How to install an aftermarket stereo in a MK4 Volkswagen Beetle

[@thesovereignvessel398]

This has me excited. Glad I found this video. 2002 beetle.

[@frankgustapo7209]

Thanks for the video, having to upgrade my radio on the beetle too. Your video really opened my eyes as to what to expect.

[@rayregnogarage]

Glad you found it helpful.

[@marcc9965]

Thanks for the information. I did buy my replacement radio for a 2003 VW Beetle. I also bought the pre-wired harness which is wonderful.No worries about wiring! Everything went well (radio came on and worked) until I tried to slip the new radio in; and found not enough room. The Crutchfield instructions show a piece in the back of the opening that has to be cut out with a hack saw to provide enough room for the radio. Off to get a hack saw that will fit.

[@rayregnogarage]

Ya. I ran into some space issues also. But I was able to take the heat shield off the back of my radio and didn't have to cut anything

[@loubernard2006]

@@rayregnogarage Did you notice any problems from removing the heat shield?

[@gpcirillo]

Good video. I love that you installed a radio but had no tape to help snake the microphone cable. LOL

[@gowenable]

Sweet car - must be a 2003 Color Concept Cyber Green based on the grab bar. When I installed a Crutchfield radio in mine 10 years ago, I never managed to make it fit all the way in, the wiring took up too much space in the radio cavity. I'm installing a new radio now and I made sure to get one that's not as deep so it'll fit this time. Thanks for your video, because I didn't see how to run the mic wire, now it makes sense.

[@rayregnogarage]

Thanks! It was originally my sister’s car. Limited edition. She ordered it new and waited months for it. I had that same problem with the radio not fitting all the way, so I took off the head shield on the radio. no problems yet but I only drive the car a few times a month. Would love to do a double din conversion know that they have those double din into single din slot radios now.

[@tsvw2007]

Do the double din they are sweet ,did one in my 2007 bug

[@rayregnogarage]

@@tsvw2007 Awesome! Any pics? Send them to my instagram @rayregnogarage Thanks!

[@tsvw2007]

@@rayregnogarage yeah I don't do Instagram gotta another place to send them

[@rayregnogarage]

@@tsvw2007 yup. just email [e-mail] Thanks!

[@CarmenHernandez-kv8ty]

Wow neat the guy before you once again while I was watching how to place the new radio in , what he did was scared the heck out of me and I just closed him up and ready to forget about putting a new radio in ?but I thought of keep watching and found you again and you just gave hope and ENERGY to ride the intrusion so I can go tomorrow and buy the same brand radio my God I though that buy watching the old dude who I COULDN'T make out also what he was talking about wow thank you once again buddy

[@rayregnogarage]

Glad you found the video helpful!

[@LiamC37301]

What about the other set of wires believe it’s the front speakers how you connect that

[@omaristing]

Thank you for the video. I was installing a new stereo but i cant find the ignition signal. I checked the pinout of the original stereo but where the ignition signal is supposed to go never goes on

[@rayregnogarage]

That’s weird!!! Did your original stereo work? Where was it getting ACC power of the ignition signal wasn’t going in?

[@midnitetoker9204]

Can you post a link to where you bought this wire harness adapter. Thank you.

[@rayregnogarage]

crutchfield.com

[@virginiasmith7203]

Thanks for the video. I’m working to remove my dead radio in a 2007 VW New Beetle. I have the keys needed to remove, but it ain’t budging. Is there a right/wrong way to insert the keys? They’re shaped like a D on the end.

[@rayregnogarage]

Hi. My car is in another state at the moment, but I took a quick look at the video and it looks like I inserted the radio removal tool with the pointy side toward the outside of the radio. Once I pushed it all the way in, it clicked and I was able to pull it out easily. Are you pressing the key in all the way?

[@virginiasmith7203]

@@rayregnogarage Thanks for your reply. That info helps! I'll try again tomorrow,,

[@perromion]

Do you have links to the harnesses adapter please?

[@rayregnogarage]

I put the links in the description of the video

[@johnmeredithstudios8557]

Great instructional video , I wish I'd of watched this BEFORE I installed mine . That ready to go harness would've made all the difference in the world . Did you order that from Crutchfield as well ? They had to know it was intended for a 98-2012 VW Beetle to get the colors right . Are your Monsoon Tweeters included in that wiring adapter install ?

