How to fit an aftermarket Headunit to a Mk1 (2003-2005) C2

[Jimbo]

Ok lets define what a Mk1 C2 is 1st, if your dashboard looks like this below, your car is a Mk1 C2.

Mk1 Dash
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz210/c2clubalbum/Mk1Dash.jpg

Mk2 Dash
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz210/c2clubalbum/Mk2Dash.jpg


Fitting an aftermarket headunit to a Mk1 C2 is very easy and takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.


The Adaptor

First of all, you need to purchase an adaptor from Citroen. The part number is 947528. It costs £5 max inclusive of VAT.

I have heard problems of getting the adaptor from certain Citroen dealerships across the UK, but it does exist.

What does the adaptor do?? It makes your car work as per normal with the standard headunit. It doesnt affect the cars electrics, and doesnt freeze the central display and clock so that they are in perfect working order.

The other way

There is a way to get around the adaptor by switching over the red and yellow wires in the cars orginal radio wiring, however, Citroen highly recommended the lead above is fitted to avoid problems with warranty issues should they arise, so best not be a cheapskate and pay up the £5 for the sake of your warranty, Max Power Magazine is more expensive than the lead!!

The stalk controls

If you wish to keep your stalk controls, there is a part available for most aftermarket headunits. The part is available from Halfords. The part number is PC99-X44. The cost varies from £30-£40.

For advice on which headunits this part will work with, please ask your local Halfords retailer, or Autoleads, as I dont know which headunit makes and models that they work with. I only know they work with Alpine headunits from experience. Personally, I think it will work with all headunits, but please check before you buy.

The fitting

After you have got the lead, follow these simple steps to fit your Headunit.

1) Take out any CD's/Tapes of the standard headunit, so you dont lose them :)
2) Disconnect Battery by the Postive lead (+/Red) by unclipping it and removing it from the battery.
3) Remove the standard headunit.
4) Fit Multiplex lead from Citroen, match up with the colours from the cars wiring to the lead and thats where it needs to go and, if applicable, fit your stalk control adaptor.
5) Fit your brand spanking new beautiful sounding aftermarket headunit.
6) Reconnect Battery.
7) Turn on your new headunit, make sure it works ok.
8 ) Make sure all electrics are working, like windows, central locking.

And thats it!! Your done!!

If you have any questions, problems, or need more advice, send me a PM and i'll answer your query to the best of my ability :)

Jimbo 8-)

[Sag]

Sticky!

[c2ology]

top guide jimbo!

[Den]

nice one mate :) ive made it a sticky :)

[ellis]

nice 1 mate looks super hehe

regards
ellis

[petrolhead]

Yeah, it looks really useful! :D Except I have a MK2...how do you fit one to a MK2?

[Jimbo]

Dens your man for Mk2 C2's :D

[matt_sky_walker]

do you still have to buy a wiring adaptor for the block things ? or does the citroen adaptor thing do that ?

[Jimbo]

Just need the adaptor, it connects to one of the two blocks ;)

[itsdave]

Cheers for the guide Jimbo, have ordered all the parts (Sony CDX-GT410U HU with Connects2 Citroen to Clarion stalk adapter along with the loom bit). I'll keep ya posted on the fit and upload a coupla pics if I can. Wish me luck!

[kikassridec2]

spot on jimbob i mean jimbo lol

[x_Sam_x]

Ok, can someone help me plz...

I've had my headunit since before the accident about 8 weeks ago.. And i've rung up Citroen sooo many times and the adapter just never arrives or they deny selling it and asking how i know they sell it...

Can i get this part anywhere else or a similar part at somewhere like halfords?

As i wanna get it fitted this weekend if possible...

[chambers]

Think you can only get it from Citroen, I got a spare one for a mk1 if you are really in need

[x_Sam_x]

Ah okies, it was just it was booked in with my mate tomorrow so get all the stereo sorted. And i been ont he phone to citroen every day and they've promised it will be here the next day...But today they won't answer the phone.

