Freelander 1 Stereo Upgrade

After a bit of help in upgrading the sound system in my 2006 Td4 HSE – I’ve done a search, but not really found a definitive answer.

As you’ll probably know, the car comes with the single DIN Becker Sat Nav unit (which is a little bit behind the times to say the least) along with the Harman Kardon upgraded speakers and steering wheel remote control. I’m looking to get a new H/U which can control my iPod/USB stick, and also has Bluetooth functionality etc. I’ve narrowed it down to a few Alpine units (must light up green to match everything else) but I’ve got the following questions

- I want to retain the existing steering wheel controls. Most of the new Alpine units are described as ‘Steering Wheel Remote Ready’ or words to that effect. Does anyone know if this is a simple plug and play, or if I need to buy additional adaptors?

- The Harman Kardon system – what impact does this have on putting in a new H/U? I’ve been told that it the current Becker unit uses a standard ISO connector, so it’s a straight swap and everything will work. Has anyone else with the H/K system put in a new system, and if so, what sort of problems did you encounter. Did the amp under the passenger seat and the sub-woofer in the boot continue to work?

Think that’s everything, but if anyone has any other observations/comments, they’ll be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Keirnan,
I got an '06 HSE with the becker unit and while I was sorting some of the wiring around the road speed signal area, I found this set of diagrams and pics for it (from various sites).
Have attached them - maybe one or two may be of use?

hi mate you will need adapters for both the steering controls and the speakers as it goes through the amp plus if you just plug the iso staight in to a after market stereo you may blow the internal amp in the stereo check out connect 2 i think they do adapters for this if not try autoleads

Cheers guys, glad I asked the question rather than just assuming everything would work. I'll do a bit of digging and let you know how I get on.

Kiernan said:

Cheers guys, glad I asked the question rather than just assuming everything would work. I'll do a bit of digging and let you know how I get on.

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Hi Kiernan - did you complete the changeover of your head unit? If so, what did you end up with and how did it go?

I have a faulty system which I think is the amplifier XQK100301 under the passenger seat. I am looking at fitting a new head unit and taking the amp and CD changer out the equation. However, I do want the steering controls to remain working. Any info would be appreciated.

Has anyone else been through the same as me??

Nancol,

Sent you a PM which I'm not sure has worked. Let me know if it doesn't reach you and I'll have another go.

Cheers,

Kiernan.

I am linking into an old thread herer, but I hope since its been posted their maybe some answers I am looking for.
I am looking to install an aftermarket H/U and has to include the HK UNIT installed and I cannot find an iso connection to do this . Assuming the amp is ok , it looks like the HU installed is at fault (pure guess work) , it flickers while working. I have the HSE Facelift , 04 without or before steering wheel controls seem to have been introduced.
Perhaps someone has done this, if there a H/U out there that suits my purpose and if its single din , which I assume it is, as it looks like a single size unit most aftermarket radios you can buy, and what connection lead they may have used.

Pretty much any will fit. You may need a harness to get it to fit. Any decent ICE supplier should be able to guide you.

I plugged my Blaupunkt Hanover head unit directly using the Euro connectors and everything worked fine except the steering wheel controls. I did not buy the adaptor.

Ah just noticed.

The only supplier I have found that can supply a lead to retain the steering wheel controls is In Car Tech

http://incartec.co.uk/landrover/1512/1033/2047/radio/Browser.aspx

None of the other supply ones compatible with the Becker Harmon Kardon setup.

Epicuser said:

Ah just noticed.

The only supplier I have found that can supply a lead to retain the steering wheel controls is In Car Tech

In Car Entertainment, Bluetooth & Multimedia fitting solutions and interfaces

None of the other supply ones compatible with the Becker Harmon Kardon setup.

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That's handy! Thank you.

Thought the control interface boxes plugged direct into steering wheel?

The Becker uses an interface box for the steering wheel controls - if you go direct to source then you can use a standard aftermarket interface to work

td4van said:

Thought the control interface boxes plugged direct into steering wheel?

The Becker uses an interface box for the steering wheel controls - if you go direct to source then you can use a standard aftermarket interface to work

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As I understand it, having spent ages sorting mine out, the Becker unit is fairly unique. The standard boxes don't work with it from autoleads and conects2. They stopped supporting steering wheel controls for the Becker HU a while back.

What do you mean 'go direct to source'?

The only interface box I found, I posted the link to above.

Thought it plugged in under the column and not down at the radio end?

td4van said:

Thought it plugged in under the column and not down at the radio end?

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It goes between the 2.

Been told by Halfords today that I cannot change my stereo in my 04 hse because of the hardon/kardon is this true... all I want is something with Bluetooth to stream my music

Mandysteele said:

Been told by Halfords today that I cannot change my stereo in my 04 hse because of the hardon/kardon is this true... all I want is something with Bluetooth to stream my music

Click to expand...

No, that's rubbish. The HU can be replaced and the HK amp takes the audio signals from a replacement HU. There are cable adapters available for the task, although not from Halfords, apparently.

Need to provide the head unit power output for amps to the purple/yellow wire on the car and that powers up the amp and it'll all work a treat