[busdriver]

Now that my sat nav is now fitted and working I am on to my next project, fitting a 6 CD changer. (The MFD2 sat nav won't play CDs)

I know it is fitted as standard into the arm rest. Has anyone ever converted the standard arm rest insert into a CD insert. Also is the cable that comes with the CD changer long enough to reach the MFD2 unit, or will I need an extension. Also does the unit plug into the same connector main car connector does or does it plug into the auxiliary socket. That would rule out using my A/V interface.

Lots of questions I know.

Thanks if you can help

 

[busdriver]

OK,

I have bought a new armrest (£25.00) for the CD changer (still to get).

If anyone has a changer maybe they could answer a question for me please.

Does the changer sit in a cradle or does it just push into the slot in the armrest. Surely it must be more rigid that just pressing in but the VW people can't find any cradle on their pricelists. Also there doesn't seem anywhere to fasten a cradle to the armrest either. Curious.

Please help

 

[busdriver]

The rear section of the centre console, underneath the armrest is now replaced with the correct unit and my CD Changer has arrived. It does indeed just slot into the console. There is a guide at the bottom of the changer that goes into a slot in the console frame. I also bought some a radio removal tool that allows the changer to be removed from the console. The changer has clips that just clip to the edge of the console. Very neat. Now I'm just waiting for the cable to be sent from VW in Germany. Who knows when that will arrive. Should've bought one on eBay.

I will put some pics on the site later if anyone is interested.

 

[davidp]

Make sure you have the mp3 version as the earlier autochangers were not mp3. Cheers, David

 

[busdriver]

My Cable finally arrived today. So much for 7-10 days delivery, although it was cheaper than they said.

Anyway time to fit. After removing all of the ancilliaries in the centre console, and part of that itself, I managed to route the cable from the armrest to the MFD2. It was a bit scary as I had to "cut" one of the wires going to the front cigarett lighter and attach a wire from the cable. Also had to attach the brown wire to the "earthing point" under the console. Could I find that???? No chance. Luckily I found a nut and bolt, which appeared to be earthed, under the ashtray so I attached the brown wire to that. After a bit more fiddling trying to get the trim back properly I inserted a couple of CDs. Great it all worked.
Something else now on my options list.

Next job was going to be a Multi Function Steering wheel but chatting to my local techie at the VW garage he thought that it would be a lot of money for not a lot of benefit. As I don't have the Improved Multi-Function Computer the olny things the steering wheel would operate would be the radio controls. Even that would mean reprogramming the ECU.

Maybe I'll stop where I am.

Any more ideas???

 

[Doolallygirl]

I'm lost, my 6 cd changer came in the dash along with the radio etc.... can you put pics of your special arm rest cd changer?? (you have to bear with me, I'm blonde and dumb!!!)

 

[busdriver]

Maybe you had the RCD500 radio with the in built changer.

Mine had the RCD300 with the single CD facility. I changed this for a Satellite Navigation system(MFD2) which has a slot for the NAV DVD. It won't however play CDs. So in order to play CDs I needed a changer. VW put this under the armrest.

This is not my car, just a picture I found on the net.

 

[Doolallygirl]

Maybe you had the RCD500 radio with the in built changer.



This is not my car, just a picture I found on the net.

Ooooh yeah I think I have the changer built in then because my arm rest section looks nothing like that! lol (Secretly I'm quite glad! I have drink holders in this section, although you can't put 500ml bottles in there as they get in the way of the gear stick and arm rest etc!)