I want to replace my 02 TLS head unit (wife spilled Coke in it - DON"T ASK...). I just got back from the stereo shop and my head is SPINNING. Want to replace it with an Alpine CDA 9833. But, they say the following:
1.) An interface is needed b/t the Alpine and the Bose system - $90.
2.) The amp(s) may be damaged and need replaced - $300 each.
3.) The speakers may also need to be repalced if they are not 4 ohm.
HOLY SH*T! This is getting expensive!
I defer to your collective wisdom since I know zip about car stereos. Your help and advice is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

I am assuming the radio in the 2002 S is the same as my 2000. If so, here is some answers.

1) Wrong. You need a $10-15 Metra wiring harness and a $15-20 Metra dash kit.

2) Wrong. The amp for the factory radio is built into the radio. The only other amp is the sub amp and yes, you would loose the factory sub and its amp if you install the Alpine. But, the Alpine's built in amp would power all other speakers.

3) Wrong. The speakers do not have to be replaced but, you may want to replace them for better sound. I ran an Alpine head unit with the factory speakers with no problem for a month or so before I replaced the speakers.

Again, all this assumes your factory system is like mine in the 2000. If it is different, and someone else on here can verify, then ignore everything I said. If it is the same, then the above applies.

 

Thanks for your assistance. Not sure if the radios are the same - they keep changing them...Anyone else??

 

I have a 02TL and just changed the system to a Alpine. AcuraX2 is right. All you need is the Metra kit and harness and your good to go. You might think about changing the speakers later on, but no need to do it now. Oh, you will loose the sub though, it will not work with a new headunit. Good luck

 

Thanks - just got back and pretty much had to replace everything - speakers were fried too. New head unit, amp, sub & speakers. Wow that stuff is expensive!

 

bro, im pretty sure you got ripped. i dont see how speaker wire would get fried cus she spilled coke? i mean it could happen i guess. but, i hope you didnt put oem speakers, amp and sub back in cus that would have been a waste

 

I can't believe you feel for that bullshit. When I changed my last radio in my old car they sad the same thing to me. Oh your going to have to replace this and that. I told him shut the hell up and just give me the harness to the radio. Those places always say that shit off, because they make almost nothing by replacing just the head unit. Well hopefully you got speakers that where worth the upgrade.

 

I had to go to countless places to find someone who actually knew about our stock setup and would do what I wanted. I heard all these bullshit stories and excuses on this and that. I recommend to just look around till you get the vibe from the person that they know what they are doing.

 

Is it possible to add an aftermarket stereo to a navi system (03 type s) without loosing any of the navi's features (attenuation, speaking, etc)? I have a pioneer unit (deh-9300) from my old car waiting to go in.