I need some help installing a Z1 in a 03 Passat with Monsoon. I already have the DIN sleeve so I'm good there my question is how to wire the Z1 with a Passat that has the Monsoon amp. I want to use the Z1's internal amp so my guess is I need to bypass the Monsoon amp. I need to know where the speaker wires are so I can easily connect them to the Z1...maybe this is not as easy as I think. Any Passat owners out there...please chime in. TIA.

Well, a Passat w/ Monsoon has component speakers front and back. Unless you are planning on gutting the whole system and replacing everything, you'd be better off just using the monsoon amp/speakers. It'll still sound great.

Also, there's no accessory wire behind the radio of that car, you'll have to run one from the ignition harness. But the good thing is there's no amp turn on lead to find, the monsoon amp just senses current.

Just hook it up you can keep the stock monsoon system without a problem. Though if you want to bypass the monsoon amp, it's the black box on the passenger side of the trunk. The easiest way to get enough slack on the wiring to do the bypass is to remove the top of the rear deck. Then the plastic piece that runs from the bottom of the door opening up the side. Once you do that you can unbolt the amp disconnect the plugs and push them out of the trunk next to the back seat. If you need more detailed info just let me know. I think I still have the wire codes in my box at work.

Thanks for the information. So, do I use the RCA pre-outs from the Z1 and connect them to the Monsoon amp? I have yet to remove the stock HU from the Passat. It's not my car...my sister's. She saw my Z1 in my car and had to have it for her's. I plan on getting the Metra harness that converts the Passat's harness into bare wire. I'm confused to actually what is behind the Passat's HU. I figured if I were to use the Monsoon amp, I would have to connect pre-outs to it...am I wrong here? Thanks again for the advice.

No the monsoon amp will actually take the speaker level outputs of the z1 just fine. In fact that's the same way the stock radio does it. As far as your parts for the car go here's your shopping list.

harness = 70-9003 Which as stated earlier you'll have to run an accessory wire from the ignition to get the radio to turn on.

or

harness 2= XSVI-9003 This one will give you an accessory lead. Though it does cost a bit more.

antenna adapter = 40-eu10 Use this one if you don't listen to or care about am radio

or

antenna adapter 2 = 40-eu55 Use this one if you want am radio and also provides best possible fm reception.

Oh yeah one last thing the fun stuff.

2003 Volkswagen Passat

Speed Sense white/blue comfort module, 23 pin plug, pin 15

Notes: The comfort module is under the carpet in front of the driver seat, in a protective box.

merry xmas

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll post my install pics once I'm done...it's my "End-of-the-year" project.

Here's another question. How can I get the Z1 to respond to the steering wheel controls? I checked the PAC-Audio site and it does not list the 03 Passat. Any thoughts?

Might not be compatible then.

Did more research...no steering wheel control modules compatible with the 2003 Passat.

Well that'll do it then. Just grab one of the pioneer steering wheel controls. About the same price as an interface would have cost.

Just finished the install. Everything works great. Used the new bypass recommendation. Thanks to all for their help and input.