Upgrading stereo in 09 Mondeo

d31b0y

Hi all,
I'm hoping to upgrade my car stereo this christmas (a little present to myself ) and was looking for recommendations.

Eonon is one that just keeps coming up for me. I've seen a few videos online and they seem to work well.
Has anyone here any experience?
I was thinking of going with this one;
http://www.eonon.co.uk/Android-Car-GPS/GA5161F.html

A couple of points;
-Sound quality isn't terribly important to me.
-I think I probably have the lowest range stock stereo in the Mondeo at the moment. It's got bluetooth for calls only.
-Price is very important. I have to be around or below the price of the above Eonon
-Eonon UK ship from a warehouse in the UK so no import fees (and it's currently on offer on the site - though I get the feeling that might be the price it always is, they are just making it seem better)

What do you all think? Is the stereo in the mondeo easy to replace? etc.

5W30

A bit dearer but a much better option:
http://eonon.co.uk/Android-Car-GPS/GA5161F.html

The one you linked is running Windows CE which is a but old school now with the availability of Android.

The one I linked is better because you'll be able to install apps like on your phone. The Win CE models don't have a lot of apps for them and there isn't even a built in store.

These units will be plug and play. No wiring modification needed, easy to put in.

R.O.R

I've swapped a few Radio's in that shape Mondeo, and once you know what you are doing, and have the right tools, it's simple.

You need to start removing the trim from around the cupholder - that piece pulls off to reveal the next piece to remove near the ashtray. There's a few Torx bolts (been a while since I've done one, so can't remember how many or what size torx) at the ashtray and there were some at each side of the radio, behind small pop out pieces, when it was Silver trim. Don't think I did this on a facelift when it became black trim around it so not sure if there's any hidden screws there, but an 09 is probably the Silver trim.

Once you've all those bits out, the Radio slides out - disconnect the block connector, plug the new one in and reassemble the trim in reverse order.

d31b0y

5W30 wrote: »

A bit dearer but a much better option:
http://eonon.co.uk/Android-Car-GPS/GA5161F.html

The one you linked is running Windows CE which is a but old school now with the availability of Android.

The one I linked is better because you'll be able to install apps like on your phone. The Win CE models don't have a lot of apps for them and there isn't even a built in store.

These units will be plug and play. No wiring modification needed, easy to put in.

That's the one I actually meant. Don't know how I ended up posting the WIN CE one. Blech - avoid that crap
Updated my post.

R.O.R wrote: »

I've swapped a few Radio's in that shape Mondeo, and once you know what you are doing, and have the right tools, it's simple.

You need to start removing the trim from around the cupholder - that piece pulls off to reveal the next piece to remove near the ashtray. There's a few Torx bolts (been a while since I've done one, so can't remember how many or what size torx) at the ashtray and there were some at each side of the radio, behind small pop out pieces, when it was Silver trim. Don't think I did this on a facelift when it became black trim around it so not sure if there's any hidden screws there, but an 09 is probably the Silver trim.

Once you've all those bits out, the Radio slides out - disconnect the block connector, plug the new one in and reassemble the trim in reverse order.

You are right, it's silver trim.
I swapped out a tape deck out of an 02 3 series and changed the hazard button on the same car (lots of trim removal). I think I'll be giving this a whirl too and see how I go. I have a torx screw set so I should be laughing

MobileAudio

Would you consider a standard double din unit with a facia panel ? You will get a better quality unit that way from a good brand like Alpine or Pioneer and another advantage is a standard double din will more then likely fit your next car, just need some new adaptors etc.

Problem with a car specific unit is you only get to use them in your current car and your unlikely to get any extra for it when selling.

CharlieCroker

I changed mine to the ford Sony 6 disc changer a few years ago. As ROR said, its a piece of cake. Looks a lot worse than it is with half the dashboard taken apart but had the whole thing done in 20 mins.

I'd just be wary that your steering wheel controls may not work with one of those stereos.

johnny_adidas

remember looking into this a few times via the owners forums. I think it was a case of losing the OEM handsfree microphones, some of the controls on the steering wheel and some of the dash LCD functionality so never pursued it any further. Maybe they have remedied these problems as it could well be 8/9 months since i last looked into it

d31b0y

MobileAudio wrote: »

Would you consider a standard double din unit with a facia panel ?.

