NG4 Android radio replacement

This unit is the NG4 system, made by Harman Becker.
Main Features: DVD, Voice Commands, HighRes Display, 3D Mapping, Bluetooth Hands Free, Independent Phone with MDS Module, SD Card, USB, Jukebox.

Moderator: GiveMeABreak

Stratoblaster
Posts: 8
Joined: 28 Apr 2021, 21:13

NG4 Android radio replacement

Post by Stratoblaster »

I have a 2010 Citroen C5 V6 3.0 Break. It has the original Harman-Becker 2 din head unit and the about 7” display. It has developed a habit to shut itself down after driving some 40-50 km and again and again…

So, I bought a Junsun 10” Android radio replacement. I have now tested it and seems like GPS is working, WIFI is working, BT is working. However I can’t get the audio working.

I began to explore the connections and found out that the 4x2 connection (purple, green, grey, white) that usually carries the speaker signals (FL, FR, RL, RR) and has of course 8 wires coming from the back of the Android radio, connects to a connector that has only four wires? Still the original radio could control left and right as well as front and back because there are 4 speakers.

Then I remembered that there is a subwoofer on the right of the trunk. Ok, the same 4 wires (2 yellowish, orange and grey) attach to the subwoofer unit. My guess is that they must be line level and there is an amplifier (in the box with the sub speaker) delivering the speaker level signals to door speakers. I just wonder how is that done with 4 wires only coming in? I mean how can it handle both panning L and R and Front and Back?

What should I do? Rewire 8 (or at least 4 extra wires if use the existing 4) speaker wires (plus an RCA cable for the sub amp) to the sub box in the back so I can use the power amp of the new Android unit.

The Android unit of course has got RCA-line outs but I don’t know the pinout of the 4 original wires or what kind of signal is it feeding? What would be the easiest way? The Front / Back adjustment is not so necessary if I could only get a L / R signal through.

And one more thing… The steering wheel button support was not working either when test used the Android unit.

Thanks in advance!

See the attached photos.
Attachments
Back of the NG4
Back of the NG4
Canbus of the Android Radio
Canbus of the Android Radio
Connector of the Android Radio
Connector of the Android Radio
I guess this is only valid if there is no sub?
I guess this is only valid if there is no sub?
Big connectors attached
Big connectors attached
Citroen C5 connector with 4 leads that feed the sub box
Citroen C5 connector with 4 leads that feed the sub box
Sub box
Sub box
Last edited by Stratoblaster on 09 Apr 2024, 14:05, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
GiveMeABreak
Forum Admin Team
Posts: 37482
Joined: 15 Sep 2015, 19:38
x 5755

Re: NG4Android radio replacement

Post by GiveMeABreak »

I know a little late now as you've bought it, but you could of just done the CF card replacement of the hard drive and you'd be back to normal most likely, unless there was a hardware fault of course.

It's a different kettle of fish with a) the HiFi Amplifier option and b) if you have the services module fitted, which also uses at least on of the speakers for emergency services connection when airbags have been triggered - along with geolocation in a crash.

That wiring diagram is for an RT4 not an NG4 with HiFi and possible services module.

If you provide your VIN I'll get a wiring diagram up of the NG4 for you. Please post your VIN in full without spaces - it will be automatically masked from public view after submitting your post & will only be visible to staff.
Please Don't PM Me For Technical Help

Marc
Stratoblaster
Posts: 8
Joined: 28 Apr 2021, 21:13

Re: NG4Android radio replacement

Post by Stratoblaster »

Yeah, I know that I could have installed a CF-card. I actually ordered an exact replacement Toshiba disk for it if I have to re-install the old system. I guess it is possible without any troubles, re-coding etc?

You mean the VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]… as a VIN?
Last edited by Stratoblaster on 09 Apr 2024, 13:30, edited 1 time in total.
Stratoblaster
Posts: 8
Joined: 28 Apr 2021, 21:13

Re: NG4Android radio replacement

Post by Stratoblaster »

VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]
User avatar
GiveMeABreak
Forum Admin Team
Posts: 37482
Joined: 15 Sep 2015, 19:38
x 5755

Re: NG4Android radio replacement

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Yes, the only drives I'm aware of apart from new (if you can still get them) are old used ones from old servers and are probably near end of life too!

