2010 AH20 Velfire Head unit change

[Mathew]

Hi all, I am a soon to be 2010 Velfire owner, I am trying to get a head unit ready to fit once I get the car in a few weeks, I want wireless apple carplay, DAB, and to work with the existing steering wheel controls and reverse camera. I cannot find information on patch cables (if required for AH20) and other required parts to make it all work. can anyone help? I want to fit myself as funds are tight. I have looked at Pioneer and Sony units so far, although the chineese units look great im concerned about reliability so steering clear. I have attached the current stereo fitted.

[Rojie]

2 hours ago, Mathew said:

Hi all, I am a soon to be 2010 Velfire owner, I am trying to get a head unit ready to fit once I get the car in a few weeks, I want wireless apple carplay, DAB, and to work with the existing steering wheel controls and reverse camera. I cannot find information on patch cables (if required for AH20) and other required parts to make it all work. can anyone help? I want to fit myself as funds are tight. I have looked at Pioneer and Sony units so far, although the chineese units look great im concerned about reliability so steering clear. I have attached the current stereo fitted.

 

Hello Matthew,

 

Welcome to the Forum

[Chajoma]

Hi Matthew

 

I have a 2010 Alphard and recently had a Pioneer sph-da160dab fitted professionally.  It wasn't cheap and I suspect it would be a DIY job if you are determined.  Mine had a Japanese aftermarket unit fitted so a new surround was required and we are having to adapt the top part of the surround to make it fit. I was glad I'd handed the job to someone else :).

 

I am very happy with the radio - it has DAB, Bluetooth for the phone and Android Auto/Carplay. Oh, and the reversing camera works too.

 

I was told by several people to stay clear of the Chinese units. They don't work well and don't last either. This is what I have been told and have no reason to not believe it.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Paul

[Teekay]

7 hours ago, Chajoma said:

Hi Matthew

 

I have a 2010 Alphard and recently had a Pioneer sph-da160dab fitted professionally.  It wasn't cheap and I suspect it would be a DIY job if you are determined.  Mine had a Japanese aftermarket unit fitted so a new surround was required and we are having to adapt the top part of the surround to make it fit. I was glad I'd handed the job to someone else :).

 

I am very happy with the radio - it has DAB, Bluetooth for the phone and Android Auto/Carplay. Oh, and the reversing camera works too.

 

I was told by several people to stay clear of the Chinese units. They don't work well and don't last either. This is what I have been told and have no reason to not believe it.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Paul

Nice one Paul. Do you mind sharing some more details on this like what is model and make of unit you got? Any link? Cost? Fitting charges? Location / contact for fitting person? I would say you done well if everything works including most importantly the camera!

[Oddcouple]

On 5/17/2022 at 4:13 PM, Mathew said:

Hi all, I am a soon to be 2010 Velfire owner, I am trying to get a head unit ready to fit once I get the car in a few weeks, I want wireless apple carplay, DAB, and to work with the existing steering wheel controls and reverse camera. I cannot find information on patch cables (if required for AH20) and other required parts to make it all work. can anyone help? I want to fit myself as funds are tight. I have looked at Pioneer and Sony units so far, although the chineese units look great im concerned about reliability so steering clear. I have attached the current stereo fitted.

We are keeping out original head unit and having CarPlay installed while keeping all functionality. Ben Hau, in Birmingham will do this for about £350 if that helps.

[Teekay]

This was discussed on this forum before - Ben Hau Birmingham contact seems to be not available if you try to Google it. It's he Council Tourism Officer who does audio work in spare time?

We really need common database of contacts and stuff 

[Oddcouple]

Totally agree with this. When I asked for help contacting him all I had was ‘search for him’, at the time I wasn’t sure if there were some ‘rules’ that we couldn’t give out contact details for trades. I found him on Facebook, he’s easy to spot, massively obvious motor in his profile pic 😆, also really helpful guy, responded within a couple of minutes. This all goes back to my point about ‘what is a club’. Perhaps admin could look at setting up useful contact databases in a separate area on this forum? I know there is a thread on insurance companies, but the majority are simply basic searches. It would be great to get affiliation with some people and gain benefit from being in this club. Just an opinion everyone……calm down…..