Audi A3 2005 - 2013 radio removal & refit guide + parts numbers 

Have you found a solution for the upgrade? I've tried for days to find a simple way to upgrade it but I wasn't succesfull.

Best work around for this would be an bluetooth fm transmitter that you'd plug into the cigarette lighter and tune the radio to the same frequency as the transmitter, some come with an aux and it's alot simpler than pulling out the radio if you don't plan on upgrading it.

Yes you would still need to add the fused power wire from the fuse box.

Its because modern vehicles use the CANbus system to communicate with different parts of the car. The factory head unit has the CAN component instealled hence why instead of a switched live cable in the factory quadlock, it has CAN +\- cables. CANbus harness adapters have the CAN box fitted to them to retain the use of factory switched live as well as steering controls and ease of connectivity for parking brake, reverse gear input and speed sensor cables.

Yes you should have an amp in the boot side panel.You will need to check if it's factory spec amped,Bose amped and if it's rear amped or fully amped for the correct cable.

For steering controls you would need something like this - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Autoleads-Steering-Wheel-Stalk-Control-Adaptor-VW-Seat-Audi-Skoda-A3-Golf-Leon-/401255755757?hash=item5d6cb4efed:g:5-MAAOSw9GhYcMSP Without a adaptor your steering controls will not work.

Also would like to know the adapter that allows the steering wheel controls too work does that sit behind with the rest of the cables ?

hey do you only get 2 speakers in total with the audi chorus system? greetings

Hi. If you are getting a display then the parking brake cable is fitted. Most people connect the parking brake cable to the earth cable so the active display can be seen while the car is in motion(illegal). When the parking brake cable is connected to the hand brake switch it just acts as a switched earth so hence connecting it up the radio earth(black cable) does the same job as when the hand brake is on. As for removal,make sure the lugs on the keys are facing inwards so they click in place. However even with them in correctly the radios can be stubborn so try to wiggle it left and right slightly whilst pulling each side and this should free it.

Thanks! I'm surprised about the parking brake as the firmware update option is greyed out. From what I've read, that's because the parking brake switch isn't attached. But you're probably right. Thanks for the advice regarding the lugs and wiggling. It is awfully tight. I'll give it a try and report back on the brake wire. Thanks again.

If you replace the steering wheel with a higher spec one then as long as you get it correctly talking to the ecu and reset the airbag warning light then yes this kit should work fine. Just make sure you can get the ecu updated so that it knows another steering wheel is now in place.

Which system to buy is down to individual choice but as long as you go for a decent brand such as Kenwood,Sony or Pioneer you should get a reliable unit. Examples - www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk/car/rec/dab/DPX-7100DAB/ www.pioneer-car.eu/eur/products/avh-p4200dvd www.sony.co.uk/electronics/in-car-receivers-players/xav-ax1000

Amazon & most car shops also sell them but here is a link to some on Ebay - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pack-Of-2-Add-A-Circuit-Mini-Blade-Spade-Fuse-Holders-15-Amp-Rating-Easy-Spur/111149841394?hash=item19e10bfbf2:g:PV4AAOxyvuVSF3QF

Same situation

The fascia adapter is not in the box with the radio,you will need to buy it. The small thin trim that clips around the edge of the radio at the end of the installation does come with the radio.

Yes I see a few brands on Ebay and Amazon but I only use Connects 2 in the trade.

Not without a custom install being done and that I expect would be expensive.

thanks!

Fred-Richard Saueauk I've converted the radio in my '07 A3 from the concert single din to the rns-e nav system for a total of $450 usd, radio included in price. Get on eBay and search for the parts. You'll need the double din cage, all of the center console buttons and or trim pieces and the nav climate control. You'll also need the retrofit radio harness and antenna adapter. Just search for the parts on eBay. They are very cheap nowadays.

Fred-Richard Saueauk I almost forgot. Make sure if you go the route that I did that whoever you'll purchase the radio from has the security code for it. Trust me, it will save you from a terrible headache amongst other things.

The radio will switch off with the ignition unless you put a constant power supply to both the yellow and red wires that go to the new radio.

Yes the red cable is for main switched power and without it being connected your radio won't work.I don't have access to any of the cars in the video's after the video is finished so you would need to check your fuse box for a ignition switched live accessory fuse to use as the radios switched power supply.

​@@PJsprojects none of that makes any sense to me whatsoever. why is this red cable needed to make the radio work?

@@supremeworld87 That how it is on A3, just did the same, without the red wire from active fuse it doesnt work.

Either - Check for a dash centre speaker. Check for a sub in boot. Pull radios and see if the brown plug is fully populated, full = no amp, half populated should mean you have a long red connector also plugged in the radio.

No,you would need to use a adapter that has phono cables so that you could use the rca outputs on the rear of the aftermarket stereo. Example - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CT20AU07-Quadlock-Fakra-Bose-Amplified-Harness-Adaptor-Lead-Audi-A3-A4-A6-TT-/371696756413?clk_rvr_id=1461640467289&JlcyI6MCwicyI6OTcyMDIzNywiY2kiOiIwM2FmNDExMzE2N2I2OTMyYjlkY2NjODQ5NDdmNmFlNSIsImkiOiIzNzE2OTY3NTY0MTMiLCJ0cyI6MTUyMDYwODM3MiwidiI6Mywic28iOjE1MDAsImMiOjE3NDAyMn0%3D&rmvSB=true

Do steering wheel controlls still work with that harness?

No,you would need this type of thing but double check with supplier due to variations on steering wheels. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CTSAD002-Steering-Wheel-Stalk-Control-Interface-Adaptor-Lead-For-AUDI-A3-A4-T/350508255766?epid=1404436880&hash=item519beb8a16:g:lBUAAOSwdjdaAxDg

Model will be a name in the front. Serial is on a sticker on the back of the radio.

I didn't buy it chap,I just fitted the unit,but it's available from places like Amazon or for a info link try this :- www.pioneer-car.eu/eur/products/sph-da120

These cars can have rear speakers that work of an amp,so when you replace the radio only the fronts will work unless you use an adaptor like this one - www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/product_m-connects2-ctsad002-2_p-36137.htm?gclid=CjwKCAiA693RBRAwEiwALCc3uzsRIp3vQtIPRBohB9p__Al1_QN_RHY3hqK79N_fu9VucRSXkZgQGhoCCwUQAvD_BwE#

how do u set up steering wheel controls with these please can you make a video good sir?

Most steering control interface units are plug and play such as this one - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CTSAD002-Steering-Wheel-Stalk-Control-Interface-Adaptor-Lead-For-AUDI-A3-A4-T/350508255766?epid=1404436880&hash=item519beb8a16:g:lBUAAOSwdjdaAxDg

thank you good sir however the RCA leads where do they plug into? and the other bare connections such as the purple, blue, pink wire that has half a wire and looks like it needs a connection? is their any chance to make a video on how do use this? i wanted to use the RCA originally on my stereo for my aftermarket amplifier as well as still having bose if applicable. thanks

Hi my rear speakers are not working I don't have steering wheel controls which wiring kit do I need thx.