My first "mod" - aux input to CDR-220 ('02 996 C2)

My buddy turned me on to this cable from Amazon at half the cost of the Becker cable: Amazon Amazon so I bought it along with a set of radio removal tools which made the job literally a 30 second affair: Amazon Amazon One thing to note is that the blue connector from the cable didn't want to stay seated in the radio all the way so I duct taped it in place. Also, take your time and be careful sliding the radio back into place as it doesn't want to go in at anything but the exact correct angle. Don't force it and make sure the wires are out of the way. The key is enabling the aux input which you do as follows (thanks to the reviewer on Amazon who posted this - I'm just copying it word for word from his review): "Turn on the stereo. Press the "TP" button for about ten seconds. Use right **** to navigate menus. Find the "AUX" on off, turn on. Turn stereo off then back on. Hit "S" source button until aux is displayed. Hook up your mp3 player. You will start fresh with the bass, treble, balance, and fader."

Thanks for providing the product links and installation instructions. I just ordered the cable and tools for modifying my 02 radio. Wonder how many HP it will add!

You bet. For under $20 including tools, it's a no-brainer. I really wanted to add bluetooth but can't really justify the additional cost of doing so. Next up will be window tint, radar hardwire, oil change, oil pan cleaning, and some misc stuff like perhaps rain sensing wiper retrofit, CD cubby removal, and non-smoker's console tray. I also plan to send my door pocket covers and center console to a custom shop and have them add padding and re-cover in black leather to make those areas more comfortable for longer trips.

Do you have any pictures of the end result. Thanks

Didn't take photos. It's literally so straightforward that I didn't think they would even help.

Thanks for posting, been meaning to do this myself for a while. Where did you have the pin routed through? Is it just routed rough from under the console?

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I stuck my arm in the opening created when the radio was removed, and tossed the 3.5mm jack through the left side til it fell out from behind the console, then just looped it around to the small cubby down below the CD holder. I will soon drill a hole and have the cable come through the rear of the cubby but did not feel like pulling the drill out last night as this was being done in the 5min period I had between bringing my daughter home from preschool and heading out to her gym class.

Do you have to turn the aux input on each time or is that just a one time thing? It sounds like then you can't use the CD changer, but that would definitely be worth it...

It stays in the system as an available choice when pressing the source (S) button. So you can cycle between FM, AM, and Aux by doing this modification. My car didn't come with a CD changer but had it, I'd have removed it and sold it off anyway, so this is fine with me. I don't listen to CDs - I stream Pandora when driving in the car 99% of the time.

I just ordered one from Amazon - thanks for the info. I eventually want to buy a full double din Kenwood or Pioneer radio but this is a nice inexpensive addition that will do in the interim.

Will this mod work for an 04 with a CD Changer or does the optical bus screw that up? I would love to get my ipod or phone into my 04 C4S and finances haven't supported a full doubledin radio replacement just yet. Thanks!

I hooked my iPod Touch through the CDR220 using the Becker cable, which is a bit pricey ($100+), but worth it for me because it keeps the iPod charged as well. That iPod stays in the car. No duct tape needed for this installation, but I did Velcro the iPod to the console where the factory cellphone used to be.

Thanks for the write up.

Same cables are cheaper on ebay. Just search Audi or VW instead of Porsche. Same cable ~$6 shipped

Does anyone know if this works for the CDR23?

I installed the same cable as RDUBiker and I have it plugged into my i phone listening to pandora. I am getting intermittent pulsing feedback that is driving me crazy. I had the same type feedback in my tundra when I had my iphone connected to the stereo via an aux port but only experienced the feedback when my phone was plugged into the charger as well. Am i picking up some ignition system feedback or what? Any ideas would be helpful.

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Which Becker cable did you use? Can you post a link. Thx.

http://www.beckerautosound.com/Porsc...CDR%20220.html probably this cable

Yes, that's the cable (shown in the top photo). The sound is excellent. If you have a CD changer, you'll have to disconnect it. Route the cable out of the left side behind the radio. There is a little black box attached to the cable that will get in the way when you try to slide the radio back in if you route the cable through the right side.

