[wingler]

I’m gonna get told I’m all kinds of wrong now... but I’m sure all the 18s (assuming it was built in 18 not just registered in 18) are ‘ready’ for AA/ACP and just need to be enabled by dealer which should be far easier.

Of course some dealers may not actually know this unfortunately.

I thought the same thing at first but have some distant memory it was different transition date to the new HW on Stelvio......

 

[Beta Romeo]

I’m gonna get told I’m all kinds of wrong now... but I’m sure all the 18s (assuming it was built in 18 not just registered in 18) are ‘ready’ for AA/ACP and just need to be enabled by dealer which should be far easier.

Of course some dealers may not actually know this unfortunately.

YOU ARE WRONG. HOW DARE YOU ASSUME THAT.

Just kidding, the Stelvio audio versions have the same numbers. What is your software version in the radio?

 

[EricVonHa]

With many thanks to @Beta Romeo for the instructions which worked exactly as provided in post 86 of this thread. And to @Alfissimo for the replacement USB hub and new head unit. I now have CarPlay working in my 2017 Q2 Ti and I'm ecstatic after being told by AR that it would never, could never work.

Downsides
The $$$$, in my case I'm keeping the Giulia for the long term so I figure I save vs staying on the brutal depreciation curve of continuing to lease. I also wanted the factory level integration rather than the add ons that intercept the video from the existing unit.
The complexity. Given the lack of dealers wanting anything to do with this you are pulling some of your Giulia apart and its always a bit of heart in mouth for me. But there are instructions on threads in the forum about the dismantling and reassembly you need to do that helped me a lot.
A dash full of errors immediately post head end install had my heart rate extremely elevated. But my Giulia forgave me and settled back to a flashing odometer pre Witech.
Need a friendly Alfa tech who is prepared to work with you on the final steps. The steps aren't hard and they don't take long but there is no way round needing someone with access to Witech and there is no easy way of finding folks like that.

Upsides
I got nervous reading the thread about how hard it is to install the 3rd party options. My experience with this hardware swap is that it went more easily than a number of the descriptions there. But your mileage may vary.
The new head unit feels a little snappier in response to commands and its just possible it will get code updates that aren't available on the earlier hardware.
I am in touch with a dealership that I feel a lot more confident about taking my Giulia for future service and who will support me.
It works flawlessly and the integration is factory level.


BTW you don't need to use the USB ports in the new center console unit for the cabled connection. The new USB hub just has to be present in the Giulia. At least that is my experience I connected the phone to my existing non apple cable plugged into the port above the cup holders and bingo.

So to all the 2017 owners out there, it is possible.

Thumbs up all the way! Glad it worked out!

 

[Alan]

Another FYI is that as expected the EC tune does not overwrite the changed bytes so CarPlay still works after applying the tune. I did revert back to stock before doing all the changes required for CarPlay. Somewhere along the line my Giulia's firmware was updated but I think that was probably a recall not the actual CarPlay install process. So I needed an updated tune file which EC supplied with their usual impressive customer support.

Now that I have had the new entertainment computer for a little longer. I'm enjoying the zippier response this one has compared to the old one. I know it's an expensive process but only a fraction of trading for a new Giulia if all that is missing for you is CarPlay or AA.

 

[omgiulia]

Sounds like this has been a success for everyone. I don’t have the time nor tools to do it. So w that being said, would anyone in SoCal be willing to do this to my car? I can purchase everything needed. Just give me a price. Thanks! MY2017

 

[rumifaizer]

Does this upgrade also allow all newest 2019 software upgrades? Like are the more appropriate parking sensor algorithms and automatic seat heating with remote start in winter? Man if that's the case it's totally worth it. More than just car play. Please someone, confirm.

 

[Beta Romeo]

Does this upgrade also allow all newest 2019 software upgrades? Like are the more appropriate parking sensor algorithms and automatic seat heating with remote start in winter? Man if that's the case it's totally worth it. More than just car play. Please someone, confirm.

Yes, this will allow all of the newest updates of the parking sensors, amplifier and blind spot sensors.

 

[StickS707]

It looks like I'll be getting a new ETM installed in my MY17. Short version: the dealer did the recent pseudo-recall back in Feb/early March and updated the software, but somehow didn't upload the new Owner's Manual and Maps, took it back minutes after leaving and they were able to upload the new maps, but couldn't get the Owner's Manual to load and said i could come back...which I did a few weeks ago, and they still can't upload, but apparently Alfa told them to order a new ETM.
So, am I correct in assuming that when I do get the car back, I am looking for a software version that does NOT start with 001 or 002? And then I will need the correct USB hub and next would be actually programming (which, in my case, I will be at the mercy of my Service dept seeing how I don't think anyone in the St Louis area has the gear needed to program)...correct?

 

[Alan]

Your danger is that if the dealer does the ETM install and sets the CarPlay activation to OFF with WiTech because your Giulia didn't come with CarPlay and according to Alfa shouldn't have it you are going to be out of luck. My understanding is that setting is a once and done.

Given your situation your best chance is sweet talking the dealer into NOT disabling CarPlay. If they say they can't I would be tempted to get them to turn the new ETM over to you to install. But you still need a friendly tech to make the WiTech changes. Continue pinging this thread with questions. Because with updated ETM hardware the only additional part you will need is the new USB hub.

The key is the new ETM hardware, it would be best if the dealer simply tells you the model that was installed and that the dealer doesn't disable CarPlay support. Everything else can be worked out I think.

 

[StickS707]

Your danger is that if the dealer does the ETM install and sets the CarPlay activation to OFF with WiTech because your Giulia didn't come with CarPlay and according to Alfa shouldn't have it you are going to be out of luck. My understanding is that setting is a once and done.

