Alpine HK stereo problem - 2001 DHSE

First post - be gentle!

I bought a 2001 P38 DHSE last month that is in otherwise great condition bar a few niggles which I've now sorted excepted for one.

It has the Alpine XQD101550LNF HU & HK speaker system with sub and 6 CD in the boot, and the head unit is asking for the code, but despite have the instructions from the RAVE guide, it would seem that none of the buttons on the stereo work. The display starts up with Range Rover, then Code. I've tried pressing preset 1 button to start entering the code, but nothing happens.

Initially I thought about swapping to a more modern ipod and in-dash CD player, but after a lot of reading elsewhere on here I appreciate that it is not a straightforward option with all the separate subs, and also having steering wheel controls. I've slid the unit out and checked all the connections which seem sound, and there is also a Parrot hands free kit (with an ancient Nokia connection) that is wired through the speakers too.

So, are there any recommended repair agents for these head units, or is it worth sourcing a replacement unit?
Brit-car have a XQD101580LNF which looks identical but is listed as USA/Canada spec. What is the difference, and is it a feasible option to swap to the USA spec unit?

Secondly, what are the options for connecting an ipod to the original Alpine system.

Thanks all!

There is a place online which for around £80 will sort out your head unit, and add a jack plug input, I can't find the link at the mo (thought I had it in my fav's, but no joy). Try google, but if I find it I'll post back.

If you have a 2001 with an Alpine, as I do, then a replacement unit should go straight in with no messing about and no impact on the Harmon Kardon system:

Range Rover P38 Radio Harmon Kardon | Nexxia UK

At least I hope so as I have a single din GPS/DVD/TV on order


By the way, are you sure you are entering the codes properly? I can't remember how to do it, but I remember it wasn't very intuitive...

Nik

Roverville say they can give you a lead to connect an external source (through the headphone out on the device). Also Clarion Service although as the name implies they may only do for Clarion. I used them, they unlocked my unit and stuck a lead on it but to be honest the sound quality via the lead was not great. Plus you have to keep the radio on FM to select the external input and between tracks or if you're changing a track manually (ie at any moment when there isn't actually an audio signal from your device) the radio comes on which gets surprisingly annoying.

Wasn't there someone in here who'd come up with a set of adapters that allowed you to change the head unit to something more modern while still keeping the 6 amps and the steering controls?

rasheed said:

Wasn't there someone in here who'd come up with a set of adapters that allowed you to change the head unit to something more modern while still keeping the 6 amps and the steering controls?

Click to expand...

Yes, linky above.

Thanks all - I'll check on Monday to see about repairs as a first approach, I've found mapleaudio.co.uk who seem to be aware of the buttons not working issue.

I've bookmarked the links to the adaptor cables as well, although I'm guessing these won't fix the cd changer compatibility issue.

Update on the radio situation - I've decided against an aftermarket unit for now, local car audio places are looking at swapping out head unit, amps and cd changer, patch leads etc and possibilities are running into £100's.
Maple have estimated £100-£120 to fix the fault before they have seen it, but I'm contacting local breakers to see if they have any compatible head units.

Can anyone tell me the difference between the XQD101550LNF (which I have at the moment) and the visually identical AMR6284.

Thanks all

SteveInStoke said:

Update on the radio situation - I've decided against an aftermarket unit for now

Click to expand...

Probably best.

Despite the info on the site I posted, I fitted a DVD satnav unit. Went straight in, but the audio is shocking. There is a buzz and whine all the time. You can't hear it when its turned up, but its still there.

Upshot: I ripped it out and went back to the stock unit.

NikTheGeek said:

Probably best.

Despite the info on the site I posted, I fitted a DVD satnav unit. Went straight in, but the audio is shocking. There is a buzz and whine all the time. You can't hear it when its turned up, but its still there.

Upshot: I ripped it out and went back to the stock unit.

Click to expand...

Wasn't this the issue that Clarky130 overcame a year or so back. It was all to do with balance between the head output and the other amps. He reckoned that most of the system was great but the head units let it down, compared to some modern stuff. If I remember rightly he couldn't get the wheel controls to work but got incredible sound.

Unfortunately he was last heard of selling his Rangie and buying a Disco to go laning. He seems to have dropped off now.
However there were a few on here who had his modifications fitted. Worth an ask around?

Hi Dogsbody i've got alpine fitted to mine which is CDE-136BT cd/dab reciver with advanced bluetooth which was in the car when i brought it i know nothing about radios and such only to listen, but i had reversing aids fitted to my range rover fitted at a company in Uxbridge called DEVALO Mobility and in car solutions fella there called Simeon Pass ive got the phone no if you want it. now mine worked perfectly however me being thick! i couldn't get my phone to work he sorted it out in about 2 mins also informed me that he could suppy me with harness to connect to the steering wheel controls if i wanted it. so they may be worth call to help you. I found him really helpful fella.

kaisermax said:

Hi Dogsbody i've got alpine fitted to mine which is CDE-136BT cd/dab reciver with advanced bluetooth which was in the car when i brought it i know nothing about radios and such only to listen, but i had reversing aids fitted to my range rover fitted at a company in Uxbridge called DEVALO Mobility and in car solutions fella there called Simeon Pass ive got the phone no if you want it. now mine worked perfectly however me being thick! i couldn't get my phone to work he sorted it out in about 2 mins also informed me that he could suppy me with harness to connect to the steering wheel controls if i wanted it. so they may be worth call to help you. I found him really helpful fella.

Click to expand...

You got someone else to fit reversing sensors - YOU WIMP!!
Did mine myself one afternoon.

As for the stereo I've got no issues as I've got a Sony set-up in mine. (Was thinking of upgrading it again this year, don't tell SWMBO)
No worries about CD players either as I just mounted an ipod on the dash and wired it in to the stereo and a charging circuit.
No wheel controls on mine as it started life as a DSE. Anyway aren't they just for adjusting the volume. Mine's either off or your-ears-are-bleeding!

Cheers anyway mate.
Who's organising our next Rangie love-in? It's been a long time.

Electrics and me don't get on so had to have it done by someone else, I dont even like this Alpine thing either it sounds really awsome but i dont like all the technical bits on it ,aint got a clue what half of it means, i'd happily change it for the original system with the stacking system in the boot cos thats all i do dlisten to cd, and as for the hands free ,bluetooth ,dab radio and all that s.. just not interested. and i like the controls on the steering cos i can turn it up without the wife realising
Yeh have to agree mate be nice to have a meet up again time to look at that i guess. think might have to find somewhere with bigger car park next cos seem like good few turned up overall.

To enter the code if I remember is preset 1 button (or is it the one to the left of that?) and the use the arrow key (top one) to enter the first number (example: six presses gives a number six) then the preset (or other) to enter the second number and so on. At the end when you press the preset (or other again) the radio should run.

Further update...
After more ringing around, it seems that XQD101550LNF replaced AMR6284 according to the land Rover parts database. The spec seems the same and although the XQD is listed as being a suitable swap for the AMR, nobody can confirm if it is backwards compatible.

I'm going to take one for the team and have ordered a AMR6284 from a breakers to try it. It's due to arrive Tuesday so I'll update the thread when I've got some results