Need install tips for aux stereo input for ipod

[DFrank]

I searched this morning and found a few threads on the topic. I have the cable from PIE coming to the local car toys tomorrow.





Anyone know if this is a really easy install? I'm pretty sure I will have to take the dash cover off, but do I need to remove the entire head unit as well? Is this the best way to hook up an Ipod?



Last minute bomb. Leaving on a road trip as soon as its hooked up and working.



TIA, Dave

 

[Jeff Clark]

The only cable I've seen that hooks directly to the radio has a headphone jack on one end (for the iPod) and RCA jacks on the other end for the aux input on the headunit. The headunit I took out of my 04 had not inputs (or outputs for that matter) on the back of it. The other way to do it is with a FM modulator. That probably will not require removal of the headunit.

 

[HParfitt]

Hi,

I have the FM modulator that XM sells to go with the SkyFiII. I works great. I paid $49 for it. I put it in the glove box. It also powers the Radio. One thing you will need to get antenna cable adapters. The new Dodges have a proprietary connector. I got those at Circuit City for I believe $7 a piece. You need 2. The FM modulator has 3 frequencies. The sound quality is good. One thing is that you need to shut off the XM to get full radio signal for the radio. Otherwise stations have poor reception. Since you are using it for an Ipod you might need to pull the audio jack. It seems that the modulator must sense current to determine the radio is on.

 

[DFrank]

I was thinking that a hard wired connection would be much better. Apparently it will tie the Ipod in to power and let the the factory radio actually control the Ipod and show eerything on the factory radio's display. My stereo has the "mode button", but not the 6 disc changer or the steering wheel controls. I'm not 100% sure that my stereo can do all I have been told to expect. Anyone elswe running this setup?

 

[JohnCooper]

This probably won't do you any good but the best way I have found so far to hook up an iPod is to use an Alpine "CDA" family of head units and their iPod adapter. The Alpine adapter plugs into the CD changer control port on the back of the head unit. This adapter charges the iPod and allows you to control the iPod from the front panel of the head unit just like it is a CD changer. You don't have to access the iPod controls at all, you can keep it in the glove box. I have installed this setup in both of my kids cars and will be installing one in my truck soon.

 

[DFrank]

"to use an Alpine "CDA" family of head units and their iPod adapter. "



I assume you mean to replace my stereo with an alpine? I am hoping not to do that.

 

[Duck]

I'm real happy with my dlo iPod setup and highly recommend it to anyone with a Ram and an iPod. It really looks at home in our Rams and I don't know how I ever lived without it.



Here's the Best Buy link to the product.



It fits PERFECTLY in the cigar lighter next to our steering wheel, allowing easy access to the buttons and full view of the display.



It smart-charges the iPod all the time so you never run out of juice or have extra cables in your cab. You will learn to appreciate this on trips that last over 2 hours, and not having to bring your iPod inside the house every night for a charge. My iPod now basically lives in my truck, except when I need to update songs.



It does an EXCELLENT job of transmitting over any FM station. I had the iTrip before this and it sucked . The dlo unit OWNS any free FM station you set it on, and switching FM channels is way easy using the up/down buttons right on the side of it. I have to admit, I was a bit hesitant at the thought of an FM modulator, but I have no regrets whatsoever now. I honestly can't imagine getting any better sound quality through the factory stereo. Sounds like a CD to me, I can't tell the diff. And you can't beat the ease of installation.



Another thing I like is that since it uses the iPod docking port, the modulator completely ignores the current sound setting of your iPod and only uses your radio's volume. You do have to crank the volume up on the radio and remember to power it off before you start your truck up the next time, but you get in the routine pretty quick.



I will post pics if anyone is interested. IMHO, for the $ and for Ram owners, the dlo is the best thing since the iPod itself. I love it!

 

[JRMora]

I searched this morning and found a few threads on the topic. I have the cable from PIE coming to the local car toys tomorrow.





Anyone know if this is a really easy install? I'm pretty sure I will have to take the dash cover off, but do I need to remove the entire head unit as well? Is this the best way to hook up an Ipod?



Last minute bomb. Leaving on a road trip as soon as its hooked up and working.



TIA, Dave

I have a PIE adapter in my truck for our DVD player. It took about 15 minutes to install. One screw must be removed from the dash (it's behind the trash bag hook) and the dash piece can be pried off. The head unit must be removed (four screws) and the PIE adapter plugs into the back of the head unit. The hardest part was figuring out where to route the wires (I have a 6 speed and there is already a hole in the dash right above the cubby hole under the A/C controls). Pop the dash piece back on and replace the one screw.



A very easy job. I have been very happy with my adapter.



Juan

 

[JohnCooper]

I assume you mean to replace my stereo with an alpine? I am hoping not to do that.

Yes, you need to replace the factory radio. That's why I mentioned it probably wasn't an option for you. I have the basic AM/FM/CD factory radio and no steering wheel controls, no external amps. For me and possibly other TDR members, the Alpine setup might be a nice upgrade. I like the idea that I can stow the iPod out of view even when it is in use.

 

[HLewallen]

If you are talking about the adapter-unit that gives you RCA inputs, it is a piece of cake just as juan said. I see you have a 2003 and no UConnect, so there should be no problem. I, however, do have factory UConnect which goes into the radio through the CD changer port (the exact same port you will be plugging your adapter into). These adapters trick the radio into thinking it is talking to a Mopar CD changer. I am still trying to figure out how to use my adapter since the UConnect is in the way. I will be very agravated if they forgot to mention the CD changer controls radio is no longer capable if you have UConnect.

 

[DFrank]

I ended up getting the PIE and yes it was a simple plug in that converts to RCA type leads. Had to buy another adapter to get from the 1/8" ipod jack to these. Bought another sharger , that was specific to the ipod , that the 1/8 " jack plugs into so there is only the one cable leaving the idop, going to the charger.



I ended up spending $125 for all this. I might take it back to get the ALpine instead.



Will the Alpine plug right in with out any painful or expensive custom kits?

 

[JohnCooper]

Will the Alpine plug right in with out any painful or expensive custom kits?

I order all of my head units from Crutchfield. Their prices are resonable (I couldn't beat the Cruchfield prices at any of the local stores), you might be able save a few dollars shopping around, but they include free shipping, free installation kit (this includes the dash insert and all wiring adapters), detailed car specific installation instruction and the leave it up to you to pay your state sales taxes. The first system I installed was on my sons' 86 Jag, they don't have an installation kit for his car. So, when I ordered his head unit I told them it was for an '03 Dodge Ram. I pulled the Sony stereo out of the Jag and installed it in the truck in about 20 minutes. So, yes it is not painful or expensive. You will have to connect the plug that comes with installation kit to the wires coming out of the stereo. They are all color coded and the instruction are clear.