Is a CanBus adaptor & VSS required for a Mk5 Golf GTI?

Posted Dec 28, 2009 · 18:07 UTC#1

As subject really

UK Golf Mk5 GTI. Cant find much detail on the Canbus stuff - even if it's needed....

Also, not sure where you put the VSS wire (even if required)

Any owners care to share some light on it?

Cheers,

Scoob

Posted Dec 28, 2009 · 22:32 UTC#2

Since i am looking into the same thing..... here is what i have found.

I do not know if they are required but..... If you do want to hook everything up properly look into the CONNECTS 2 can bus interface. It provides all of the parking brake, vss, mute as well as connecting derectly up to the OEM harness so you dont have to cut any of the OEM harness wires. This is all in addition to the added bonus of allowing the steering wheel controls to work properly. They can be found at Enfig car stereo....

http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_sc/s ... VW002.html

Connects 2 also makes what seems to be the best aftermarket double din dash mount but i cant seem to find the link for that right now.

I should be installing mine this weekend or next. I'll let you know how things go...

edit: youre in the UK.... these should be much easier to find where you are because they are made there... sorry i just skimmed over the fact that you are across the pond.

Posted Dec 28, 2009 · 22:54 UTC#3

Thanks Bud

Know about the Connects2 stuff - had it in my Audi S4. FANTASTIC stuff.

My GTI is poverty-spec, so has no MultiFunctionSteeringWheel (MSFW) - therefore the wheel functionality isn't required.

I like the idea that with the Connects2 stuff, it really is plug'n'play.

Will have a deeper look

Get some pics up when you install - I would be very interested to see how it goes

Scoob

Posted Dec 29, 2009 · 15:25 UTC#4

I see.....

The only other main advantage that i could see to using to connects 2 would be the fact taht you dont have to dig around in the rest of the car for the VSS, parking brake, and what not. I was pleasantly suprised to find that the can bus adaptor has those leads on them so that you dont have to worry about running wires all over the car. I'll try to get pics when everything comes in.... still waiting on some stuff that my family got for X-MAS. :mrgreen:

Posted Dec 31, 2009 · 11:55 UTC#5

Hi There

I install an F900BT into my 2008 Polo UK spec with can-bus.

I used a connects2 can-bus adapter and an autoleads iso to quadlock adapter.

The connects2 was rubbish, Most of the outputs i wanted didnt even work!

Switched live didnt work which was the most important one, I got around that by using the aerial power for the ACC.

The illumination didnt work but the unit can use its own built in time for that.

Ive grounded the brake so didnt need that,

The only one i was able to make use of was the VSS.

It took me a month to get it and i was annoyed so i couldnt be bothered to send it back.

Make sure you buy from a good company becuase you might need to send it back...

Posted Jan 11, 2010 · 03:41 UTC#6

If you don't use a canbus adapter, at least find a good canbus harness connector. The harness is cheap insurance considering the damage you could accidentally inflict on the factory harness if you don't know which wires to connect to.

I have used the connects2 canbus adapter with an f90 in my 2008 GTI for well over a year now. Was worth every penny and works as expected, though I do have the MFSW and wanted to retain the controls. Without the MFSW, I would probably just buy a harness and call it a day.

If you want a few more opinions, definitely check out golfmkv.com, where there are plenty of other MKV owners who have swapped out their factory stereo.