Ipod Integration

[NPloysa]

Has anyone added an Aux Ipod jack to their 6-disc AM/FM radio?



Dodge is pretty proud of theirs. $250 in labor and the kit is $215.



Wow, $465!



Best Buy said $100 installed (???)



Ultimate Electronics said they could install a kit but don't sell them. They recommended Diceelectronics.com and has a hard wired universal kit but in their "Choose a car" section, Dodge isn't even listed. They have the Universals for $130 (plus about $60 in labor from Ult. Elec. ), but I don't know if it will work. I guess there is some proprietary connections inside the radio?



Thanks!

 

[Road Dog]

Chrysler radios have a special connector on the back for extra gear like a CD changer or satellite radio. Because it's a mini network a special adaptor module is needed to interface with an iPod. So BB's $100 installed price is bogus. The module plus cables are around $200.

Since the deck is controlling the iPod you need a deck with a text display that can show playlists and songs. With basic radios everthing shows up as CD number/track number since the iPod appears as a big CD changer.

Many of these adaptors don't work with the in dash CD changer radios.

You can google "dodge ipod adaptor" for more information.

 

[MFalkinham]

Unless you really use the changer a lot, I'd consider dumping the OEM stereo and replacing it with an aftermarket unit that has USB and aux input jacks on the face.

I have one similar to this in my '03 and just love it. I plug my thumb drive into the USB for . mp3 files, and use the aux input jack for my XM radio receiver input. Plus, the CD player can handle several formats. $169 from Crutchfield.

Sony CDX-GT620U CD receiver at Crutchfield.com

 

[MoparDave]

So the 08's do not have a Aux port on the front like my 06?

 

[NPloysa]

So the 08's do not have a Aux port on the front like my 06?

If you get a single disc player and receiver, yes.



The 6-disc does not have it.



The truck is set up exactly how we wanted it, which we just happened to find at the dealer when looking. The aux input was the only thing it didn't come with but didn't want to pay for them to swap it out then. Wish I did now!

 

[BobTaylor]

If it's any consolation to you, the 6 disk unit will play MP3s. You can get a lot of files on a disk and a lot of music out of 6 disks.

 

[grabinov]

Piece o' cake on the '04 model at least: Go to USA Spec (google it) and get their plug in module which uses a factory wiring connector. It allows you to hook up an IPod AND an external satellite radio.

Greg

 

[231jasonS]

You can do it on the 6disc..... Peripheral Electronics I would like to try this one soon.

 

[NPloysa]

You can do it on the 6disc..... Peripheral Electronics I would like to try this one soon.

A member on cumminsforum.com gave me his for free!!!! Oo.



Just got it in the mail today, didn't even have to pay shipping. What a guy!



Going to install soon, I'll let you know how it works!



Nick

 

[231jasonS]

Please report back on how well it works and how the install goes.



I have a simular in my comute car and it works very well.

 

[NPloysa]

Dumb question, 231jasonS, but where do the cables exit the dash? Glove box? Anywhere they fit? My '08 is an auto, Bighorn, so maybe the door that folds down with the cupholder...

 

[231jasonS]

I put mine in the little tray under the radio, or the glove box if you want to leave your IPOD in there. I take mine out so its better in the little tray

 

[AMink]

I have found the Belkin FM transmitter works pretty good, especially if you're in a non-city (i. e. not a lot of stations) area. It goes in the 12v power or cigarette lighter and holds the iPod. Sometimes there is some static, but overall it works well. The thing that goes on the back of the radio looks cool, though!

 

[231jasonS]

The FM transmitters suck... . IMO, way to many signals around me. I can never get a good signal and when traveling you have to keep changing stations.

 

[AMink]

I can see in the Bay Area that would be an issue. Too many FM stations.

 

[NPloysa]

Nevermind, got it! Quite easy to remove the bezel actually. Simple plug and play for the unit itself. Works great! Ran the cord (long cord!) to beneath the cupholder, which in the Big Horn auto is the fold out style.

 

[BElliott]

I had this installed a few weeks ago, I have the 6 disc cd changer and nav system.

Rating
interface is not very good
It is slow
Works great other than that.

It was expensive, but I hate radio stations and was tired of XM so I paid the money.

Would do it again.

My . 02

Bret

 

[MScheiper]

Just one piece of information regarding using a device adapter in the CD changer port of factory radio. On my 04. 5, it turned out that the IPOD interface screwed up me gauge cluster. Unplugged it and gremlins went away. Thanks to TDR! Went with an aftermarket unit and have had no problems. Just wanted to pass that on.

 

[NPloysa]

Mine just stopped working The head unit is not recognizing the DVD, which is the input it uses, so I am hoping it is just a loose connection. I'll open it up tomorrow and check it out. No, not the best, but it works and I listen to satellite a lot, so it is not a necessity, but nice to have.

 

[Grizzly]

The FM transmitters suck... . IMO, way to many signals around me. I can never get a good signal and when traveling you have to keep changing stations.

My Belkin FM transmitter works great. Never had a problem with it from Albuquerque to Alaska and through major cities. There's always a weak FM station you can dial in.



I now have a new Belkin TuneCast Auto for Ipod and IPhone that will find your weakest FM station for you. It's from Costco and cost $65. What can I say, I love it.