I did play with the idea but the well known brands get very expensive very quickly. I've had a look online and the facia for the mondeo mk4 seems to be very hit and miss too. I just bought the mondeo recently so will hopefully have it for a good long while so not too worried about bringing the stereo along to the next car.

Also the stereo that's in it seems to hold a pretty reasonable value so would like to sell it on (100 - 150 depending on where you look).

CharlieCroker wrote: »

I'd just be wary that your steering wheel controls may not work with one of those stereos.

johnny_adidas wrote: »

remember looking into this a few times via the owners forums. I think it was a case of losing the OEM handsfree microphones, some of the controls on the steering wheel and some of the dash LCD functionality so never pursued it any further. Maybe they have remedied these problems as it could well be 8/9 months since i last looked into it

I had heard this before. I only have the very basic dash LCD (the only thing from the stereo is the source / current radio station and I rarely listen to the radio) so don't mind if I lose that. There are some videos online where some steering control functionality is retained and more videos showing programming of the buttons. Like you said though, it's hard to tell what will work and what won't as the videos are not current.

I think I am going to pull the trigger tomorrow. Kinda hoping there will be an actual black friday deal tomorrow (they have been running a black friday month all november).

Quick question actually, what's the story with the stereo codes? I see some stereos are sold with and some without online. In simplistic terms that a badger could understand

johnny_adidas

Best of luck with it, will be very interested to see how it works out so do update when you have it installed.
I have the Sony HU, and titanium display but no Bluetooth mp3 so would definitely still consider changing if it goes well

d31b0y

This thread had me doing more reading about the device and it's supposedly been updated very recently to a newer version. I'm not sure of the date but the old device was definitely available back in Feb this year.
New processor and newer android version so I am hoping that they have fixed a few of the niggly problems they had with the old version.

johnny_adidas wrote: »

Best of luck with it, will be very interested to see how it works out so do update when you have it installed.
I have the Sony HU, and titanium display but no Bluetooth mp3 so would definitely still consider changing if it goes well

No bluetooth playback on mine either. Currently using aux cable. It's a big part of the reason why I want to change.

d31b0y

Just a quick update, I totally went ahead with this over Christmas and it is fantastic. I'll grab a few pics later and put them up. I haven't finished installing it fully (GPS arial is hanging from the roof and some usbs are sitting loose) but it's working perfectly and did work perfectly out of the box.
Install was simple too, though there was extra wiring compared to the stereo that was in there in the first place so it was a bit snug.

CONS:
* lost built in hands free so the call/hang up stalk is useless now.
* The left / right keys on the steering wheel are reversed and only seem to work with the radio app. Reprogramming doesn't seem work.
* I'm really struggling to think of more cons...

I would do it again in a heartbeat and it will be the first purchase for any new car in the future.

johnny_adidas

d31b0y wrote: »

Just a quick update, I totally went ahead with this over Christmas and it is fantastic. I'll grab a few pics later and put them up. I haven't finished installing it fully (GPS arial is hanging from the roof and some usbs are sitting loose) but it's working perfectly and did work perfectly out of the box.
Install was simple too, though there was extra wiring compared to the stereo that was in there in the first place so it was a bit snug.

CONS:
* lost built in hands free so the call/hang up stalk is useless now.
* The left / right keys on the steering wheel are reversed and only seem to work with the radio app. Reprogramming doesn't seem work.
* I'm really struggling to think of more cons...

I would do it again in a heartbeat and it will be the first purchase for any new car in the future.

Thanks for the update, sounds like a no brained. Any noticeable reduction in quality on handsfree calls?

d31b0y

johnny_adidas wrote: »

Thanks for the update, sounds like a no brained. Any noticeable reduction in quality on handsfree calls?

Quality is perfect when my phone decides to work. There is a port for an external mic if you want to run one up to your visor.


This is me just testing a generic web cam to see if it works as a dash cam.

It does so next purchase will be one of these - http://www.amazon.com/180degree-Fisheye-1080p-Angle-Camera/dp/B00LQ854AG

Close up, it was too sunny so the picture didn't come out great


GPS wired in


One USB in the glove box, one running to the centre panel with micro usb charger connected.



I want to run a powered USB hub in my glove box too. I'm hoping that will let me install a 1TB external harddrive in the glove box. I'm thinking of just getting a cigarette charger and just running a cable in from there. Might not be the prettiest but it should be functional.

johnny_adidas

Looks great, even down to the chrome around the edge matching in the buttons. (nice idea with the webcam too) Photos much appreciated ðŸ‘