Continental Refrigerator AIH-CONTI User manual

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AIH-CONTI
ADD-AN-AMP INSTALLATION GUIDE FOR CONTINENTAL/VDO RADIOS TO SELECT EUROPEAN VEHICLES

PRODUCT SAFETY & DISCLAIMER
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE INSTALLING, FAILURE TO DO SO MAY CAUSE
PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE TO PRODUCT AND/OR PROPERTY
•This installation guide is provided as a GENERAL installation guide; some vehicles vary and
may require additional steps. We do not accept responsibility for third party labor charges
or modifications. Exercise due-diligence when installing this product.
•We do not accept any responsibility for vehicle damage or personal injury resulting from
the installation of this product.
•Careless installation and operation can result in equipment damage.
Requirements:
EUROPEAN VEHICLE WITH ORIGINAL RADIO PLUGS/CONNECTORS
Introduction
Continental/VDO radios are slowly becoming the radio of choice for many
European luxury car (e.g., Porsche, BMW*, Mercedes, Land Rover, Ferrari etc.)
owners. The Continental speaker level (like OE) may be satisfactory to some, but
if the system lacks power and/or bass; it may be time to consider adding a
subwoofer and amplifier, or powered subwoofer and upgraded speakers.
Unfortunately, Continental radios dot not include Line-Level outputs and because
of that the speaker outputs are used to provide audio signal to aftermarket
amplifier.
NOTE: The AIH-CONTI is not required if aftermarket amplifier/powered
subwoofer has speaker level inputs—see our BHA-1784B harness instead.
Our AIH-CONTI harness has been revised to allow the Continental radio to power
the OE speakers directly while also providing 4-full range line level outputs and
turn-on lead to aftermarket amplifier or powered subwoofer (Prior to 4.4.21
revision, the Continental/VDO radio was not able to power speakers directly)
See Frequently Asked question at the end of this guide.
*Assumes Continental radio was installed using a BMW 16-pin to dual 8-pin ISO harness
(8+8); otherwise, the AIH-CONTI may not apply.
Installation- All Euro vehicles with 16-pin ISO connectors
Remove radio from dashboard to gain access to the connectors. Use removal
keys included with Continental/VDO radio.
1. Slide keys into slots to detent position. (Key “bump” should face radio)
2. Withdraw radio by pulling outwards. See Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Radios with 8-pin power/speaker connections
Warning: C1-C3 sockets are for optional auxiliary, steering wheel and
microphone connections. The AIH-CONTI connects to socket “A”and “B” in
Fig. 2

3. Disconnect 8-pin plug from CO/VDO radio socket “A”(See Fig. 3)
Fig. 3
4. Connect plug removed in step 3 to 8-pin matting socket on harness (See Fig.
4)
5. Connect harness 8-pin Black plug (See Fig.4) to CO/VDO radio socket “A”
(vacated in step 1)
Fig. 4
harness
6. Disconnect 8-pin plug from CO/VDO radio socket “B” (See Fig. 3)
7. Connect 8-pin plug (from step 6) to 8-pin matting socket on harness (See
Fig. 4)
8. Connect harness 8-pin BROWN plug (See Fig. 4) to CO/VDO radio socket “B”
(vacated in step 6)
NEW: The AIH-CONTI revised edition (4.4.22) allows the Continental radio
to power speakers from its internal amplifier OR bypass radios built-in
amplifier in favor of aftermarket amplification.
To bypass radio’s internal amplifier, simply skip step 8 and connect
factory 8-pin “B” plug to aftermarket amplifier speaker outputs. —If this
is a new install, purchase our BHA1784B harness
9. Connect orange wire to vehicle’s illumination (dimmer) circuit.
(This circuit controls brightness of vehicle instrument cluster/radio)
10. Connect pink wire to amplifier turn on lead (extension required)
11. Connect RCA’s (See Fig. 5) to amplifier or powered subwoofer RCA inputs
(RCA patch cords required)
Fig. 5

Frequently asked questions & troubleshooting
1. Why does the Continental radio remain ON after ignition key has been
removed?
Continental (as well as Becker radios) are able to remain “ON” after ignition
key is removed. If radio is properly wired to ignition, battery and ground
supply but remains “ON after key is removed, check radio system settings:
Logic control and turn -OFF or ON.
2. Do I need to connect the illumination wire (orange)?
Connecting orange wire allows radio to dim at night when headlights are
turned on otherwise this feature is lost,
3. Revising the harness was a great idea, but what if I want to retain OE
amplifier under passenger seat?
To install a Continental or VDO radio and retain factory amplifier (NOKIA,
HAER, BOSE) requires our ARH-CONTI harness.
4. I installed a Continental radio last summer. It has decent power but I
want to install an aftermarket amplifier to power the factory speakers
and a powered subwoofer box. Will the AIH-CONTI work?
If you were powering speaker with Continental radio and wish to instead
power them with an aftermarket amplifier, the AIH-CONTI will apply. In
addition, you will need our BHA-1784B 8-pin speaker extension harness
(available in custom lengths). Simply connect the BHA1784B to the OE 8-pin
speaker plug (behind the dash) and to amplifier speaker terminals.
5. I’ve notice Continental radios pin 7 (battery) and pin 4 (ACC) are
switched. Will I need to switch them on your harness?
NO. Our AIH-CONTI is wired to meet all Continental/VDO radio wiring
requirements including BAT, ACC, GROUND, ILL.
6. My Porsche has an Alpine radio and previous owner cut the OE plugs.
Will the AIH-CONTI work to install a Continental radio?
Purchase our BHO-1784 harness. Cut Alpine harness (or that of any
aftermarket radio) an inch short of OE splice. Match colors from residual
Alpine wires to those on the BH0-1784. Once completed, plug in the
Continental/VDO radio.
.
Disclaimer
• This product has no affiliation with Porsche, Becker etc.
• We’re not liable for misuse of this product.
•We recommend professional installation.
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