Clarion CX501 Installed

creellimit

Successfully installed this head unit in my 2009 base last weekend. Thanks to the great disassembly instructions found here, it went very smoothly. The hardest part was soldering together the 4 different wiring harnesses I needed. I used the axxess steering wheel control, and after manually programming it, all functions work. I also had the metra dash kit, but I wasn't pleased about the fit around the A/C controls. After looking at it for a week, I took it out and reinstalled the original dash plate. It is a MUCH better fit. You just have to simply trim the bezel piece that comes with the head unit to fit. Save your money and don't buy the metra dash kit if you install a DD.

As for the radio, I am very pleased. I wanted a low end unit that had bluetooth and usb. The bluetooth works great with my iphone. Syncs before I back out of the garage and the sound quality for music over the bt is great. The built in microphone was a plus for me too, since I didn't have to fool with mounting an external one.
Radio reception is better than the factory head unit and the overall sound quality is much improved.

The pic is with the metra dash kit.

Attached Images

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