Just bought a 99.5 A4, and the OEM Panasonic cd changer -- the one with the four screw mounting. That's fine, but how do you install it? Dealer said the metal frame comes out of the car, but I can't find those screws -- or at least not accessible ones. Can anyone describe how to put in the changer?

 

It's possible to remove the metal bracket, but you'd have to go thru the trouble of unbolting it from the body frame.

The most convenient way for a 99.5:
Remove the trunk paneling on the driver's side. Slide the changer into the bracket. Connect the plug to the roundish adapter. Fasten the changer to the bracket with the given mounting screws. (You'll only be able to get 3 of the 4 screws installed w/o unbolting the bracket -- it's helpful if you have a short-handle phillips driver.

More detailed instructions can be found in the FAQ section.

 

Your dealer should have provided you with the screws. Clair sells them for $2 + shipping. The easiest way to install the changer is to just plug-in the cable found behind the metal frame, and then fully insert the changer within the frame. The fit is pretty tight and you almost don't need the screws. However, it's probably safer to use at least 1-2 screws. If you don't remove the metal frame, it's rather difficult to install all four. I have had my changer for a couple of week without any problems.

 

Paris,

I have a short screw driver if you don't. Glad you found your way here. Great info.

 

Disclaimer:
This document contains a descriptions of most steps I have taken to install a Panasonic CX-DP601EUC CD changer in my 1999.5 A4 1.8T with
standard. Non-Bose radio. The adapter was manufactured by Peripheral Electronics, Inc. and sold to me by Autotoys. You choose to install this
in your car at your own risk. The author of this document will not be responsible for your A4 or the CD player being damaged or destroyed. I
welcome any questions or suggestions on improving this document. Please do not modify or separate parts of this document. Thanks.

Instructions on installing the 99.5 CD changer.
Tools needed: Philips Screwdriver, Metric Wrench set (8mm and 10mm), Electrical Tape, Crimping Tool and a ring/spade crimp-on.
1. Remove trunk liner
2. Remove the toolkit door and the toolkit
3. Remove the plastic trim that is located at the rear of the trunk by removing all screws and lifting the piece up. You may need to remove the little
storage box located in the right corner.
4. You will need to partially remove the left side trunk trim. First, remove the plastic fastener visible from the inside (it is on the trim side that is
next to the taillight). Give it a good pull with your fingers – it will come right off. Now try to gently pull the trim panel toward the midline while
pushing it forward to clear the rod that was holding the plastic fastener you just removed. Make sure that you are also clearing the cargo net
anchor bolt.
5. Next, you will be trying to free 2 spring clips that hold the panel. One of the clips is secured to a bracket that is bolted to the underside of the
rear dash. It is a few inches away from the top of the panel opening, towards the front of your A4. The other spring clip is right on the bottom of the
opening. It is towards the front and it is located under the space where the CD changer would be, under the little “embedded” square. This clip
goes into the bracket you are removing. You will have to give the panel a good tug in those two places. Make sure not to pull it too far, as it will
now catch on the left forward cargo net anchor and bend. Instead open the left rear door and fold the rear seat forward. Now lift the panel over the
cargo net anchor. This should give you enough space to remove the CD changer/toolkit bracket.
6. Use the 8mm wrench to remove 5 bolts that are holding the bracket. Two are towards the rear of the vehicle, facing the taillight. Two are on the
bottom. One is behind the bracket, close to the wheel well. It may be covered by a piece of insulation. Once all screws are removed, you are
ready to lift up the bracket and take it out of the trunk.
7. Mount the CD changer in the bracket and plug in the adapter. You will notice that it is easier to put the changer in from the rear of the bracket
so that the wire is not damaged. Use the 4 screws provided with the changer to secure it to the bracket. Wrap the CD changer wire – adapter
connection with electrical tape to prevent them from coming apart later. Plug the ground wire (provided with the changer) into it’s connector (see
your CD changer manual). Use the crimping tool to attach an appropriate size spade or ring onto the ground wire. The ground wire is important! It
will prevent noise.
8. Make sure that your radio is OFF! Place the bracket with the changer into the trunk. Plug the adapter into the existing connector, located on the
wiring harness that is coming down the wheel well. Wrap both with electrical tape to hold them together.
9. Attach the ground wire spade/ring connector to the bolt that holds an L-shaped bracket underneath the rear dash. Use the 10mm wrench for
this bolt. You may also use the seatbelt anchor for this purpose, but the crimp-on will need to be pretty big.
10. Re-install the bracket with the CD changer into its original location. Follow steps 6-1 in reverse order to put everything back together.
11. Put in CD of your choice and enjoy!

 

thank you all for your input. I'd read and printed Yan's long instructions and was completely intimidated. Glad to see there's something of a shortcut. I'm sure I can come up with a short phillips s-d. Thanks again