[eliot]

Hi, all, short time lurker, long time appreciator, here.

I'm struggling to get my Denso unit working, but this isn't actually a thread about that (because I'm a stubborn wotsit). I've nor yet found a decent description of *why* i should continue bothering, when the might be better alternatives out there now ... albeit nor as flush looking.

So what benefits does the denso unit actually bring me? And if none, really, should i just pop an android head in there, and find a way to control the air con?

Sorry I'd this come across dumb, but, frankly, the web seems top be really tight lipped about all this stuff and weirdly closeting of information ... even down of pictures of a normal wiring layout. I don't know if that's intentional, due to Ford strong arming, or a little of both ... but it's debilitating to the amateur who (frankly) would just settle for getting the denso air con controls working again.

Again, this isn't a help request, i do promise I'll probably be one of those guys to pester that poor guy in the Midlands ... i guess I'm just wondering if it's genuinely worth persevering with over a even raspberry pi solution ...

Hope this isn't breaking any rules, if i could mark this "low importance" i would! Should say, not expecting much response to this, or feeling entitled to it, but thought I'd ask, and you folks don't seem like the usual internet folk that dogpile a stupid [insertswear] like me!

Best

E

 

[Master-of-none]

Never used a Denso but, you could probably* fit a standard Mondeo EATC control panel from a scrapyard (may also need it's wiring loom) and then fit your choice of aftermarket head unit with touch-screen, DAB, MP3 bluetooth etc.

From older posts, I understand that the Mondeo dash radio slot may not be a standard DIN size so the facia may need some adaptation, measure carefully before buying.

*probably = sorry if it didn't work

Diagnostic:

https://www.fordwiki.co.uk/index.php/Touchscreen_Sat_Nav_-_Information_and_Diagnostics_-_PART_1

 

[raynkar]

The positive for the Denso is that it looks very nice.

The cons imho are.
It's sat nav is worthless in many areas as it's just too out of date.
The sound quality isn't as good as a decent aftermarket head unit.
It has far less features than an aftermarket head unit could.
It's not as simple to use as a decent aftermarket head unit.

Pros of an aftermarket head unit include.
Up to date sav nav.
Ability to play DVDs.
Better Bluetooth.
Better ability to store music
DAB radio.
Reversing cam option.
Better sound quality.
More simple to use.
Better voice control.

Cons of aftermarket
The complete nuisance of removing the Denso
An aftermarket head unit can be made to fit perfectly, but won't look like a factory option.

 

[L11XXY]

Pester away... lol...

Happy to help where i can... Whats the issue with your unit / setup?

Alex

 

[eliot]

Never used a Denso but, you could probably* fit a standard Mondeo EATC control panel from a scrapyard (may also need it's wiring loom) and then fit your choice of aftermarket head unit with touch-screen, DAB, MP3 bluetooth etc.

From older posts, I understand that the Mondeo dash radio slot may not be a standard DIN size so the facia may need some adaptation, measure carefully before buying.

*probably = sorry if it didn't work

Diagnostic:

https://www.fordwiki.co.uk/index.php/Touchscreen_Sat_Nav_-_Information_and_Diagnostics_-_PART_1

This is actually such a ridiculously obvious idea that *of course* I didn't think of it. ????

Cheers, @Master-of-none, I've literally just eBay'd one, and will likely see if I can easily muck with it ...

The positive for the Denso is that it looks very nice.

The cons imho are.
It's sat nav is worthless in many areas as it's just too out of date.
The sound quality isn't as good as a decent aftermarket head unit.
It has far less features than an aftermarket head unit could.
It's not as simple to use as a decent aftermarket head unit.

Pros of an aftermarket head unit include.
Up to date sav nav.
Ability to play DVDs.
Better Bluetooth.
Better ability to store music
DAB radio.
Reversing cam option.
Better sound quality.
More simple to use.
Better voice control.

Cons of aftermarket
The complete nuisance of removing the Denso
An aftermarket head unit can be made to fit perfectly, but won't look like a factory option.

Good points, cheers, @raynkar.

Also:

con: doesn't have the aircon controls ;-)

That said, if both my units are fubar (got a bargain on the second) I'm definitely going to modify one, and do a bit of button/wiring chasing, then fix up some kind of arduino replacement.

The real trick would be a full Android Automotive setup, pushing a few screens, and accepting stock controls ... so I'll keep everyone updated on that ridiculous pipe-dream. ????

Pester away... lol...

Happy to help where i can... Whats the issue with your unit / setup?

Alex

@L11XXY, thanks, man, I've seen you all over this place, Alex, and you're a true saint, mate.

Once i have a hot second, I'll start a specific thread for it. But i think, basically, the first one was just a shit install and they truly mucked the wiring. I'd just match my wiring up if there a half decent image online, but it's a real secret society, heh. But, yeah, I have two (got one for £80[!] with couple of sticky buttons) and both have done the green lines once, and are now doing sweet fa. The newer one

Conventional (non-car) thought would have me thinking it's an earthing/fuse issue, but the second one is getting dim lights to the volume knob, etc. Anyway, as I say, when I get the time, I'll do full on pictures and tears. ;-)

 

[raynkar]

For info, you will need to change the entire fascia if you get rid of the Denso.

Cars had specific fasciaa for the stereo fit.
There was one for the Denso which was radically different to others.

One for the 6000 unit

And one for the Sony units.

You would need a fascia and heater control from a car that ideally had the 6000 stereo.
You may need new analogue clock surround too as the ones for cars with a Denso were a slightly different fit from memory.

Then you will need plugs and loom sections

 

[eliot]

Cheers, raynkar, I'd got a lot of that from the various posts on here, L11XXY's posts, guides, and other stuff online. But I'm very grateful for you saying it, plus, others will read this, perhaps.

I think my forward option is to make a thread here for it, give it (them) one last try. I feel like *one* of them must work!

If they're both screwed then I'll rip one to pieces, and adapt the shell into an automotive box. :smirk: