Helix Soundbox Upgrade Information Post!

[Aphron]

Just wait until you get it programmed, for me that was a bigger difference than stock to Helix. You might be wowed again.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

Same, I thought it was great before programming. Had to turn sub up to about +2 with others at neutral.. after programming I turned highs up mids down and sub down, sounds beautiful! With a great track and good quality the sound is very tight and articulate, at least what I’m used to.

I also installed my spare under my helix with the open part of the wheel facing up towards the helix while I programmed it, so not sure if that made it sound better than before. But now it sounds like a solid system!

 

[thegman]

HELIX INSTALLATION GUIDE:

I installed my Helix Soundbox subwoofer this week and gleaned this forum and the internet for helpful installation videos and other websites, I decided to consolidate everything I found to assist others and hope this will be helpful!
-Gar
____________________________________

ITEMS NEEDED BEFORE INSTALLING THE HELIX SUB:

ORDER: 1T0803899B - Longer mount bolt to replace short spare wheel lock-down (around $10)

ORDER: VW Radio removal keys (around $2 - $5)

ORDER: VW Pin Removal tool set (around $5 - $7)

ORDER: Door sill removal tools (helpful, but not necessary - around $4)

RENT: DKS051419A - Programming Dongle (Rental available on golfmk7.com or possibly at local dealer)
___________________________

BEST HELIX INSTALLATION VIDEOS:

These two YouTube videos were SO HELPFUL, I didn’t even use the confusing Helix installation manual! They are for the Golf R, but work exactly the same for the GTI:

Part #1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dKJtnaV9CU

Part #2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59bKOruoJys&feature=youtu.be
___________________________

OTHER HELPFUL & INFORMATIVE LINKS:


Scott’s great installation advice: https://stealthgti.com/2017/01/25/helix-sound-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-1293

Scott’s installation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7Wz-x0n7TA&feature=youtu.be

Good installation photos: https://imgur.com/a/ulwL6Z0

Dropping the glove box: https://www.autoinstruct.com.au/manufacturer/volkswagen/mk7-golf/changing-cabin-pollen-filter-mk7/

Removing Infotainment unit: https://www.autoinstruct.com.au/manufacturer/volkswagen/mk7-golf/mk7-golf-glovebox-headunit-removal/

Sill Panel Trim Removal: https://www.autoinstruct.com.au/manufacturer/volkswagen/mk7-golf/mk7-golf-sill-panel-trim-removal/
Rear seat bottom removal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMaWQ5aalLY
___________________________

HOW TO PROGRAM THE DONGLE (see page 7):

http://www.volkswagen-accessories.c...19-a-ba-programmierdongle-soundsystem--d-.pdf
___________________________
Step-by-step installation instructions (using links above as needed