I may be in touch if i still have no luck...

[Pri]

i have a question, i dont have the multiplex adapter on my mark 1, the headunit i believe is wired directly to the battery. Not sure if they've swapped the red and yellow wires round but i've had no other problems - is this another way of bypassing it?

[chambers]

No idea mate, suppose if it works it works I guess

[MBC2]

do Halfords sell the power adaptor lead for a mk1 ??

if so anyone got the part number

cheers

[Jimbo]

Halfords do not sell the lead required.

Can I please state that I will NOT get the part for members then send it to you. I have NO need to go to Citroen Manchester for over a year now as I do not own a C2 anymore, so please ring and ask the parts department to send it out to you.

Citroen Manchester are part of the Citroen Retail Group, there other dealerships (from my knowledge) are Sale, London, Birmingham and Glasgow. If these dealerships are closer and you want to collect the part yourself instead of them being sent to you, they should stock the part too, so pop down to them.

[DeathsHead]

Have you any experience with alternate stawk control adaptors?
Pioneer CA-R-PI.161 (http://www.service.pioneer-eur.com/peeservice/instrmanuals.nsf/0/D6CCD2838CCCADB5C1256FA400321AE2/$File/CA-R-PI.161.pdf) says its compatible with C2 from 09/03 onwards.
I'm going to be at Citroen Bury later today and I'll see if they have the power adaptors available to order.

[dan_n_zoe]

If you go on the Citroen webshite and do a search for dealers then look for the ones with the Parts column ticked and they'll be able to order the lead in if they don't keep it in stock

[Brutey]

The one thing alot of people might find is they will also have to buy a "patch lead" that links from the multiplex wiring box to the head unit. I know i have to on my panasonic head unit, you will have to get the correct patch lead for the correct head unit.

[jpcraney]

i just swaped the red and yellow round on the head unit side hade no problems

[Goldy21]

Hi Jim

Great advice jim i was really struggling trying to find out what was wrong with my centre screen, then my auto light started flashing, i thought i had well messed up my car,

Once i saw this post i rang CityCitroen ordered the part, they delivered the same day an everything is back the way it hould be

Thanks jim top advice now ive got that sorted i can wire up my sub and amp

[scuderia91]

I have the 5 extra cd slots fitted underneath the head unt, does anyone know if I installed a new head unit would I still be able to use these 5 cd slots or would they become useless?

[scuderia91]

anyone?

[Roberts123]

do you need any special keys etc to get the standard cd player out? i know some cars you need to just wana make sure...

[C2kev]

do you need any special keys etc to get the standard cd player out? i know some cars you need to just wana make sure...

you need to make something like these, bent bit of wire

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii134/c2kev/DSC00018.jpg

[Roberts123]

any piece of bent wire or can i buy um from an kinda audio shop?

[chambers]

you can buy them from a shop or a bent metal coathanger also works

[Roberts123]

ok kool and just literally push it into the holes 2 holes on either side yea...?

[JonnyW]

Just thought i'd let people know, if anyone needs that adapter from Citroen and their Citroen isn't being helpful.. You can either pay me and i'll get it and send it to you or contact Freeborne Citroen at Guildford and see if they'll send you it etc.

Very helpful down there :)

[Roberts123]

i managed to get one just...from citroen near me in bath

[Kie1an]

i have a 2006 plate c2 but my dash looks like that so im assuming its a late mk1 , it also has the plain red tail lights . basically after fitting a aftermarket headunit my central locking is fucking right up . could this be the fix ?? many thanks if someone could help . kieran :)

[Kie1an]

been to citroen today to get the adaptor qouted in this thread , fixed the above problem with the locking now . cheers for a helpful thread :D

[bruce273]

thanks for the guide my alpine works perfectly.
just to say if you get a connects2 stalk adaptor (its about £30 + £5 for the conector for your radio remote input) you dont nead the citroen adaptor. my display froze when I removed the citroen radio I found that just disconecting the battery and plugging it in again sorted it out. thanks again

[m1kbee]

Would the adapter slove the problem of my headunit having no memory? I have been told to swap some wires but can't figure out which ones and I'm not spending £17 in Halfords for something I can get from Citroen for £5 (if it works).

