Audio Question, what is this Ethernet Cable For?

callahanoffroad · Post by **callahanoffroad** » 26 Apr 2018, 12:31

Changing out my heater core I found an ethernet cable, I think they are technically called cat5 cables, running from the rear of the car to the head unit. Tired to it was a mono mini plug. I'm going to wager a guess and say it's the factory wiring for the CD changer. Would be neat if it was for a secret wifi broadcasting box.

Post by **Clemens** » 26 Apr 2018, 12:40

No, I don´t think so. The 6-Disc Changer wire looks differnt. Could be from an ancient cell phone antenna or sthg. similar.

Post by **Rattnalle** » 26 Apr 2018, 12:47

I'm guessing some aftermarket stuff. That someone has had in there. The cd changer is a DIN plug.

Post by **scot850** » 26 Apr 2018, 12:51

I think most P80's had a Din cable run to the back in wagons (not sure the sedans had one) on the left hand side for the multi-CD changer. That is aftermarket, as suggested probably for a phone or maybe someone had a laptop connected to movie screen in the back for kids?

Neil.

Post by **Rattnalle** » 26 Apr 2018, 12:58

scot850 wrote: ↑26 Apr 2018, 12:51 I think most P80's had a Din cable run to the back in wagons (not sure the sedans had one) on the left hand side for the multi-CD changer. That is aftermarket, as suggested probably for a phone or maybe someone had a laptop connected to movie screen in the back for kids?

Neil.

The sedans had the changer on the left side of the boot as well. The premium sound in the 850 sedans was really quite good. The estates don't come close.

WhatAmIDoing · Post by **WhatAmIDoing** » 26 Apr 2018, 13:48

Definitely aftermarket. Cat 4 was the standard in the 1990s. Cat 5 didn't exist until 2001. My guess is car phone or some other remote data/communications input for something else a PO kept.

Post by **scot850** » 26 Apr 2018, 14:22

I agree with the sounds in a sedan v's a wagon. The whole trunk acts as a sub-woofer and the smaller cabin area give better acoustics.

Neil.

callahanoffroad · Post by **callahanoffroad** » 26 Apr 2018, 14:35

You guys are correct. It's an RJ45 cable for an in car Mobile phone. Explains the bolts screwed into the dash on the passengers side. I actually completely forgot about car phones. Mini plug is for a microphone. Sometimes my car is like... A time machine man...

WhatAmIDoing · Post by **WhatAmIDoing** » 26 Apr 2018, 20:39

Could you get a car phone as a factory option in the U.S.? I know you could in Europe.