Ulysse I.C.E.

I have and54 reg Uly Eleganza. I want to put in a decent stereo setup (amp, bass, speaker replacements and the like). However i'm not sure whether to connect a system up to the connect nav+ (with screen) system i have or to strip it out and start over. Would i lose all the on board computer info if i took the original unit out? Where do i find an adaptor for the 20 pin iso plug? Lots of questions i have! Please HELP!!

Hi Alan

Thread moved here for now - if you do go down the road of a new bespoke system, then ICE more appropriate.

I would be very loathe to take out the Nav+ system - however, I am not quite sure of the connections on the back of the unit to allow amps and such like to be connected. Have you removed it yet?

Haven't removed the system yet. ot sure quite what to do. The last time i wired an amp up to the original radio in my last car i got loads of feedback and ended up buying a new head unit. If i can do it off the original equiment then i'll probably do that. Ta

I think the way to go would be break into the speaker leads at the back of the unit and divert them to a power amp which can accept "high-level" inputs as there is no line output (or you could use level converters and a standard amp). You could then send the power amp outputs back up to rejoin the original speaker cables. If you could fit an amp under the driver's seat the wiring runs would be quite short and the battery is very close for the power supply. If you have a CD changer you could probably find a remote control 12V to turn the amp on from the RT3 as well. The speaker would need upgrading as they wouldn't be able to handle a decent amp output I suspect.

I've been toying with this idea myself, as the sound quality from my unit is terrible since the dealer messed it up and left me with a very low audio level.

I've got the CD which has wiring diagrams for the RT3 connections - there are several multiplugs on the back which are probably special to the unit. The CDs are easy to get on eBay.
Martin

Isn't there a fix for that - within hints n tips, to do with a setting on the Examiner unit?

Yes, the one about the "Hi-Fi" external amplifier being selected. I printed all that stuff out and gave it to the dealer. They said they checked it, and went through all the Fiat bulletins, so it must be the RT3 which is faulty. Strange, as it was fine until they connected their Examiner up! I'm going to try another dealer first, just to be sure, as it still seems more likley to me it's a setting rather than a hardware fault.

I agree - what dealership do you use? Have you searched on the forum to see if they are mentioned?

I use my local dealership in Durham City - 10 minutes away. I just searched the forum and they get a few mentions, mainly for very favourable quotes on servicing. I probably just has bad luck, but it took them 3 visits to fix my reversing sensors, and they also failed to fix the "depollution" warning problem. Add to that the audio problem and their completely uninterested/treat you like an idiot attitude and I've no desire to go back - it's a pity as it's very inconvenient to use one further away. I've got to get the airbag safety recall done yet though, so I need to book it in.

Straying well off topic now Stu!
Martin

Don't worry about OT, I can always split the thread out.

Lets hope Alan can sort it out - will be the first properly modded Ulysse on here

I think if you removed the Nav+ you would loose all the computer options, warnings etc because the RT3 drives the LCD screen.

As mentioned the only practical way of trying to improve the system is via external amps and new speakers.

Thanks for the info. I will probably keep the original unit and add an amp to it. Will let you know how it goes once i've done all the shopping. Had a 1100 watt JBL system in the last car i had but it's too big to fit in the ulysse (surprisingly!), without building lots of boxes for the boot and taking up lots of space.