[@rayregnogarage]

Yes, the pre-wired option is an add on you can get at Crutchfield. I do it on all my stereo orders because it saves a ton of time. Pretty sure everything is included. It sounds much better than the factory head unit.

[@OwlManoloPR13]

Thank you for the informative video. I have the same stock Monsoon Cassette player but the screen doesn't work anymore and I've been looking for the same one to keep it stock. Could I buy the Monsoon stereo from you? Thanks.

[@rayregnogarage]

Sure. where are you located?

[@OwlManoloPR13]

I live in Puerto Rico but I can send you the money through paypal. Does the screen work and do you have the safe code?

[@OwlManoloPR13]

Happy Thanksgiving. Sorry I replied late. I had some issues with my internet but it's all back to normal. Hope we can get in contact soon :)

[@scottcates]

Great video

[@EvanYoungConsulting]

Thank you for the video! Helped me tremendously. I’m now trying to install a backup camera with my new stereo. Question. Do you know where you connect to the reverse light? I thought it was the normal rear light area, but now I’m thinking it’s the light below the rear lights on the bumper. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have a 2010 VW New Beetle.

[@rayregnogarage]

Haven’t worked on this myself. But pretty sure they are the lights low on the bumper.

[@EvanYoungConsulting]

@@rayregnogarage Thanks!

[@armandadeveigamonteiro8457]

I have a quick question can I put a bigger touch screen like a 7in screen in this particular car or no just the small face off decks ?? Thanks you for your time great video!

[@rayregnogarage]

Thank you! It can be done, but will require cutting up and modifying your dashboard. Here's an article on how to do it. srqcustoms.com/vw-beetle-double-din-conversion/ . I wasn't up for that kind of project just yet, but maybe later down the line.

[@genesis2679]

Stronghold Garage really useful ! Thank you

[@ej4849]

Excellent video. Thanks

[@phoebesalas5969]

I bought myself a 1973 vw beetle back in March and my radio from the previous owner was Kenwood. And I was wondering what radio to replace it with.

[@rayregnogarage]

check out Crutchfield.com and enter your car's specs. They do a good job of giving you lots of options that will fit your car.

[@Noonesmaker]

Can you send me where and what ya bought to replace? Would be really helpful for my old 98 beetle I’ve wanted to replace the stereo on for ages

[@rayregnogarage]

I use crutchfield.com every time I order a stereo. The website is super easy and shows you the stereos that fit and also suggests all the other parts you'll need to install it. They even included the special tool that you'll need to remove the stereo (it's special to german cars). If they offer the ReadyHarness option, get that also. They do all the wiring for you so you don't have to do that part. It's literally just plug and play.

[@dickyyrrep1383]

Nice vid. Have taken the unit out of my 2008 convertible as the cd has given out. I’m in uk I need to find a supplier for the trim parts.

[@rayregnogarage]

do you guys have Crutchfield in the UK? can probably find on Amazon, too?

[@A1Googler]

Did you need the VW radio code since you were discarding the factory radio?

[@rayregnogarage]

No I didn't. I didn't even know that was a thing until long after I installed the radio and was working on something else.

[@A1Googler]

@@rayregnogarage I couldnt get into the prompt to enter it either. So I just removed the radio. I am working on installing the aftermarket but this thing isnt plug--n-play. I will need to rewire the connectors.

[@rayregnogarage]

@@A1Googler Ya. You'll need to get a harness adapter and match up wires. Crutchfield used to do a ReadyHarness option but I haven't seen it available for a while.

[@carlacodoban9108]

What about the radio code? Isn't required? I wanted to change mine and someone told me that I can't do that without a code... Love the color of the car 💚

[@rayregnogarage]

Thanks! I didn't need a radio code. I could be wrong, but I think that radio code is just to protect the factory stereo from being stolen. If someone tries to put it in another car, they'll need the radio code to make it work.

[@sierra.graven.2071]

Will this be the same process if I do not have a monsoon radio, do you think ?

[@rayregnogarage]

I can’t say for sure. This is the only beetle I’ve worked on. But I assume it would be similar.

[@sierra.graven.2071]

@@rayregnogarage well we’ll see when I change mine lol. Thank you so much for the video, best one yet !

[@rayregnogarage]

Thanks! glad you found it helpful!

[@ItsZaneGaming]

Do you have the Links for this stuff?

[@TomFynnVideos]

Thank you very much for your video.

[@drew.2108]

extremely helpful thank you !!