• Prep yourself by watching the Part #1 & #2 installation videos above!)
• Open the Helix box and remove all the goodies.
• Install the amp in the bottom of the subwoofer using the yellow template.
• Remove the 5 rubber feet (if you want the sub to fit properly on top of your spare!)
• Open the rear hatch before pulling the negative battery terminal.
• Pull the negative battery terminal. (Put paper or cardboard on top of terminal to prevent contact.)
• Remove the trunk cover, trunk mat (if you have one) and the spare tire cover.
• Replace the small “rear wheel lock-down bolt” with the longer one you bought
• Place the Helix soundbox on top of the spare wheel (but don’t bolt it down until you’re done.)
• Remove the rear seat bottom and 8 plastic child seat covers. (Link above.)
• Drop the glove box down so it’s out of the way. The “slide” on the right side will pull down and the top part may fall away. Take a look to see how it works - it’s easy to put back together. (Link above.)
• Use the special “keys” to pull out the Infotainment unit. (Link above.)
• Carefully pry up the right hand door sills and side dash cover, assuming you have a LHD car. Tools are helpful, but not necessary. (Link above.)
• Lay the wiring loom along the sill from the Infotainment unit to the spare tire and leave a little bit of slack behind the Infotainment unit (the wiring loom is PLENTY long!)
• Route the wiring loom up from the front sill to behind the Infotainment unit. (Triple-check to make sure your wiring loom is run properly so the Infotainment unit will fit correctly when pushed back in!)
• If you’ve watched my 2 favorite installation videos (above) and have a laptop, start and stop the video as needed to assure you get the wiring connections correct. The video is perfect for wiring connections! Use your “pin removal tool” as instructed.
• When finished with the Infotainment wiring, plug the trunk end of the wiring loom into the Helix amp.
• Connect and tighten the negative terminal on your battery.
• TEST your sound system with your favorite song(s)!!
• If it sounds great (and it will), now it’s time to run your wiring loom underneath the stills. Be sure the wiring loom is run BEHIND the seat belt (towards the outside of the car,) so you will need to unplugged the wiring loom at the Helix amp, pull it up to the B pillar, then run the loom behind the seat belt (then test the seatbelt operation!) If run properly, the sill covers should pop right back into place.
• Re-plug the wiring loom into the Helix amp leaving any wiring loom slack underneath the rear seat.
• Reconnect the plastic glove box slider (on the right side) and close up the glove box.
• Replace the rear seat and 8 plastic child seat cover pieces.
• Place the Helix sub on top of the spare and use your original nut to tighten down the sub onto the spare wheel. (You ‘could’ buy a second large nut, tighten the spare with one and the sub with the other.)
• Replace the spare wheel cover and mat (if you have one.)
• Put all your tools away and double-check to make sure everything is buttoned up and put away.
• If you have purchased, rented or borrowed the Helix programming dongle, program it now. Otherwise, do it later. For programming a GTI Mk7 5-door, set dongle to #57. For other cars, Google the correct number. (Link above.)
• Drive around the block to re-set your computer and put on your favorite music to ENJOY your new sound system!

 

[cinderbike]

That will be helpful when I pick one up. Hoping it goes on sale or VW offers better than 10/15% off. Didn't own a GTI when the half-off deals were everywhere, at $250 this thing was a steal!

 

[Aelwulf]

Bumping to help find later.

Edit: Also, ECS Tuning seems to have the updated subwoofer version B but it says it doesn't work on the MkVII facelift (2018+) models. Anyone know if this is accurate? Did they change the spare wheel well or something?

 

[Cuzoe]

I believe the Mk7.5 "low line" radio is an all-in-one unit in the center dash and it would not be compatible.

The Mk7.5s with the main unit in the glovebox (only the screen in the dash) are probably compatible. I would guess ECStuning is just covering themselves instead of adding people to check the type of the radio they have.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

 

[flipflp]

Bumping to help find later.

Edit: Also, ECS Tuning seems to have the updated subwoofer version B but it says it doesn't work on the MkVII facelift (2018+) models. Anyone know if this is accurate? Did they change the spare wheel well or something?

I would use the fitment guide from the VW website before the ECS one, I don't agree with it.

https://parts.vw.com/p/Volkswagen__/Spare-Tire-Mount-Subwoofer--Soundbox/70346182/000051419B.html

Nothing about the B version is different on the outside from the prior version, and that unit installs perfectly well with all in one center dash units prior to MIB1 setups in MK6 cars. The connectors are the same, you just have to fish the wires through more of the dash.

A little conflicting-ish info on the VW listing too:

The soundbox DSP default setting is Golf, GTI, and Golf R MK7 hatchback models. No programming is necessary for these models.

Additional charges: A dealer visit is required to properly code the unit. The programmer is only available via Volkswagen Dealers.

So which is it? Pre-programmed or a dealer visit is required?

 

[AWD4416]

You guys are awesome

Came to this thread from a reddit post. Order my sub last week from "Deutsche Auto Parts," they had the best price and even threw in some candy with my order . Installed it yesterday but finished getting everything just right today.

So for other 2019 GTI S owners, the sub fits (revision B), kind of. The hardest part is getting the damn radio out to plug in the cable. Even if you use all the proper tools. I wanted to keep my spare and have the rear deck flushed without crushing the cable. To make it happen I removed the feet and notched the sub on the side right next to the amp. The depth of the notch was enough to get the cable in, about 1/2".