If you want the Becker Cable, here's the contact info (I already ordered less expensive Amazon version) From: Daniel Antolino [[email removed]] The iPod cable is $109.99 plus S/H Becker Autosound, LLC 101 US HWY 46 West Saddle Brook NJ 07663 www.beckerautosound.com Parts / eBay Department [phone removed]

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A couple of pics...not much to see though

second pic

I already purchased the cable from Amazon and can't wait to get it installed. One simple question: is there only one place in the back of the CDR-220 that this blue plug will fit into? Does anyone have a picture of the back of the CDR-220 so I know exactly where to plug it in?

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There are three sets of connector pins (C1, C2, C3) on the back of the CDR-220. One set (C1) on the "left" has six pins arranged in 3 pairs of 2 (from top to bottom). In the middle (C2) is another same set of 6 pins arranged as 3 pairs of 2. On the right (C3), there are 8 pins arranged as 3-2-3 from top to bottom. Plug into the 8-pin location. Do not plug into the 6-pin location where the arrow in the photo is pointing! The arrow is just pointing to the entire ISO connector.The 8-pin connector location is on the right side.

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I bought a Motorola Roadster 2. Inexpensive Bluetooth fix.

Thank you thstone! I have not taken the radio out, nor received the cable, so I had no idea what to expect. Just want to make this as smooth/easy as possible, hence me wanting to know all I can before doing this. wyovino: the routing of the cable has to be on the left side only with the Becker cable, or does it apply to the "Amazon/generic VW" cable too? I rather that the male plug come out on the passenger side as I have the factory cell phone holder and I have an idea as to how to integrate my iPhone to this holder...

Just did this and it took me about 15 minutes, mainly in getting the stereo unit back into its slot. This is my first and only mod, and I've had the car for almost 2 years!

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I bought the Becker cable as well and did the same thing last summer. I'll point out a couple of caveats. First, the Becker cable has a rather large transformer box that is about 12" from the cable end that goes into the radio rear. This makes it a bit bulky to deal with. To avoid rattles, I used wire ties to secure it in two spots behind the radio console. Second, the cable is only 36" long. If you want to keep the ipod in the center console, that's just long enough, but if you take it out of the console, it doesn't reach very far. Third, while the cable charges your iPod, it keeps charging and the ipod stays on after you turn off the car. So, if you leave your ipod on, thinking it turned off, it will keep playing for the next two weeks and you'll come back to a dead battery. My car battery kept dying after I did this installation, and I finally figured out the reason. Unlike a factory ipod connector, the ipod does not turn off and pause when you turn off the car. If you want to install your ipod in the center console, remove the rubber liner, then the plastic floor. Cut a small slot about 1/4" by 1/4" in both and reinstall. This is what I did and it looks very professional. If you want a cable that does what the Becker cable does but without the bulky transformer, go to www.swstereo.com .

RDUBiker - I too am a new 996 owner in the Triangle (Wake Forest). I am considering the same mod. Maybe we can connect some weekend and compare cars and plans. Chip

Beautiful 996, Chip! Sure thing. I'd be happy to help and since I already have the tool, you shouldn't buy one. Come on over and we can do it here in a few minutes!

Well, after the big scare of intermix, I decided to tackle this simple, yet very convenient, project. Before posting reference pictures, some notes I mentally took while doing this: 1- the removal keys are placed with the straight side pointing to the left (driver's side USA models) 2- the 8 pin plug in my case was occupied by the phone interface 3- if you remove the black plug, you will have to re enter your radio code 4- you better have small hands to fit in the single DIN slot to route the cable or you will get small cuts on the top of your hand. 5- make sure to first route the cable all the way into the back and then forward through one of the metal holes, otherwise, the head unit will "pinch" the cable as you slide it back into its place and will be impossible to do so. 6- do not underestimate how patience-testing it is to put the head unit back. In my case, it took me nearly an hour, but largely due to the fact that I was afraid that if I pushed any harder, I would bend something and make this a very expensive job. 7- do try the proper operation before inserting the head unit back to make sure it all works fine. 8- the instructions on how to activate the aux input are perfect and require no additional comments. 9- works perfectly to listen to music, but if you try to make a phone call and use the built in mic on your phone and the aux cable as your speakerphone, it will not work due to the reverb/static noise you will get. Very similar to the noise you get when you receive a cell phone call and your cell is sitting right next to a fixed line phone that has a speakerphone. 10- enjoy cleaning those scrapes! Here are the pics from beginning to end. Please let me know if you have any doubts or additional questions!

