Auxiliary jack in car?

[Mango]

Please bear with me as I try to describe what I'm trying to do...I have little knowledge on stereo equipment and even less knowledge about cars.

I drive a 2005 Mazda 3. I'd like to install an auxiliary jack that would allow me to connect my iPod directly rather than using FM transmission. I was at my Mazda dealership last weekend and inquired about getting this done. For install, it would cost about $400 (including parts and labor) and close to $600 if I want my steering wheel controls to sync with my iPod.

Is there any cheaper way of having this done? Would having this done elsewhere void my Mazda warranty?

Thank you in advance.

[@theCBE]

You can just replace the deck with one that has an Aux input on the front.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...0081473&catid=

Something like that would work.. the cable to connect it to your ipod costs like 10 bucks.. the problem is you would lose your steering wheel volume controls. There might be a work around for that though.. i'm not sure
Upside is the new deck would make your factory speakers sound better/mp3 deck/sat radio ready. Futureshop will do the install for you for like $60 bucks... or you could do it yourself. It is REALLY easy on a mazda 3. I help a friend do it with instructions he found on a forum and it took us about 45 min

[Barnes]

If you can find out if your Mazda stereo has aux inputs in the back for a disc changer as an option from the dealer you could have the dash taken apart and a rca (red white) to minijack wire tucked in behind the dash running out to your centre consol. The stock radio in the Mazada 3 is pretty nice looking in the dash if IRC.

[BananaPancakes]

Check out the Auxillary Input Converters at http://www.logjamelectronics.com . I got a Blitzsafe one for my Honda and it was really easy to install; about 15 minutes, and works like a charm.

[Winsor_Pilates]

I second what CBE said. That's what I have in my car and the deck was only about $120. It depends how much you like the mazda deck though.

I think even if you do want to keep the mazda deck and do what they are quoting you for, it would be cheeper to do through a retailor such as FS.

[burnin_vernon]

I bought a JVC deck and one of these adapters to conect for ipod. It keeps the ipod charged and allows for its controls to be done through the deck, not the ipod itself. It simply plugs in the back of the deck like a cd changer would, with the other end coming through your glovebox (or wherever you want it).

I got a great deal on boxing day where I saved $160 on the deck plus got the ipod adapter for free. Future shop lists this at $100 but I've seen them on sale for half that. You may even get them cheaper if you shop online/ebay.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...96&catid=22560

[Nuje]

I am a car electrical installs hobbyist. This is what you need to do. Find anybody that knows their way around 12 volt systems, and get them to do something like this:

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=93147

If you don't know anybody, PM me. I don't mean that extreme an install, but from what I understand, you can use a jack in the back of the factory headunit intended for an optional CD changer, as an auxillary input. If you do a good clean install, it'll look even cleaner than an actual AUX.

[Mango]

I had no idea so many options were available. The stereo/music console(? dunno what it is called... ) that was factory installed is sufficient for me, but I had no idea that it could actually be replaced with anything. Would it be easier to change the deck or just add the plug somewhere?

Originally Posted by Nuje

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=93147
I don't mean that extreme an install, but from what I understand, you can use a jack in the back of the factory headunit intended for an optional CD changer, as an auxillary input. If you do a good clean install, it'll look even cleaner than an actual AUX.

That looks amazing. Honestly, I can't believe how clean that looks. Everything looks factory installed. I don't think I know anyone who could do that. I'll drop you a PM!

Thank you for the advice/input everyone. It is greatly appreciated!

[Burninator]

I also own a Mazda 3 and was thinking of getting this iPod unit. It's $119.95, which is pretty reasonable.

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=34982.0

Plugs into the back of your headunit and charges the iPod while it plays. Also keeps your display working and your stereo controls. The cord will come out of your ash tray, so it's a really clean install.

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by Nuje

I am a car electrical installs hobbyist. This is what you need to do. Find anybody that knows their way around 12 volt systems, and get them to do something like this:

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=93147

If you don't know anybody, PM me. I don't mean that extreme an install, but from what I understand, you can use a jack in the back of the factory headunit intended for an optional CD changer, as an auxillary input. If you do a good clean install, it'll look even cleaner than an actual AUX.

Your solution here does the iPod still retain it's full use (ie use of the click wheel)? Or does it work off the playlists on the iPod?

EDIT: nevermind I figured it out

[metallicat]

Do you want to avoid FM transmitters because of poor reception, or general reception problems? I have always run into this issue, but I bought a new FM transmitter on eBay, from Hong Kong, for less than 20 dollars. The sound quality is a lot better than previous FM transmitters I've had.

PM me if you are interested in the eBay company that I bought from.

[Mr. Mojave]

http://www.diceelectronics.com/Merch...ICE_IPOD_MAZDA

Nothing beats the Dension Icelink man. You can find these at future shop, and this will allow you to control your ipod through your factory stereo while your ipod chargers hidden in your glove box. Hands down the nicest cleanest way to intergrate you ipod without replacing your deck with an ugly aftermarket one that doesnt suit your interior.

[AC]

Originally Posted by Mr. Mojave

Nothing beats the Dension Icelink man.

I'm not sure I understand how this one works...?

[jroc]

Originally Posted by Mr. Mojave

http://www.diceelectronics.com/Merch...ICE_IPOD_MAZDA

Nothing beats the Dension Icelink man. You can find these at future shop, and this will allow you to control your ipod through your factory stereo while your ipod chargers hidden in your glove box. Hands down the nicest cleanest way to intergrate you ipod without replacing your deck with an ugly aftermarket one that doesnt suit your interior.

I would second it that this is the way to go if you like your factory stereo, and they sure do carry them at futureshop. There is also one by the name of Periphrial that is pretty much the exact same idea

[Mango]

I had no idea there were so many options available. I'd love if a dock could fit somewhere to hold my iPod, but it certainly isn't a necessity.

I've never had much luck with FM transmitters. I've tried Maxell, iRock, iTrip (Griffin), and the one Logiix makes. The sound quality is very poor and each of them ate up too much battery life.

The install is probably what causes the most problems. I've had some offers to help me out and I appreciate that. If anyone has any other ideas, don't hesitate to PM me.

Thanks again!

[Burninator]

I just ordered one these Audio Links. For my Mazda 3. It came to $109 shipped. It is the equivalent of an icelink that Mojave posted. I'll update when I get it installed and let you know how it is.

I agree with you about the FM transmitters. Evey car that I have been in that has one it has cut out or fuzzed out everytime.

As far as install goes, it seems pretty straightforward, but I'm not sure how savy you are with these types of things. Here is an example install that I found. Link.

[Slava]

"Please bare with me..."

Uhm, OK...we hardly know of each other but if you're cool with that!

[Mango]

Originally Posted by Slava

"Please bare with me..."

Uhm, OK...we hardly know of each other but if you're cool with that!

Oopsies...I'll go edit that.

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by Slava

"Please bare with me..."

Uhm, OK...we hardly know of each other but if you're cool with that!

That remind of this picture of light bulbs.

[AC]

How does the sound quality compare between a deck with an aux port and an 'iPod-ready' deck? Its about a $50-$100 difference.