Auxiliary Input on In-Dash 6??

MadDog31 · #1 10-01-2006, 02:05 PM

New to the forums, glad to be part of the show!

I have a question. I'm researching iPods and coming up with my complete solution for when I'm ready to buy (80 GB iPod, car kit, home kit, case, etc). The car kit has by far been the most difficult thing to figure out...

I've found a couple of products that appear to interface directly with the 2001 LS in-dash 6 (not the Alpine unit), however upon further review they say it's not compatible with my stereo! I'm looking for a solution that will allow me to connect the iPod (and split it off with my XM install) directly into my car stereo. It seems so simple, yet it's so hard to find.

Also, what type of input IS in the back...RCA? 3.5"? I can't find that anywhere either, even after calling my Lincoln dealership.

shorod · #2 10-01-2006, 02:59 PM

So do you already have an XM kit installed with the factory radio, or you're looking to add XM and iPod at the same time?

I'm not sure on the 2001, but I would highly doubt that you'll find either RCA or 3.5mm inputs on the back of a factory deck. The few late model OEM decks that allow auxilliary inputs have the aux inputs somewhere easily accessible.

The simple solution would be to get one of the FM modulators for your iPod addition.

-Rod

MadDog31 · #3 10-01-2006, 03:12 PM

I currently run XM through FM modulation. My FM mod for my SkyFi receiver is built right into the DC adapter, however I've grown sick and tired of trying to find a good frequency when in populated areas, hence the reason why I'm looking to add something direct.

I figured once I get an iPod, I could go behind the stereo and hook up both devices, plus giving recharge power to the iPod at the same time and to get the best sound possible and not have to screw with a changing radio dial.

I suppose an FM mod would be a good start, but I was hoping to do all of the solutions at once, or at least get a good idea on what I'd have to do in the future.

I found someone in another forum site that has done it in their 2001 LS so I'll see what he says...in the meantime, any ideas from others?

Thank you for your quick post shorod!

shorod · #4 10-01-2006, 10:35 PM

I took a look in my owner's manual to see what the "CD/Aux" button is for. The only mention the manual makes of it is that it changes to the CD player. No mention of the Aux.

I haven't had one of these decks apart to see if the components use manufacturer-specific part numbers or generic part numbers where the datasheets are readily available. It is conceiveable that one could find the switch chip for the Aux button tap into the preamp section, run a pair of RCAs out the back, and make your own auxilliary input.

I'd be curious to know what the other guy did in the other forum site.

-Rod

MadDog31 · #5 10-01-2006, 10:49 PM

He still hasn't answered me back yet.

I do know on the in-dash 6, if you press the CD button twice (when there's CDs in the player) it sends you over to the "auxiliary" port...but since there is no feed, it says, "No DJ" I believe. I just talked with a friend that has a newer Taurus ('04 maybe) and he has to do the same thing, however his feed is coming from his trunk since he doesn't have an in-dash changer (and doesn't have a changer period). He had his XM hooked up back there w/ a special part, and then ran RCA's up to the front.

Intruiging. I'm pressing hard trying to figure this out...I may try the Lincoln dealership again tomorrow and speak to someone else in parts that is willing to help me out beyond a simple, "I don't know".

shorod · #6 10-01-2006, 10:52 PM

Alright, I took a look at the wiring diagrams. Does your LS have the factory CD changer, and if so, it is separate or in-dash/part of the head unit?

It looks like you could tie into the left and right audio inputs for the CD changer, then put a switch on the "Audio System ON" line. This line wakes up the CD changer. Maybe if you were to use a toggle switch to toggle between CD changer and iPod/XM, you could run the audio for the iPod/XM into the same lines as used for a CD changer.

If you'd like me to send you the connector diagrams, private message me with your request and an e-mail address for you that can accept PDF attachments.

-Rod

shorod · #7 10-01-2006, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadDog31

I do know on the in-dash 6, if you press the CD button twice (when there's CDs in the player) it sends you over to the "auxiliary" port...but since there is no feed, it says, "No DJ" I believe. I just talked with a friend that has a newer Taurus ('04 maybe) and he has to do the same thing, however his feed is coming from his trunk since he doesn't have an in-dash changer (and doesn't have a changer period). He had his XM hooked up back there w/ a special part, and then ran RCA's up to the front.