Does anyone know if this will work for PCM1? (Tried the search but couldn't find it...)

For the CDR23 with MOST, I am happy with the FM modulator that is part of the XM unit. Rarely can I hear background noise. There are complex solutions for hard wire solution. The link is one I found, and do not know if there are better choices: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...with-pics.html

Hey, guys, I'll try this question in here. I've searched the internet high and low with no luck. I have 2002 Turbo, CDR220. The above photo series looks like mine except I have 3 plugs, with a green one between the blue and yellow. I replaced the blue with the same cable shown in GusB's photos above. The HU wouldn't recognize the AUX. I of course turned AUX on, and have gone back and verified several times that it "stuck." So yes, AUX is turned on in the menu, but the Source button just cycles between CD, CDC, and FM. In CDC it comes up and says NO CD and switches back to CD mode. So I put a CD in the changer, now it says LOADING, then as soon as the CD loads I get sound from my iPhone 4S. Works perfectly. But the display continues to read CDC, Track 1. I can live with that, and I'm happy to have it working, but it bugs me that it sounds like most of you are getting an AUX display on the HU, and don't have to put a CD in the changer. Am I missing something here? Thanks, Matt

I have definitely seen posts from others who have had the same issue (CD must be inserted for the Aux to work). I searched for a minute, but didn't find the other posts. Look around a bit.

just did this. awesome

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Sadly, no. I bought the cable, connects easily. However I cannot find anyway to activate Aux in the CDR23

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Is there a trick to removing the removal keys? My keys went in easily, radio came out without any problem, but now the tools won't come out.

Thanks!!! Ordered!!! Great tip.

Sorry, new job has taken what little time I have left to check boards and the car has given me some RMS issues as well as a new AC, so been quite against it lately. Regarding keys, the indy mechanic did it for me, so not sure how easy/tough that part is. NoGaBiker: all I did was follow the instructions posted elsewhere regarding setting up the Aux input. My car never had a CD changer, so maybe that is why?

Hi All, One question....I don't have a CD changer....I just have the single CD player that is part of the head unit. If I do this mod, do I lose the capability to play CD's by sticking the CD in the head unit? Thanks, Ray

Can sat radio be added to the oem unit this way too?

Your built in CD player will still work fine. You just have to cycle through the sources (FM, Aux, CD, etc) using the "S" button on the head unit. No clue about the sat radio. This is basically an auxiliary input to any device through a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. I get tons of interference from my cell phone signal, so I don't use it as often as I thought I would. If anyone has ever experienced odd noises off your 'dektop' speakerphone at the office when your cell phone is nearby and about to receive a call, then you know what interference I'm referring to.

Thanks Gus B - great news!!!! Ray

I just ordered the cable. Does anybody have a picture of the removal keys used to remove the HU?

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Amazon Amazon or Suncoast Porsche

Just completed my first mod as well. Wow, that was the cheapest, easiest and best stereo mod out there. I was able to very easily pop off the sides of the center console (passenger side) and run cord out the bottom right next to cubby. All in $14. The hardest part was once stereo keys are in all the way pull really hard to get out that is it. My stereo slid right back in with no issue. It appears if you leave it on AUX upon exiting your 911, the stereo will stay on and eventually drain your battery. Just manually turn off stereo when exiting your 996. Now I can remove that ugly useless CD cubby thingy, yahoo. The sound quality would probably be improved with the Becker 30 pin cable for $100+ but for $14, I'll take it for now. Make it happen fellow 996(ers) it was so so easy. Thanks RDUBiker, now show us how to remove CD cubby and ash tray....

