Halp Me [Car Stereo] - I guess we're done here

Chanus

So, I have a double-DIN stereo and the display has gone shit. If I punch it hard enough, sometimes it will work, but usually it's just a random mess of pixels.

I want to replace it, but I don't want to pay $Double-DIN for a stereo. I also don't want a single-DIN-sized hole in my dash.

Are there options for installing a single-DIN stereo in a double-DIN opening and covering up the extra space or something?

Derrick

Chanus wrote: »

So, I have a double-DIN stereo and the display has gone shit. If I punch it hard enough, sometimes it will work, but usually it's just a random mess of pixels.

I want to replace it, but I don't want to pay $Double-DIN for a stereo. I also don't want a single-DIN-sized hole in my dash.

Are there options for installing a single-DIN stereo in a double-DIN opening and covering up the extra space or something?

There are stereo installation kits that convert standard sizes.

Some examples: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Car-Deck-Installation-Parts/Car-Dash-Installation-Kits/pcmcat165900050033.c?id=pcmcat165900050033

If you're at all handy, you might just have some faulty connections in your old stereo. Hitting it and it works sounds like a connection has worked loose somewhere and punching it jiggles it back in place.

Chanus

Yeah, I've seen those brackets, but it looks like there will still be a big hole in my dash.

Though, I suppose I could use it like a cubby :P

And yeah, I've thought about trying to repair the existing one, but it's a 2003 and still has a tape deck. I'm thinking I might want a newer one with an Aux in and maybe a USB port.

Derrick

Chanus wrote: »

Yeah, I've seen those brackets, but it looks like there will still be a big hole in my dash.

Though, I suppose I could use it like a cubby :P

And yeah, I've thought about trying to repair the existing one, but it's a 2003 and still has a tape deck. I'm thinking I might want a newer one with an Aux in and maybe a USB port.

They exist with the open part covered. About a thousand years ago when I worked at RadioShack in high school, I sold that kind all the time. You just might have to search a bit harder. Go in to a place that sells the brackets and ask if they have or can order one like you need.

And yeah, Aux in is a bit of a must these days. I'm surprised a 2003 didn't have one, actually.

Chanus

Heh, yeah, I keep thinking I just haven't stared at it hard enough, but there's no Aux In. :P

Thanks, I'll look into that.

Donovan Puppyfucker

It ain't perfect, but it's $100 and double DIN, with the extra inputs you wanted.

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_25739_Boss_Audio_822UA.aspx

Nova_C

Check out Crutchfield. They will allow you to put in the year, make and model of your car and let you know what components fit, what don't fit and if you need adapters, how to install them. They will also send you the adapters free.

You can get a $200 double DIN Kenwood that I was looking at, so there are options if you don't want to go the single DIN route.

kuhlmeye

Just FYI, the my car was double DIN, and when I replaced with a single DIN, the bracket I bought had a small cubby underneath the stereo instead of just a hole. It's actually nice to have that extra storage right under the stereo.

Chanus

Nice. I think the extra storage idea might be the way to go.

Thanks, errybody.

Chanus

So, I got the installation kit with the cubby hole and (other than the huge pain in the arse getting my existing stereo out) everything went wonderfully.

Now a new issue. Has anyone used one of these SiriusXM FM Direct Adapters ? (I have the XM Onyx radio if that matters).

I got it hooked up to the antenna and into the stereo no problem... regular FM radio still works fine... but the Sirius radio just says "Check Antenna Connection" and broadcasts no audio. No static either, like it syncs up to the FM station and just plays dead air.

Anyone know what might be the issue there? I haven't found much help Googling.

useless4

that sounds like a problem with the sirius reception and the sirius antenna (not sure if it has a separate one or if it's integrated)

EasilyAmused

My guess is it sounds like it's not getting the satellite signal. Dead air and no static suggests that the sat radio is broadcasting through the fm adapter properly. The Check Antenna Connection message implies that the satellite antenna isn't plugged in all the way or the cable for it may be damaged. Double check the satellite antenna ( the little magnetic puck like thing), hopefully it's just not plugged in all the way rather than being damaged. The antennas tend to cost as much as a new satellite radio.

Chanus

The little magnetic puck thing works, but this is supposed to make using that unnecessary as it hooks in to use my car's antenna instead. I figured it was easier than running the wire on the puck thingy.

I've found a couple reviews saying the direct adapter has a tendency to just be a piece of junk and not work, so maybe I just got boned when I bought it.

Not the dumbest $20 I've ever spent :P

useless4

No the fm thing you bought allows the audio output go across your radio with better sound quality then a traditional fm transmitter but less quality then an audio cable. It's a compromise for cars that don't have audio inputs or Bluetooth. You still 100% need the Sirius puck antenna sorry. That is why you have no reception

Chanus

Well, that's just stupid.

Chanus

Well, thanks for the tip. I guess I'll be taking that back to Best Buy. :P