Ipod Car Connection?

[Dark Prince]

I'm looking for the cable that can connect your Ipod to your car? I finally have MP3 capability in my car and I'm trying to look for a decent cable that can easily connect my Ipod Touch.

Any suggestions? I've been looking online and haven't a clue where to start.

[Voodoo]

I'm looking for the cable that can connect your Ipod to your car? I finally have MP3 capability in my car and I'm trying to look for a decent cable that can easily connect my Ipod Touch.

Any suggestions? I've been looking online and haven't a clue where to start.
What type of connection does your stereo have? Is it a mini-stereo jack or a USB connection? Any idea what make & model of stereo it is?

[astranoir]

I would not recommend what I have, which is the dealership-installed Toyota ipod cable. It not only has a useless interface (trying to force you to use playlists that act as CDs), it also will randomly turn on my iPod if it's hooked up and I'm listening to the radio, interrupting my listening experience. Even though it charges the iPod while it's plugged in, it is definitely not good. (sorry I didn't have any positive suggestions, I just wanted to caution you away from this)

[mightbe]

The Sync system in the newer fords is a fucking dream to use. I highly recommend it.

If you can get a straight AUX IN connection (some factory units require a 20-90$ cable for this), just connect the headphone jack of your ipod to that. You'll still get to use the ipod interface for choosing songs and not be bound to some piece of shit radio dial based interface.

[hunterx280]

I have an older but similar version of this (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9198628&type=product&id=1218056721138). It's ok. I listen to a lot of podcasts and audiobooks so I don't have to change tracks very often. If I want to switch songs it's a real pain in the ass though. The iPod sits right underneath the stereo in my car so I just disconnect it, find what I want on the iPod and then plug it back in. I would say, go to a store like Best Buy and have them plug in the iPod adapter and then plug in your iPod so you can fiddle with it. I wish I had of done that.

Despite the fact that it's so difficult to switch audio I still love having it in the car.

[Wackman3000]

Unless you give us details, like what car you drive, it's kind of hard to let you know your options. Is it an aftermarket stereo in there, or is it a newer car with some sort of ipod support via the stock radio?

I know with my Civic I just have a basic AUX input that I plug a 3.5mm into and then use my ipod like normal.

[Dark Prince]

Unless you give us details, like what car you drive, it's kind of hard to let you know your options. Is it an aftermarket stereo in there, or is it a newer car with some sort of ipod support via the stock radio?

I know with my Civic I just have a basic AUX input that I plug a 3.5mm into and then use my ipod like normal.

Sorry about that.

I'm driving a 2010 Toyota Corolla with an AUX cable input. I'm guessing it connects itself to the stock radio but I'm not sure.

I'll take a pic of it soon if you'd like to know what I'm looking at.

[Wackman3000]

Sorry about that.

I'm driving a 2010 Toyota Corolla with an AUX cable input. I'm guessing it connects itself to the stock radio but I'm not sure.

I'll take a pic of it soon if you'd like to know what I'm looking at.

Well chances are it is just like my Civic... Does it have a small 3.5mm headphone jack to input? If so, just grab a male to male 3.5mm stereo wire and slap one end into the car and the other into the ipod. Chances are you have no actual integration in this fashion, so you will be using the ipod to change songs/playlists.

[Dark Prince]

Well chances are it is just like my Civic... Does it have a small 3.5mm headphone jack to input? If so, just grab a male to male 3.5mm stereo wire and slap one end into the car and the other into the ipod. Chances are you have no actual integration in this fashion, so you will be using the ipod to change songs/playlists.

That's exactly what it is. So, just any 3.5mm stereo wire will work? That's great, looks like I'll stop by Best Buy this weekend. Does it charge the Ipod too or will I have to keep my Ipod car charger around just in case?

[astranoir]

That's exactly what it is. So, just any 3.5mm stereo wire will work? That's great, looks like I'll stop by Best Buy this weekend. Does it charge the Ipod too or will I have to keep my Ipod car charger around just in case?

It doesn't charge it.

[Wackman3000]

That's exactly what it is. So, just any 3.5mm stereo wire will work? That's great, looks like I'll stop by Best Buy this weekend. Does it charge the Ipod too or will I have to keep my Ipod car charger around just in case?

No, it will not charge it. You are confusing AUX input with ipod integration.

AUX input you could put ANYTHING into that has a 3.5mm jack... Hell you could hook up your old Sony Walkman to the thing if you wanted and listen to some old mix tapes.

Ipod integration has an actual mounting bracket that you put your ipod on and then the stock stereo of the vehicle recognizes it and allows you do make your song selections via the head unit of the vehicle.

Just be sure to buy a stereo wire, and not a mono one.

[Dark Prince]

No, it will not charge it. You are confusing AUX input with ipod integration.

AUX input you could put ANYTHING into that has a 3.5mm jack... Hell you could hook up your old Sony Walkman to the thing if you wanted and listen to some old mix tapes.

Ipod integration has an actual mounting bracket that you put your ipod on and then the stock stereo of the vehicle recognizes it and allows you do make your song selections via the head unit of the vehicle.

Just be sure to buy a stereo wire, and not a mono one.

Oh, I definitely don't have the ipod integration then. Old Sony walkman into the car? Man, that's certainly bringing me back to the old days.

I'll definitely make sure I get the stereo wire. I imagine that'll help get the most sound out of the ipod as if I'm playing a regular CD?

[Wackman3000]

Oh, I definitely don't have the ipod integration then. Old Sony walkman into the car? Man, that's certainly bringing me back to the old days.

I'll definitely make sure I get the stereo wire. I imagine that'll help get the most sound out of the ipod as if I'm playing a regular CD?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereo_sound

:)

Enjoy... Just note that the ipod will control volume AND the car will as well, so be sure to adjust levels accordingly so you don't blow your speakers. A good idea is to put your ipod at around half or 3/4 volume then adjust your car's volume afterwards. Generally speaking, you want to have your car's volume never higher than 3/4 of the way up to avoid a distorted signal, which leads to speakers getting "blown".

Let me know if you need anything else, I used to be a bit of a car audio buff back in the day so I have no problem answering these questions.

[Dukefrukem]

Can someone pleaser recommend me a modulator that doesn't suck. I'm trying to buy a gift for someone and I don't have any experience in this area. I'm assuming a hardwired FM modulator is the way to go?

[AbinSur]

Oh, I definitely don't have the ipod integration then. Old Sony walkman into the car? Man, that's certainly bringing me back to the old days.

I'll definitely make sure I get the stereo wire. I imagine that'll help get the most sound out of the ipod as if I'm playing a regular CD?
There's something even better than a straight 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable. Get something like this cable here (http://www.buy.com/prod/black-usb-3-5mm-aux-audio-data-char-ger-cable-for-ipod-iphone/q/sellerid/26076229/loc/101/217714680.html).

It plugs into the ipod connection at the bottom and then splits to let you plug into the AUX port as well as plug the USB port into a USB car charger. You get charging as well as good quality sound and fixed volume.

[Cactaur]

Make sure to check the compatibility. iPod line out connectors are variable because apple changed the signal detection on the connector pins on newer models, preventing line out.

I have an earlier connector that will work with older devices like the nano 2g but not iPhone 4.