B6 after market head unit headache !!! Genius please help !!!

[A4donkey]

Anybody knows how or where to get the switch power supply (A4 B6/7 single din) for Aftermarket head unit, which will keep the same characteristic as Stock Concert II HU, like radio on without pulling the key out and not neccessary to keep the ignition at position one (on position) ?

I know after market unit does not support Can-bus , been searching thru the web weeks still don't find the solution.

Just wondering if there is any super expert or genius made it thru.

[rollerton]

I bet there's a tiny red wire on the back of the instrument cluster, goes into blue plug. I haven't done testing on my car yet, but its there on many other VW/Audis of the same generation. I installed a Pioneer Avic in my ol' lady's 04' Passat, sure enough little red wire works perfect: power ON until key is removed.
If that's not it I'll find it in a few days when I do an install on my 03' Avant.

[A4donkey]

Really! that will be great, but do you have a picture , cos I don't know where exactly the Blue plug (instrument cluster) located.

[kwimberly]

Tap the homelink fuse or go right into the thick black ignition wire under the steering column. www.a4mods.com has several write-ups that have pictures for switched power.

[alpinestar180]

run a wire to the fuse panel and tap any of the switched fuses (comfort control module, etc) for 6v to send to the turn on lead on your hu.

[rollerton]

Yeah, switched power is easy, but for some reason I much prefer the switched power that stays LIVE until the key is removed- so you can listen to the radio after you turn the car off WITHOUT having to turn it back on!

[A4donkey]

yes rollerton, that's what I am looking for, still waiting for experts inputs.

[BASARAB]

Do u mind posting a pic of your single din radio?

[A4donkey]

don't have a picture yet until I find the best solution.
Still wait for more inputs....

[rollerton]

I found it- just like I said. There's about 14 tiny wires in the blue connector to the instrument cluster. One looks like it's just 'red'...I took a picture I'll post later.
But this 'red' wire is (+) when key is turned on and stays (+) until key is removed.
A smart person would use it for signal to a fuse and SPST relay to power what you need, but I've used it as the ACC signal for our AVIC unit in our 04' passat and on other VW's.
I will wager it's 'safe' for any very low amp signal, but again- a relay would work best.
yer Welcome!

[chaseman562]

How do I get to this?

I found it- just like I said. There's about 14 tiny wires in the blue connector to the instrument cluster. One looks like it's just 'red'...I took a picture I'll post later.
But this 'red' wire is (+) when key is turned on and stays (+) until key is removed.
A smart person would use it for signal to a fuse and SPST relay to power what you need, but I've used it as the ACC signal for our AVIC unit in our 04' passat and on other VW's.
I will wager it's 'safe' for any very low amp signal, but again- a relay would work best.
yer Welcome!

[rollerton]

I took that pic from the end of the dash, next to the fuse-panel. There are 2 connections at the back of the instrument cluster. The cluster can be removed in about 90 seconds by removing the two screws at the bottom that hold it in. Best way to identify it is to use a multi-meter to test the couple reddish wires in that blue connector. One will have +12v until you remove the key. viola!
For the record I have used that wire for acc +12v switched power on several stereo installs on several VW's and Audi's. Have not had a problem. I wouldn't use it for "power" , but it's fine for signal, or if you relay it obviously.