FAQ
TL;DR: CAN-bus harnesses can cost up to 100 % of a budget Android head-unit’s price [Elektroda, 60jarek, post #18828639] “Without CAN, you won’t have goodies” [Elektroda, 60jarek, post #18828639] Most display or power faults trace to 1) missing adapter, 2) wrong power pins, or 3) un-coded gateway.
Why it matters: A €25 wiring mistake or skipped adapter can disable A/C controls, steering-wheel keys and even cut engine data to the screen.
Quick Facts
• Budget Android 2-DIN price range: 300–700 PLN [Elektroda, 60jarek, post #18828639]
• CAN-bus adapter/harness: 200–300 PLN, often equals radio cost [Elektroda, 60jarek, post #18828639]
• Fully-equipped dedicated unit: ≈1000 PLN including CAN, DAB+, KEY loom [Elektroda, 60jarek, post #18828639]
• Factory settings menu (Android 8.1): enter code, select car profile to enable CAN control [Elektroda, 60jarek, post #18826900]
• OBD2 support needs extra Bluetooth dongle; gives live data and fault reset [Elektroda, adam_1991r, post #18669948]
What exactly is CAN-bus in a car radio context?
CAN-bus is a two-wire network (CAN-H / CAN-L) that carries ignition status, steering-wheel buttons, A/C data and more between the car’s ECUs and the head unit [Elektroda, madamsz1, post #18668345]
Do all Android head units need an external CAN-bus adapter?
No. Some new units integrate the translator, but most budget models sold on marketplaces still need a separate box; two users in the thread lost functions until they added one [Elektroda, 60jarek, #18826900; #18841742].
How can I check if my unit already has CAN support?
Look for a labelled CAN interface chip or a loose box on the main loom. In settings, enter the factory menu code; if a car-type list appears, the translator is on board [Elektroda, 60jarek, post #18826900]
My radio powers up in key position 0 but dies when the engine starts—why?
ACC (ignition) and B+ (constant 12 V) are swapped. Correct the two pins and the set will stay on [Elektroda, bassic, #18840952; #18841339].
Air-conditioning controls don’t show on screen—what fixes it?
The A/C panel needs B-CAN data. Plug in the correct Honda CAN adapter and select the Accord profile in factory settings; then the touch-A/C overlay reappears [Elektroda, milejow, post #18826767]
Can I retain steering-wheel buttons in a 2003 Renault Laguna II?
Yes, but not via CAN. The Laguna uses an analog stalk and RGB display. Fit interface CTSRN003 or re-wire per the linked modification guide [Elektroda, milejow, post #20921809]
Will the original dash LCD still show radio info?
Only if the interface converts the head-unit UART or RGB out to the car’s protocol. Most Chinese units lack this, so the LCD stays blank [Elektroda, milejow, post #20921809]
How do I add live engine data to the Android screen?
- Buy an ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 dongle. 2. Pair it in Android. 3. Open Torque or Car Scanner and select the adapter. Data such as RPM and coolant temp will stream instantly [Elektroda, adam_1991r, post #18669948]
Is coding the gateway mandatory on VW/Caddy after swap?
Yes. If the factory radio was removed, the gateway blocks power after a few seconds. Code the new radio’s presence and it stays on [Elektroda, bassic, post #18841582]
What’s an edge case where CAN won’t help at all?
Pre-2004 cars like early Laguna II send display data over analogue RGB; even a perfect CAN adapter won’t revive the top display [Elektroda, milejow, post #20921809]
How much extra should I budget for full functionality?
Add approx. 200 PLN for CAN harness, 120–200 PLN for DAB+, and 100 PLN for steering-wheel KEY interface—roughly a 60 % cost uplift [Elektroda, 60jarek, post #18828639]
Quick 3-step: enabling CAN after installation
- Verify CAN-H/L pins and plug in the adapter. 2. In Factory Settings, enter the supplier code (often 8888). 3. Select car make/model, save and reboot. Functions appear immediately [Elektroda, 60jarek, post #18826900]
