Hi folks,
I’m toying with the idea of replacing the standard non Bose stereo in my 2006 NC with a JCV KM-745DBT unit. Question is, does anyone know if the standard steering wheel controls connect straight to the new JVC or is it necessary to purchase a separate control module? I’ve not yet purchased anything or removed the standard Mazda stereo yet, I like to do my homework before jumping in there.
Thanks in advance,
Dean.
others with greater knowledge than me (not that difficult)will come along with proper advice BUT, my understanding is that BOSE are bu66ers in that their speakers are different to others and so need would also need to be replaced.
Yes, you can buy additional connectors/cables to retain the steering wheel controls.
Pioneer is highly thought of.
There is possibly the issue of the difficult to find 10mm security bolt in order to remove the head unit.
Ours was extremely difficult as it wasn’t there!
If it helps…??
The steering wheel controls work on resistance.
So many ohms for up, so many for down, left and right etc. (are these standard measurements between different cars, models, manufacturers… I don’t know)
I’m aware that with the chinese android units you have to teach them.
Basically, you would operate the steering wheel controls and confirm on the unit, what you just pressed.
If the JVC unit works the same, then I can’t see it being an issue.
I posted a thread some time back showing which two pins on the wiring loom are the ones for the steering wheel controls.
I confirmed these by measuring with a multi meter.
I’d imagine that the JVC will have an ISO wiring connection, so you’d need a Mazda to Iso converter, and that space is limited behind the unit.
Also, I’ve not seen an ISO converter with the steering wheel pins wired in, so you may have to wire these seperately.
It’s not an impossible task to fit another unit, but it’s not a straight swap.
Below are the componants required for an aftermarket head unit fit, do check with the supplier if you are not sure.
I used the Connect2 facia kit bought second hand from this forum. It’s a very good match to the rest of the dash colour/material infact spot on. Other branded facia kits are available but I’ve read reports they may not quite be a good match. I’ve linked a second facia kit for 2009 on models as the changed the dash centre facia slightly for the NC3.5
You need an ISO patch lead and the steering wheel control interface, all linked below for your 2006 NC Bose, again if unsure do check with the supplier.
The ISO patch lead can be had for less £’s from your favourite auction site or Amazon, maybe the others too but the one’s I’ve linked are the so called expert suppliers so a more reliable source.
Follow the instructions and it’s all pretty straight forward. The heater control panel needs to be swapped over from your factory fit radio unit to the facia kit front as the whole unit pulls out as one. There’s plenty of wiring to try and tuck away behind the unit with all the various connectors etc. It helps if you remove the glovebox and as an extra hand behind there to arrange the wiring back there helps, well that’s what I did and it just all fits in there if a tight squeeze.
I maybe swapping mine out again soon as I need a DAB unit now and one that I can use Andriod auto or Waze for navigation.
BTW there’s plenty of stuff on the internet + videos of how to fit remove these radios including if you have that 10mm bolt to find and remove on the original unit.
The links…
https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/connects2-ct24mz08-mazda-mx-5-miata-car-cd-stereo-fascia-panel.html
for 2009 on you need this facia kit…
Thanks for the info and the links. I’ve got the ISO adaptor already, I know about the facia kit but haven’t bought one yet. I’ll go for the one that you recommend. The JVC multimedia receiver I’m thinking of getting is a short body one 75mm deep compared to 150-160mm for standard CD players. that should give me some much needed space to keep the cables nice and neat and not cramped in behind the unit.
I’ll double check with the suppliers for compatability with everything before parting with any cash.
Thanks again, much appreciated and the links are also a big help
Have you purchased this unit yet?
I’m in the throws of looking for a new head unit and have come down to this one above as a possible choice. It’s about there with my budget (around £300 ish) I need one that can hook up to my android phone for Android Auto. I’m also considering one of these android type head units but there are a good deal of Chinese units on the market which can be a bit bewildering as to which is naff or decent quality.
Hi,
I haven’t yet bought the JVC unit, I’m waiting until after xmas and new year then I’ll start getting it all together. I found a head unit replacement kit from car audio centre, part no CTKMZ02. This looks to have everything for fitting an aftermarket head unit. My price range is around the 300 quid mark also and i like the look of the JVC in that price range.
Android auto is what I need also but I personally would avoid the chinese brands and stick to a reputable make that has after sales service.
Considering these https://xtrons.co.uk/
I’m on another forum it’s for VAG cars and I’ve been reading up on these head units above. A few have fitted these on that forum along with other Chinese units, on the whole though they come out as a decent unit for sub £300.
Still researching…
Edit…research completed…I’ll stick with the JVC unit or of a likewise make.
I have the below in mine and its fabulous, (Mine was Bose) everything works from the steering wheel. phone connects in the glovebox and not a cable in sight !!..downloaded the waize app for satnav and the whole set up is better than the one on my 1 year old Mondeo. Looks factory fitted too. Paid £238 for it during a Halfords sale after they accepted my MX5 club discount.
https://incartec.co.uk/product/FK-262
I’m looking at doing a double din install after Christmas and have heard good things about the Atoto A6, the standard model is £179 and the pro is £299. The 2 second bootup is a huge plus, all I want it for is to run torque, google maps and use the phone via swc.
Need to watch a few youtube vids to see whether the pro version is worth the extra money, apparently it has a higher quality screen and more features but I doubt I’ll utilise them and from what ive heard both models have a very bright screen so a bonus for us roof down drivers.
The miata folks over the pond love the Atoto so certainly worth taking a look.
Of course this is a chinese manufacturer not many have heard of, but the vast majority of our hardware comes from China anyway so I’ve no worries about taking a punt on something with lots of good reviews.
I’ve had a look at that pioneer one in halfords and had a good play around with it. Looked at Kenwood also, looks like I’ll go for the JVC after the new year.
I had complely forgot about the halfords discount, do you flash your MX5 membership card to get the discount or is there codes or something needed.
Thanks.
Update, Looked in STHT and of course it tells us where to download the code from.
The current discount voucher issued by the OC states it can’t be used to get discount on technology, they term radios, sat navs etc as technology on their website.
If members have had the discount on these items with the current voucher then fair do’s.
I think it depends on person and store for discount, i just had to show my card.
I went with an Xtrons unit in my NC1, great piece of kit for £130, no CD player but all my music is on a 64Mb USB, I’ve got a 4G dongle connected to it which works a treat - Highly recommended.
I’ve not had cause yet to go back to my local Halfords. The last time I visited I only spent £10 and produced my discount thingy stored on my phone and my club card. It sent the assistant in to panic mode and she disappeared for a while, when she came back she was non the wiser and said she couldn’t find the manager to ask. I just said ring it up in the till and I’ll just pay, we had a queue build up behind us