Oh, if pressing the CD button twice sends it to Aux mode, maybe you won't need the switch tell it to use audio from the iPod/XM. Maybe instead you need something to send to the ACP bus. You wouldn't happen to have a handheld oscilloscope and know how to use it, would you? It would be interesting to probe the ASYSON line and the ACP Bus A and ACP Bus B lines to see what they are doing when switching to the changer or Aux.

-Rod

MadDog31 · #8 10-01-2006, 11:13 PM

I don't have anything to test lines, however I just talked with my friend w/ the Taurus some more and he showed me this unit:

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/USA-S...Detail.do#tabs

This unit goes into your CD changer port, and then gives you two auxiliary's to tie in an iPod and XM. He has his car hooked up this way and it's golden according to him. The only things he needed to buy was this product and some RCA cables to get from his trunk to the front (which I may not need that long of one if my changer port is in the dash).

He says when you hit the CD button twice to "wake up the changer", it sees this unit as being the "CD", and plays whatever feed is coming through it, whether it be an iPod, SatRad, or both (ouch...noisy). I'd be very interested in seeing those wiring diags with the LS, I'll PM you my e-mail.

Details to follow as they come...

(PS...plus after all of this, I'd love to figure out how to tie in both devices into my car power...haha...but I'll worry about that when I figure out this radio business)

shorod · #9 10-01-2006, 11:24 PM

The diagram is on its way. As for tying in to the car to provide power, that should be much simpler than getting the audio to the factory deck. While you have the deck out, the wires for the lighter should be readily accessible, or, depending on the current consumption of the devices, you may be able to tie directly into the wiring for the deck.

At a minimum, you will want a test light for determining the proper wire to tap into though.

-Rod

MadDog31 · #10 10-01-2006, 11:48 PM

Got the diagram, thanks! I'm going to hit it for now, but I'll keep this thread updated of what I figure out tomorrow. I think this thing is getting closer to being figured out...at least I hope so!

MadDog31 · #11 10-02-2006, 06:10 PM

Well I figured out the actual power source and how I'll run that. What I'll probably do is run a 3-way cig lighter to the line behind my cig lighter in the ash tray...that seems to be a way that goes over well (don't want to splice in directly for various reasons). Next I'm working on figuring out that part and if it'll work. I still haven't been able to get an answer on if the in-dash 6 has a CD changer port on the back I can convert to RCA's. Working on that as we speak.

Just an update.

Quik_LS · #12 10-03-2006, 08:21 AM

many of us use -> http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piefrdnaux.html
and then use a mini-stereo plug to RCA cable.

but now they have -> http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piefrdnpcpod.html just for the ipod

MadDog31 · #13 10-03-2006, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quik_LS

many of us use -> http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piefrdnaux.html
and then use a mini-stereo plug to RCA cable.

but now they have -> http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piefrdnpcpod.html just for the ipod

Well, it looks like this unit would fit my 2001 LS w/ the Premium Sound 6-disc in-dash...from first glance anyhow. I know when I hit the CD button twice on my stereo it looks for an external interface ("DJ") so I believe it has the external port on the back for a changer. It just shocks the hell out of me I can't find this documentation ANYWHERE on the Internet.

Anyone want to verify before I officially add it to my parts list?

MadDog31 · #14 10-08-2006, 08:56 PM

Well to update an ongoing story, I popped out my stereo (with the help of instructions from www.carstereohelp.com) and there is NOT a changer port on the back of my radio. I'm now looking at other solutions so thank you guys for your assistance. I wanted to close this thread out in case others in the future deal with this same issue.

Quik_LS · #15 10-09-2006, 08:42 AM

right - the 'DJ' is the external input mode - the PIE adapter sits inbetween the head unit connector and the stock wiring harness - a slick setup. It add RCA input jack that can be used in the 'DJ' media setting.

I use a RCA to mini-stereo cable (from RadioShack) and plug it into my laptop (mounted in the car) to play MP3s....

I have the Apline Audiophile setup and use one. There are 100 different ones - just make sure to get the one that matches your headunit.

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