New iPod nano and a 2005 Prius

[Austehn]

Hi,

New member here, and I've been pouring over old posts regarding how to hook up an iPod to one's Prius, but I haven't found one that pertains to my situation (though I'm sure it's here somewhere, so my apologies in advance). I have a 2005 Prius with no frills. Just the standard speakers, no cassette player, single CD slot, no GPS, etc. I just received an iPod nano for Christmas, and I wanted to be able to play it in the car.

I know that there are commercial options out there that can modify the stereo system, but I remember a while ago (I've had an iPod before, that died on me), there was a website that showed you how to install an AUX cable to the stereo yourself (which involved taking apart the dashboard and everything). Super cheap and seemingly doable, but I can't find it anywhere. Has anyone done this? Is it safe? Works? If so, how do I go about doing it for myself??

Thanks for your help!

Austin

[Rick Grahn]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Austehn @ Dec 29 2006, 03:55 PM) [snapback]368347[/snapback]</div>

Hi,

New member here, and I've been pouring over old posts regarding how to hook up an iPod to one's Prius, but I haven't found one that pertains to my situation (though I'm sure it's here somewhere, so my apologies in advance). I have a 2005 Prius with no frills. Just the standard speakers, no cassette player, single CD slot, no GPS, etc. I just received an iPod nano for Christmas, and I wanted to be able to play it in the car.

I know that there are commercial options out there that can modify the stereo system, but I remember a while ago (I've had an iPod before, that died on me), there was a website that showed you how to install an AUX cable to the stereo yourself (which involved taking apart the dashboard and everything). Super cheap and seemingly doable, but I can't find it anywhere. Has anyone done this? Is it safe? Works? If so, how do I go about doing it for myself??

Thanks for your help!

Austin
[/b]

I think coastaletech sells something that will work for you. It is not cheap, but it looks like is just what you are looking for. Here is the web address: http://www.coastaletech.com/ULTIMATE%20IPOD.htm

[Bill Merchant]

Another option, less than optimal, is an FM transmitter. Belkin makes a gizmo that plugs into the 12V outlet that charges your Nano and transmits the audio as an FM signal that you pick up on your radio. Static can creep in, and the fi is not hi, but it may work.

Check out TuneBase™ FM for iPod and see if that's what you want.

Oh, and Welcome to PriusChat!

[Austehn]

Thank you for the replies. Looks like I'm gonna have to put some money down on actual hardware. Hey, if it'll get it to work, it'll be worth it to me. =)

Thanks again!

Austin

[benlenz]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant @ Dec 29 2006, 09:00 PM) [snapback]368503[/snapback]</div>

Another option, less than optimal, is an FM transmitter. Belkin makes a gizmo that plugs into the 12V outlet that charges your Nano and transmits the audio as an FM signal that you pick up on your radio. Static can creep in, and the fi is not hi, but it may work.[/b]

I strongly recommend finding a wired FM transmitter. I used an iTrip for quite a while, and was satisfied with the product, but after a while, the constant static and complete loss of signal while in other cities etc. just got to be too much. A wired transmitter that feeds its signal directly into the radio's antenna provides much better sound and less interference.

Here's an example:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-A3wsQotXfdn/c...mp;i=142FMMOD01
I'm not endorsing Crutchfield or this item. Just an example.

[Presto]

There is also the AUXBOX which plugs into the back of the headunit and it takes up the cd-changer outlet. This should be better than the wired FM transmitter since you are still just getting FM quality sound.