 

[zech912]

I have watched the videos and a few things are unclear to me. The main thing is that I do not see him referencing these two pieces. Am I missing it? Where do they fit in the puzzle?

 

[flipflp]

I have watched the videos and a few things are unclear to me. The main thing is that I do not see him referencing these two pieces. Am I missing it? Where do they fit in the puzzle?

They don't for any MK7 applications, or MK6 as far as I'm aware. They might be needed for older applications or other head units in different markets that aren't common.

Sent from my LG-H931 using Tapatalk

 

[zech912]

They don't for any MK7 applications, or MK6 as far as I'm aware. They might be needed for older applications or other head units in different markets that aren't common.

Sent from my LG-H931 using Tapatalk

Thank you flipflp.

 

[zech912]

On instructions from vwvortex site, it states to "plug the oem red and brown wires into the Helix connector, matching red to yellow and black to brown.". the Helix connector is pictured below to the right of the brown piece. but in the youtube video, part 2, where he does this (out of order, he causes a blown fuse), he appears to separate the Helix connector first, then puts the red and brown into one part of it, then reconnects into the other half of connector, which still holds the black and yellow. Do I need to do that or can I just do as the vwvortex instructions state, plug the red and brown directly into the black Helix connector as it stands?

 

[snobrdrdan]

There is a little black locking tab on that black connector that must be removed first, before you insert the brown & red wires into it.
Line up the wires with the corresponding color, insert the wires, put the tab in & then insert the connector into the harness.

 

[zech912]

got it. thank you snobrdrdan.

 

[zech912]

I installed my Helix Soundbox subwoofer this week and gleaned this forum and the internet for helpful installation videos and other websites, I decided to consolidate everything I found to assist others and hope this will be helpful!
-Gar
____________________________________

ITEMS NEEDED BEFORE INSTALLING THE HELIX SUB:

ORDER: 1T0803899B - Longer mount bolt to replace short spare wheel lock-down (around $10)

ORDER: VW Radio removal keys (around $2 - $5)

ORDER: VW Pin Removal tool set (around $5 - $7)

ORDER: Door sill removal tools (helpful, but not necessary - around $4)

RENT: DKS051419A - Programming Dongle (Rental available on golfmk7.com or possibly at local dealer)
___________________________

BEST HELIX INSTALLATION VIDEOS:

These two YouTube videos were SO HELPFUL, I didn’t even use the confusing Helix installation manual! They are for the Golf R, but work exactly the same for the GTI:

Part #1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dKJtnaV9CU

Part #2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59bKOruoJys&feature=youtu.be
___________________________

OTHER HELPFUL & INFORMATIVE LINKS:


Scott’s great installation advice: https://stealthgti.com/2017/01/25/helix-sound-upgrade/comment-page-1/#comment-1293

Scott’s installation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7Wz-x0n7TA&feature=youtu.be

Good installation photos: https://imgur.com/a/ulwL6Z0

Dropping the glove box: https://www.autoinstruct.com.au/manufacturer/volkswagen/mk7-golf/changing-cabin-pollen-filter-mk7/

Removing Infotainment unit: https://www.autoinstruct.com.au/manufacturer/volkswagen/mk7-golf/mk7-golf-glovebox-headunit-removal/

Sill Panel Trim Removal: https://www.autoinstruct.com.au/manufacturer/volkswagen/mk7-golf/mk7-golf-sill-panel-trim-removal/
Rear seat bottom removal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMaWQ5aalLY
___________________________

HOW TO PROGRAM THE DONGLE (see page 7):

http://www.volkswagen-accessories.c...19-a-ba-programmierdongle-soundsystem--d-.pdf
___________________________
Step-by-step installation instructions (using links above as needed


