How to Wire an iPod Connection into Your Car

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How-Tos

How to Wire an iPod Connection into Your Car

Posted 03/30/2007 at 7:15:08pm | by Zack Stern

WHAT YOU NEED
> Car stereo with RCA auxiliary inputs
> Screwdrivers and/or other tools to access the car stereo
> 12-volt power outlet ($10 at automotive store)
> Wire cutter, stripper
> 10-gauge wire ($5 to $10 at automotive store, optional)
> Assorted crimp connectors ($5 at automotive store)
> Crimping tool
> Drill (optional)
> XtremeMac RoadShow Car Audio/Video Cable ($49.95, www.xtrememac.com), Belkin Auto Kit for iPod w/Dock Connector ($39.99, www.belkin.com), TuneFlex ($49.99, www.griffintechnology.com), or similar
> Stereo RCA-to-mini adapter ($5 to $10) required for Auto Kit or TuneFlex; not needed for RoadShow
> Cable ties (optional)

Sure, you’ve got your iPod, your nano, your shuffle, and if the mood strikes you can dance around in silhouette all day long. But on the outside chance that you have to drive somewhere - what then? Break the law, in many states, and earbud it? Or rig your ride so you can play it in your car? Hey, now there’s an idea. In eight relatively easy steps, here’s how to add the iPod to the auto.

Note: This how-to assumes you have a car stereo with an RCA auxiliary input behind the dash. These inputs are pretty standard on aftermarket stereos, but unfortunately, not as standard on car manufacturers’ systems. Check your car’s manual to see if you have that input. If you don’t, we’ve included a few other ways to add an iPod interface in “No Aux, No Cry.”

COMMENTS: 41

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COMMENTS

Cool!
Submitted by Tanner Fehr (not verified) on Fri, 2007-03-30 11:41

Actually a tip if you're searching for an aftermarket deck that's iPod ready, if you want to save a bit of money, go for a lower brand then Alpine or Clarion. Like JVC, Panasonic, Pioneer, etc. These are an excellent value. Look for one with a CD changer connector and ask about an available iPod interface unit. Mine (a JVC KD-AR560) required an ipod interface that cost about $60 and it plugs right into the back of the CD player. It's operated as a CD changer would be.

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hi
Submitted by cheehard on Mon, 2009-12-21 07:33

yes alot of auto parts of iPod are avaviable in markets

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iCruze
Submitted by Tony (not verified) on Fri, 2007-03-30 18:27

Personally, I use an iCruze system from Monster Cable. It's a little bit flakey, and it was a %$#@! to install, but the ability to use my car's stereo controls to control the iPod, and the way-cool blue LED display makes it worthwhile.

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If you have a radio in your
Submitted by Hugh Betcha (not verified) on Mon, 2007-04-02 07:26

If you have a radio in your car, just get the 3rd party FM transmitter!!!

Much cheaper and easier

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why would you do this when...
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 2007-04-03 07:12

I can't believe anyone would go through this process when the 3rd party FM transmitter/dock/recharger can be had for less than $15 and NO installation except for plugging it in. I mean really, must be a slow emag news day...

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connecting ipod to car stereo
Submitted by Neil Fiertel (not verified) on Tue, 2007-04-03 08:28

I have owned two fm transmitters to connect the iPod to the built in car stereo. Conclusion...they suck! Solution is cheaper and easy....a Monster Cable cassette to ipod adapter...works a treat, instantly transferrable to another car with a cassette deck..No noise, no hum and no static. The FM system just does not do it. Even in a household environment they are noisy and static prone...A good idea poorly executed. End of story...

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Cassette Adaptor
Submitted by Rick Prather (not verified) on Tue, 2007-04-10 08:53

You are assuming the car has a cassette player/radio. Many newer vehicles (such as my VW and my Audi) don't.

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Disconnecting Power
Submitted by Rick Prather (not verified) on Tue, 2007-04-10 09:01

One major caution that is missing from this article is to make sure you either don't have a theft protected radio or that you know the code.

Since these have been common for the last 15 years it is very possible that you may have one.

If it is, when you re-connect the radio you will be greeted with something like "Safe" or "Code" on the display and the radio will not play.

If it is an early version the code was "soft-coded" which means someone made it up when the radio was new. If you don't have this code it may not be possible to get it.

