What the hell do you have to do to retain use of trip computer?

[Domino81]

I have the BOSE system, and like many of you I hate my BOSE system. Mids are out of control. Aside from that it's clear... bass, mid-bass is so muddy. I need another head unit. BUT I want my steering wheel controls. I want my trip. Can't live without them. I paid $17k to have them, I'm going to have them. What do I need to do to retain them once I've set the stock headunit on fire?

 

[Zoomzoom17]

Get a headunit that is built for the car that specifically says it will retain use of the trip computer, I know of one but it's from a different forum site that I can't post here, if you want, hit me up on Skype or email and I'll send you the link. It's fairly expensive, but insanely worth the money.

 

[mzdaspd3]

You can retain your trip computer. You just won't be able to go through the different options of the trip computer, you have to choose one and stick with it. How you do this you ask, well, when you are in the process of wiring your new deck up, plug the stock unit in and select the trip computer option you want then unplug the stock deck and plug in aftermarket deck. Your trip computer will still be there even after you turn off your car

 

[Domino81]

Are you saying it won't turn off even if you turn off the car? Like, the display will display - - - - ?

 

[kvndoom]

I have the BOSE system, and like many of you I hate my BOSE system. Mids are out of control. Aside from that it's clear... bass, mid-bass is so muddy. I need another head unit. BUT I want my steering wheel controls. I want my trip. Can't live without them. I paid $17k to have them, I'm going to have them. What do I need to do to retain them once I've set the stock headunit on fire?

You're going to be disappointed if you replace the head unit just to find out nothing's changed. The problem lies in the speakers and amp. The HU is NOT made by bose, and has a clean flat line-level signal. The bose amp does all the processing that makes it sound like s***, and the speakers aren't very good at all. Many (myself included) have kept the stock deck and ditched the amp and speakers, and love the results.

 

[Domino81]

I've thought about doing that. Has anyone replaced the Bose amp?

 

[kvndoom]

chief_wiggum just got his speakers and amp replaced last month. You could PM him. I think there's an interface now that makes tapping into the signal a lot easier. my setup is pretty McGuyver looking.

 

[chief_wiggum]

First off; kvndoom knows what he's talking about.

Use the PAC AOEM MAZ2 like this one to get a nice clean signal to route to a new amp; http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_18698_PAC+AOEM-MAZ2.html

it will say it will not work with Bose, but it did for me and several others.

I used it to source a new 4 channel amp. I'm running new Polk Audio components and a 8" sub (bridged) off the new amp. The rear doors are still powered by the Bose amp, but they're basically a non-player at this point. To be honest, I'm not even sure if the baby Bose sub is even hooked up anymore.

As kvndoom said, the real source of the bad sound quality is the signal processing in the Bose Amp. Others have reported that the signal coming out of the head units is nice and flat. I believe others have had decent results from just replacing the amp and keeping the stock speakers. However, after pulling out the 'Bose' speakers, there's nothing to them.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Domino81]

That's really, really excellent. I seriously can't tell you how thankful I am. The only reason I want to ditch the factory HU is because I CANNOT adjust mids. It's driving me crazy. Maybe by adding some comps in the door and a sub it'll help.

 

[chief_wiggum]

On occasion, I still wish I had more control over shaping the sound outside the treble/bass control on the headunit and my selection of pre-set EQs on my Ipod. But it is much MUCH better than stock.

 

[meicalnissyen]

You're going to be disappointed if you replace the head unit just to find out nothing's changed. The problem lies in the speakers and amp. The HU is NOT made by bose, and has a clean flat line-level signal. The bose amp does all the processing that makes it sound like s***, and the speakers aren't very good at all. Many (myself included) have kept the stock deck and ditched the amp and speakers, and love the results.

Put me in that crowd
stock HU, stock wiring, morel drivers, nice 4ch amp

its like a whole nutha texas

 

[skallen]

I just replaced the HU...With a decent higher end model. Ran a fat ass JL 1000/1 to my 2 Alpine 12" Type X's. And used my JL 300/4 with some Infinity 6x9's in enclosures on the rear decklid. Those are to be replaced by my Alpine Type R components as soon as I figure out how to remove the damn molex connector from the front doors. Those damn things are the bain of my existence.

 

[mzdaspd3]

Are you saying it won't turn off even if you turn off the car? Like, the display will display - - - - ?

no, it will turn off when the car is off.

 

[skallen]

^ It's true... He just meant that you won't be able to cycle through the choices. Once you pick one (with the head unit installed, then unplug the head unit) that is all you will see. Unless, of course, you hook your stock HU back up and change it again.

 

[kvndoom]

I think I'm gonna post this picture in any thread where the bose amp is mentioned, from now on.

Yes that little green board that's barely larger than an index card is what is supposed to be driving 4 speakers and a sub, as well as equalizing and signal processing. Believe the hype at your own risk. (toilet)

 

[Domino81]

I ordered the PAC - is there a way to power my sub and amp and not the front speakers?