Has anyone interfaced an iPod with the factory stereo?

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David D

Joined
Apr 18, 2006
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Richmond, VA
I want an interface to connect my iPod to the CD changer input on the factory head unit. I've searched the forum to no avail. I've searched the internet and all I find is interfaces for '98 and later vehicles. The best I have been able to come up with is that (maybe) the only difference between the '98 and later units and the '97 and earlier units is the CD changer connector.

What I ultimately want (short term anyway) is to use the factory head unit along with my 5 channel amp, sub and new door speakers. Eventually, I'd like to get a touch screen double din head unit, but that's a ways off. For now, I'd be happy not having to use the FM modulator or cassette adaptor to listen to my iPod.

BTW, for those that are wondering, my '97 LX has not arrived from CA yet :mad:. Carmax initially said that it was to ship April 26 and arrive May 6. I called last week and it hadn't even shipped yet. A phone call to a sales manager and a few days later, they had hired a different carrier and had a ship date of May 8 with a delivery "on or around May 12". Soooo, here I sit, waiting IMPATIENTLY for my "new" Toy to arrive. I'm praying that it will arrive in time to pick her up tomorrow night after work. We'll see....
 
There is no adapter for a LX450 stereo to Ipod, AFAIK, except generic fm modulators. The 98 LX40 stereo is very different than the LX450 stereo, and the 98 has a built in 6 disc changer instead. I finally gave in and bought a new aftermrket headunit.
 
I used one of those radio adapters and the sound was like the radio. I then researched and used one of those cassette tape adapters and it is as clear as a CD. I actually interface a PocketPC with this, but Rachel interfaces her iPod with the tape adapter in her 4runner.

a 97 LX has a 6 CD changer and a Cassette Tape input
 
That's exactly what I did. I had a Monster FM unit $$$$$$$$ :eek: I thought it was low in volume and the sound quality wasn't that great. Best thing is my girlfriend and I can listen to my iPod on the freeway and be in different cars :D pretty neat.

I now have a cassette adapter and it sounds great. Don't plan on going back.
 
I have a Kensington FM adaptor and it does "OK", but I've been a professional audio person in some form or other most of my life, so I'm a little picky. I'm sure connecting the iPod can be done, it's just a matter of finding out if anyone makes a device that is plug and play, or am I going to have to get creative. Of course, eventually I'd like to get an Alpine head unit, but for now I'm trying to go on the cheap. I'm sure SOMEONE has done it, just need to find out who!
 
I tried both the iTrip and the monster FM modulators, the iTrip SUCKED and the monster one was pretty good. However, i ended up going with an Alpine unit to control the ipod from the head unit and works perfectly! I am now selling that unit for a different color, i know i know :princess: , but thats the way i am.

Here is my ad i was going to post in craigslist:

I have an Alpine 9851 Headunit with iPod controls and a Alpine KCA-420i adapter setup that i am looking to get rid of, works perfectly fine, call me crazy, but the silver bothers me too much and i want to switch to a black unit to blend in better. PM Me if interested in more info, here is a pic:

alpineipod.jpg
 
David D said:
I have a Kensington FM adaptor and it does "OK", but I've been a professional audio person in some form or other most of my life, so I'm a little picky. I'm sure connecting the iPod can be done, it's just a matter of finding out if anyone makes a device that is plug and play, or am I going to have to get creative. Of course, eventually I'd like to get an Alpine head unit, but for now I'm trying to go on the cheap. I'm sure SOMEONE has done it, just need to find out who!
Click to expand...
I've searched a lot (web/audio stores) and have found no plug and play adapter.
 
From what little I've been able to garner, the only difference between the '97 and earlier, and '98 up models is the CD changer connector. Armed with the pinouts for both, it should be fairly simple to mod an interface for a '98 unit to work with the earlier units. I might have to contact PIE or a similar company to see what they know. Of course, I could just wait until an Alpine is in the budget....
 