Many later radios have a "hard" code that require you to either know it or you will have to go to a dealership, prove ownership and have them look it up for you.

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ADwIkPXmydCeu
Submitted by Yelkerson (not verified) on Thu, 2008-06-26 05:52

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FM transmitter
Submitted by Carl (not verified) on Tue, 2007-04-03 09:53

The reason people go through this trouble, me included, is that FM transmitters are crap. I paid the $49 for an iTrip and it is awful. Worse than awful. Doesn't even work in areas where there are many stations and the best stereo separation in the FM band is in the middle.

Some us like to listen to our music. With an FM transmitter you cant even turn it up because of the SN ratio. You just amplify the background noise.

Still, you get what you pay for.

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FM sucks! They have a lot of
Submitted by Minimal Techno (not verified) on Thu, 2007-12-27 13:39

FM sucks! They have a lot of pitfalls, headed by the quality of sound!
Wires for analog sound - forever!!!

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OCNobhMWnVKBQBy
Submitted by Albert (not verified) on Thu, 2008-06-26 06:13

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hi
Submitted by bumpy.be on Sun, 2009-12-20 06:33

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Hi I have satisfy in your comment it is basic car parts in
cars and it is also cheaper.

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I must be one of the lucky ones then...
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 2007-04-11 20:42

because I've had my transmitter for two months now and have not had any issues; sound is fine, noise is nonexistant unless I travel out of the frequency's null range...inexpensive and certainly a lot less work to install. Maybe over time I'll join the ranks of 'transmitter is crap' but right now, everything is easy on the ears, pocketbook and leisure time...

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I have owned 3 different fm
Submitted by lantzn (not verified) on Thu, 2007-04-12 09:33

I have owned 3 different fm transmitters for my car with a basic no frill stereo. The Belkin little one with a battery, the monster cable one and recently the Roadtrip. The Roadtrip is by far the clearest of them all and has many stations to pick from.
What I don't like is when you are traveling, a la to Vegas, I lost my connection for almost 8 hours in the desert, a lot of good that did me.
The cassette or direct connection is the only trouble free way to go.

Here's a cheap device that will free up your cig lighter for other uses (cell).

http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=896

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Ground Loop Hum
Submitted by Macsamillion (not verified) on Mon, 2007-04-23 11:06

After several power supply / FM transmitters I was ready to give up. Every one had an obnoxious hum. Turns out it was a 'ground loop.' The solution was to get an isolation transformer. The best in the business is the JK Pureformer, a true stereo isolation transformer. Using RCA cords you place the Pureformer inbetween your iPod and the input on your stereo / head unit / amp. It will render really black blacks and clear highs. You won't regret it.

http://www.jkaudio.com/pureformer.htm

And, no I don't own any stock in JK... just obsessive about quality.

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You really don't want to
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You really don't want to have to deal with damage to your car caused by a raccoon. Raccoons are not covered in the owner's manual. If one of the little buggers gets into the wires, there will be damage, and that isn't a cheap auto repair. Installment loans also will be needed if one of the creatures manages to bite you or your loved ones. The doctor's bill won't be pleasant, and rabies is a painful treatment, consisting of some decidedly unpleasant shots over the course of a month or two. Short term loans to help keep the wayward raccoon population out of your yard are worth it.

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car cd changers
Submitted by thisidea on Fri, 2009-05-15 00:13

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I have done something
Submitted by michalraise on Mon, 2009-09-07 11:06

I have done something similar to two of my cars for my ipod. I bought my car stereo at crutch field with an auxiliary input in the back. When you buy it through them they send you everything you need to install the stereo itself. I went to radio shack to get the av jacks to headphone jacks wire. -----------------------Toyota Tacoma Headlights | Vehicle Tracking

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Submitted by bobjuck on Mon, 2009-12-28 02:04

That's a great post, thanks for sharing.I had bought an Ipod player three years ago, but as an student, i could not afford a car, so first i added this article to my favorite.
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Fortunately I my car stereo
Submitted by samuel.walsh84 on Wed, 2009-12-30 04:10

Fortunately I my car stereo had an RCA auxiliary input behind the dash and I was able to connect the ipod.

Thanks for the information.

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