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Not sure if serious about the CD cubby but just in case -- pop a couple of the trays out. Grab both in one hand. Pull.

I just added my cable and followed the instructions and turning on the Aux, but when I try to play my on cd setting it only plays for a few seconds as its loading then automatically switches back to FM? Any ideas what I'm doing wrong? Never mind I figured it out! Thanks

@DTMiller - I was serious and thanks for the tip, it worked like a charm. Now what are my options for replacing the CD Cubby? The CD Cubby looks like it is a little square than the pocket cubby below it. Is that true or is it just an illusion?

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Glad to help! You can buy a matching cubby for the upper half of the lower portion. The upper one is a different part than the lower one. I'm on my phone or I would link to the part but I think suncoast carries them. Other than putting in a double DIN radio and moving the ac controls to the bottom half I don't know what other options there are.

Yup Suncoast has them. Thanks to all for this easy Mod!

so did anyone figure out how to add sat radio to the dr-23? or ipod cable? obviously without major surgery (adding a double din)

I'm resurrecting an old thread here, but I found it useful and wanted to add my experience to it. First, this is a great addition. Sound quality isn't great, but it at least gives you access to your digital music library while keeping the sleek OEM look of the Becker. Well worth it. This thread details removal of the Becker head unit, connection of the aux cable, and finding the "aux" feature in the head unit, however, it doesn't cover one aspect I found tricky: reinstalling the head unit. I found that the first 5 inches or so were not too difficult, just a little jiggling, but at about 5 inches the unit hits the cradle/mount. At that point I got significant resistance and found it near impossible to push it in further. At that point there are two metal guides on the top that have some spring in them, and a hard felt covered "lip" on the bottom. It is the lip that gave me so much trouble. The little move that got me past the lip was at the point that you meet significant resistance, to push down on the front of the head unit (thereby pushing up on the metal guides at the top that have some give or spring to them), and push forward at the same time. The guides at the top give a bit and the bottom can clear the felt "lip," and then the stereo seats properly. Also, I pulled out the CD storage shelf, and installed a second storage shelf (from Suncoast Porsche) with a small hole drilled in the back. I fed the aux cable with the jack end on it through that hole, and now my phone resides in the top tray plugged into the jack. I think the center console looks less fussy without the CD tray, and I don't have that many CDs I want to listen to anymore anyway. Good luck!

Can someone add a link if available to the Becker and non-Becker cable? The thread is old so locating the correct cable is difficult. Thank you

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This is the one I bought: https://www.amazon.com/Porsche-1999-2002-Traffic-CDR-220-Coaster/dp/B012IVK5W6/ Just installed it on my CR-220, fairly painless and seems to work fine.

Hi, Thanks for your 'first mod' story about adding the Becker AUX cable. I ordered the same cable and followed your excellent directons. In TP program mode the AUX is ON. But when I go to select AUX after stopping and starting the radio the AUX option does not appear. I have CDR-220 with CD changer, but don't have the CD cartridge. Do you have a CD Changer in yours? And do you keep a CD in it? Thanks! Jeff

Hi, Thanks for your 'first mod' story about adding the Becker AUX cable. I ordered the same cable and followed your excellent directons. In TP program mode the AUX is ON. But when I go to select AUX after stopping and starting the radio the AUX option does not appear. I have CDR-220 with CD changer, but I don't have a CD cartridge. Do you have a CD Changer in yours? And do you keep a CD in it? Thanks! Jeff

I hate to bring up a old post, but when I got my 996.2 Targa 4months ago someone had installed a AUX. I didnt have the adapter for the my Iphone 13 pro and just left as is. Last week I tried again with my Iphone 15 pro, when I found a USB-C to Aux apapter and couldnt figure how to turn it on. Well tolday looking around the various sterep updates the AUX question came up on a post I was looking at. Played a playlist and switched it to CD-S and my music is playing now on the CDR-22....I didnt realize the AUX was played through the CD player setting. I am laughing at myself that I could have been playing my music for the past 4 months, the engine has been the best music