Hi guys,
If I install a new stereo from Crutchfield, what to be aware of? Will the computer be pissed off? Will it be compatible with the factory speakers (which don't need to be replaced). Some of the buttons on the factory unit are starting to break. CD play also shot... Thanks in advance for any insights!

 

A lot depends on what system you have now, if its one of the MOST fibre optic units then replacement is not so easy and you will lose some functionality.
If you have satnav you will lose it and the 4x4 info.

 

I replaced my 07 MOST system with a Crutchfield kit. The main purpose was to give my daughter a modern hands-free system. Crutchfield does a good job of explaining the features you'll lose and they were correct in my install. I'm going by feeble memory, but here's some of the tradeoffs.

• Loss of 4x4 screen. It will full-time display a Land Rover Logo
• Cannot fade speakers front to rear
• Settings menu from pushing the turn-signal stalk are no longer available. You can still toggle between MPG, Distance, etc. screens.
• Illumination control is bad. I ended up tapping the illumination wire of the new head unit to a connector at the top-center dash control that has the hazard button. This was the easiest for me to find a reliable signal.
• I installed the Axess steering wheel and fiber optic control modules. They do work, but the default control settings were unusable. I downloaded Axess software to a laptop and USB connected to the module in order to set the controls for best useability.

It's OK, but not sure the tradeoffs are worth the benefits of a modern system.

 

Thanky you so much fory your experience. More digging I shall do!!

 

Waffle Square on YouTube has a video on this. In the comments is a link to a document that describes disassembling the factory radio down to the component level required to keep the factory functions.

The instructions are for a Range Rover Sport, but it looks like the same radio as the LR3.

I can’t confirm if it works. It seems like it should. It would be great if it does.

 

It does, ive seen it done a number of times before.

 

I used a kit from Spiral Audio, plug and play. Everything works and it sounds much better since the factory amp connects directly to the new head unit. Not cheap but worth it to my wife, 2006 LR3.

 

I added a double din unit in place of the navigation unit in the dash. My SE didn't have the nav unit so I just installed the radio up there and replaced the amp. The speakers still sound great and I have no codes. I did install the fibre optic wrap around cable in the amplifier location. It looks very stock since the old radio unit is still in the dash. The only function of the old radio is the clock now. Of course, if your amp is working you could use the Waffle Square approach.