[@rayregnogarage]

Glad it helped!

[@brunorodriguez6234]

Do you have to push it hard to go in. Mine dosent make the click and is still piped out

[@rayregnogarage]

If you’re using the same stereo as me, I had to remove that heat shield thing on the back of the head unit... A few people told me that’s not a good idea tho... No problems so far. Other people have said you need to cut some stuff in the dashboard behind where the stereo goes to make it fit. Do both these things at your own risk.

[@wheelin4x231]

Is your antenna in your window? I want to do mine but not sure if the antenna plug is the same. Mine is a convertible with the antenna in the window

[@rayregnogarage]

My antenna mounts to the roof, but I took it off so that I can go through the carwash haha. I never use the radio anyway. I use Spotify on my phone

[@jacksonsummers8820]

I can’t find the ready harness anywhere, where could I find it for my 2003 vw beetle I want the same kit you have

[@rayregnogarage]

Did you look on Crutchfield?

[@rayregnogarage]

That's weird. I've never had to do that and I've ordered radios from them several times. Usually it's an option at check out.

[@erwinsantos3800]

Where did you tap the blue wire from the antenna adapter to the harness. Thanks

[@rayregnogarage]

Everything came pre-wired from Crutchfield. I think the antenna just plugged into the back of the stereo. Everything was plug and play and that's why I like Crutchfield. They handle all the adapters if you choose that option. Sorry I couldn't be of more help!

[@erwinsantos3800]

RX2 Project Channel no worries, connected it on the blue/white antenna wire from the stereo. Thanks.

[@kimberlyveronica]

I need help! I searched for the ready harness on crutchfield but it won’t let me add it to my cart and i can’t find the antenna you used, do you recommend any other place I can buy it?

[@rayregnogarage]

Sorry about that! I don’t know if they offer the ReadyHarness thing anymore. It’s pretty easy to wire it yourself if you can use butt connectors and match the colors. It’s time consuming, but not hard at all.

[@kimberlyveronica]

@@rayregnogarage thank you!

[@Resq28]

Hello, I see they offer like 20+ radios for the beetles, why did you choose the one you bought? Thank you

[@rayregnogarage]

I can't remember exactly why I picked that one specifically, but whenever I buy a stereo, I normally buy a Pioneer and one with, at minimum, bluetooth connectivity. I prefer to have one with Apple Carplay, but the Beetle only fits a single din radio. I found a video on converting to a double din, but I didn't want to cut up my dash. I also really liked that this radio lets you customize the colors of the display. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like it's available anymore.

[@beadiaz6310]

What year is your vw ? Will this possibly work for a 2004 vw?

[@rayregnogarage]

It should. I just did a Google search and it looks like the New Beetle was the same from 1997-2010

[@aimeemoffitt-mercer9115]

AWESOME! Thank you.

[@rayregnogarage]

You're welcome!

[@dilbertgt]

Why can't mine be that easy to remove the factory radio. I insert those metal keys and it won't come out.

[@rayregnogarage]

It wasn’t actually as easy as it seems in the video. I only showed the part after the clips released… I sat and jiggled it for a good while before it came loose. It’s annoying.

[@cdoublejj]

i wouldn't mind having a disc changer. i know you can burn MP3s

[@rayregnogarage]

I haven’t had a computer with a disc drive in almost 20 years

[@genesis2679]

Can you add a touch screen stereo ?

[@rayregnogarage]

See my previous comment below about converting to a double DIN stereo. It can be done, but you'll have to modify your dashboard.

[@khloecooper9394]

Do you have a link fo what package you bough?

[@rayregnogarage]

I ordered at crutchfield.com. I've ordered several times for myself and friends/family. They make everything super easy. The stereo I got was the Pioneer DEH-S5120BT When I buy from Crutchfield I always opt for the install kit. (It's offered for free). Just make sure to enter in your vehicle information so it picks the right stuff. The kit came with Metra 40-VW54 Antenna Adapter Metra 70-1784 Receiver Wiring Harness Metra 86-9001 Factory Radio Removal Tools Metra 99-9008 Dash Kit I also always get the Crutchfield ReadyHarness™ Service. It's only $25 and totally worth it. Makes install super easy. I don't like doing the wiring myself and this makes everything plug and play.

[@khloecooper9394]

Stronghold Garage I ordered from another company. If it doesn’t work I’ll return it and get this one. Thanks so much!

