Fitting an Android head unit to 2012 FL2 TD4 base model with small dash screen

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burnsider

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Brand new to Forum - Hello Folks!
I would quite like to fit an Android head unit to my 2012 FL2 TD4 but all I can find so far are units which fit models with the larger screen in the centre of the dash.
For instance:- https://xtrons.com/land-rover-andro...m-32gb-rom-automotive-grade-hardware-ie72dlrl
As I have the small (non SatNav) screen, fitting one of these units would either require butchery of the dash or replacement of the centre dash with a unit from a compatible model. Is what I'm looking at doing even feasible or possible? I am guessing that the internals of the dash as far as frames and mounting points are probably common across the FL2 range, but it is no more than a guess so I'm not even certain if a dash with the large screen would even attach to my vehicle.
Any comments, shared experiences or mild ridicule welcomed!
 
The xtrons system connects to the audio input, so the factory HU is retained. It's also designed for the pre-facelift dashboard, not the later facelift dash.

Due to the integrated nature of the audio system, getting the screen to fit would be the least of the issues. The factory audio system is connected to the vehicle electronics, so messing with it causes all sorts of issues. Loss of PDC and clock data is the most obvious, but you'll also loose sound as the amplifier won't get any audio signal.
Basically if the vehicle wasn't built with functionality you want, you're pretty much stuck with it without a whole load of very complicated electronics.
 
Well dang and dash!
Actually, I already had a sinking feeling that trying to fit an Android Head was going to be more bother than it was worth, but thanks for the clear explanation and quick response!
 
Have you checked these guys? https://incartec.co.uk/home They have a lot of stuff for Landrovers of all types.
Could you fit a single DIN android with a fold out screen?

I was going to order a kit to let me use the steering wheel buttons with my Android head (in an 04 Freelander) unit but after VAT and delivery it was working out at over £50 so I'll think of something else.

Edit I found this and ordered it so will report back later. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/373796073578?epid=912504760&hash=item5707fb706a:g:5ZIAAOSw3ANb7Bkz
 
Last edited:
Alibro said:
Have you checked these guys? https://incartec.co.uk/home They have a lot of stuff for Landrovers of all types.
Could you fit a single DIN android with a fold out screen?

I was going to order a kit to let me use the steering wheel buttons with my Android head (in an 04 Freelander) unit but after VAT and delivery it was working out at over £50 so I'll think of something else.

Edit I found this and ordered it so will report back later. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/373796073578?epid=912504760&hash=item5707fb706a:g:5ZIAAOSw3ANb7Bkz
Click to expand...
The Freelander 2 audio system is part of the console Ali, so a DIN would need an adapter. The main issue is the audio system is split into many different modules placed about the vehicle, and it's connected to the low speed CAN bus carrying time data and PDC information.

This is common on modern vehicles, which means the days of the audio retailer is numbered.
 
Nodge68 said:
The Freelander 2 audio system is part of the console Ali, so a DIN would need an adapter. The main issue is the audio system is split into many different modules placed about the vehicle, and it's connected to the low speed CAN bus carrying time data and PDC information.

This is common on modern vehicles, which means the days of the audio retailer is numbered.
Click to expand...
My C Class is the same. Some manufacturers have dedicated kits for them which they claim give all the same features plus Android but I don't know how good they are.
 
Alibro said:
My C Class is the same. Some manufacturers have dedicated kits for them which they claim give all the same features plus Android but I don't know how good they are.
Click to expand...
Part of the issues with modern systems, especially multiple speaker systems is the amplifier is connected to the various modules with a data connection (the Freelander 2 uses MOST) which is pretty expensive to replicate aftermarket. So either the amplifier needs disconnecting and another method used to power the speakers, or have an audio system that's nowhere near as good as the factory offering, which kinda defeats the whole point.

I have seen a FL2 with an aftermarket android HU, but it had a 4 channel amplifier powering the door speakers. This made it sound horrible, as the door speakers are for mid base and higher, with the subwoofer doing the lower frequencies.
 
Nodge68 said:
Part of the issues with modern systems, especially multiple speaker systems is the amplifier is connected to the various modules with a data connection (the Freelander 2 uses MOST) which is pretty expensive to replicate aftermarket. So either the amplifier needs disconnecting and another method used to power the speakers, or have an audio system that's nowhere near as good as the factory offering, which kinda defeats the whole point.

I have seen a FL2 with an aftermarket android HU, but it had a 4 channel amplifier powering the door speakers. This made it sound horrible, as the door speakers are for mid base and higher, with the subwoofer doing the lower frequencies.
Click to expand...
 
Fitted the attached android head unit to a 2011 Freelander 2 with and existing alpine sound system and satnav unit . I had to order a fakra aerial adaptor and a fibre bypass loop to get the system to work but it is miles better than the original. Amplifier and steering wheel controls all still work perfect.

www.ebay.co.uk

4+64GB 8Core Android Carplay Stereo Radio For Land Rover Freelander 2 Head Unit | eBay

Wired and Wireless Apple Carplay & Android Auto. By connecting to the car radio via original USB data cable or Bluetooth, it is easily to access this function. For Land Rover Freelander 2 2006-2012. 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM.
www.ebay.co.uk
 
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