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Auxiliary input, basic questions.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by oamichano, Jul 10, 2006.

  1. oamichano

    oamichano New Member

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    All right, I'm rather car/tech retarded. I know what cables go where into computers, and I can hook up hardware in the computer too. Beyond that I know nothing sound system related.

    Now here's my question.. I have started to drive my parents' Prius 2005, with one-disc CD/MP3 player, and I would like to hook up my Zen mp3 player to the car stereo. I don't care for full integration... I can live with controlling the sound on my Zen along as long as the sound is coming out the car speakers. I have a button on my radio/stereo interface that says CD/Aux, and I was wondering what is the cheapest solution to hook up my MP3 player to the car, and how auxiliary input works.
     
    #1 oamichano, Jul 10, 2006
  2. hawkjm73

    hawkjm73 New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(oamichano @ Jul 10 2006, 03:31 PM) [snapback]283994[/snapback]</div>
    Are you sure this is a 2005? That year didn't come with an MP3 playing radio. If it is an 06, look inside the armrest console, on the front interior wall. See if there is a little port that looks like the headphone jack on your Zen. If it is there, then all you need is a cord with a male headphone (stereo) plug on both ends. Plug one end to the Zen, the other to the port in the console. Press the CD/Aux button to cycle between the CD player and the Aux input and enjoy your tunes!

    If it is an 05, or the port is not there, there are several options to get your aux-in. They vary greatly in sound quality and price. Let us know the specifics and we will guide you in your quest.
     
    #2 hawkjm73, Jul 10, 2006
  3. davidf

    davidf New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hawkjm73 @ Jul 10 2006, 01:42 PM) [snapback]284045[/snapback]</div>
    Even in a 2006 (presuming the rest of the data is accurate), the MP3 aux port in the console doesn't come until you get the 6-track CD changer radio. Probably the easiest solution is one of those radio transmitters that play the MP3 player through an unused radio station. Find an unused FM station, tune the adapter to it, and hear your MP3 player via that channel. Costs < $25 at stores like Target or Radio Shack.
     
    #3 davidf, Jul 10, 2006
  4. oamichano

    oamichano New Member

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    Hm... I found a line in jack in the car in the compartment next to the cupholder between the seats... it fits my stereo cable so I guess I'll try that out today.

    Edit: Hm. I don't know if this is supposed to be abnormal, but my 2005 Prius DOES have the line in, and it DOES work with my mp3 player with any spare computer speakers cable. I also have a USB car charger for my phone which works with my Zen, so I have everything I need! Woohoo!
     
    #4 oamichano, Jul 10, 2006
  5. Lil Mo

    Lil Mo New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(oamichano @ Jul 10 2006, 03:31 PM) [snapback]284109[/snapback]</div>
    Sweet - you found the solution. Rock on!
     
    #5 Lil Mo, Jul 10, 2006
  6. brandon

    brandon Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(oamichano @ Jul 10 2006, 05:31 PM) [snapback]284109[/snapback]</div>
    Well, it isn't stock, as they didn't include an Aux-in option in the '05. How do you select the input on the radio to actually listen to it?

    Are you sure it isn't a 2006? If it is a 2005 Prius, the 10th digit of the VIN should be a "5".
     
    #6 brandon, Jul 10, 2006
  7. oamichano

    oamichano New Member

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    Strange... I totally thought I had a 2005. I only have ONE mp3/CD player, FM/AM, and I totally thought I had a 2005 because the car was bought, as far as I know, before 2006 came out.

    I guess I just wasn't paying attention.

    But for anyone who DOES have the 2006, I'd say it's pretty safe to assume that the one-CD package does come with the AUX line-in, and it is indeed in the armrest console.
     
    #7 oamichano, Jul 10, 2006
  8. Betelgeuse

    Betelgeuse Active Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(oamichano @ Jul 10 2006, 10:56 PM) [snapback]284240[/snapback]</div>
    Easy way to check: Go out to the car and look at the left and right front panels (i.e. just in front of the driver's and passenger's doors). Is there a badge there that says "Hybrid"? If so, it's an '06. If not, it's an '05.
     
    #8 Betelgeuse, Jul 11, 2006
  9. PriusInsight

    PriusInsight New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(davidf @ Jul 10 2006, 06:02 PM) [snapback]284061[/snapback]</div>
    This is not true. I have a 2006 package 3 with the base single CD/radio that plays MP3's. I have an Aux In in the center console. Only the Package 1 does not have the AUX IN...
     
    #9 PriusInsight, Jul 11, 2006
  10. wbarrow

    wbarrow New Member

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    Hello, all. I'm new to the forum and I have a related question. I do have a 2005 Prius with Package 6, 6-CD changer and I, too, want to hook up my Zen Microphoto MP3 player. I've been to "Car Toys", a local car-toy electronics store and they will be checking on Monday with their tech specialists, but I thought I would ask here if anyone else has had success with installing an AUX line-in kind of hookup to a configuration like mine? I've tried the usual tape-deck interface and external FM modulator, but they are not satisfactory.

    Any ideas?

    Thanks!

    Walt
     
    #10 wbarrow, Aug 19, 2006
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