[Greg]

Would the adapter slove the problem of my headunit having no memory? I have been told to swap some wires but can't figure out which ones and I'm not spending £17 in Halfords for something I can get from Citroen for £5 (if it works).

Swap the red and yellow.

So if its yellow to yellow at the minute, do it yellow to red.

[m1kbee]

I don't get what you mean. Yellow to red? The plugs go straight into my headunit. Does anyone know which wire is which?

[Orta]

Anything electrical always goes badly for me. On my last couple of cars I've just had the guys @ halfords do it. The guys are pretty descent @ the one near me. But if this adaptor is only available from Citroen I presume they won't be fitting it ??

[scuderia91]

quick question guys, does anyone know what aerial adaptor i need for the mk1 as i thought you didnt need one but the headunit ive just bought has a different aerial connection

[C2Gavi]

should of got the aerial thing with it mate, if not pop in ur local shop & buy the correct fitment?

i got one with my sony, but the din iso harness i bought had a built in one what fits! mine is mk2 mind.

[scuderia91]

all sorted now thanks anyway

[fraser1873]

great sticky, held me with my first bit of modification on my first car, cheers

[Greg]

No problem, that's what it's here for.

[gungun]

Hi there I have a MK1 Dash and had my cd player stolen out of the car, I have taken the car to Halfords and they didin't have a clue what wire did what and I also took it to Citroen who said they needed to get info from germany and charge me a arm and leg for the info........So I'm stuck. Can you please give me some advise on what wire does what as the power block has just the wires showing, Speakers block still ok.

Many thanks

[SAL73R]

I have just bought this part
http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww114/SAL73R/9a55dbe4.jpg
But my head unit still doesn't work properly. Anyone help?
It wont turn off at all even when the ignition is off i did it exactly the way said.

[SAL73R]

Anyone?

[DavidB]

Just bought a h/u of Dan_C2, and he has crossed the wires, e.g red into yellow. Is this safe or is it worth my while to put red to red and buy the £5 adapter?

[DavidB]

+ is the guide the same for a mark 2?

[DavidB]

I have just bought this part
http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww114/SAL73R/9a55dbe4.jpg
But my head unit still doesn't work properly. Anyone help?
It wont turn off at all even when the ignition is off i did it exactly the way said.

I have been out and bought this part today and the black end goes in to the wires coming from new h/u right?
But there is nothing coming from the car that fits into the grey panel, really confused me, can anyone shed any light on the matter?
Thanks in advance.

[Den]

if you have a mk2 this is the wrong adaptor, there is a guide for mk2 cars on another thread

[DavidB]

Okay, for mk 2 is ther a different adapter?

[Den]

yes there is. if you do a search there are hundreds of threads about it

[DavidB]

Done the search but cannot find any for mk2, onli mk1 and 3, am i just blatantly thick and missing something lol

[Den]

Id suggest you cant use the search tool as i have found hundreds, look heres the first 4 from my list:
http://c2club.co.uk/showthread.php?9265-head-unit-fittttting-problemmmmmm-!!!!&highlight=mk2+adaptor
http://c2club.co.uk/showthread.php?7857-iso-radio-harness-red-cable-[&highlight=mk2+adaptor
http://c2club.co.uk/showthread.php?7960-Mk2-head-unit-adaptors&highlight=mk2+adaptor
http://c2club.co.uk/showthread.php?6354-Help-with-JVC-head-unit-mk2&highlight=mk2+adaptor

[DavidB]

thanks, just off back to take the rong adapter then i'll get on to buying the right one. Citroen told me they dont supply mark 2 adapters is this right?

