Technical Replacing Stereo?

[luin11]

Hi all,

I have a 2013 Fiat Panda Easy and would like to replace the stereo with a touchscreen head-unit. It's made to fit into the stereo slot exactly, but my main concern is how to plug everything into it! Is it as simple as unplugging the original stereo and plugging in the new one? It comes with all the cables, but many guides online state I may need a soldering iron - I'm not skilled enough for that I just don't want to unplug the original stereo only to find I don't know how to install the new one, or be unable to put the original back in if need be.

Thanks

 

[Panda IIs]

Hi all,

I have a 2013 Fiat Panda Easy and would like to replace the stereo with a touchscreen head-unit. It's made to fit into the stereo slot exactly, but my main concern is how to plug everything into it! Is it as simple as unplugging the original stereo and plugging in the new one? It comes with all the cables, but many guides online state I may need a soldering iron - I'm not skilled enough for that I just don't want to unplug the original stereo only to find I don't know how to install the new one, or be unable to put the original back in if need be.

Thanks

Multiple threads on here for example https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/2012-panda-oem-radio-replacement.501360/#post-4688415 (also you can search "this forum") there is a good link in the thread I have highlighted. The biggest challenge appears to be maintaining the steering wheel controls (does Easy have them?) and upsetting the Body Control Module (BCM) if you have Blue and Me system and have to disconnect it (you can get flashing Odometer error).

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

Proceed with caution: the Panda is, like most cars these days are designed to only use the original-fit radio, which is linked to the car's security system (the immobiliser, key, radio antitheft system etc), and to the in-built Bluetooth system ('Blue&ME' or, from about 2017,uConnect). If you replace the radio with something 'not expected' by the computer, the security system can get unhappy and this results in the mileometer flashing to say 'not good'. Also, there's not a lot of room behind the original radio for more wires..
(Some folk here have managed to upgrade to the Witson unit from China, which, with a bit of faffing, seems to work well. But others have had issues with other radios)