4200 Face-lift, fitting DAB/BTooth in lieu of CD changer

[Delmonte]

As title says. I've bought a Pure Highway DAB / Blootooth thingy. (Had one before on a different car it's very good). For background it consists of an internal stick-on screen aerial with a tiny little box that also sticks to a screen. This attaches by wire, in normal cars, to the aux input of a stereo. Obviously we don't have a aux input. Control is from a neat little remote box that you can put anywhere.

So what I was wanting to do is wire the thing to the CD changer, so i just put the stereo on a CD wire, head the CD changer off at the pass, as it were. (If I can just put it on, say, CD #1 and still use the other CDs then great, but this isn't essential.) Otherwise the CD changer will sit there redundant until such a time as I decide to return to original.

I've heard this has been done and shouldn't be too difficult?

But I've just had the boot panels out to get access to the CD changer and the gubbins around it, and it doesn't look simple at all, because there is a huge plug with millions of wires coming out of it, and a big pack of wires disappearing into the car beyond the back seats. ..

I'd rather not remove the back seats and interior panels if at all possible, in my experience stuff like that comes off, fittings and clasps break, and refit loose and badly with attendant new rattles in place...

So I wondered.... does the wire pack from the CD changer end up at the NIT under the centre console? I've had the NIT unit out before with no problems. Could I intercept the CD changer around there? (I'd then probably run the wire under the carpet in the back and put the aerial unit in the rear side window)

I might still even get a garage or a ICE place to do the job, but at least I could direct them, I generally don't trust car stereo monkeys (or garages even, half the time) with dismantling half my interior and putting it back together right

 

[TimR]

Pretty sure the NIT will have CD and CD changer on separate, selectable channels...


EDIT- the multi disc changer can be unplugged from the NIT as you surmise, and your DAB thingy plugged in in it's place, presumably...
This is how we wire the Yatour blue tooth systems up too...

 

[CatmanV2]

Yeah, you've got a changer. There's a thread on here about 'What's in the armrest of a 4200' which should give you what you need, but I think you need to be working at the NIT end (i.e. in the armrest)

C

 

[TimR]

https://www.sportsmaserati.com/index.php?threads/nit-units-or-whats-in-the-arm-rest-of-a-4200.679/

 

[Delmonte]

Back to revisiting this after giving up previously.... (too many wires! Too difficult access! Boo hoo).
After speaking to a car stereo specialist, who wasn't keen to take the job on, but did suggest what I needed was a ready made conversion plug, that goes in the NIT, in the CD changer input, with a Aux socket, that spoofs the NIT into thinking a CD is present, and plays whatever inputs into said aux socket (my Pure Highway thingy sends DAB or Bluetooth tunes into an aux socket).

But the guy also said you "probably" can't get them any more...

Anyway I've been scouring the 'Bay and found this...

Adapter Aux IPHONE IPAD Ipod CD Changer Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Maserati 8 Pi | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Adapter Aux IPHONE IPAD Ipod CD Changer Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Maserati 8 Pi at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

Is this one?
And/ or does anyone know about these things or where I could get one?

 

[Gooner]

I’m pretty sure that one is so out of date that it won’t work for you. No bluetooth and only compatible up to iPhone 4 which I think means it uses the old style Apple cable, not the Lightning connector.

 

[Corranga]

What are you looking to do (as is it all about DAB, or just play mp3, or connect you phone etc?)


The one you posted:
The thing you've linked looks like it'll give you 2 capabilities:

• an AUX cable for connecting to a headphone socket
• an (old, very old, dock connector in use up to around 2014 I think) iPod or iPhone connector (aka, probably useless nowadays)

I don't think you want this as it's pretty limited.


There are some other solutions from another Chinese unknown company, Yatour.

--

I have one of these in my car (good for playing mp3):

Yatour‘s YTM06-FA USB SD AUX MP3 Adapter for Alfa Romeo 147/156 / 159/166 / | eBay

The radio buttons are operated. When the radio is switched off or ignition, the last position is saved. This adapter is compatible with: Fiat from 1995 -> Coupe, from 2000 -> Multipla Qubo, from 2003 -> Punto CC DA, from 2010 -> Punto EVO (Delphi/Blaupunkt), from 2002 -> Stilo...

www.ebay.co.uk

Similar to the above, it has:
- an AUX cable for connecting to a headphone socket
But it also adds:

• a USB socket where you can plug in a USB stick with mp3 files on it
• an SD card socket where you can plug in an SD card with mp3 files on it

Note this is a 1 or the other, and there is an order of precedence, but I can't recall it. I think AUX overrides the others, and perhaps USB would be played over SD card (or vice versa).

