Standard Head Unit with Amp and Sub

[mattd_85]

I have wired up my sub and amp on the Mk4 GTi and have power to the sub but no sound! I am using the standard head unit with an adaptor to give me 2 pre outs on the headunit. Only conclusion I have come to is that it may be the phono cables. Could this be the problem.

The RCA seems fine as when I plug the connector into the back of the H.unit the amp powers up but am puzzled by the fact that I dont have any sound.

Any ideas please help. Dont want to waste money on another set of phono leads if there is some command you have to enter on the headunit.

[tommk3cab]

im slightly confused, by RCA, you mean remote wire yeah? (the thin blue one?)
if the amp light comes on the remote wire is fine, or at least it is for now!

and the two preout adaptor, how does that work? does it run off your standard speaker wires? this sounds like it is causing you your problems.

 its doubtful, although not impossible that a new set of phonos will solve your problems.
are the phonos new? if so another set will definately not be the way to go.

sorry i couldnt be more help, hopefully someone will be able to help more.

have you thought about getting an aftermarket stereo? they are a lot easier and more reliable to add stuff too.  has your car on dash computer features built in? ( mpg + fuel left ect.) if you use these features often you may be reluctant to lose them but my last car had and i never missed it when i fitted my stereo!

depends how much you use them though.

[mattd_85]

Thanks for your reply.

Yes the remote is fine as power is going to the AMP, just no sound coming from the SUB. Checked all connections and they seem fine.

Really wanted to keep the standard head unit as I have the CD slot above so would have to find something to fill that space if I used a aftermarket headunit.

Thinking about it now could have a screen in place of the CD Changer (in dash) and DVD player in place of head unit

[tommk3cab]

halfords and other places sell blanking plates, you cant even tell its been done, look quiet smart.

maybe even put a little extra storage in like some of these...!

http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.dealsonice.net/willhart/Files/338284_2&imgrefurl=http://www.dealsonice.net/contentcollectionpage~Type~2~Category~42544.aspx&h=47&w=75&sz=2&hl=en&start=14&tbnid=knw0hXgU_RIg_M:&tbnh=44&tbnw=71&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsingle%2Bdin%2Bfacia%2Badaptor%26gbv%3D2%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26channel%3Ds%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DG

i think they only show pictures of some (not VW ) on here but VWs are listed about halfway down this page.

i would say you would definately have more luck with an aftermarket stereo, go for a screen though if you have the $$$!

its got to be something to do with the phono leads though but if they are new, it must be the signal is not even getting into them.

does anybody you know have a VW with an aftermarket stereo you could quickly whip out just to try in your motor?

[BobbyT]

check the earth from the amp

[Heyho]

What setting do you have on your amp?

Also, to be sure that you are actually getting a signal at the amp end of the RCA, you could measure AC voltage with a multimeter - you should get a fluctuating voltage of anywhere between 1 and 4 volts.

Hope that helps.

[tommk3cab]

but the earth must be connected because the remote light comes on.

[dTEA]

Thanks for your reply.

Really wanted to keep the standard head unit as I have the CD slot above so would have to find something to fill that space if I used a aftermarket headunit.

Thinking about it now could have a screen in place of the CD Changer (in dash) and DVD player in place of head unit

The MK4 and Polo also had a Cubby instead of a Dash mounted 6 Disc Changer or blanking.  It is basically a blank that fits over in place of the Changer and is OEM plus is only about £10 from the dealers.  Its also felt lined, so if you have an iPod or mobile it wont scratch it if you put in there...and if you do get an aftermarket headunit then get one with a controller for the iPod and place that neatly in the Cubby.