Given your situation your best chance is sweet talking the dealer into NOT disabling CarPlay. If they say they can't I would be tempted to get them to turn the new ETM over to you to install. But you still need a friendly tech to make the WiTech changes. Continue pinging this thread with questions. Because with updated ETM hardware the only additional part you will need is the new USB hub.

The key is the new ETM hardware, it would be best if the dealer simply tells you the model that was installed and that the dealer doesn't disable CarPlay support. Everything else can be worked out I think.

Cool, that's what I thought..I seem to be on good terms with the two main Service advisers (one of which is the main tech working on the car), I don't know the one i was talking to today. I'll probably roll in tomorrow to see if one of the two that I have dealt with will be cool enough to not disable the CarPlay function (I assume that kills Android Auto, also). I'm gonna see if they'll go ahead and order the hub and do the whole thing (I have no problem paying for parts and labor, if I have to...as long as it is reasonable=cheaper than the 3rd party module)

 

[Alan]

The USB hub should be less than $200 the install isn’t time consuming. If you’re on good terms with the tech there is a good chance they may do the whole thing for you, the big ticket item is the new ETU and they are already providing that. Hope it works out because the new ETU with new code and CarPlay plus AA is a really nice update for the 2017s.

 

[wingler]

Cool, that's what I thought..I seem to be on good terms with the two main Service advisers (one of which is the main tech working on the car), I don't know the one i was talking to today. I'll probably roll in tomorrow to see if one of the two that I have dealt with will be cool enough to not disable the CarPlay function (I assume that kills Android Auto, also). I'm gonna see if they'll go ahead and order the hub and do the whole thing (I have no problem paying for parts and labor, if I have to...as long as it is reasonable=cheaper than the 3rd party module)

I’d do it even if it cost 2x the Chinese 3rd party solutions.

 

[DzoniS]

I FINALLY found a Carplay Installation Tutorial for my Stelvio, I've been looking for so long, going to install it today.

Here's the link to the tutorial if anyone else is having trouble finding it: Carplay installation tutorial on Alfa Romeo Stelvio

 

[daviiaco]

This thread is great I have a ‘17 Giulia QV and would like to retrofit one of the newer head units with AA/ACP.
Anyone in the Florida area that could help with this install? I’d be happy to drive to you and pay for your services.
On the other hand I could buy and install the parts and buy the multiscan tool, but does anyone know of a dealer in Florida that is willing to activate AA/ACP with witech once all the hardware install and proxy writing is done?
Thanks

 

[wingler]

This is great news I have a ‘17 Giulia QV.
Anyone in the Florida area that could help with this install? I’d be happy to drive to you and pay for your services.
On the other hand I could buy and install the parts and buy the multiscan tool, but does anyone know of a dealer in Florida that is willing to activate AA/ACP with witech once all the hardware install and proxy writing is done?
Thanks

I didn’t think any of the 3rd party aftermarket solutions required dealer activation???

 

[daviiaco]

I didn’t think any of the 3rd party aftermarket solutions required dealer activation???

For 3rd party solutions you don’t need dealer activation. We are talking about retrofitting a newer Alfa Romeo head unit (and USB center console hub) that is capable of AA/ACP. If you read post #86 in this thread Beta Romeo explains the steps to do the install, it is required for a dealer to activate the new head unit with witech.

 

[wingler]

Got it, thought you were responding to the post immediately prior to yours. Be sure to work out all the details with a dealer in advance since it sounds like @StickS707 just had an unfortunate experience.

 

[StickS707]

Got it, thought you were responding to the post immediately prior to yours. Be sure to work out all the details with a dealer in advance since it sounds like @StickS707 just had an unfortunate experience.

Yea...and make sure NOT to take their word for it if they say they will "tell the tech"...have them enter the note and make you a copy.

 

[mtb.ck]

The USB hub should be less than $200 the install isn’t time consuming. If you’re on good terms with the tech there is a good chance they may do the whole thing for you, the big ticket item is the new ETU and they are already providing that. Hope it works out because the new ETU with new code and CarPlay plus AA is a really nice update for the 2017s.

Hi all,

Jumping on a recent, semi-on-topic post to ask a question about going the "Factory ETM (called ETU by some) upgrade route. Here's my situation...

Had many issues with my 2017 RAN ETM rebooting during satellite download (damn you Sirius/XM) and the local AR service team upgraded me with a new 2018.5 radio sporting MV/TV-085.000.046 software. Just upgraded my USB Hub to the 2 port variant out of a totaled 2018 (Thanks @Raw_Alfa for pointing me at the eBay listing!).

I have not done the next steps, but in testing the 2 port hub assembly, with no WiTech configuration chages I have the following behavior:

The passenger side USB port works as did the single port, and can connect to my iPhone, run FLAC music off of a USB stick. All good.

The driver side USB port (next to the 12V power socket) only supplies charging power and won't connect devices, USB sticks, etc.

Is this expected behavior or is my 2 port hub faulty? (All Infortainment manuals for 2018 and 2019 don't even show a 2 port USB hub in the center console, so no help there.)

 

[gerardo31031992]

Good evening,

I have a giulia my18 without the central dual usb hub; i changed the bits in order to active the apple car play; the procedure described in this discussion works but when i plug a android smartphone the infotainment recognises the AA but when i use a IPhone the system doesn’t work and I don’t see the carplay tab in menu.
AA works
ACP doesn’t work

what may be the problem ?
The dual usb hub is needed?

Thanks a lot for support