Signal Transfer: iPod Adapters
3
There are four different ways to connect your iPod to your car stereo. Each option presents a
different level of sound quality, degree of difficulty to install, and requirements for making the
audio connections.
iPod adapters
Adapters specifically designed for connecting an iPod to your car stereo will provide the best
possible sound quality. There are two types of special adapters for connecting your iPod to
your car stereo: factory stereo adapters and aftermarket stereo adapters. There are important
differences between these adapters. One is for connecting your iPod to the factory stereo and
the other is for connecting your iPod to a brand-name (or aftermarket) car stereo.
Factory stereo iPod adapters
To connect your iPod via a factory stereo iPod adapter, you will need to access the CD changer
port on your factory stereo. The CD changer port is usually located on the rear of the stereo
— follow the directions on your Crutchfield MasterSheet™ (available for most vehicles) or the
In-Dash Receiver Installation Guide to remove the factory stereo from the dash to
access the port. Some vehicles, however, are equipped with a pre-installed CD changer cable
in the trunk. In these vehicles, you will need to disconnect the changer (if installed) and plug
the adapter into the cable in the trunk (see photo).
Once you have connected the adapter to the factory stereo CD changer port, simply plug the
other end of the cable into the iPod's dock connector (most factory stereo iPod adapters work
only with iPods with a dock connector). Now that you have the iPod connected
to your stereo, find a good place to mount the adapter box (use self-tapping
screws, Velcro strips, or zip ties). Good locations include behind the dash,
under a seat, in the glove compartment, or in the center console.
Factory stereo iPod Adapters give you control of the iPod from your car stereo,
including your steering wheel stereo controls. Most of these adapters also
charge the iPod when connected, so you don’t have to worry about running
down the iPod's battery or having to use a cigarette lighter power adapter.
Aftermarket stereo iPod adapters
If you have replaced your factory car stereo with an aftermarket car stereo,
chances are that the same company that made your stereo has an adapter
that will allow you to connect and control your iPod from the stereo.
These adapters will install just like a factory stereo iPod adapter. You will have to remove the
stereo from the dash, connect a cable to your CD changer port, and connect another cable to
your iPod. Mount the compact hideaway box in a convenient location and secure it with self-
tapping screws, Velcro strips, or zip ties. Some of these aftermarket iPod adapters will offer a
“pass-through” connection, so you can keep your changer or other audio device connected to
your stereo in addition to your iPod. Like factory stereo iPod adapters, aftermarket adapters
will charge the iPod when connected.
A brand-name radio
iPod adapter connects
to your radio’s CD
changer port and
the iPod.
In some vehicles, the
factory CD changer
connections are made
in the trunk.
You will need to
remove the factory
radio to connect a
factory iPod adapter
to your car stereo.
000IPODIG
Always be careful
when drilling or
cutting in a vehicle.
Be aware of things
such as wiring,
windows, fuel lines
and safety devices.
Check drilling/cutting
depth and location
to avoid damage to
vehicle appearance.
CAUTION:
!
