I'm going to post my ENTIRE experience with the Metra Kit and Kenwood HU installation soon- it was a major headache but is finally resolved and is now fantastic. In the process of installing the unit, I had ordered an extra Glossy Kit as a back-up.

I ended up not using it so it's still brand new in the box and for sale. PM me if you're interested, also check out my description in the FS area.

I'll sum up the LONG story here in my first post- finding a good ground is critical. This seems obvious, but I had what was supposed to be a good ground and it wasn't. This cause ALL kinds of problems with the HVAC controls not working properly. Also, a few of the pins in the AXXESS box were bent and shorting. Lastly, even though the AXXESS box said it had the 1.4 software on the PC- apparently it didn't. The clock was running way slow. I had to "force update" the box to take 1.4 again- which fixed the clock problem.

I had the unit professionally installed by a very trusted shop and was fortunate enough that they could troubleshoot all of the problems.

 

Damn, it seems this kit does come with trials and tribulations for a lot of people, me included. I hope the ground problem wasn't based on advice I gave. Somewhere back in the thread I think I posted about using a big metal box and screw under the subdash that is screwed directly into the chassis as the ground. It ended up solving my ground problems... but I hope it didn't mess yours up based on my advice!

 

This probably won't help a lot of people, but for those of us using the Alpine DD HUs, Alpine makes a digital theatre amp (MRA-F350) that receives it's input via optical cable. This eliminates ground loop as any potential issue as there is no electrical connection between the amp and the HU. I have it running, it sounds great (not an extremely great amount of power, but plenty for my purposes, and clean). On top of that, as it is quite limited in use (only good for alpine HUs), it can be found quite cheaply...

 

jeez Zumn, you need to clean up your wiring harness. just use a couple zipties. looks like a bird's nest in there.

 

Nope, it wasn't you at all. You're advice was solid. I'm up and running with the exact setup you have and I'm loving it everyday. It's like a new car! Thanks for all of your posts. I'm gonna get my detailed experience and pics up to help others avoid some of the issues I had. Right now I couldn't be happier and it was worth every bit of trouble.

Just wish I could find someone to buy my spare kit. If not, I guess it's no big deal. Probably not a bad idea to have something like this on hand.

-Z

 

I have the Metra Kit version 1.4 (single-din) and I have had no problems with the kit until about 5 days ago. I park in the garage overnight and it is probably in the 70's temperature-wise and now whenever I leave and am out driving my 04 RX-8 my ambient temp always says 78 or 79. It never goes higher and it was 90+ yesterday and I was outside with the car for more than 5 hours and it never read higher than 79. Anyone else have this problem?

 

your getting that with v1.4 lol

 

I guess I don't see why that's funny?

 

go bitch at metra,

 

It's funny (in a go-figure kind of way) because if true, then 1.4 does not fix all the bugs like metra claimed.... I think this was supposed to be the last update they were going to release.

I just updated to 1.4 and everything seems fine with my car. I'll keep an eye for the temperature issue.

There's always the possibility that there is something wrong with the temperature probe or the wires plugging into your axxess box, and not a problem with the actual box.

 

Go be a dick in another thread,

Yea I don't know if it's the kit or something with my specific car if no one else has this issue then I'm guessing it's just my car...

 

limpbozkit i been in this thread for sometime now, i dont think ill be leaving anytime soon, not trying to be a dick but it seems like metra fails alot, dont take life so offensive

 

I would double check your connections. I have not had an issue with the temp reading.

 

I can't adjust my clock or the display.

I held the Aircondition button for like 5 mintues with the key in all different positions and hvac controls in different positions.

Nothing.

Also sometimes I'll be driving and some of the numbers will blink or disapear for a second.

Call Metra and ask them for a reaplacement axxess
box??

 

U need the update.

 

I would update again to 1.4 if I were you. I dont think anyone has had an issue with 1.4 except for you. And like the other person said check all your connections.

 

You are supposed to hold the "MODE" button (the big round one in the middle) to enter the set options menu.

 

So just a few more errors occurring with this kit that I had questions about.


Sometimes when I put the car in reverse or even first gear sometimes my headunit would loose power for a second and restart and the traction control light would come on for a second. Is this the axxess box doing this or my wiring? All my wires are buttspliced together, and I tapped into the positive reverse light for my backup camera.

 

OK just to get my head clear on all this. If I want to go ahead with getting myself a nice new aftermarket radio, what all do I need to possess in order to accomplish EVERYTHING the best possible way? Here's what I have come up with so far from what I am reading and what I will likely be purchasing....

Pioneer X910BT HU
Metrakit (obviously)
Screwdriver
Something to cut away some parts of the dash

Is there any type of adapter or anything I need? And I read a part where it says to solder... is that really needed or is there an adapter for that? (I have never soldered a thing in my life). Finally, I think I read somewhere in the thread before that if I have a BOSE system, there are a couple extra steps that need to be taken.

If someone can just summarize any part of the process I am missing or misunderstanding, that would be great. I am thinking of taking this project on later this month.

Edit: Also, at the point where it describes connecting certain wires to certain wires of the aftermarket navigation radio, is that to have it connected the "proper" way or the grounded way so its fully functional even when moving?

Thanks again as always guys!

 

Just wanted to check and see if anyone else has come across this problem with their kit. The display connector in my car has a connector with 4 empty pins in it. This in itself is not a problem except that this connector will not connect to the box. I have the new kit with the new all black box. It is just too large to fit in the box, and even if I cut the connector, the extension still would not fit. let me know what you guys think.

update: I'm retarded and forgot about the harness that was attached to the stock HU.

 

i did the metra too i have the problem with the clock being slow but thats all everything else is good anyone have any idea on how to fix that

 

I just bought a jvc kw nt1 double din unit just waiting for metra kit to arrive anyone know if i need an adaptor to get my steering wheel controls to work if which adapter.

 

So, I got the kit in and everything was working great. However, when I went to work this morning, the mode button was not working nor was the vent/recirc button. Wondering if it just got too hot and fried the box. Also, my clock seems to be running slow and my ambient air temp is stuck at 97. Any thoughts. I am going to try and make a video to post up showing how to get the kit and radio installed. I found a fairly decent way to get the box and wires into the dash without having the issues of not enough room. The subdash actually looks very clean and their are not a ton of wires back there. Let me know what you guys think about the display and button issues. The guy at metra told me to just reset the car, but thats a pain in the *** if you have to do that every couple of days because the box gets all jacked up. I am running 1.4 btw. I also have the new black only box that is somewhat bigger than the older boxes.

 

shouldnt have those issues with 1.4, i would re update it to 1.4 or get the cable to make sure it is 1.4, and check to see if your a/c and heat works, possible you may need to resolder for a/c or heat to work, read through thread you will find all the answers to your problems =)

 

software version is 1.4, reflashed today. The connectors were fine, as I never removed them from their clamps. I reset my car (unplugged the battery for 10 minutes and everything seems to be working fine). I cant read this thread anymore though, I have read through the entire thing twice now and my head hurts .