Audio System

Turn radio on. Press am/fm + Scan buttons; 1000 should appear then go blank; release the buttons; use the 1 2 3 4 buttons to enter the security code (press the 1 for the thousands digit, 2 for the hundreds digit, 3 for the tens digit, 4 for the ones digit -- press these numbers repeatedly to cycle through the numbers for that particular digit); press am/fm + Scan buttons again. Code should now be entered and the radio should function as normal.

1990-1993:

Turn radio on. Press Mode + Scan buttons; 1000 should appear then go blank; release the buttons; use the 1 2 3 4 buttons to enter the security code (press the 1 for the thousands digit, 2 for the hundreds digit, 3 for the tens digit, 4 for the ones digit -- press these numbers repeatedly to cycle through the numbers for that particular digit); press Mode + Scan buttons again. Code should now be entered and the radio should function as normal.

If you don't have the security code, you will need to remove the radio and take it to your local Volkswagen dealer along with your car's VIN. They may charge a fee, but they will be able to obtain the security code for you.

Removing the OEM factory radio

Bend two 6-inch sections of a wire coat hanger into U-shapes, the ends being as wide apart as the holes (top to bottom, not left to right) in the head unit (or purchase radio removal tools where-ever car radios are sold). Insert tools into the holes, push outward then pull; radio head unit should slide out.

OEM speaker size

Car Year	Front Speaker Size	Rear Speaker Size
1980-1981	4x6"	none
1982-1990	4x6"	3½"
1991-1993	5¼" w/ 1" tweeters near mirror remote	4x6"

Accessing the rear speakers

Pry off the cover of the window crank, remove the screw and pull the handle off. Then, gently pry the panel off using a long, flat-head screwdriver.

Upgrading the speakers

It's best to stick with the OEM size, but you can install larger speakers. Depending on the dimensions, some fit no problem while others may take a bit of modifying. Those with pre-1991 Cabriolets can install the speaker grilles, front speakers and door pockets from a 1991+ Cabriolet. And of course the speakers can be upgraded to more modern, better sound-producing speakers; BestBuy, Crutchfield, Circuit City and others have compatibility searches. Will you need to install an amp? That's entirely up to you and depends on what type of system you're installing. Installing what are essentially stock replacement speakers do not require an amp, even if you're running new 100w speakers off of the original 45w head unit.

The Aktiv system

An amplified stereo system installed on '91-'93 USA Cabriolets. Read all about it by clicking here.

Replacing the antenna

You must remove the driver's side wheelhouse liner to gain access to the antenna housing and cable inside the fender to replace the antenna.

Wiring in a new head unit/radio

Modern head units have an accessory-on (ACC) wire, something the Cabriolets do not have. Not connecting the ACC wire can result in the car's battery being drained, unless you remove the head unit's faceplate whenever the unit is not in use. How, then, is the ACC wire connected? Most people tap into the yellow/black rear window defroster switch wire since it is the most readily accessible switched power wire (defroster switch does not need to be switched on to power the head unit). If you'd rather not cut the wire, simply pull/push the connector/wire out of the switch harness and connect it to the to the appropriate head unit wire and defrost switch via new wires with spade terminals (click here for a diagram). Wiring the head unit this way, however, results in the key needing to be in the battery-on position in order to power the head unit while the engine is off.