2004 add mini plug audio in?

[dorlow]

Is there a way to add a line in using a mini plug to my factory radio in my 2004 impala? What would be really cool is if there was a radio I could swap it out, like an 2007 impalas radio if it had it. I don't want to get rid of the features the radio adds by putting an after market radio in. Don't know if a newer model radio would directly interface into an 2004. If not, is there a way to just run a line in using the aux feature? I'd have to do something fancy like drill a hole in the dash for the mini plug or just have it dangling around.

I'm borrowing another car that has a mini plug and it sounds so much nicer than my car using an rf transmitter to feed my iPhone into my car radio.

[Tech II]

This is a 9 year old radio....what features does it have, that you couldn't get with an aftermarket?

In fact, some of these aftermarket radios today are unreal, depending on the features you want....I love the Bluetooth, MP3, USB port, XM, aux input, SD card, or even display for DVD.....

[dorlow]

Originally Posted by Tech II

This is a 9 year old radio....what features does it have, that you couldn't get with an aftermarket?

In fact, some of these aftermarket radios today are unreal, depending on the features you want....I love the Bluetooth, MP3, USB port, XM, aux input, SD card, or even display for DVD.....

I used to have an after market radio in my car. One of the biggest annoyances was the steering wheel controls not working right. The shop that installed it did put an IR thing in that made my steering wheel send out IR to the radio and it worked, but it was finikey. Then I also loose the ways to reset the oil and tire pressure. It isn't a big deal because I know the work arounds. But I really do like the look and feel of everything being factory in a car now. That's why I like the RF option because it doesn't modify the wiring, but the sound quality isn't that good.

[Tech II]

Well, then, the only thing i can think of is approach a radio repair shop, and see if they can install an input jack for you....

[la1]

I have a 2003 and for my radio there was a factory option for a multiple cd player. If yours is the same you can go to crutchfield and get a device that is an add on that you can use to plug in external devices . Your factory radio thinks this device is the multiple cd player. You may have to have their live chat help you find it. The last time I checked it was around $50.

[SierraK1500]

Use an FM Transmitter.