Technical Fiat Panda 2016 radio upgrade

[MZtech]

Hi everyone, I've lurked here for years after owning 3 Grande Puntos over the years, finally signed up
I have a question regarding my wife's Panda

I'm trying to upgrade the radio to an android auto one, I've not messed with car audio stuff for 20+ years so this has me stumped.

The android unit came with a choice of two harness adapters to use but I can't figure out which is the right one.

I've added some photos of the current radio and the new harnesses, anyone point me in the right direction of which to use?

Thanks a bunch.

 

[MZtech]

Just an update, figured out which harness it was in the end, all up and running, works a treat

Just a heads up for anyone who buys a similar unit, you will need a 90 degree angled connector for the ariel lead as it doesn't fit with a standard one.

 

[boozyjay]

Just an update, figured out which harness it was in the end, all up and running, works a treat

Just a heads up for anyone who buys a similar unit, you will need a 90 degree angled connector for the ariel lead as it doesn't fit with a standard one.

Is it a decent piece of kit and does the DAB work well?

 

[MZtech]

Is it a decent piece of kit and does the DAB work well?

This model doesn't have DAB sadly, but it was mainly bought for the android auto functions which work perfectly, connects up automatically in 10 seconds or so, wife is very happy to have Waze and Spotify ect running on her very basic Panda. Can't complain for £85.

 

[There all puntos]

Does it communicate with your steering wheel controls?. None of my adapted stereos ever did with my 98 Punto, 2005 Stilo, the wife's 2012 Punto.

Even with the adaptor leads for steering wheel controls.

 

[MZtech]

Does it communicate with your steering wheel controls?. None of my adapted stereos ever did with my 98 Punto, 2005 Stilo, the wife's 2012 Punto.

Even with the adaptor leads for steering wheel controls.

Her Panda doesn't have steering wheel controls, like I say, it's dead basic , supposedly it does, it has a box that plugs in the back that communicates with the cars can bus, so you can see your car info on the radio (mileage, odometer, if the doors are open and such).

 

[jvdp]

Apologies if I missed it but which unit from where have you installed as it looks good and seems to be just what I might need for mine which also has just the basic unit

 

[MZtech]

Apologies if I missed it but which unit from where have you installed as it looks good and seems to be just what I might need for mine which also has just the basic unit

Had it from here on eBay

For Fiat Panda 2013-2020 Car Stereo Radio NAVI Carplay Android 13 GPS WiFI RDS | eBay

Carplay: wired or wireless Carplay in-vehicle system can closely integrate the user's iOS device and iOS experience with the dashboard system. 9" Single 1Din Touch Screen Car Stereo Radio Apple/Android Carplay Bluetooth FM.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[jvdp]

Vendor has yet to reply to queries but maybe you can advise: does the unit have built-in memory for music and/or is one of the USB suitable for either an ipod or memory stick of music or a phone charging cable - TIA

 

[euroben]

Vendor has yet to reply to queries but maybe you can advise: does the unit have built-in memory for music and/or is one of the USB suitable for either an ipod or memory stick of music or a phone charging cable - TIA

This might be another option for you. https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/new-head-unit-on-2013.510574/

 

[MZtech]

Vendor has yet to reply to queries but maybe you can advise: does the unit have built-in memory for music and/or is one of the USB suitable for either an ipod or memory stick of music or a phone charging cable - TIA

It's in my wife's car so I don't have a lot of experience with it aside from fitting it, from what I remember one usb is used for carplay/android auto if you don't want to do wireless and the other is for usb external storage, as for built in memory, again I don't remember exactly but I'm sure I read something about having a small amount, I would stick with using external memory anyway, would be worried about slowing down the unit with filling the memory.

 

[jvdp]

Hi - just installed this morning with a little excitement and the obligatory skimmed knuckles

Seems to work ok with the LHL-608 block

My unit had a couple of little brackets just behind the fascia that needed removing to fit into existing aperture due to width

I think Halfords Fakra Male Aerial Adaptor CT27AA06 works for the radio connection

Finding the software a little challenging - do you have any suggestions as to how I should get external memory to play an album? Also should the unit be able to have an ipod plugged in & successfully play ?

There's a delightful selection of local music which hopefully I can figure out how to delete !

​

 

[jvdp]

OK so any help appreciated

a - the angled connector I thought would work doesn't - too long - what did you use please ?
b- can the camera that isn't connected be turned off so it doesn't kill the screen if reversing ?
c - how did this happen ? 'you can see your car info on the radio (mileage, odometer, if the doors are open and such)' - I cannot see it in settings

Many thanks

 

[jvdp]

Brief update:

1 - had to order from Aliexpress so now good radio
2 - it would seem not..
3 - to pick up these additional canbus signals the 8 pin plug with only 2 wires blue/yellow needs plugging in (which they don't tell you) BUT it seems to mess with some of the car's systems so mileometer is flashing & other minor tantrums - probably curable with a canbus relearn 'PROXI alignment'

I found both installed music programs quite irritating so added Musicolet which happily plays the memory stick in one of the USB cables

Using the house wifi I connected the car to google so that I could download a large local map to the system for days when the phone is not connected (my preference) although the bluetooth seems to work fine including the built-in mic

Since most of the additional canbus data duplicates that from the driver's central mini-screen I've disconnected the plug above

Overall because my use is very similar to that described of OP's wife very happy with unit

 

[jvdp]

Further update is that I've returned it as the unit setting would not hold so it kept reverting back to kph on the digital speedo which was unmissable and thus too dangerous

Its a shame as the unit works well for basic music & radio & phone & Android Auto - its just the canbus related stuff where it goes a bit flakey