I directly replaced the CD changer, in the boot, with the it rather than opening up the arm rest, but of course the cable that plugs into the CD changer in the boot is simply an extension plugged in inside the arm rest.
In terms of operation, you use the CD player as you would with a changer, using the up and down buttons to jump from folder to folder, and the left and right to skip songs.

I didn't test it to the extreme, but from what I recall, you can have 99 songs in 1 folder, and folders (named CD01, CD02 etc...) support more than the original limitations of the changer (as in, a 5 slot changer doesn't mean only 5 folders).

I posted stuff about it here:

https://www.sportsmaserati.com/index.php?threads/cheap-4200-cd-changer-replacement-the-yatour-yt-mt-06-my-experience.26700/

I might have one of these for sale soon (as I also had one in our Fiat Panda 100HP, which is now sold. It's the same Fiat/Alfa unit that works with the 4200, and I tested it in the Maserati prior to purchasing the one I'm using.

--

You can also get the one I have, plus a bluetooth connector:

For Fiat Original Radio Bluetooth BT USB SD MP3 Aux CD Changer Adapter | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for For Fiat Original Radio Bluetooth BT USB SD MP3 Aux CD Changer Adapter at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

So:

• an AUX cable for connecting to a headphone socket
• USB stick
• SD card
• Bluetooth connection for streaming music from phone and making calls.

Comes with a microphone for making calls, you'd most probably want this in the armrest for proximity.

--

Finally, on the cheap Chinese Yatour things, there is a bluetooth only version:

Yatour BTA A2DP Bluetooth Car Adapter For 8Pin Fiat / Alfa Romeo / Lancia Radio | eBay

For above demands, Yatour Bluetooth car adapter (BTA) is released. Yatour BTA-FA Bluetooth Car Adapter Music Kit CD Changer For Fiat Alfa Remoeo Lancia Radio. Yatour is only fit for vehicles whose Head Unit is with CD Changer Port.

www.ebay.co.uk

Offering:

• an AUX cable for connecting to a headphone socket
• Bluetooth connection for streaming music from phone and making calls.

I've never used one, perhaps others have. I assume the Fiat/Alfa one will also work similar to the one I posted above.
Again, comes with a microphone for making calls, you'd most probably want this in the armrest for proximity.

 

[Delmonte]

What are you looking to do (as is it all about DAB, or just play mp3, or connect you phone etc?)


The one you posted:
The thing you've linked looks like it'll give you 2 capabilities:

• an AUX cable for connecting to a headphone socket
• an (old, very old, dock connector in use up to around 2014 I think) iPod or iPhone connector (aka, probably useless nowadays)

I don't think you want this as it's pretty limited.


There are some other solutions from another Chinese unknown company, Yatour.

--

I have one of these in my car (good for playing mp3):

Yatour‘s YTM06-FA USB SD AUX MP3 Adapter for Alfa Romeo 147/156 / 159/166 / | eBay

The radio buttons are operated. When the radio is switched off or ignition, the last position is saved. This adapter is compatible with: Fiat from 1995 -> Coupe, from 2000 -> Multipla Qubo, from 2003 -> Punto CC DA, from 2010 -> Punto EVO (Delphi/Blaupunkt), from 2002 -> Stilo...

www.ebay.co.uk

Similar to the above, it has:
- an AUX cable for connecting to a headphone socket
But it also adds:

• a USB socket where you can plug in a USB stick with mp3 files on it
• an SD card socket where you can plug in an SD card with mp3 files on it

Note this is a 1 or the other, and there is an order of precedence, but I can't recall it. I think AUX overrides the others, and perhaps USB would be played over SD card (or vice versa).

I directly replaced the CD changer, in the boot, with the it rather than opening up the arm rest, but of course the cable that plugs into the CD changer in the boot is simply an extension plugged in inside the arm rest.
In terms of operation, you use the CD player as you would with a changer, using the up and down buttons to jump from folder to folder, and the left and right to skip songs.

I didn't test it to the extreme, but from what I recall, you can have 99 songs in 1 folder, and folders (named CD01, CD02 etc...) support more than the original limitations of the changer (as in, a 5 slot changer doesn't mean only 5 folders).

