console mini plug

I plug in my IPOD there.
set the sound system to 'aux', and off you go...

 

Anything that uses the same kind of plug you plug headphones into can be used.

 

It's also known as a 3.5mm jack. It is basically audio in to be connected to any device with an audio out. Most typically, that would be an iPod or another MP3 player. From my research and from other posts, you will get better quality by getting a cable that connects the bottom dock of your ipod to a mini-plug that inserts into your console jack. You can also connect any headphone jack to the mini plug via a mini plug to mini plug jack, but the quality won't be as good.

 

I plug my MP3 player or my cheap Roady XM radio into it. It's nice for the XM as there is a power plug right there too. I only listen to a couple of stations so I just leave the radio in the console.

 

Yes, put the radio in AUX and it plays whatever source signal comes through. Just realize that the AUX system will not turn your iPod off or let you use the steeringwheel or MFD controls (except volume).

They either have a base model or an older Prius. I believe the 3.5mm AUX jack with MP3 capable audio system is rather new as standard equipment. Older/base Prius owners could have auxilary devices (?) but they lacked the jack.

 

Yes, I found such jack at radtech.com This will play through your car stereo if your Prius, like my 2008, has a mini jack auxiliary in the center console.


RetractCable - 30-pin Dock Connector to RCA Audio
Retractable iPod Line-Level Out to Stereo RCA Male
Extended Cable Length: 84cm / 33in

$9.95

 

I bought a cable at Radio Shack with a male plug on both ends. I just leave it plugged into the jack in the console and plug the other end of it into my ipod when I want to listen to it in the car. Push aux and it works just fine.

 

Before '06, there was no miniplug option for the Prius, which is why people who bought earlier are looking for other ways to hook up their iPod to the car. As Jack points out, it's important to some people to be able to control the iPod using the steering wheel controls, which you (obviously) can't do with the Aux jack. Those people get the Dice iPod Adapter, or something like it.