2002, 01:25 AM

Alas

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Forgot one thing. Are you sure you are pushing the keys in fully till they click as sometimes you think they are home but they're not.
Alasdair

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18 March 2002, 01:35 AM

Bravo2zero_sps

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The only way I could get the surround off was to undo these screws as it was close to snapping with me trying to 'pop' it off. Don't think the keys can be right as they are short, they are the ones from my cd unit but when i put them down the side of the minidisc unit they don't do anything. Nothing is ever easy with me lol. Stereo shop was gonna charge me £50 to change them over

so thats why I thought I would stop being a tart and try and do it myself. How hard could it be was my original thought, well very hard is what i'm thinking now lol

Haven't even tried taking the unit out the BMW yet!

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18 March 2002, 01:42 AM

Alas

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£50 to change them over is def a rip off.
I started doing this myself a few years ago and have knackered one surround so far. Best rip off I've had recently was when I bought a new motor. Had a Pioneer cassette/radio in it. Good unit but no manual so e'mailed Pioneer for a manual. That will be £9.58 + Vat + Postage sir!!! So I've bought a VDO CD off Ebay and downloaded the manual direct from their site. How helpful is that. Will change it over soon.
Good luck.
Alasdair

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18 March 2002, 08:03 AM

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Hanslow

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You could always post something in the southern meet section and see if there is anyone around that could give you a hand that has experience with audio? As you've seen from the above, a lot of people are helpful, and for the price of a beer (or coke

) will be willing to lend a hand.

I'd have a look but I'm in Notts.

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18 March 2002, 11:08 AM

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Bravo2zero_sps

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Thanks for the replys guys. I will think about it some more and try and find someone who could help, tried sisters ex bf but he never called me back hahahaha.

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