PROBLEM!

Here I ran into my first real issue. The InDash mount that I have (which is spec'd out for my car) doesn't fit where it should due to a small triangular plastic tab that sticks out (seen in the center of the photo). It's there to asist in holding the glovebox trim in place, although not an essential piece, it will need to be removed if you are going to install the PanaVise InDash mount!

I spent a long time contemplating where I'd like the wires to exit the dash and run to my iPod. Some folks have drilled holes (which must be large b/c they have to accomodate the iPod plug), others have removed the light in the glove box and let them feed through the hole (leave the light out, I guess??). Still more folks have done custom installs of an iPod Dock.

I really didn't want to drill any holes and wanted somthing that was simple so if I ever wanted/needed to remove/replace the unit, I could do that easily. So, I chose to run the cable between the two pieces of trim beneath the center dash console (next to the AC controls). The wire snakes between the two pieces of plastic and exits to the right. It gives me some play room, which is nice, and hangs nicely, out of the way, on my InDash mount when not in use.

I will probably add a piece of tape or plastic tubing around the cable where it passes between the trim pieces, as it is tight and will probably, over time, damage the cable. To get an idea of the location, look at this picture from above.

Power for the iPod is through a Belkin Auto Kit for iPod w/ Dock Connector
F8V7058-APL. Power for the Auto Kit is from a Radio Shack 12VDC Car Power Adapter Outlet which is tapped into the vehicle's 12V power supply. I chose to use suitcase connectors to tap the wires going into the 12V socket in the ash tray. The ends of the Adapter Outlet are capped.

Here are the two installed suitcase connectors. The BROWN wire coming from the socket in the ash tray is the Ground. The center RED wire is the Positive wire.

The BlitzSafe VW/AUX DMX V.5 is an awesome little gadget. It basically tricks your OEM head unit (and others) into thinking a CD Changer is installed. When you click your CD Changer button on the head unit, the BlitzSafe adapter functions as the CD Changer but instead you have a set of female RCA plugs to hook up whatever you want!

First, I attached the GROUND wire from the BlitzSafe adapter to the rear of the head unit. The connector that comes attached to the BlitzSafe unit is way to large for any screw on the back of the head unit, so I removed it, stripped the end of the wire and ran it under a screw on the head unit (seen here). The instructions recommend that you use a suitcase connector to attach it to the OEM head unit GROUND wire, but at the risk of damaging the wire, I opted not to do that.

I clicked the CD button on the OEM head unit until the display read "TRACK 99" which indicates the BlitzSafe adapter is working. hooked up my iPod, got power, and clicked play when I ran into my second problem. No audio from the Right side! I troubleshooted the unit by switching the RCA plugs and like I thought, the problem was in the BlitzSafe unit; signal was coming through both Left and Right, but not passing through the BlitzSafe unit.

Well, thankfully I purchased this unit from Enfig and after I sent an email explaining the situation they immediately responded that I send it back for a replacement! HOORAY FOR ENFIG! They rule.

Just got back from out of town and waiting for me in my mailbox was my replacement BlitzSafe VW/AUX DMX V.5 unit back from Enfig. I can't tell you enough how great Enfig is. I shot an email to them and received a quick reply telling me to simply return the unit for a replacement. I popped it in to the car and it worked. Perfect. Absolutely perfect. THANK YOU! Enfig.com

So, back to completing the installation. First thing to do was to remove the head unit and get the info off the box for reference. Here's the top.

And here's the back.

Another note: Something that I thought I would need in this install was an "Unlocking Code" for my head unit. As I understood it, the code was needed any time the HU was removed from the car (read, unplugged) and then reinstalled. The dealer forgot to write it in my user manual so I had to call them to get it (I had to pry a bit; apparently they're not supposed to give it out over the phone, but the cool guy I spoke with understood and hooked me up). Well, when it came time to reconnect my factory head unit I did not need it at all. The thing powered right up and even rememebered the FM programmed stations I'd set over 2 years ago when I removed it to install the Aiwa CDC-MP32. Very cool.

So, now that everything is hooked up and works great, I have to get the HU back into the DIN slot and close up the ash tray compartment.

This proved to be a lot harder than I thought. The wires coming from the BlitzSafe adapter and the harness coming off the back of the HU are really big and there is not a whole lot of room behind the HU. Some wiggling and pushing and I eventually got it to lock into place.

The ash tray was really tricky too. I managed to scratch some trim a bit during the install. With the new wires tapped into the 12V port in the ash tray, it is a very tight squeeze to get it back into the slot. I had to sort of bend the harness of the 12V port a bit and slide it in. The trick is to push it way in, down and then toward you. This is because there are two hooks that clip onto the metal bar below the ash tray. You have to get it around the metal bar in order for it to close properly. Tighten the screw which secures the ash tray to the metal bar and you're all done.

So here it is all set up and running. The sound is fantastic. I love it so much more than the Aiwa unit; much crisper and cleaner. I also like having the OEM controls back. Very pleasing.

Closeup on the HU.

If you have any questions, comments or thoughts, please don't hesitate to email me at the address below.