iPod2Car Perceptions
 

Just completed installing an iPod2Car adapter in my 2005 xA with stock Pioneer T1804. Here's some information which might help others considering an iPod adapter for their Scion.

First, the same product is sold under three different names - iPod2car, Neo iON, and the AUX-BOX.

The case of each box uses a different design, but the cables are the same. There's one long white cable with a dock connector for the iPod and another which converts for connection to Toyota radios. You will also need a converter cable for the newer 2004-2005 Scion Radios.

Each brand costs about the same $150-$190 and some charge extra for the cable(s). I noticed that mp3YourCar had a one-day sale last Memorial Day so you may want to keep an eye out for a bargain. I bought mine from Crutchfield's return stock.

Installation is very easy on the xA.
Remove the radio.
Plug cable into the square connector on the back of the radio.
Remove the glove box.
Run the cable down to the area behind the glove box.
Put the radio back in.
Connect the Converter Box and mount it behind the glove box.
Connect the iPod cable to the converter.
Pop the glove box back in.

Now you can run the cable to the location of your choice. I ran mine to the small storage tray below the ashtray. There's already an opening so no cutting was required.

NOTE - There are a set of DIP switches and the manual has settings for the Scion. I found these settings didn't work well. Here's what the manual says to use:
OFF 3 5 6 7
ON 1 2 4 8
This resulted in low volume, background noise, inconsistent and slow operation from the radio controls. Instead switching 6 to ON made everything work better. The volume is almost as loud as the radio, there is no background noise or hiss, and the radio buttons operate the iPod instantly.

Operation of the adapter is amazing. All of the logic is well thought out and better than what I've read of competing products. Here are the good points:
All of the iPod controls remain operational, you can still use the iPod while it's connected.
Charging is automatic.
Pause and Play are automatic.
If you switch to the radio, the iPod pauses.
If you switch back to Changer the iPod resumes play from where it was paused.
If you pause on the iPod and press Changer on the radio, the iPod plays.
Track Up and Down on the radio switches to the next or previous song on the iPod.
Track changing is fast. Press Track Up 5 times quickly the iPod skips 5 tracks instantly.

I really like this product and recommend it to anyone who uses an iPod with dock connector. I think the price is a little high, but don't blame them since these three adapters are the only ones currently available with this feature set.

too bad you didnt take pix of the installl

iPod2Car Perceptions (+ A Few Photos)
 

Here's a few photos:
xA dash with glove box removed -
http://www.notcommon.com/images/iPod2Car_01.jpg

iPos2Car module mounted with Velcro to an area behind the glove box -
http://www.notcommon.com/images/iPod2Car_02.jpg

Close-up of the iPod2Car module. Wires from top go to radio.
Cable plugged into bottom passes dock connector through area below ashtray.
http://www.notcommon.com/images/iPod2Car_03.jpg

iPod sits in tray below ashtray and in front of cup holders.
http://www.notcommon.com/images/iPod2Car_04.jpg

Cable pulls from dash opening making iPod easy to operate from front or rear seats.
Tracks can also be changed from the radio buttons.
http://www.notcommon.com/images/iPod2Car_05.jpg

nice im working on getting an ipod

I've had mine a while, but bought it refurbished from the Apple Store online. They have some good bargains, but you can get anything from new to scratched.

Right now they have a 15GB (Non-Click Wheel) model for $179.

You'll love it when you get it.

my lil sis got a mini one... and i saw how easy it was to load music... and im like ____ that i want one... forget burning CDs

I hated burning cd's....I hooked my iPod up to my car too, except with the AUX adapter. I liked the iPod2Car, but didnt want to spend a whole lot on the setup.

Sorry to dig up a thread...but I had a ? about the ipod2car adapter...

I have read elsewhere about devices that perfom the same function as the ipod2car adapter not reading your playlists and you having to essentially name the playlists a certain way to get them to play? Is this true about the ipod2car?

It isn't much of a hinderance to me buying it, but I wanted to know prior to purchasing...thanks.

Not true of this adapter. The iPod2Car does not have a playlist limitation. But I should explain in detail since everyone has a different preference for how they like to listen.

The USA Spec iPod adapter is a good unit and costs less than the iPod2Car. But it requires you to name playlists Toyota 1 thru 5 and it will cycle between them as if changing CD's in a changer. Playlist 6 will play all tunes on the iPod. One big drawback, controls on the iPod are disabled. So you cannot directly address any other playlists or see track information on the iPod's screen.

The iPod2Car does not allow playlist switching from the Scion in-dash unit controls, but the iPod remains active. So you can switch to any playlist with the iPod controls, but not from the deck's controls. Nice feature so your passenger's can pass around the iPod while you drive.

I prefer the more flexible method used by the iPod2Car, especially being able to use the iPod controls at any time.

Thanks for the info!

Thanks for the info man......appreciate it greatly!

ipod?
 

this is kinda unrelated, but i was desperate!

just got my super white tC tonight and didn't know how to use the ipod function. so the ipod connecter outlet is in the center console, and i hooked my ipod up with the cable they provided me with, and i pressed AUX with the ipod on and nothing happened. am i doing something wrong?? or is the ipod function an add-on? thanks in advance!!

The factory installed iPod connector is an option. But you should have an audio input port which connects to the iPod's headphone jack. Then the volume would be controlled by both the iPod and in-dash.

Are you plugging a mini-jack into the headphone out?

thanks saronian for the reply!

okay, so the car came with 3 input ports in the center console which say IPOD, AUX, and another one. the cable that they gave me connects the bottom of the ipod to the IPOD port (not the AUX). but after hooking that up, i have no idea how to work it so i can actually listen to my music. and i've noticed that the AUX post looks a lot different from the IPOD port. so now i'm just lost! do you know which cable i'm supposed to use and where to get one??

thanks so much!

Amazing! You're one of the first to have the factory iPod interface. Another person (Faille) said their's wasn't working. I haven't seen the new 06 head units but it seems like it should just plug in and work.

Nice photos!

Too bad I don't have an IPOD.

Do you know if this kit will work with factory XM and/or
6 Disk changer?

will this work on the box? (xB installation!??!!?)

I have the standard factory head unit without built-in 6 Disc Changer, but the iPod2Car is supposed to work with both models. It connects through the external CD Changer port so the XM option should still work.

This is the same for xA & xB

sweet thanks!