Radio upgraded but no sound in '02 model w/Bose

[Modded996]

Hi,

I just finished installing a Pioneer DEH-X9500BHS in my 2002 996. It has the Bose premium audio and (had) the CDR-220. I used a Metra 70-1787 harness, but I've noticed two problems. First, there is no sound. I only connected the low level audio from the RCA cables on the Pioneer; I didn't connect the line-level outputs as it didn't seem like I should need them. Perhaps the Bose amp isn't turning on? Or actually requires the line-level outputs to work?

Also, the second problem indicates a potentially serious wiring issue so I've removed the Pioneer from the car for now. The second problem is that when I reconnected the battery the car had a rough start and watching the volt meter on the dash, looked like it took a while to get to ~14v. That said, the Pioneer unit itself seemed to work fine. Perhaps the problem is related to the Bose amp not operating properly?

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Rob

[Dharn55]

There should be an output from the head unit that tells the amp to turn on. It has been several years since I upgraded my system, and I have the OEM head unit with an upgraded amp. But I do remember using the output to control a power antennae to control the on off of the amp.

[Modded996]

Yes, in my case I used the blue/white "system control" wire from the Pioneer and connected it to the "amp turn on" wire from the Metra harness (also blue/white). However, I'm still unsure if there is anything particular about the Bose setup. Again potentially needing the amplified output instead of RCA level outs.

[Modded996]

Opps! You are right--it looks like the CDR-220 does not use C6 but rather A5 (Power Antenna). I removed the connection to C6 and directed it to A5; however, there is still no audio. The Pioneer is rated at 12v 300ma for their antenna/amp signal output. I'll need to do some searching online. Maybe it needs more current?

Edited June 16, 2013 by Modded996

[Richard Hamilton]

You need to connect both the A5 aerial amplifier and the C6 wake-up signal to the antenna output from the head unit. It doesn't need much current to the C6 connection, because the amp has separate supplies for the power connections.

[Modded996]

Thanks, this did the trick. I can hear the amp is on from a tiny amount of white noise from the speakers. However, it appears that my setup does not permit the use of RCA cables! The diagrams I found online indicated that the C1 connector was used in this setup but I decided to test this with the old Becker unit. When the B connector is detached, there is no sound. When B is attached, everything works properly. What a stupid design!! I can't imagine *any* sort of hi-fi coming from speaker-level outputs from a mediocre head unit amplifier. Ugghh. Unfortunately I have deleted the other 8 wires I need to use. I'll sort this out somehow but its really disappointing about the RCA; I don't really want to bother with new amps though. Thanks everyone!

Recap for visitors:

* Have Bose premium audio; no obvious DSP unit with Becker CDR-220.

* Upgraded to Pioneer head unit: needed to shave the plastic sides for where the cage sits. You can do this without removing anything with some sandpaper. If you do it this way, use masking tape to prevent accidental sanding of the coloring of your outer plastic trim.

* Splice the amp/antenna blue/white wire from the new head unit to A5 and C6

* Do not bother with RCA cables (probably do not even need the fancier Metra 1787; downgrade and you are better off) and focus on wiring the B connector. Depending on your kit you may only get 4 wires for the B connector. Try to get one with all 8.

* Fully disconnect battery before upgrading to prevent weird loss. Can leave connected after taping the alarm sensor. Though I tended to only connect/disconnect A connector when the key was not in the ignition.

* Bluetooth mic placement is a hassle. Just pick somewhere and be happy with it.

[Richard Hamilton]

The pre-MOST Bose M680 amplifier was only used for MY2002, and it amplifies the speaker outputs from the head unit. The Harman M490 amplifier used the line outputs from the head unit, and I expect they made a common loom for both setups.

[Modded996]

I've only finished the project a couple of nights ago but it does sound better than I expected even with the M680 being driven with the speaker level outs. To my ears it is better than the Becker unit, though by default it has an aggressive EQ setting that isn't necessary. Anyone that has an 02 with Bose will probably be pretty happy with this Pioneer 9500bhs unit: it looks pretty slick with its conservative design and you can match both the keys and the screen to the amber color scheme if you want.