Hi,

I want to replace the crappy std head unit in my 2005 TW ES (which turns out to be a Clarion) with a proper Clarion, CZ209A.

A practice remove & install of the console was easy, 5' for each, thanks to the great pics on this forum.

The Q's I have are:

1. Will the plugs at the back pull straight out of the OEM unit and straight in to the CZ209A, or will I need some adapters?
2. Will disconnecting the battery cause any of the computers (trans, injection, etc) to lose memory, and if so, what should I do about this?
3. is there anything else I should watch out for?

Thanks everyone.

Answers to best of my (limited) knowledge.

1/ The OEM radio plug will have a Mitsubishi-specific layout.
Your after-market will almost certainly have a different style plug specific to Clarion.
Easiest option will be to purchase "plug-on" adaptors - Aerpro is one brand of these. E-bay or Car Parts/Audio shops are best source of these, have seen prices range from about $16- thru about $25- for the adaptors - you may need one or two adaptors.
Google "Aerpro" and check out their online catalogue - they are likely to do a 'Mitsi-to-ISO" and then a "ISO-to-Clarion" adaptor OR you could use the "Clarion to bare wires" harness that will come with your new unit, and buy a "Bare Wires to Mitsi" Aerpro adaptor, meaning you will have some wire-matching and soldering to do.

2/ Yes, disconnection of the battery for install will reset ECU (engine) TCU (Auto) and the Trip computer. If you have Operators Manual for your car, it will explain how to re-code the trip-computer. ECU and TCU will re-learn as you drive, or there is a specific procedure to assist TCU to give good shift quality. Search of these forums will find "How to" for trip-pooter and TCU if you need the instructions.

3/ Your aftermarket Clarion will likely have an Earth wire in its wiring harness, whereas OEM Mitsi HU's earth themselves through their outer casing - this means there is no "earth" wire in the radio plug in the car loom. You will need to find a good metallic earthing point in the console/dash to ground the earth wire of your new unit - look for a bolt or screw that goes into a metal bracket etc in the dash - there is a good point up near top left corner of the "hole" you will be working in, but several others to choose from. If you use a crimp connector to terminate the earth wire in a loop or fork fitting, it is a good idea to also solder these crimp connectors.

In buying adaptor harnesses, make sure you understand which "male" and "female" connectors you will require - Aerpro and others will likely make both the items you need as well as the opposite "gender". You will need a "Mitsi layout" MALE connector to attach into the "female" plug in the car loom.

There is a website called Install Doctor which has details of plug-layout and wiring colours used for Mitsi plugs, there is a link to the exact page somewhere in these forums - i have hard-copied and laminated it for my tinkering.

Hi Phil,

Thank you very much,

Peter

Hi Phil,

Thank you very much,

Peter