Here's the HiFi Connections in case it helps.
NG4 Amp.png
"a" 16-way blue connector.
"b" 16-way black connector.
"c" Bonnet locking 16.

Note: The speaker cables are twisted in positive and negative pairs and bear the same name.

Role
The audio amplifier amplifies the 4 audio outputs from the audio system and distributes them over 8 amplified outputs:
  • 2 outputs for the front woofers
  • 2 outputs for the front tweeters
  • 2 for the rear tweeters and woofers connected in parallel
  • 2 outputs for the bass box
Electrical features
The connection to the audio amplifier is by means of 3 connectors (The 3 connectors are of the SICMA 16-way type):
  • The black connector transmits the low power information and the supplies
  • The blue connector transmits the power information to the right-hand speakers
  • The white connector transmits the power information to the left-hand speakers
"a" 16-way blue connector
Channel numberDesignation
1Front right tweeter +
2+ front door right-hand bass speaker
3Unused
4+ rear door right-hand speaker
5Unused
6Right-hand bass module +
7Unused
8Right-hand central channel +
9Front right tweeter -
10- front door right-hand bass speaker
11Unused
12- rear door right-hand speaker
13Unused
14Right-hand bass module -
15Unused
16Right-hand central channel -

"b" 16-way black connector
Channel numberDesignation
1Unused
2CAN +
3Unused
4Right-hand audio system + input
5Right-hand audio system - input
6Unused
7CAN High
8Unused
9Permanent +
10Unused
11Left-hand audio system - input
12Left-hand audio system + input
13Unused
14VAN Low
15Unused
16Earth

"c" Bonnet locking 16
Channel numberDesignation
1Front left tweeter +
2+ front door left-hand bass speaker
3Unused
4+ rear door left-hand speaker
5Unused
6Left-hand bass module +
7Unused
8Left-hand central channel +
9Front left tweeter -
10- front door left-hand bass speaker
11Unused
12- rear door left-hand speaker
13Unused
14Left-hand bass module -
15Unused
16Left-hand central channel -
Please Don't PM Me For Technical Help

Marc
Stratoblaster
Posts: 8
Joined: 28 Apr 2021, 21:13

Re: NG4 Android radio replacement

Post by Stratoblaster »

Oh, that is not easy! Where is that box located?
User avatar
GiveMeABreak
Forum Admin Team
Posts: 37482
Joined: 15 Sep 2015, 19:38
x 5755

Re: NG4 Android radio replacement

Post by GiveMeABreak »

On a left hand drive, it's hidden behind the right side (passenger) of the dashboard, so the glovebox need to come off to get access to it.
NG4 Amp b.png
Please Don't PM Me For Technical Help

Marc
Stratoblaster
Posts: 8
Joined: 28 Apr 2021, 21:13

Re: NG4 Android radio replacement

Post by Stratoblaster »

Thanks a lot!

If I solder an RCA connector both to pins 4/5 and 11/12 of the black box and feed there a line-out signal from Android unit, should it do the trick? Propably not since the NG4 is not guiding the system anymore? Or is the HiFi amp totally indipendent from the head unit I have disassembled?
User avatar
GiveMeABreak
Forum Admin Team
Posts: 37482
Joined: 15 Sep 2015, 19:38
x 5755

Re: NG4 Android radio replacement

Post by GiveMeABreak »

The HiFi was an optional extra - and NG4 was supplied with and without the amp and with or without the services module.

These are the NG4 Speaker connections:
NG4 Speaker Outputs.png
"e" 3-part connector

Part "A": 16 way connector

Channel numberAllocation of channels of connector
1signal: Right hand rear speaker
2signal: Front right hand speaker
3signal: Front left hand speaker
4signal: Rear left loudspeaker
5Earth : Right hand rear speaker
6Earth : Front right hand speaker
7Earth : Front left hand speaker
8Earth : Rear left loudspeaker
9Supply : Screen DG4
10Comfort CAN High
11Channel not allocated
12Battery + supply
13Comfort CAN Low
14Channel not allocated
15Earth : Screen DG4
16Earth

Part "B": 12 way connector
Channel numberAllocation of channels of connector
1Video input no 1 +
2Channel not allocated
3Earth : Microphone
4Right-hand audio auxiliary
5LIN bus for screen DG4
6Video input no 2 +
7Video n°1 -
8Channel not allocated
9Input : Microphone signal
10Left-hand audio auxiliary
11Audio earth
12Video n°2 -

