| cyclone |
Searched here but didn't find any clear answers, appreciate some guidance:
I've got a 2002 MDX w/Bose and navi. The amplified antenna is on the fritz for the third or fourth time (I forget), so I'm just ready to replace my head unit and move on, which I assume will cost not much more than a fix and will give me MP3, CD-RW, and aux input to boot (I'm OK losing the CD changer). Looking at Crutchfield and such they suggest the only installation difficulty is a trim kit, which eBay and elsewhere suggests is readily available, and that I'll only lose voice guidance (no problem). Is it this simple, i.e. will any competent installer be able to replace the radio? Will the still-faulty amplified antenna continue to dog me or would a new radio use a different antenna system? I've also seen reference to Bose having different speaker configuration than others; can I just "plug in" another, or will this cause a problem? I'm not looking for audiophile sound quality, just something comparable (or better) to factory, plus actual AM radio reception.
Thanks for any pointers!
Bill |
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| Hazelmn |
I don't have answers for you, but am in the exact same boat. What did you decide to do, and how did it work for you?
Just can't justify spending $500 to repair the factory stereo when it is now outdated technology (no MP3, etc.) |
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| cyclone |
I went ahead and replaced the factory unit with an aftermarket (JVC KD-HDR1, which is an HD radio unit). It went well - I bought the radio from Crutchfield, who provide excellent instructions and technical support. I also needed to buy a "fit kit", I bought the Metra 99-7866 ($14.99 at frys.com) which worked well. The hardest part was retrieving the screw I dropped into the console (used my daughter's fairy want with a glob of silly putty on the end!). If you're not up for installation yourself I'm sure any installer can do it in thirty minutes or less.
It sounds very good, definitely better than the original, and looks nice as well.
I ended up not having to replace the antenna, at least not yet. I removed the rear of the headliner (unscrewed the rear seat belts in the columns alongside the rear gate, pried off the lens from the rear roof light and unscrewed the screw hidden under that, and pried off the roof speaker mount and undid the screws under that, then worked loose the headliner) and tightened up the ring around the underside of the antenna and firmly attached the wire, my reception is now fine.
Hope this helps...
Bill |
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| shootist |
| Good to hear that a project worked out. I am a bit surprised that the replacment head end results in noticeably better sound. Usually replacing the speakers resutls in an immediate improvement, but most headends within the same general range don't contribute much to the sound. |
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