Hi everyone, I'm new to AMC and this is my first post. I need some advice please.

I've just bought a 1997 KF Verada Xi. It's done 180K and is pretty immaculate apart from two small problems. I'm taking possession tomorrow and wanted to sort them out asap - before my ears get too sore from complaints by my wife.

(I wanted to insert a picture but can't work out how to do it. Can you only do it with a link rather than paste a photo? :think:)

Firstly, the key remote is apparently on its last legs. The owner threw away the second remote when it stopped working a long time ago. It sounds like the button mechanisms may just be worn out rather than any integral failure of the remote. I've noticed replacement buttons on eBay. Would they be likely to help? Any other suggestions?

The other, more significant problem is that the audio head unit has stopped working recently. The previous owner said the on-off button was always a bit temperamental, but now it's stopped working all together.

This wasn't a deal breaker, as my wife will use the car for work and needs a hands-free mobile connection. I figured I would kill two birds with one stone and replace the head unit with one that had bluetooth connectivity and ipod/mp3 capability. However, after many hours of trawling through the AMC Forums (Fora), I can't seem to get a handle on the most compatible replacement that will ensure that the steering wheel controls will still work.

The head unit doesn't have to be anything special, just reasonable quality, conservative in appearance and not too expensive - less than $300. Oh, and it has to be able to control the 10-stacker in the boot.

Any suggestions about what sort of unit to get and where to buy it?

Cheers
Andrew

BTW, my other cars are a 1974 BMW 2002tii and 2001 Outback H6. I also have a 1980 Suzuki GS550 and a 1964 Mini 850 which are currently being restored.

New headunits will not be able to control the stacker in the boot, if you want to keep the stacker you will need a replacement headunit out of another KF.

New headunits will not be able to control the stacker in the boot, if you want to keep the stacker you will need a replacement headunit out of another KF.

Thanks for that. It may be better in the short term to get a bluetooth kit for the mobile and get an original replacement unit, but where would I find one?

Thanks for that. It may be better in the short term to get a bluetooth kit for the mobile and get an original replacement unit, but where would I find one?

G'day mate, welcome to the club! Good choice with the KF ;) haha. I've recently replaced the head unit in mine, and my old factory is not doing much at the moment. I was planning on keeping it in case I return the car back to stock before I sell, but you might find more use for it than me. If you interested, PM me an offer :P

I can second that no aftermarket units are compatible with steering controls. Although apparently it is possible with an adapter of some sorts, but these I hear are expensive and in the range of $2-300 themselves. Crazy! Haha, I'd rather just reach to the Head Unit to change volume for that price!

Thirdly, the SA crew of AMC are awesome, feel free to come out to our meets, else you should definitely make an appearance at MMX!

Cheers,
Matt.

edit: also keen to see some pics of ya Mini!!

An original replacement (as a spare part) will be stupidly-expensive, and will be a relatively low-spec unit.
If a member in here has the same head-unit removed for aftermarket upgrade and wishes to sell, or a decent unit from a wreck is located, it might be worth getting the same head-unit. Same thing, you could keep an eye out in e-bay.....

There have def been discussions in here about using the steering-wheel audio remote buttons on after-market head-units by using an adaptor gizmo...... If you try searching for "steering wheel audio remote" or similar terms, you may have some luck.

The threads (some with pics) about removing centre lower console, disconnecting the centre-vent control cable and removing the centre-vents, to access the stereo/heater mounting screws WILL be INVALUABLE. I strongly recommend you search for "head unit removal" etc - as there have been several EXCELLENT threads on this topic, and if you proceed without the inside knowledge I can guarantee something will get broken.

I strongly prefer OEM head-units myself. Getting something to drive the boot-mounted stacker will be next to impossible unless you by a used unit from AMC member, wrecker, or e-bay. Have you considered using an iPod, or an MP3-disc capable after-market Head-Unit? You can burn about 7 or 8 CD albums onto a single MP3 disc. Likewise, a USB stick with MP3's loaded and an after-market unit with USB connection can be had very cheaply.

Best of luck.

I can second that no aftermarket units are compatible with steering controls. Although apparently it is possible with an adapter of some sorts, but these I hear are expensive and in the range of $2-300 themselves. Crazy! Haha, I'd rather just reach to the Head Unit to change volume for that price!
edit: also keen to see some pics of ya Mini!!

yes you can get adapters to plug into aftermarket headunits and the stock wiring so you can use steering wheel controls but they are $300+ and the downsides are they are VERY Tricky to wire up and they wont allow you to use your stacker.

If you would like to keep the stock head unit i would suggest sourcing one from someone on here (eg WTB thread) or get one from the wreckers, and this way you can keep everything and still add an amp down the track. Or if you MUST go aftermarket you can get some nice Aftermarket units that come with an optional stacker but these are also BIG $$$$$$. If you want good quality you can still save money buy adding some RCA's to the back of your stock headunit and adding an amp to run the speakers. Or you can just use a Line Out Converter.

As for the bluetooth your probally just best off getting a seperate bluetooth device that you can stick on the dash or headliner, and that has a loud speaker.

i have a after market h/u its mp3 came it my other car and i got a better one if your interested

Thanks for all that advice fellas.

