Technical USB if swap headunit

[burtstyle]

Hello, our Panda 4x4 cross comes tomorrow!

Just making a list of things to do, one is replace the headunit by recommendation on here but if I do:

1. Is there space for a deeper model with CD player, or does it have to be a mech less shorter one?
2. Would the usb on the top of the dash still charge a phone? Obviously if I went for a Bluetooth audio one I wouldn’t need to worry too much about connection but…
3 Are there any headunits out there where I could replace like for like and still have that usb powered and have use of the steering wheel buttons.

Thanks!

 

[The Panda Nut]

Why not try the existing unit before planning to change it? I find its not bad. There may be better units but as the Panda is a noisy car there doesnt seem much point in getting a fancy unit unless you sleep in the car and want to listen deep into the night. You can get adapter plates for fitting single DIN units son the net. Separate CD or amp would need to go in the glove box or under a seat. My current car has no rear speakers and this is a slight disadvantage but not so much so that I feel arsed to deal with it.

 

[Mouse1903]

Hello, our Panda 4x4 cross comes tomorrow!

Just making a list of things to do, one is replace the headunit by recommendation on here but if I do:

1. Is there space for a deeper model with CD player, or does it have to be a mech less shorter one?
2. Would the usb on the top of the dash still charge a phone? Obviously if I went for a Bluetooth audio one I wouldn’t need to worry too much about connection but…
3 Are there any headunits out there where I could replace like for like and still have that usb powered and have use of the steering wheel buttons.

Thanks!

I'm sure an auto electrician could make the USB work, it may be powered seperately. For a CD unit if you have the money I'd go for this, Pioneer make great kit:

Pioneer AVH-A7100BT - 7" Motorised Screen CD DVD Bluetooth Stereo

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caraudiosecurity.com

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

@burtstyle There is space for a full-sized single din unit, yes -- but beware the standard plugs in the Fiat wiring loom are quite large, so, unless you replace with a unit that also uses these (Euro standard) connectors, it may be tight in there if adaptor leads are needed.

The dashboard USB socket is connected to the back of the standard head unit, so it will only continue to work if (1) plugged into a new head unit and (2) that the power output from a new unit is enough to charge with, rather than just transfer data. It uses a mid0sized USB connector at the head unit end. (There was a previous post with photos of the back of the standard fit radio). As The Panda Nut say - try the standard one first though - its not at all bad, just looks a bit 'old school'.

 

[burtstyle]

Why not try the existing unit before planning to change it? I find its not bad. There may be better units but as the Panda is a noisy car there doesnt seem much point in getting a fancy unit unless you sleep in the car and want to listen deep into the night. You can get adapter plates for fitting single DIN units son the net. Separate CD or amp would need to go in the glove box or under a seat. My current car has no rear speakers and this is a slight disadvantage but not so much so that I feel arsed to deal with it.

I test drove a few and found it was dire - but I’ll see if the one mine comes with is anything different - all 2019 plates. I enjoy music and so being in the car for longer journeys is an ideal time to listen for me.

Our T6 campervan is a noisy vehicle but I uprated the speakers and deadened the doors and now it’s much more pleasant sound without having to crank up the volume to compensate.

 

[UKRMedic]

I'd well recommend reading my head unit fiasco which still isn't resolved. There are fascia surrounds available for single din generic units.

Your new head unit isn't the touchscreen one? If it was, I'd keep it as is. If it's the orange screen thing, I can understand why you'd want to change.

To answer your question, the USB connection to the back of your head unit is likely to be USB mini B, so, if needed, an adaptor to USB male (Or whatever is in the rear of your new head unit) will preserve the USB functionality on the dash.

 

[burtstyle]

It’s the non touch screen, but it’s not too bad actually - the other ones I drove must have been older - but lack of DAB might be the nail in coffin, but it’s ok for now.