David,
If you have the pinouts for the LX450 and 470 changer, you could splice the connector to be compatible. The terminals are the same, the pins are different. Also, I believe the 450's are missing some pins compared to the 98+ HU's

I'll list a few reasons a new hu might be better:
-TXT capability (this alone is kind of a big deal, once you use it)
-HU full iPod control capability (store the iPod in glovebox or armrest while in use)
-ability to add other AUX accessories (DVD/vid/rear camera/etc)
-models avail w/ built in NAV (like Eclipse, Pioneer, etc)
-MP3/CDR/SAT compatibility
-accessory remote steering wheel controls

I like the idea of the factory look, but the 450's HU is dated and I don't know if adding $200-300 for a iPod input is worth it. JMO
I have a cassette adapter until I decide on which aftermarket HU to get.

Good luck w/ yours!
 
FirstToy said:
David,
If you have the pinouts for the LX450 and 470 changer, you could splice the connector to be compatible. The terminals are the same, the pins are different. Also, I believe the 450's are missing some pins compared to the 98+ HU's

I'll list a few reasons a new hu might be better:
-TXT capability (this alone is kind of a big deal, once you use it)
-HU full iPod control capability (store the iPod in glovebox or armrest while in use)
-ability to add other AUX accessories (DVD/vid/rear camera/etc)
-models avail w/ built in NAV (like Eclipse, Pioneer, etc)
-MP3/CDR/SAT compatibility
-accessory remote steering wheel controls

I like the idea of the factory look, but the 450's HU is dated and I don't know if adding $200-300 for a iPod input is worth it. JMO
I have a cassette adapter until I decide on which aftermarket HU to get.

Good luck w/ yours!
Click to expand...


Good points! The head unit that I've been drooling over is an Alpine unit that is double din, and has all those features available. Problem is, it's right around $1k which is out of the question right now (new fiance, new ring, upcoming wedding, "new" truck...) I may just have to wait. At least the factory HU has a cassette slot that I can use for the iPod adaptor for now. Right now, I'd just be happy to get that phone call from Carmax telling me that my truck has arrived and is ready to pick up! :frown:
 
David D said:
From what little I've been able to garner, the only difference between the '97 and earlier, and '98 up models is the CD changer connector. Armed with the pinouts for both, it should be fairly simple to mod an interface for a '98 unit to work with the earlier units. I might have to contact PIE or a similar company to see what they know. Of course, I could just wait until an Alpine is in the budget....
Click to expand...
FYI- AFAIK, there is no plug and play interface for the 98 LX470 either, I have searched for that one a lot as well (we have one of each :)) I think there may be one for 2001+...
 
I've interfaced a factory stereo with an iPod adaptor, however I'm running a stereo from a 98 Camry, which I like better. The cd changer interface changed in 98 however the OEM amplifier interface did not.
 
I was about to drop some money on a scion stereo that has the ipod hookup. Now I'm thinking I should look for an even cheaper route. If I'm in a junkyard and can get a newer camry stereo that's double din- that should work- right?

I'll bet one of those is like 50 bucks at a boneyard.
 
177mph said:
I was about to drop some money on a scion stereo that has the ipod hookup. Now I'm thinking I should look for an even cheaper route. If I'm in a junkyard and can get a newer camry stereo that's double din- that should work- right?

I'll bet one of those is like 50 bucks at a boneyard.
Click to expand...

The unit I have is a single din. I got a neat little pocket with door from Toyota that goes in the other din slot. There are a couple threads here that list the part number for the particular unit I have. I got mine for about $40-$60 off ebay.
 
I'd like to get a CB Radio in my cruiser but can't (LAWS) and I really wanted to change my factory head unit since I was using my iPod using the FM tuner which worked perfectly! Since my iPod died I don't see why I should rush to change the head unit! I'm enjoying my tapes! My cruiser doesn't have a CD player! :P
 
Last edited:
I'm actually looking to put a touchscreen where my stereo was. I know EricE here has done it making it look very good. But I want to have the touchscreen go to a Mac Mini! Super iPod. ;)
7" Touchscreen should fit.
http://www.xenarc.com/product/700ts.html

and I think people tend to use this one:
http://www.lilliputweb.net/ts619.html

Thing is you have to tear apart the screen and make a custom mount.
Either way, touchscreen or new head unit you could definitely interface your ipod. Most new head units come with iPod interfaces.
 
thestallionq8 said:
I'd like to get a CD Radio in my cruiser but can't (LAWS) ....
Click to expand...

[hijack]

What laws are stopping you from changing out your old deck?
(not that it's broke or anything....)

[/hijack]
 
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