[@khloecooper9394]

Stronghold Garage the radio I got didn’t work out. Two of the speakers we already out and this cheap POS I bought started smoking 🙃 I read the reviews that they had filtered all the way to the bottom and people had the same problems. I’ll be purchasing from Crutchfield.

[@scottd1489]

Very informative thanks

[@rayregnogarage]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@Shon9tilR]

1:49 Where can I but the harness piece? It didnt come with my Pioneer DEH-S5200BT.

[@rayregnogarage]

I ordered mine from crutchfield.com I'm not sure how you would search for the harness because it just pops up as an add-on whenever you buy a stereo. But maybe you can search for the stereo you bought and see the harness shows up as a "You may also like" type offer. Otherwise, I would try emailing crutchfield and let them know what you need. The harness makes it SUPER easy to install UPDATE: looks like you CAN search for it on the site. Here's what I found. You'll want the "ReadyHarness" Just make sure to pick the one that will fit your car. www.crutchfield.com/shopsearch/harness.html?sug=Pioneer+DEH-S5200BT+harness

[@jamiesochin]

Thank you!

[@rayregnogarage]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@mrgame1140]

Will it work on 2001 model

[@rayregnogarage]

It SHOULD. It’s the same generation

[@ABC-ff9gb]

I have an after market radio and it kept draining my battery. So now I have no radio. Why could this be?

[@rayregnogarage]

I'm having the same problem with my Xterra. Probably a bad ground. It's causing a short circuit on the electrical system and that's what's draining the battery. I'll be doing a video on that soon!

[@paulh2108]

I am going to buy an after market radio from Crutchfield for a 2007 Beetle Convertible. There is a monsoon amp in the trunk. Did you have a blue and white wire coming off the new harness to run back to the amp so I can install a relay back there to turn off the amp when the car is shut off?

[@rayregnogarage]

I don't think my car had one. It has a disk changer in the trunk that I will be removing. But I don't recall seeing an amp.

[@TheSlobodianfam]

How do you take an aftermarket stereo out of a Volkswagen Beetle?

[@pth6060]

Great job thank you

[@rayregnogarage]

Thanks!

[@niamhpayne9921]

The radio is discontinued on the website

[@rayregnogarage]

bummer. sorry

[@mattl4143]

Removing the heat sink on the back was a bad idea. Instructions for most replacement stereo's for a newer Beetle state that you will need to removed by unbolting or cutting the rear support for the factory stereo. I would not remove a heat sink from an electronic component such as this, especially since it was designed to have that!

[@rayregnogarage]

we’ll see how it goes. I don’t drive this car much, and I use the radio even less frequently.

[@MmMerrifield]

@@rayregnogarage I was just thinking the same thing

[@rayregnogarage]

@@MmMerrifield Plus I’d rather sacrifice a cheap stereo over cutting into my car. No thanks

[@nicholaskoenig3106]

Heat SHIELD* 🙂

[@perromion]

Just found you video, looks like an easy install. My question is, did it cause any problems with the monsoon amplifier? They're known for draining the battery on vw beetles. Thanks in advance.

[@kaideblue6688]

THANK YOUUU IM GOING TO TURN MU BUG INTO A RALLY CAR AS WELL

[@rayregnogarage]

That's rad! Are you documenting the project?

[@halfaulkner2532]

Great video--but, my install was a disaster! The "keys" did not release the factory unit, the factory wiring harness was so short I tore them loose trying to get the unit out, once out, the compartment was too small (waaaaaay too small) for the factory to radio plug to go back in. I finally removed the entire center console (all the way to the windshield) and used a dremel tool to remove a portion of the radio compartment to have room for the wiring. Basically, nothing in your video worked in my install. I spent the better part of 2 afternoons installing the radio with the Crutchfield installation kit. Nightmare!

[@rayregnogarage]

Wow that’s insane. Did you use the same stereo I did? It was definitely a tight fit in there but so didn’t have much trouble.

[@Tech_481]

Just bought the car today came with a shitty aftermarket JVC radio so I'm gonna replace it

[@rayregnogarage]

awesome!

[@Tech_481]

@@rayregnogarage ya just tracked down audio issues in the speakers

[@noepenaloza3086]

That's, I like

[@rayregnogarage]

Eso!

[@artbychriss]

he sounds like childish gambino

[@rayregnogarage]

really? haha. that's new!