Categories: Misc / DotNet / Java / Coder / Linux / PHP Ask - La ask - La Answer

03 Honda Accord iPod solution question

Ok I've done alot of research on connecting my iPod to the stock head unit in my 2003 Accord. I know the method i need to use, which uses THIS (http://shop.store.yahoo.com/logjam/sounsnhond3.html) converter. I'm going to be totally renovating my sound system soon.. adding JL audio subs and 6"s and when I do I'm going to install this adapter. My original plan was to install a Belkin charger kit behind the dash along with the converter for several reasons: so only the connecter cable from the auto kit will be coming out of my dash, and so I can use the better-qualtity line out port on the adapter. However, while doing my research I ran across a number of people who had trouble with engine noise coming through on the speakers while using this adapter and the belkin auto kit. If i do install the auto kit, it will be BEHIND the dash so i'll be stuck using that as my only way to connect the iPod. Thus I want to be sure I get this right. Are the engine noise problems real? If they are how do I prevent the problem? In most of the cases I saw online, the problem only occured when the iPod was plugged into a Belkin auto kit and the adapter at the same time, so it appears that it is the auto kit and not the adapter that is the problem. Can anyone tell me for sure how I can prevent this problem? Thanks!
[1335 byte] By [MasterChief] at [2007-11-9 15:21:00]
# 1 Re: 03 Honda Accord iPod solution question
I just posted a question about installing in my 03 Accord and didn't see your post. Could give all the info you have on what method you will be using? I am more concerned on how to get the audio part solved. I do not mind having to plug in the iPod for power or using the battery. Do I need the cable that you linked to? How do I hook that up? Is it easy? I just don't feel like tearing my new car apart and hacking it back together....

Thanks,

JD
johnnydancemove at 2007-11-15 15:58:44 >
# 2 Re: 03 Honda Accord iPod solution question
JD,

Yes, you will need the Soundgate adapter to hook up your iPod to the factory radio. There are very good instructions on how to get to the back of the factory radio here. (http://www.handa-accessories.com/accord/03-AUDIOATTACH.pdf) These instructions are originally intended for a cassette deck installation but you can use them to get to the back of the radio to hook up the Soundgate adapter.

-MarcW
MarcW at 2007-11-15 15:59:45 >
# 3 Re: 03 Honda Accord iPod solution question
Thanks JD
Is the SOundgate adapter the only thing I need? What connects the ipod to the adapter?

Thanks again,
JD
johnnydancemove at 2007-11-15 16:00:43 >
# 4 Re: 03 Honda Accord iPod solution question
JD:
The adapter has 2 plugs on it; standard RCA audio. You'll also need the monster cable adapter which converts the iPod line out to 2 RCA audio jacks. See it at Best Buy HERE (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1051806268853&skuId=4888866&type=product) Feel free to ask me if you need more help I've done alot of research.

Anyone have any answers to my original question?
MasterChief at 2007-11-15 16:01:48 >
# 5 Re: 03 Honda Accord iPod solution question
MasterChief,

While I don't have an answer to your original question (I own a 2nd generation iPod so no Belkin adapter for me) I was wondering where you are planning on running the aux-in cable. I have a 03 Accord sedan and am planning on routing the cable to the armrest compartment. I'm thinking of using the Arkon gooseneck to hold the iPod and routing the cable from the iPod to the armrest. Just wondering what your installation plans are.

-MarcW
MarcW at 2007-11-15 16:02:48 >
# 6 Re: 03 Honda Accord iPod solution question
MarcW:

I'm going to be taking the easy route and just dropping the line out from the adapter down from the dash to the foot area on the passenger side. No drilling needed for that method. I also plan to use the gooseneck holder to mount the ipod in there. I don't know how hard it would be to run the line to the armrest storage area... but it seems like that'd be a pretty difficult task. If you get it done let me know I'd like to see it.
MasterChief at 2007-11-15 16:03:47 >
# 7 Re: 03 Honda Accord iPod solution question
Thanks for the info MC....
johnnydancemove at 2007-11-15 16:04:52 >
# 8 Re: 03 Honda Accord iPod solution question
One last thing...

So, all I need is the Soundgate adapter and iPod Monster cables?. Once I get them all I do is follow the instructions on how to hook up the cables and I'm off and running??
Has anyone gone through the install yet? I just want to make sure there are no surprises before I start taking my new cars center console apart...:)
Is it fairly simple?
Thanks again...
johnnydancemove at 2007-11-15 16:05:55 >
# 9 Re: 03 Honda Accord iPod solution question
Do the iPod monster cables connect to the dock connector or to the headphone output? If it connects to the headphone out then you're going to get an amplified signal and distortion instead of a line level output that the head unit would expect.

If the monster cables don't connect to the dock connector.. are there alternatives that do? (Other than using the dock of course!)
camson at 2007-11-15 16:06:53 >
# 10 Re: 03 Honda Accord iPod solution question
Originally posted by camson
Do the iPod monster cables connect to the dock connector or to the headphone output? If it connects to the headphone out then you're going to get an amplified signal and distortion instead of a line level output that the head unit would expect.

If the monster cables don't connect to the dock connector.. are there alternatives that do? (Other than using the dock of course!) The monster iCable has a mini plug and connects to the headphone out of the iPod. It's true that your get an amplified signal but as long as you do not crank the iPod's volume all the way up the signal is pretty clean. If you want to connect to a 3g line out you will have to use Belkin's auto kit that connects to the dock connector and gives you a line out. I have read reviews however that the Belkin kit in conjunction with the Soundgate adapter spells nothing but trouble.

-MarcW
MarcW at 2007-11-15 16:07:54 >
# 11 Re: 03 Honda Accord iPod solution question
I posted same question in another string...

Does hooking the Soundgate adapter up to the factory Accord Stereo disable the CD changer? Are you able to switch between the two?
johnnydancemove at 2007-11-15 16:08:53 >
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]