Hard wiring a ground loop isolator in '08 Touring

[david81]

Hello all,

See as how I am putting off buying some sort of IPOD integration kit for a while. I'd like to eliminate the hiss from the IPOD while charging. I know that I need a ground loop isolator and have seen quite a few to choose from.

What I'd like to do though, it just integrate the ground loop isolator into the AUX jack to eliminate the clutter in the center console. Too many wires in there already from phone, bluetooth earpiece, gps and ipod.

Does anyone know of an easy way to get at the back side of the AUX plug so that I can wire in the isolator?

Any particular recommendations for an isolator that gives the best sound quality? I obviously would only want to do this once.

Such a shame that Toyota didn't include one in the system already.


David

[zenMachine]

Hey, that's a great idea! I hate keeping the isolator in my console too. Such needless clutter.

It's pretty easy to remove the center console. There are two 10mm hex screws inside the console (toward the rear) and a few on both front sides (you need to first pop out the front piece to reveal the front screws).

If you do it, let me know how it goes. I'd like to do the same.

[qbee42]

When you do pull the center console, watch out for the wires. They connect to the Aux jack, the power jack, and the SKS antenna. There is a fair amount of play, so you can move the console around a bit, but don't get rammy and yank it out wires and all.

Tom

[david81]

Sounds like it should be easy to get to the back of the jack. Was hoping I could just pop out the panel that the jack sits it, but it didn't seem to want to budge when I tried on lunch.

Now to just figure out which isolator to use. The PAC version that is sold by Crutchfield seems to get decent reviews. Any other suggestions?

David

[zenMachine]

Originally Posted by david81

Sounds like it should be easy to get to the back of the jack. Was hoping I could just pop out the panel that the jack sits it, but it didn't seem to want to budge when I tried on lunch.

Now to just figure out which isolator to use. The PAC version that is sold by Crutchfield seems to get decent reviews. Any other suggestions?

David

The PAC looks good. I probably will get one myself.

I currently have the Radio Shack model, which has dual RCA jacks. Although the unit works well, the cabling is a mess because it requires a 3.5mm-to-RCA Y-adapter on both ends. (I was traveling at the time and didn't have much choice).

Assuming you're using a device that has a 3.5mm jack with this, you could test it out as is before actually splicing the Aux input in your car. If it works then take the next step. Based on all the positive reviews, this should be a good buy.

[david81]

From a picture I found it appears that there is a nice quick connect within the center console. Would be nice if I could get my hands on the appropriate connectors to just splice onto the isolator and not alter the existing wiring.

Anyone happen to have access to the TIS that would be willing to look up the appropriate part numbers needed?

[jtrain73]

I use the PAC one from Crutchfield, works great. Had one from Radio Shack that didn't eliminate the hum.

[SgtTurtle]

I also have the PAC one from Crutchfield and I am happy with it.

[zenMachine]

Originally Posted by SgtTurtle

I also have the PAC one from Crutchfield and I am happy with it.

Thanks! I will order mine today to replace the rat's nest in my console. Even without a hard-wiring mod, the 3.5mm connections on the PAC alone will be worth it. Can't believe I hadn't found this solution sooner...

[GeoGeek]

Scosche used to make a really effective one..might want to look into it.