Hey all,

I got the iPod stereo with my tC, but they installed it wrong and the iPod hookup doesn't work yet. I'm getting it fixed Saturday (can't wait).

Does the iPod stereo charge the iPod?

Anyone just leave their iPod connected to their tC all the time? Music while driving is 99% why I got an iPod. And with the tC's in stereo iPod controls and the fact that it's hidden away in the center console, and assuming the iPod charges there, seems reasonable to just leave it in there all the time.

If anyone here does that, any concerns for when it gets really hot or cold?

 

the ipod wont get a chrage as your only plugging in the music jack for it but then again there is a cigerate lighters in the center console part if you get a car charger for your ipod it will charge that way but it will not charge if its just hooked up i think....

 

If it gets too cold, the iPod will shut off. I experienced that while using my iPod during a 360 mile trip on my motorcycle. It got a little colder than expect at night (around 40 degrees) and the iPod would shut it self off. Inside your car, you shouldn't have that problem, but I would take it in with you at night during extreme summer and winter weather just to be safe.

 

^^ Exactly what I do. I leave mine in my car all the time, and pull it out during extremes.

 

I have the 07 iPod control stereo. It charges the while in the car. I leave in the tC all the time. Nice that it is being charged while still listening to music. And you can control it through the HU. No prob as of yet...yet i did get an iPod Comm Error the other day...just reseted the iPod and all is good.

 

I leave my iPod in my xB constantly except when I wanna change the songs on it. Then its right back in the car. No problems with hear during the past summer or cold the past winter...

 

If you want to leave your iPod in your tC all the time, you'll probably love this. I just finished this project, and I was actually about to do a DIY write-up on it. This took a few hours, a table saw, some hot glue, four feet of balsa wood, two feet of suede, and two hard drive magnets, but the result is well worth it. I plan on putting an iPod in my tC in the next few weeks, and I wanted some security just in case someone breaks into my car for my head unit. At least this way, they won't get my iPod with it:


iPod compatible head unit.


Just some change?


Use a magnet handily locked inside the glove box to lift this piece up.


Now lift this piece up.


That's where the iPod should be. ;-)


And there's the bottom of each piece so you can see the magnets.

If anyone would like the measurements on this, I will be happy to provide them.

 

Is it safe to use magnets around an iPod? Isn't there a chance you could ruin the harddrive in them?

 

Hard drive magnets, like the one I used in this setup, are shielded on one side by the large metal plate you see. While VERY strong on one side, there is virtually no residual magnetic force on the other side. With the gob of hot glue I added all the way aroung the magnet itself, this should be completely safe for an iPod. If you are still worried about it even with the shielding, you can always add a 'shelf' of wood beneath the magnet. I've been considering adding this, because wood is a very good insulator against magnetism.

Basically, it should be good, but for paranoia's sake the shelf should help with peace of mind.

 

while i don't have the ipod controler deck. i am using a stereo male to male plug from the headphone jack to the imput in the console, and a charger pluged into the cig lighter in the console, and i get a tone of road noise/alt. whine. Anyone else experience this? everything else is stock about the sound system. Road noise goes away immediatly when i unhook the ipod from the charger..

 

Well, my ipod charges but thats because of the Alpine deck and alpine ipod addapter. It plugs into the charging jack not the headphone jack. So yes, unless i want more music mine stays in the glove-box.

 

Depending on the time of the year, you should take it with you.

Heat KILLS rechargeable batteries, and considering that Apple, in their infinite wisdom, did not equip the iPod with a user-replaceable battery (without special tools), its is imperative you preserve the battery life.

I know my Creative Zen Micro would almost always crash when starting it up after I left it in the car in the summertime... then the battery would be really low once I cooled it off and tried turning it back on. I actually leave it in the car most of the time now, since its "cold" and heat isn't a concern anymore.

 

ever since i got my tc in may my ipod has been in my car, except for wen i add songs and stuff...just leave it in there...charges the ipod!

 

always in! gotta get it out one of these days and update the songs

 

thats cause your using an AUX jack to connect it.

those with the specific iPod HU dont have to deal with that cause it connects through the dock and is made for using the iPod. like the aftermarket connectors Pioneer and Alpine make.

 

just leave it in there brother. I know i do

 

Cool. Good to hear people just leave it in there. I'll take it in on really hot/cold days though.

I can't wait to get my ipod hookup working. I'm a little miffed they installed it wrong. It is such a pain in the ___ to deal with the iPod while driving. Controlling it from the steering wheel/head unit is going to make all the difference in the world.

Oh, and I like that "fake bottom" project idea, 06tc, I might have to do something like that.

 

I really would never suggest someone to buy the "upgraded" ipod software through scion. For the 300 dollars or whatever it is they charge you, you can get an excellent deck with many many more features which will make your stock speakers sound that much better! just my .02

 

same thing happend to me when i first got my car and the iPod Hookup, it was just a loose wire, i was their "test subject" I was the first one at my dealership to get the iPod hookup. and yeah I leave mine in all the time unless I'm updateing it. it's awsome and you'll love it!!

 

Yeah but Scion was smart about this and made people much more willing to stick with stock as the stereo completely integrates into the dash, complete with fold down cover. After market stereos with their DIN size (or whatever it's called) just wouldn't look right, nor integrate with the steering wheel -- a huge plus.

I also like the comfort of knowing my entire stereo, including the ipod wiring, is covered under warranty from Toyota and the dealer.