Hello,

Hubby has just bought me a FL1 ES TD4 which I am picking up this Sunday. It currently has the original tape player head unit in it, but I would really like to put my own Sony Xplod CD head unit in it - is this possible? I'd like the CD player to also be connected to the auto changer and the steering wheel remote control. Is there anywhere online with 'how to' instructions please? Is it just a case of taking the tape player out and unplugging the wires and plugging them into the CD player or is there more to it than that?

Thanks in advanced!

It is possible to put a Sony head in, doubtful it will go with the CD changer. And it will need a different remote.
Another user, ZdomZ, put a unit in recently, if I remember rightly, he might look later and give you a better idea.
Mike

Ok thanks for your help

Normally the harnesses won't match up, but more often than not there will be an appropriate adaptor somewhere like this:

https://www.connects2.co.uk/

When I fitted my clarion unit I got a two harness adaptors (one for the head unit, and one for the remote) You might also need to get a mounting bracket (unless the new head unit is exactly the same size as the old one).

Generally speaking removing the centre console facia and swapping out the radios is a daunting but surprisingly easy job (I watched a couple of you tube videos on the topic)

Hope that helps

QSpot said:

Normally the harnesses won't match up, but more often than not there will be an appropriate adaptor somewhere like this:

https://www.connects2.co.uk/

When I fitted my clarion unit I got a two harness adaptors (one for the head unit, and one for the remote) You might also need to get a mounting bracket (unless the new head unit is exactly the same size as the old one).

Generally speaking removing the centre console facia and swapping out the radios is a daunting but surprisingly easy job (I watched a couple of you tube videos on the topic)

Hope that helps

Click to expand...

Thank you, are both the harness adaptors exactly the same for both the head unit and for the remote? Will the autochanger that's currently in the car need connecting too?

i had the landy CD player and changed it for a Sony...

you need to make sure what harness you need first some freelanders have iso wiring and some have BMW just because you have a TD4 doesnt mean u have the BMW and no point in buying the wrong harness

then you have to buy the stalk harness separate to make the stalk work

these were mine ( not from here tho)
Autoleads : Stalk/Steering Interface for LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999-2004) BMW Round pins -
then you need to buy a little cable that goes from the harness to the radio

ie
sony
kenwood
jvc

there all different also make sure the radio you have if already got can take controls

CatStew said:

Thank you, are both the harness adaptors exactly the same for both the head unit and for the remote? Will the autochanger that's currently in the car need connecting too?

Click to expand...

No Problem! I'm not sure about the CD changer harness and how it's connected... best to pull it out and have a look honestly!

When you do have a look, make some notes about the set-up like manufacturers of each item most items will have a model number and serial number.

(Land Rover use many different subcontractors to produce their parts and just because it says Land Rover doesn't mean they made it)

If there is a connector note down the connector number (usually written on it somewhere) and take a picture. This will help when you are asking people on the forums, and also when you are buying connectors and don't necessarily have the connector with you to compare the new item to.

If the CD changer uses a second connector then it's likely that you will need a second adaptor. Assuming that the new head unit is capable of handling a CD-changer!

I am sure that somebody on the forum has a similar set-up to you and has tinkered with it. Hopefully they will shed some light on it.

The system I removed was an in-dash cd-changer with only one wiring harness at the back. The adapters I bought were one Y-format one as the new head unit required two different connectors to plug in from the original Land-Rover harness (Clarion supplied the second thankfully).

The unit i removed: http://images.sc1.netdna-cdn.com/P/Factory-Stereo-R-2581-main-image-1.jpg

Another supplier of adaptor leads is incartech.

Hmm. I hadn't even thought about whether the head unit was actually compatible or not. I bought it about 6 years ago for my old car so no longer have the box or instruction manual etc. think I'll have to trawl the internet to see if I can find out! I'll be gutted if it's not compatible! Thanks again for the help with this, I think I 'get' it!

when you've finished connecting it all up, but before you reach the point of no return, make sure you test that the horn works.

on some versions, the horn earth is routed via the head unit, and changing it has caused the horn to stop working. not something you would think to check, but find out when it's too late.

Optimus Prime said:

when you've finished connecting it all up, but before you reach the point of no return, make sure you test that the horn works.

on some versions, the horn earth is routed via the head unit, and changing it has caused the horn to stop working. not something you would think to check, but find out when it's too late.

Click to expand...

Ok thank you!

My Freelander came with a 6 C.D. changer under the front passenger seat, so it must be possible to retro fit one. The cables might even be there already.