I just bought a 1996 Jetta TDI. It has the VW 6 cd changer in it. But for some reason it turns down by itself?
So what I wanna do is get an Alpine cd player for it.

I know how to change radios in cars I have done it b4. I even found out how to take this one out and put the new one it.
BUT
On another forum someone said that his son hooked up a new cd player to his Jetta and then it wouldnt start again? It had to be towed to a dealer?

He first said its because the kid unhooked the battery (which you dont actually have to do. Which I wont be doing.) But then he said itsbecause the radio has a anti theft code in it? Does that make the car not run if I take the VW radio out and put in an aftermarket one? Or did his car not start because he unplugged the battery causing the computer to shut off?

Also if it is the case you cant unplug the battery so do you have to take the car in to ever change a battery?

Also I wanna hook up an amp and sub (which I know how to do) but if I cant unplug the battery I was just goona use these battery clip things that just clip on so I dont have to unplug the battery. OR is there a way for me to hook up my amp the proper way without having to take it in?

Thanks for all the help.

I have googled this, and searched the forums, and searched other forums and asked people and no one has answer me back yet.

So I finally had to write a forum and figure it all out.

Thanks a lot guys.

 

There is antitheft in the radio but it only pertains to the factory radio. You will need that code only if you want to ever reinstall the original radio. It has nothing to do with the vehicle starting. I just did an install a few weeks ago on a 2003 Jetta, I did 2 amps, front doors sub & head unit plus 4ga kit. The only issue I had was I had the seats out an dunplugged and while out, I had turned the key on at ssome point. it threw a code for the airbags because of the seat sensor being unplugged. An easy fix, clear the code.

 

So I am able to unplug the battery without having to take it to a dealer? I also read somewhere if you leave the key in the passenger door or driver side door it will disable the alarm while your doing it. Its just a scary thing to do incase it does happen there is no VW dealership around here to take it too.

 

another thought would be to take it to a dealer, then in the parking lot diconnect the bat just to see what it does. if it messes up at least your at the dealer, otherwise hook it back up and be on your way.

 

I am not aware of any issue with the central locking system/alarm and key left in lock.

You should double check on your 96 with respect to th wiring harness. I know the 93 needed a special 100+ dollar harness to add accessory power as the factory radio does not use a traditional acc line.

I did not use the harness, I opened up the steering column and accessed the wire I wanted then relayed it. It worked perfect. Unless your really comfortable with that stuff, buy the harness if the 96 needs it.

You will likely need an antenna adapter for the radio antenna as well.

You can use Crutchfield to input your vehicle and find out what special install issues it has if any.

You

 

Ok I've worked on very many vw's in my past . Here's the low down on it
battery? Why disconnect it? If ur using proper parts there is no need.
Car not starting? Never happened but I guess it could only because the guyust have disconnected the battery and when reconnected it did not shut down the factory alarm which has starter kill. If this happens use the key in either front door and lock then unlock to shut it off or use factory remote if ur car came with it . Anti theft is only on the factory stereo. If u disconnect the battery or even just the radio u WILL need the 4 digit security code to make that stereo work again. If u don't plan on pitting factory dec back in... Don't worry about it!
To make your deck install go easier in regards with being able to tuck the wire harness into a good spot try removing the heat controls just below the deck . If u don't you may have a hard time getting the deck to sit in properly in the dash. And don't forget to buy the proper VW antenna adapter or you will not be able to plug in the existing VW antenna. Just trying to think if I missed anything else. There really is nothing special in this model jetta ( 1993-1999) I've owned 3 in this model. Golf and jetta has same wiring

 

Ya I will be buying the special harness I always do it completely proper and I hate splicing wires. So the radio will be hooked up propery with all the correct wiring harness.

Thanks a lot guys you have cleared everything up for me. I know what I need to know now.

Also I dunno who asked but someone said why unplug your battery anyways? Its so I can hook up my amp to the battery later on in life. But now I know how to do it correctly if it does mess up.

Anyways Thanks a lot guys.

 

On VW to install amp wiring you don't need to disconect the battery. U run your wires through the car attack your fuse holder and wire with ring terminal. Then there is a threaded spot on the positive terminal that you put in a bolt and you're done. I wish I could remember the thread count for you that works. I know some cars even had the extra bolt already there . Maybe I will take the one I have and check it at home depot. That's where I bought my bolt. I ran positive and ground straight off of the battery terminals to my amp

 

Ya I went and looked and there is an extra hole with a bolt already in it I just have to take out and hook my wire too.

Thanks to everyone with the great replies. This is def. one of the best forums I have ever been on.

 

As far as room for the head unit, there is a little plastic croos bar at the back of the radio hole that can be cut out. It makes a huge difference in space for wiring.

As far as install kits, the OEM parts fit better than the Metra kit, but the Metra will accept a double DIN, the OE kit will not.