Replacing OEM headunit

[ac2709]

Good morning, all!

I collected my first motorhome on Friday and love nearly everything about it! The one problem I have is that the Blue&Me bluetooth system doesn't seem to be working on the headunit (I can't connect to bluetooth and flashing mileage). Having bluetooth for my phone is important for answering calls, I can survive without the music and podcast side of things, but that would be a bonus.

I've been looking at different options: headphones, aftermarket upgrade, FM transmitter, but I ideally want to keep the price down as much as possible. I'm here to ask if anyone has upgrade their headunit to a 'newer' version of a fiat OEM one, or if my best option is to just save and get an aftermarket one such as Kenwood or Pioneer?

The unit I have is the one below, with the centre volume button, and I've attached an image of what I was thinking as an OEM upgrade (the volume and tuning dials on the left and right hand side).

Thanks

 

[fishplug]

The flashing mileage thing is the unit's way of letting you know that the main control module is expecting something to be connected to it that is no longer connected to it....

Good old CANBUS...

If you know what this is, then that's great. If you don't then you're going to need an OBD scanner or an auto electrician to figure out what's missing and either fix it or let the main control module know that it's been removed.

I was given a Fiat unit to try as it had the integrated reversing camera that mine didn't. However it only seems to work if you've got the OEM reversing camera - which I didn't. This is how I discovered the flashing mileage issue - because the Fiat unit was looking for a camera that wasn't there.

Physically swapping them out isn't difficult, but you might need a wiring loom adaptor if you go for something aftermarket and they aren't cheap. The 'budget' option would be to put in a second hand OEM unit, but that might not resolve the bluetooth issue (or maybe it will) and I don't know if the 'two button' version has the same cables as the 'one button' one.

Mine is different to both so I can't be of much help with that!

 

[Grummyb]

I don't know about hhe Fiat unit but most devices only have a certain of devices that can be stored in the memory it's not something as simple as needed all the devices deleting to make space is it

 

[JimmE]

We had the same one as you, and fitted an Android head unit with a 10” touchscreen.

Has all the usual navigation apps ( Google Maps/Waze/CoPilot) as well as AM/FM and even DAB radio (extra aerial required I think) and streaming music via Spotify etc. Bluetooth music streaming from your phone, and hands free for calls etc.

No CD player but you can load music via a USB or MicroSD memory card if you like.

Sound quality good ( speakers are the limiting factor, not the unit). You do need a dashboard adapter to make it fit the hole, and a wiring harness adapter to make the plugs fit, and if you have steering wheel controls, another adapter again for those, but it’s worked well in our van for nesrly 4 years.

All those adapters are available online from a company called Dynamic Sounds, as well as many other places I'm sure.

There are many chinese 'unbranded' versions of these, but our specific one is an Eonon GA2185.

It cost us around £250 new (plus cost of adapters) so probably near £350.

i'll actually be listing it up for sale in the classifieds soon - not because of any issuss with it, but we've decided to upgrade to one with Wireless CarPlay feature, which should arrive today or tomorrow.

(You do need to tell the van that the original Blue&Me system is no longer fitted in order to stop the mileage flashing - I did this with a PROXY align in the MultiECUScan software - if you don’t have this then likely someone on the forum near you may have it and be able to do it for you?)

 

[ac2709]

We had the same one as you, and fitted an Android head unit with a 10” touchscreen.

Has all the usual navigation apps ( Google Maps/Waze/CoPilot) as well as AM/FM and even DAB radio (extra aerial required I think) and streaming music via Spotify etc. Bluetooth music streaming from your phone, and hands free for calls etc.

No CD player but you can load music via a USB or MicroSD memory card if you like.

Sound quality good ( speakers are the limiting factor, not the unit). You do need a dashboard adapter to make it fit the hole, and a wiring harness adapter to make the plugs fit, and if you have steering wheel controls, another adapter again for those, but it’s worked well in our van for nesrly 4 years.

All those adapters are available online from a company called Dynamic Sounds, as well as many other places I'm sure.

There are many chinese 'unbranded' versions of these, but our specific one is an Eonon GA2185.

It cost us around £250 new (plus cost of adapters) so probably near £350.

i'll actually be listing it up for sale in the classifieds soon - not because of any issuss with it, but we've decided to upgrade to one with Wireless CarPlay feature, which should arrive today or tomorrow.

(You do need to tell the van that the original Blue&Me system is no longer fitted in order to stop the mileage flashing - I did this with a PROXY align in the MultiECUScan software - if you don’t have this then likely someone on the forum near you may have it and be able to do it for you?)



View attachment 1037383

Thanks for the help! The plan of an Android unit might end up being the route I take. The cost of a second hand OEM unit is around £150 and would only (fingers crossed) offer the bluetooth for hands free/music. An android one would give me the option of Waze and Spotify for audiobooks and podcasts.

Out of curiosity, how much would you be wanting for yours? Would i still need to buy the wiring looms or has it come from a similar aged van?

Thank you!

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[Rapido666F]

Would a stand-alone sat nav allow Bluetooth connectivity?

 

[ac2709]

Would a stand-alone sat nav allow Bluetooth connectivity?

I'm not sure? Would I be able to connect my phone for calls through that?

I'm usually quite tech savvy, but can't for the life of me figure out the best thing. I think money is holding me back, because if that wasn't an issue, I'd just get a pioneer or equivalent headunit and problem solved.

Thanks!

 

[Sue and Rick]

I think I have a two button one in the shed that we took out of our van. Let me look and i will get back to you. We took it out because we wanted a sat nav and apple play.

 

[Sue and Rick]

Yes i have. Let me know if its any good for you.

 

[ac2709]

Thats the exact one I was looking at.

View attachment 1037442View attachment 1037443View attachment 1037444
Yes i have. Let me know if its any good for you.

Are you selling it as this might be the solution for what I'm struggling with!

Thanks!

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[Sue and Rick]

Check if its what you need because , once sold there are no returns as its electronic. It came out working fine as i say.
As long as you have the same connectors behind it will be fine.

 

[ac2709]

Check if its what you need because , once sold there are no returns as its electronic. It came out working fine as i say.
As long as you have the same connectors behind it will be fine.

Thanks. I've sent you a direct message