head unit
 

bought an 04 a few weeks ago. The sale included a Metra double DIN installation kit new in box. I got this head unit from amazon and am very happy with it. $90 to add streaming, bluetooth phone, back up camera. Install was not that hard. The only thing that threw me was I at first left the power antenna wire unconnected since car doesn't have one. Then figured out it had to be connected to the amp turn on wire on to get sound.

Here is what it looks like installed.


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...db8c74a292.jpg

Looks good. Thanks for the share. Does the digital readout look and work OK above it still?

the digital readout works perfectly. you can customize the text that is no longer needed for radio (default text is "Metra's RX-8" but you can see I changed it to my car's name, Batmobile).

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...a85951d996.jpg

I didn't really want to do this but it looks great and has me more interested. Do the steering wheel volume / track controls work? Can the text be used to output anything like source or track, or is it static?

There is an adapter called the Axxess universal steering wheel control adapter that is not included with the Metra kit that is needed to use the steering wheel controls. it cost around $60. I did not get it but I may get it later. The head unit settings has an page for steering wheel controls, But I'm pretty sure you need the adapter as well (there are basically no instructions for how to use this page, and I was unable to get the SWC setting page to recognize when I pushed steering wheel controls). For a daily driver I'd definitely get the steering wheel controls,

The text is static (you can make it blank or make it read anything you want).

I bought and installed the Axxess to get my SWC back. The previous owner had installed a double din head unit and the Metra kit. The only advice I can give is make sure you're connecting the correct wires, and solder where you can. I tried it the quick, easy way and ended up pissing off some other electronics. Ended up ripping the whole head unit out, cleaned up wires, soldered, and organized it all. Haven't had an issue since. Although I will say the SWC mute button doesn't really mute for my unit. It just dramatically reduces the volume.

But totally worth the job. I use the SWC's every single time I'm in the car. It really does make a big difference (to me anyways).

Surprised at how well it integrates with the stock look! Nice job!