I posted stuff about it here:

https://www.sportsmaserati.com/index.php?threads/cheap-4200-cd-changer-replacement-the-yatour-yt-mt-06-my-experience.26700/

I might have one of these for sale soon (as I also had one in our Fiat Panda 100HP, which is now sold. It's the same Fiat/Alfa unit that works with the 4200, and I tested it in the Maserati prior to purchasing the one I'm using.

--

You can also get the one I have, plus a bluetooth connector:

For Fiat Original Radio Bluetooth BT USB SD MP3 Aux CD Changer Adapter | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for For Fiat Original Radio Bluetooth BT USB SD MP3 Aux CD Changer Adapter at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

So:

• an AUX cable for connecting to a headphone socket
• USB stick
• SD card
• Bluetooth connection for streaming music from phone and making calls.

Comes with a microphone for making calls, you'd most probably want this in the armrest for proximity.

--

Finally, on the cheap Chinese Yatour things, there is a bluetooth only version:

Yatour BTA A2DP Bluetooth Car Adapter For 8Pin Fiat / Alfa Romeo / Lancia Radio | eBay

For above demands, Yatour Bluetooth car adapter (BTA) is released. Yatour BTA-FA Bluetooth Car Adapter Music Kit CD Changer For Fiat Alfa Remoeo Lancia Radio. Yatour is only fit for vehicles whose Head Unit is with CD Changer Port.

www.ebay.co.uk

Offering:

• an AUX cable for connecting to a headphone socket
• Bluetooth connection for streaming music from phone and making calls.

I've never used one, perhaps others have. I assume the Fiat/Alfa one will also work similar to the one I posted above.
Again, comes with a microphone for making calls, you'd most probably want this in the armrest for proximity.

Thanks. All i need is an aux socket, that connects to the NIT where the cd changer would. The Pure device I have then receives Bluetooth from my phone, or DAB from its own aerial.
Pure device then outputs via a aux jack plug, hence I need a aux- in socket (which the 4200 doesn't have) and the plug adapter thing (yatour or whatever) needs to kid the NIT into thinking a cd is playing so it will play whatever the Pure device is outputting.

I don't need another Bluetooth receiver or anything related to Apple as don't have Apple devices.

Would those gizmos you mention, or the one I found, do the trick?

 

[Corranga]

Ah ok, so, I believe all of the above will do that (that I posted, and the one you posted) though it seems a little convoluted for just an AUX socket, you do of course need to trick the in car unit into actually playing something.

 

[Delmonte]

Ah ok, so, I believe all of the above will do that (that I posted, and the one you posted) though it seems a little convoluted for just an AUX socket, you do of course need to trick the in car unit into actually playing something.

Great, thanks.Youre right, It is a pain, to just get round the want of an aux socket... probs why I've been putting it off for 3 years.
I've ordered the cheapest/ smallest one anyway, see what happens.
Ta again.

 

[digitaladam]

I bought the Loudlink Bluetooth and it works well. Their connector goes directly into the CD changer (or NIT?), so maybe they can help with the connector you need?

 

[Delmonte]

I bought the Loudlink Bluetooth and it works well. Their connector goes directly into the CD changer (or NIT?), so maybe they can help with the connector you need?

Thanks but ordered the part already. You raise a good point though. Do I connect the thing to the NIT or the CD changer? Which is yours connected to? There is a pic of the blue socket on the ebay ad (see above link) is that socket on the NIT? Or the changer? Or both?

 

[Delmonte]

I’m pretty sure that one is so out of date that it won’t work for you. No bluetooth and only compatible up to iPhone 4 which I think means it uses the old style Apple cable, not the Lightning connector.

Thanks mate. I read your posts also in the other thread, about fitting the yatour. Noticed that you plugged yours into the NIT unit using the blue plug. While Cirranga plugged his into the CD changer. So does the blue plug, plug straight into either of them?

Also, when you play streaming stuff via Bluetooth, what do you do I the dash controls? Select CDC as source, but then can you play ANY CD? Like cd#1 cd#2 etc?

 

[digitaladam]

Thanks but ordered the part already. You raise a good point though. Do I connect the thing to the NIT or the CD changer? Which is yours connected to? There is a pic of the blue socket on the ebay ad (see above link) is that socket on the NIT? Or the changer? Or both?

Loudlink plugs in here near the green connector (it's a blue connector). Am not sure if this is the CD changer or NIT.