[Antowns]

Thanks for this guide, it really helped.

[alan_t_vts]

i see some are confused on how to swap wires, and also saving you a fiver on a lead. so here's how i did mine on my MK1 VTS to show others how easy it is.

heres the iso connector that comes with the head unit, notice the position of the red and yellow wire.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/alan_t_t_t_t/tn_IMAG0038.jpg?t=1294063864

heres the iso connector from above.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/alan_t_t_t_t/tn_IMAG0039.jpg?t=1294063864

get a small screwdrive, i used a precission screw driver and popped it down inside where the yellow wire is , and give the wire a little wiggle..
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/alan_t_t_t_t/tn_IMAG0040.jpg?t=1294063864

it should come out like this, heresa afterwith the red and yellow wires removed.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/alan_t_t_t_t/tn_IMAG0042.jpg?t=1294063864

now pop them back into there new locations, notice the new positions of the red and yellow wires, thats it job done, connect the head units and cars iso connectors up and jobs done.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/alan_t_t_t_t/tn_IMAG0044.jpg?t=1294063864

[askgar]

Just bought a Pioneer DEH-3200UB HU and when I got out the ISO connector thing the red and yellow wires have plugs (for use of a better term) on them that can be swapped (so you can connect red to yellow and vise-versa), am I correct in thinking if I do this I won't need the £5 adapter from Citroen. Also, is it obvious what to do with the stalk controls part (PC99-X44)? I haven't picked one up yet but would be likely too in the future once I've saved up a bit more money for it.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[alan_t_vts]

no you should'nt need one m8, as all the adapter does is swap them over.

when you turn the car engine off, the head unit will still be on, sit there a couple of minutes and you should hear a click from behind the glovebox, and the head unit then switches off.
see if it does the same as this is what it does on my mk1 vts.

[askgar]

Just to report back, I sat in the car for a couple of minutes after the engine was off and there was indeed a click and the HU switched off. Had to get an adapter for the aerial though, the one in the C2 won't connect to the one on the new HU.

[alan_t_vts]

cool, so just lock the car as normal then, and the head unit will auto shut off.;)

[scurran83]

Ive swapped red and yellow wires and it did indeed switch off. I thought i had it solved and then it came back on again? Any ideas???

[alan_t_vts]

after you tried it, i guess you opened the door to get out?
which would result in the car thinking you have got into the car again resulting in the stereo coming back on.
once you get out the car and lock it, it will then stay off until you unlock your car or you open the door if unlocked.

[Headsy]

:D

[ryanmxr]

ive got an aftermarket hu couldnt tell you what make but i would like my stalk to operate the volume , any help would be much appreciated thaks ryan

[Grahamj69]

Hey Ryan,

There are a few stalk adapters out there depending on age (mk 1 / 2), etc. of your car, so make sure you have the right info for this. The correct stalk adapter should cover most of the main brands of aftermarket HU manufacturers.

You will also need a patch lead which will be for your specific make of aftermarket HU you have. You may also need an aerial adapter. On my install I had a Fakra aerial so I needed the Fakra / ISO aerial adapter which has a blue wire which had to connect to one of the wires from the stalk adapter to supply power to the signal booster.

NOTE - when you use the correct stalk adapter you do not need a separate wiring harness.

I have a 2006/2007 Furio and I recently fitted a Pioneer DEH-6300SD HU and the people at Car Audio Security in Hayes Middlesex were really helpful. They even popped out the OEM stereo to check what type of aerial I had. Their website is pretty good. Have a look under car stereo accessories for the cables.

I also fitted new front component speakers and ran new wires to them. I had to push out the wires (and pin) from the block that were marked front right +, front right -, frontl left + and front left - to attach these new speaker wires to.

Hope this helps, but I would suggest going to a reputable car audio centre for advice before buying the adapter cables. The cables added about £50 to the purchase orice of the HU and speakers so definately make sure you get the right ones.