Hi everyone, I'm new here and tried searching for this already. I have the ipod compatible stereo and was wondering if an aftermarket head unit would still work with the steering wheel audio controls and/or the ipod jack in the arm rest. Thanks in advance.

 

I'm not sure about the iPod hookup, but you'll need a steering wheel control adapter to retain function of those.

 

It would be possible to use the controls in the arm rest but you'd need to make sure your new HU supports the iPod, has an aux in, and you'd need to custom make the iPod cable that goes into the armrest since it's a proprietary connection that scion uses. Both the iPod connector pinout and the arm rest connector pin out are available so it's not impossible. Maybe someone like engifineer could do it. I thought about asking someone to do this for me as well.

 

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couldn't you just pull out the scion ipod cable and run your own aux cable through the little hole in the armrest?

 

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yes that would be the easier and preferred way. or better yet, get the ipod adaptor/plug that goes with your aftermarket head unit.. so it's not just aux sound in..you can retain some functional control on the unit without having to flip your armrest up every other song.

trying to retain the factory ipod plug by bastardizing the connector that keeshwah suggested..whoah.. that really makes no sense to me.

 

Correct you can run your own. But its easier to run the iPod cable to the glove compartment if you're going to do that. I'm **** about finish so I want to use the connector in the car at some point but it's a little low on the list right now.

 

Eclipse AVN6600 HU plugs directly into factory steering wheel controls, and it works just fine.

 

Yup, my Eclipse works perfectly with the steering wheel controls. Required downloading the file from E-ISERV and then putting it on a memorystick/CD to upload to the hu. I also had to splice two wires...in the end it took maybe 15 min as I took my sweet time and it works flawlessly.