 

[CatmanV2]

NIT

C

 

[Gooner]

Thanks mate. I read your posts also in the other thread, about fitting the yatour. Noticed that you plugged yours into the NIT unit using the blue plug. While Cirranga plugged his into the CD changer. So does the blue plug, plug straight into either of them?

Also, when you play streaming stuff via Bluetooth, what do you do I the dash controls? Select CDC as source, but then can you play ANY CD? Like cd#1 cd#2 etc?

Hi, just seen your message. Yes, straight into the NIT seemed the best way. None of my CD players worked since I owned the car, lasers gone probably, so I just used CDC as the source.

To be honest I have since ripped out my NIT completely and replaced it with a Pioneer head unit and touch screen. There is another thread about that. The Yatour worked OK but not 100% reliable plus the sound from the old system bugged me. Also quite fancied Apple CarPlay/SatNav etc.

 

[Delmonte]

Loudlink plugs in here near the green connector (it's a blue connector). Am not sure if this is the CD changer or NIT.

OK lads, I'm revisiting this collosally painful, poisoned chalice of a job once more, after failing with it before.

Annoying because the only reason I'm failing with it now, is lack of access / not knowing how to remove things...

So looking at the above pic, first thing is, I don't have any green plugs. What i have there, is 2 black plugs. I'm trying to work out if one of them will just come out to be replaced by the blue one from my Yatour jobbie.

So that's the background. However where I am, is this:

No way can I get access to remove the existing plugs. Let alone get the replacement in. To do that I would need to either move the NIT upwards and out, or move the armrest unit up and above to get to the NIT underneath while it's in situ.

BUT... can't move the NIT out (how to remove the NIT cover? I've taken out the tray & armrest cover and the 2 tiny hidden Phillips screws that hold the NIT cover, and the NIT cover, and hence the NIT itself, are still lodged firmly in place?)

AND I can't lit up the armrest unit (as per Dave Richardsons post, mine does not budge when I follow that post, maybe due to mone being a face-lift and his wasnt)?

So..... how to remove the NIT cover & NIT itself?


Or.... how to loosen the back of the armrest unit so I can lift up and get access underneath?

 

[spkennyuk]

I followed this post on my facelift 4200

https://www.sportsmaserati.co.uk/index.php?threads/nit-units-or-whats-in-the-arm-rest-of-a-4200.679/

Iirc there is a screw under the ashtray and you need to remove the two screws that go into the center tunnel inside the arm rest just near where the rear air vents were once you have removed them.

You can then angle the consol upwards to get access but prop it up with something.

 

[TimR]

There are two addtional screws on front/sides of the tunnel in line with the front of the seat rail - they arent cited in the How to and are buried under carpet...!

 

[Delmonte]

Loudlink plugs in here near the green connector (it's a blue connector). Am not sure if this is the CD changer or NIT.

OK lads, I'm revisiting this collosally painful, poisoned chalice of a job once more, after failing with it before.

Annoying because the only reason I'm failing with it now, is lack of access / not knowing how to remove things...

So looking at the above pic, first thing is, I don't have any green plugs. What i have there, is 2 black plugs. I'm trying to work out if one of them will just come out to be replaced by the blue one from my Yatour jobbie.

So that's the background. However where I am, is this:

No way can I get access to remove the existing plugs. Let alone get the replacement in. To do that I would need to either move the NIT upwards and out, or move the armrest unit up and above to get to the NIT underneath while it's in situ.

BUT... can't move the NIT out (how to remove the NIT cover? I've taken out the tray & armrest cover and the 2 tiny hidden Phillips screws that hold the NIT cover, and the NIT cover, and hence the NIT itself, are still lodged firmly in place?)

AND I can't lit up the armrest unit (as per Dave Richardsons post, mine does not budge when I follow that post, maybe due to mone being a face-lift and his wasnt)?

So..... how to remove the NIT cover & NIT itself?


Or.... how to loosen the back of the armrest unit so I can lift up and get access underneath?

I followed this post on my facelift 4200

https://www.sportsmaserati.co.uk/index.php?threads/nit-units-or-whats-in-the-arm-rest-of-a-4200.679/

Iirc there is a screw under the ashtray and you need to remove the two screws that go into the center tunnel inside the arm rest just near where the rear air vents were once you have removed them.

You can then angle the consol upwards to get access but prop it up with something.