how can i hook up my ipod

[tmoney0501]

i have an ipod nano, and i have been using a fm transmitter thing that plugs into your cigarrette lighter and it gets the job done, but i want clear music. how can i plug it into my cheap pioneer head unit?

[20Xtreme02]

Pioneeer probably makes a unit for this. Many of the other manufacturers do but they run $75.00 to $100.00. That might be like putting a $50.00 saddle on a $10.00 horse if you have a cheap head unit. Doesn't Ipod make something that does this?

[tmoney0501]

but i was wondering if there was just a cord i could plug into it and then into the headphone jack on my ipod

[baggedandcaddied]

like mentioned above pioneer makes a setup to do it but they are not cheap. Some times people have found a way to use the AUX input on their decks but i dont know if yours has one

[tmoney0501]

do you know a link to an example of one?

[Mikz86TA]

What model Pioneer do you have. DEH-????

[tmoney0501]

i couldnt find the model number anywhere but here this is if it helps/

<img src="http://www.audiooutfitter.com/images/items/120643-khdsc-8055.jpg">

[j894]

it should say it on the unit itself

[tmoney0501]

yeah, i just got done workin on my a/c (which freakin is sh!tty) but i got it blowing a little harder, lord knows how, its a DEH 1600. I got it mounted in right finally and when i had it out it looked like there was not extra "outlets" for any wires or plugs.

[Mikz86TA]

Nope. The Pioneer models that have the input will have a 'P' in front of the # in the model. As in DEH-P8600MP. The D indicates a CD unit, the P is the P-Bus input proprietary to Pioneer, the MP designates MP3 play capable, the first number 8 is the level of the models and the second number 6 indicates year level. A wireless modulator usually doesnt work well, but Harmon Kardon and Schoche make the better units. A FM modulator is more direct and less suseptable to interference, but you are loosing the quality benefit of having digital music. Would be a good time to upgrade. Most Manufacturers like Pioneer have a basic aux input availible or a dedicated i-pod module. The aux input will convert the mini-jack output of any MP3 player to a RCA style input for the Data Bus input on the back. These input adapters are Make specific. Pioneer Kenwood, Alpine, Etc all have their own availible pretty much where those brands are sold. You will also need a RCA to Mini jack adapter/extention. Most manufacturers also have a dedicated I-Pod module availible. This is nice because once you plug the I-Pod into the module via the I-Pod proprietary cable, you are able to control and access music within the I-Pod through the radio controls itself. So you can just store the I-Pod in the glove box or wherever. It also keeps the I-pod charged. A input-capable deck will start around $120 new retail and the aux input adapter will be about $20+. Also needed is a RCA to Mini ext/adapter which is cheap. The other way mentioned will require the input-ready deck and the I-Pod module which start around $75+.

[tmoney0501]

thanks dood. i was thinking i needed to go buy i new head unit, but i had just got done splicing the wires and stuff. so, oh well, gotta do what ya gotta do.

[Mikz86TA]

You didnt use a harness? If you did I would get a OM reverse harness back on there and use a harness adapter. If room is an issue get a fwd. and rev. harness for a newer Chrysler. Its 2 seperate parts and slim to fit tight spaces. A harness sure makes changes easier as you now see. And your welcome for the info. If you need wiring help, colors and such, just ask me. TTYL, Michel

[T3kM4n]

There are so many kits and wiring harnesses available to do this. Some will charge your iPod and some will only connect for sound output. Some will allow for control only through the headunit to the iPod and some will allow control through the iPod itself. Crutchfield should give you some good ides on what you'll want.

[chevybrat]

Geez Mike you know your stuff. I have the Ipod module that feeds through my glovebox. I just plug in the ipod shove it in the glove box, shut it, and completely control it from my Pioneer input ready deck. It sounds and works great. I think I paid $50 for my module but considering we paid $39 for the stupid cord that plugs into the cigg lighter that sounds like CRAP, it was WELL worth it. I've had it since just after I got the truck and have never had a problem with it.

[Nickelin'Dimer]

Forgive me for "raising the dead" here... but I've got a stock AM/FM/CD head unit in my '99 that I've been lookin' to replace with the same (Money's tight!) and while lookin' at eBay I seen some sellers of replacements of it mention that they used the auxilary input on this deck for their iPods & MP3 players. I'd like to know how it's done, 'cause this definately sounds like the way to go for me, instead of using transmiters & RF-adaptors.