I have a 2003 MCS (well, it's my wife's, but I get to drive it for a while since she's 8 months pregnant and needs a little more entry/access ease). The first thing I was going to do was add the aux input, so that I could listen to my ipod or phone in the car. The instructions are simple enough that I thought even I could manage this.

So, after receiving the OEM cable, I pulled down the bolster, reached around the HU and plugged it in the port that's closest to the gas pedal (only place it would fit, I think). Powered it up, and it still cycles through FM, cassette, CD...no aux!

Before I assume that I messed up the install somehow, I've done some searching, and see that the build date of the car is important in determining if the HU supports aux input. Since we aren't the original owners, how do I find the build date? I have the original sticker, but don't see anything that jumps out.

If the HU doesn't support aux, I'll probably want to upgrade, instead of just looking for a slightly newer HU...but am not thrilled about putting something in that slot that will look so different from the rest of the components.

If the build date indicates that I should have aux. input support, I guess I'll need to pull the HU out to look at the back, to make sure I've plugged it in correctly...and just to remove it (much easier to reach around and plug it in than to reach around and remove!).

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

Yes you should be ok... I am almost positive the it was prior so September, 2002
This thread has the information you are looking for, also has a couple other links in it to back up my statement
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-question.html

 

Looks like build date was 03/03, so it should work. Guess I'll pull the HU and see if I managed to plug into the wrong place.

Any quick reference for the way to remove the HU? I haven't found that in any of the install threads yet...but there are lots of them.

 

And ignore my last question. A little more searching found what I needed:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...l-for-r53.html

 

Check the build date on the unit when you pull it. Also - do you have Nav?

 

Like stated, if you have a nav you will have to change the wires.

Also to remove the hu all i did was unscrew the 2 holes on each pillar, without actually removing them i just pushed them out of the way, take off the screws to the hu and there ya go. the job took me about 15 min and i have the navigation.

 

I'm obviously missing something: I've removed the 2 screws from each downtube, but can't get them to move enough to clear the hu screws. I don't want to apply enough force to damage them, but they aren't going down. I'll do some further research, and may call it a night. Any ideas what I'm doing wrong?

 

I found another thread that indicated that the fascia trim above the hu would need to be popped out. That worked on the left side, giving me access to the hu screws...but the right side is evidently held in place by a screw and won't pop off. At this point, I've discovered that I can't find my smaller torx wrench, so I have put everything back as it was. It will probably be Saturday before I will have another chance at this, so I'll check back in when I've managed to pull the unit. Thanks!

 

Finally had time to pull the HU tonight. I had plugged in the cable correctly. The unit is dated 02/03. It simply doesn't recognize the aux input. Guess I'll start shopping for a replacement HU...and speakers.

 

If you got the OEM cable at a dealer, you have a legitimate reason to go in there and ask if that cable is bad. It's more than just wires and a mini jack- there's some bit of circuitry in there under the cloth wrapping. I felt it when installing my two cables, but did not unwrap it to see what it was.

Your HU build date indicates that it should function with the AUX cable, so go see if they can tell you why it doesn't. Your HU is out of warranty, of course, but your AUX cable isn't.

If there's a local club in your area, maybe a member would be willing to test the AUX cable on their car.

Val

 

Of course I purchased the kit online (Bavarian Autosport). I have contacted the seller, to see if they can help me out. If I can get this to work, I'll have a better budget for upgrading the speakers than if I have to replace the head unit, too!

Thanks!