It sounds like sticking with an OEM HU is probably the way to go. I'm not very good with technical things and I don't fancy paying someone else to do all the fiddling. Those instructions on removal will definitely come in handy, thanks Elwyn.

I'll have a good look at what I've got before I make any decision on what to do next. Maybe I can fix it with a bit of TLC. Is it a common problem? If it's irretrievable, I'll PM you with an offer BlazinTP. BTW, nice Rada, I see why you approve of my choice.

I prefer original too Elwyn. My 2002tii was in Aust Classic Car in April and is original down to factory Recaros, LSD, 5sp Getrag Box, and sunroof. The only mod is a stainless exhaust which was fitted when I bought it. Hell, I've even got the original First Aid kit with bandages wrapped in celophane and German instructions!

I'll happily post pics of all my vehicles, I'm just not sure how do it. The only option seems to be a hyperlink and I haven't got any of my pics hosted. The Mini (my grandmother's with 70K original miles) will have to wait a while - it's resting at friends place in Angaston 'cause there's no room at the Inn.

Thanks too Peandham. I appreciate good music, but with two girls under 10 (Are we there yet?), there's really no point in investing too much in a sound system - Justin Bieber sounds awful even in the best quality.

Cheers

I've never heard of this problem you're having with the head unit, but maybe someone else has, so I'm not sure how common it is. But when somethings broke, TINKER. If it's still broke.. Tinker more... If it's STILL broke... smash it :P Hahaha.. well that's my motto with elecrics.

As far as hosting pictures. I find the best way is to sign up to www.photobucket.com. There you can upload all your pictures, and link them to the site. Also, imageshack is used a fair bit 'cos you don't need to sign up. As far as posting the photo here, just copy the location and put it in between [IMG] tags or just click the 'insert image' button when posting a reply. Then a popup will come allowing you to simply paste the link of the image you want to show... Hope that makes sense haha.

Thanks Matt. So you can't upload from your computer then? I read the FAQ's and tried to create an Album, but the options won't let you upload directly either.

Edit. I just registered with Photobucket. I'll find some good pics an upload them tomorow - some bastard(s) stole my computer a few months ago and I haven't recovered everything yet - may never ...

Have just noticed an OEM Head-Unit on E-Bay, its a Eurovox unit and def went into vehicles older than my TJ and KJ.
Listing claims it is a new-old-stock item and has never been fitted to a car. Listed at $100- plus postage (its in western Sydney)

see here: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/MITSUBISHI-VERADA-CD-TAPE-DECK-/140443596105?pt=AU_CD_Players

Has end-time for listing of 1-Sept just after 1pm.

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE !!!

Just a thought, does the Head-Unit even power-up, or is it apparently completely DEAD? For pity's sake, check FUSES, both in Drivers footwell as well as in the engine bay.
Do you have the glovebox Operators Manual for this car?

If not, try looking /searching in here for "Workshop Manual" thread - someone used to host (off this site) downloadable PDF files of the gen Mistsubishi Workshop Manuals...
I have a hazy memory that TE and TF (so KE and KF also) may have been omitted, but much would be similar (or sufficiently similar in TH/KH onwards versions).

I could well be wrong, but I have certainly had occasions where a fuse blows in the engine bay - and its one of two fuses surrounded by a Yellow shroud.... it may or may not affect the radio. You must lift up the yellow shroud before trying to remove the fuses to check them.... takes quite a bit of effort, and when it "clicks" up it disengages those two fuses as well as releasing them from clamps so they can be taken out.

I'd hate for you to replace a head-unit due to a fuse!!

Thanks Phil,


I've put the ebay listing on my watch list. I don't know how I missed it. I'm an eBay veteran and have been searching for the last week. I don't get the car until tomorrow (Tuesday), so I'm going to have to do some quick detective work to have enough time left to bid.

I had thought of the fuse, the previous owner said that he had checked it, but I'll check again. Thanks for the head-up on the "Yellow Box".

I downloaded the Mitsi factory manual last week once I bought the car, but I haven't had much of a look at it yet. I think you're right, it may not cover the TF-KF specifically, but it should provide a guide on the fuses. It's actually a kind-of interactive PDF thingy. Quite impressive for a shared file ...er...ah...back-up!

just had a thought u said the power botton is a lil dicky maybe a dry solder join

Try this bloke. He bought all the leftovers from the mitsi clearance place in Lonsdale. He's got plenty of original head units. Ray at Car Parts Plus. 83260377

Try a Genuine remote from Southland Mitsubishi. they are cheap and easy to program.

Thanks for your help AMCers. An update.

I decided to forget replacing the OEM head unit and bought an Alpine CDE-103EBT. It won't work with the steering wheel controls or the 10 CD stacker, but I think the ipod and MP3 will more than compensate for that. A stand-alone bluetooth unit was going to cost nearly as much as the Alpine, so it was a no-brainer in the end.

I haven't really thought about what to do with the stacker or steering wheel controls. I can't even be really certain they work - although the previous owner assured me they did. If anybody wants them. Let me know and make me an offer.

If you do decide to go back to a stock system let me know as I have a good working Xi head unit here

I believe there is also a kit available to make the controls work anyway, if you PM Nemesis he may be able to shed some light there