Is there an easy way to connect an ipod?
All I want to do is connect my 3G ipod to a stereo in my Dodge Grand Caravan.
I've been looking around to find a new stereo that would have a line-in in the front.
So far, looking at BestBuy, I only found one or two stereos that had this connection...and neither would fit my van according to the on-line tool.
Any ideas on where I can find a stereo that has that connector?
Alternatively there is one stereo that looked interesting...the kdc-422...that should as a cable available for connecting in the rear.
*sigh*
Any ideas for easy ways to do this?...I mean really easy!
T
[644 byte] By [
tech] at [2007-11-9 17:46:06]
# 1 Re: Is there an easy way to connect an ipod?
Yes - pay someone else a bunch of money to do it - that's by far the really easiest I can think of...
Sorry if I can't be more help.
Reed
rrrad at 2007-11-15 15:58:08 >
# 2 Re: Is there an easy way to connect an ipod?
I wouldn't trust Best Buy/have them install your head unit. http://incolor.inebraska.com/weisinator/fitment/dodge/caravan.htm if your van is one of those years you are golden. I would try searching harder and call an actual car audio installer in your area to be sure.
# 3 Re: Is there an easy way to connect an ipod?
What year is the van.. you might be able to get an aux in adapter for your factory radio.
# 4 Re: Is there an easy way to connect an ipod?
My Caravan is a 2002. I bought it used, so didn't have a choice in stereos. It doesn't have a cd player or changer...just a tape.
Any idea on how I could find out if there is an adapter available for that stereo?
My guess it is that it comes from Mopar, which most Dodge/Chrysler stuff does.
T
tech at 2007-11-15 16:01:12 >
# 5 Re: Is there an easy way to connect an ipod?
If you want to do the install yourself, I'd go to Crutchfield.com. They have a very useful online tool that lets you select units that will fit your particular car. And if you have any questions, their phone staff is usually very helpful.
And best of all, they put together a car specific package that includes a wiring harness adapter (so you can just plug the new stereo into the existing wiring harness without splicing any wires) and, if needed, a faceplate that will fit the car and the stereo.
They cost a little more than some discount places (but probably about the same as Best Buy), but the service and extras are well worth it.
dbett at 2007-11-15 16:02:11 >
# 6 Re: Is there an easy way to connect an ipod?
Thanks for the tip on Crutchfield, dbett.
I found the aiwa cdc-x504mp is coming out in March for around $140. Looks nice, plays MP3's and has an aux in.
I will have to consider that...and will have to consider if I have the skills to install it myself.
I don't mind working with the insides of computers, but for some reason this project feels harder...
Any thoughts on self-install kits?
How hard can it be to get the old stereo out?
T.
tech at 2007-11-15 16:03:10 >
# 7 Re: Is there an easy way to connect an ipod?
crutchfield all the way... and dont pay someone to do it .. its a waste of money... anyone that isnt color blind can put in a new head unit its not hard at all. your head unit will either be bolted in which requires you to take a few panels off of the dash which isnt hard or its a DIN style head unit which is even easier... there will be 4 holes in the reciever(the holes may be covered by a removable piece of plastic), one in each corner, and you just get a DIN Removal tool to take it out or since you have a tape deck in it you can just take two coat hangers, straighten them out and stick em in the holes then just pull on the tape slot and it should come out. either way its not hard at all.
then you need a wiring harness for the new head unit. you dont need to use one but i would highly recommend it. this will make it a lot easier if you ever want to put the old head unit back in if youre selling the car or something. once you have the wiring harness just connect all of the wires together with the other harness that comes with the head unit(about 11 wires or so depending on the car... 8 speaker wires, your power wire, ignition wire, and ground wire) there might also be a wire for a power antena and a dimming control. all of the wire colors on both harnesses will corespind to each other. as for connecting them you have two options: 1. crimp caps or 2. soldering (takes a little more skill but it is more permanent).
I have installed head units in 3 different cars and have had no problem with any of them. It sounds a lot more overwelming than it really is. good luck. ooo by the way crutchfield gives you master cut sheets for your specific car and all instructions need to install your head unit( they are very detailed).
jpel85 at 2007-11-15 16:04:14 >
# 8 Re: Is there an easy way to connect an ipod?
I agree with jpel85 - it is not hard at all to put in a new head unit. As long as Crutchfield has the correct wiring harness adapter (and they have for all 4 of the installs I've done), the hardest part is figuring out how to remove the necessary dash panels. But, Crutchfield can probably provide instructions for that as well.
Crutchfield will also tell you if you need, and can supply, any special tools to remove the dash panels in your vehicle. In my experience, GM vehicles are the worst for needing special tools. So, ask them to make sure.
Good luck.
dbett at 2007-11-15 16:05:18 >
# 9 Re: Is there an easy way to connect an ipod?
Thanks folks...you're the best.
I love the Lounge...so many well-informed helpful people!
I think I'm going to try this!
T.
tech at 2007-11-15 16:06:16 >
# 10 Re: Is there an easy way to connect an ipod?
get some bullet connectors to hook up the harness. that way if you need to remove it you can very easily
# 11 Re: Is there an easy way to connect an ipod?
I'll admit I didn't read all the posts.. but check with your dealer to see if your radio has the CAPABILITY to control a cd changer. If it does, you can listen to your iPod through it. Check out
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piechry02aux.html
--mike.