Part "C" : 12-way black connector (*)
(*) Only with CD changer (Not available on hybrid vehicles)
Channel numberAllocation of channels of connector
1Earth : CD changer
2VAN Low : CD changer
3Permanent + : CD changer
4Right audio system: CD changer
5Rear socket LH audio output signal
6Channel not allocated
7CAN High : CD changer
8Earth : CD changer
9Rear socket RH audio output signal
10Left audio system: CD changer
11Channel not allocated
12Rear socket audio output earth
Please Don't PM Me For Technical Help

Marc
User avatar
DHallworth
Donor 2023
Posts: 2387
Joined: 20 Nov 2005, 17:05
x 125

Re: NG4 Android radio replacement

Post by DHallworth »

Sorry to hijack your thread. I might be interested in buying your old NG4 as half of the buttons on the front of mine don't work and the joystick is hanging off. Would be good to make 1 out of the 2.

Let me know if you do decide to sell it please.

David.
'98 Xantia Activa V6 :-D
'00 XM V6 Exclusive
'09 C5 2.7 HDi Exclusive
‘10 C5 3.0 HDi Exclusive
'12 C6 3.0 HDi Exclusive
'15 C4 BlueHDi Feel
Stratoblaster
Posts: 8
Joined: 28 Apr 2021, 21:13

Re: NG4 Android radio replacement

Post by Stratoblaster »

DHallworth wrote: 10 Apr 2024, 15:36 Sorry to hijack your thread. I might be interested in buying your old NG4 as half of the buttons on the front of mine don't work and the joystick is hanging off. Would be good to make 1 out of the 2.

Let me know if you do decide to sell it please.

David.
Sorry but I decided to keep the original unit because it is too complicated to try to replace it with a modern Android unit.

I have now tested how to install the Android unit as a second unit and feed the audio signal from its RCA-outs to the AUX ins of the original unit. It works fine. The new 10” diaplay goes to the place of the old display and the old display goes on top of the dashboard in a housing (which I have to custom build). Sounds easy, eh!
Stratoblaster
Posts: 8
Joined: 28 Apr 2021, 21:13

Re: NG4 Android radio replacement

Post by Stratoblaster »

Is there an ”ignition 12V” somewhere available in those wires that come to the back of the NG4? I need that to wake up the Android unit.

GiveMeABreak wrote: 09 Apr 2024, 15:28 The HiFi was an optional extra - and NG4 was supplied with and without the amp and with or without the services module.

These are the NG4 Speaker connections:

Image

"e" 3-part connector

Part "A": 16 way connector

Channel numberAllocation of channels of connector
1signal: Right hand rear speaker
2signal: Front right hand speaker
3signal: Front left hand speaker
4signal: Rear left loudspeaker
5Earth : Right hand rear speaker
6Earth : Front right hand speaker
7Earth : Front left hand speaker
8Earth : Rear left loudspeaker
9Supply : Screen DG4
10Comfort CAN High
11Channel not allocated
12Battery + supply
13Comfort CAN Low
14Channel not allocated
15Earth : Screen DG4
16Earth

Part "B": 12 way connector
Channel numberAllocation of channels of connector
1Video input no 1 +
2Channel not allocated
3Earth : Microphone
4Right-hand audio auxiliary
5LIN bus for screen DG4
6Video input no 2 +
7Video n°1 -
8Channel not allocated
9Input : Microphone signal
10Left-hand audio auxiliary
11Audio earth
12Video n°2 -

Part "C" : 12-way black connector (*)
(*) Only with CD changer (Not available on hybrid vehicles)
Channel numberAllocation of channels of connector
1Earth : CD changer
2VAN Low : CD changer
3Permanent + : CD changer
4Right audio system: CD changer
5Rear socket LH audio output signal
6Channel not allocated
7CAN High : CD changer
8Earth : CD changer
9Rear socket RH audio output signal
10Left audio system: CD changer
11Channel not allocated
12Rear socket audio output earth
User avatar
GiveMeABreak
Forum Admin Team
Posts: 37482
Joined: 15 Sep 2015, 19:38
x 5755

Re: NG4 Android radio replacement

Post by GiveMeABreak »

No, because these original telematics units in the vehicle have to use a permanent live all the time, hence Pin 12 on Part A.
Please Don't PM Me For Technical Help

Marc