• Prep yourself by watching the Part #1 & #2 installation videos above!)
• Open the Helix box and remove all the goodies.
• Install the amp in the bottom of the subwoofer using the yellow template.
• Remove the 5 rubber feet (if you want the sub to fit properly on top of your spare!)
• Open the rear hatch before pulling the negative battery terminal.
• Pull the negative battery terminal. (Put paper or cardboard on top of terminal to prevent contact.)
• Remove the trunk cover, trunk mat (if you have one) and the spare tire cover.
• Replace the small “rear wheel lock-down bolt” with the longer one you bought
• Place the Helix soundbox on top of the spare wheel (but don’t bolt it down until you’re done.)
• Remove the rear seat bottom and 8 plastic child seat covers. (Link above.)
• Drop the glove box down so it’s out of the way. The “slide” on the right side will pull down and the top part may fall away. Take a look to see how it works - it’s easy to put back together. (Link above.)
• Use the special “keys” to pull out the Infotainment unit. (Link above.)
• Carefully pry up the right hand door sills and side dash cover, assuming you have a LHD car. Tools are helpful, but not necessary. (Link above.)
• Lay the wiring loom along the sill from the Infotainment unit to the spare tire and leave a little bit of slack behind the Infotainment unit (the wiring loom is PLENTY long!)
• Route the wiring loom up from the front sill to behind the Infotainment unit. (Triple-check to make sure your wiring loom is run properly so the Infotainment unit will fit correctly when pushed back in!)
• If you’ve watched my 2 favorite installation videos (above) and have a laptop, start and stop the video as needed to assure you get the wiring connections correct. The video is perfect for wiring connections! Use your “pin removal tool” as instructed.
• When finished with the Infotainment wiring, plug the trunk end of the wiring loom into the Helix amp.
• Connect and tighten the negative terminal on your battery.
• TEST your sound system with your favorite song(s)!!
• If it sounds great (and it will), now it’s time to run your wiring loom underneath the stills. Be sure the wiring loom is run BEHIND the seat belt (towards the outside of the car,) so you will need to unplugged the wiring loom at the Helix amp, pull it up to the B pillar, then run the loom behind the seat belt (then test the seatbelt operation!) If run properly, the sill covers should pop right back into place.
• Re-plug the wiring loom into the Helix amp leaving any wiring loom slack underneath the rear seat.
• Reconnect the plastic glove box slider (on the right side) and close up the glove box.
• Replace the rear seat and 8 plastic child seat cover pieces.
• Place the Helix sub on top of the spare and use your original nut to tighten down the sub onto the spare wheel. (You ‘could’ buy a second large nut, tighten the spare with one and the sub with the other.)
• Replace the spare wheel cover and mat (if you have one.)
• Put all your tools away and double-check to make sure everything is buttoned up and put away.
• If you have purchased, rented or borrowed the Helix programming dongle, program it now. Otherwise, do it later. For programming a GTI Mk7 5-door, set dongle to #57. For other cars, Google the correct number. (Link above.)
• Drive around the block to re-set your computer and put on your favorite music to ENJOY your new sound system!

i found this step by step very helpful while doing this. thank you. One additional thought, this step by step below of the actual wiring is from vwvortex and was much more helpful and clear to me than the video wiring instructions were (although the fact that the Helix connector needs to be separated before the oem red and brown connect to the Helix yellow and black is only clear in the video. in this and other ways, these instructions and the video fill in gaps between them). And done exactly like this, I did not have to undo battery or fuse (but do at your own risk):

Use a small screwdriver to remove the light brown harness from the black connector

Then install the Helix harness connector into the black connector.

Plug the light brown OEM radio harness into the other end of the Helix harness

Use the terminal tool to remove the red & brown wires from the black connector

Plug the Helix yellow & black wires into the black connector (yellow where red was & black where brown was)

Plug the OEM red & brown wires into the Helix connection (match red to yellow & black to brown)

 

[thegman]

Helix Soundbox installation guide

I'm glad to hear my "installation guide" has been helpful, however I see that I failed to mention that I did NOT use the two black/yellow wiring pigtails in my installation. I just tossed them and the 5 rubber feet onto my work bench!

Thanks to "snobrdrdan," I rented the DKS051419A dongle to program the Helix after installation and WOW...it does sound fantastic!!