Update-Adding Ipod to 2005 Camry w/Navigation?

[WDWAurora]

Anybody have a Camry? I don't really know where to ask about this, and I was hoping some of my fellow ipod addicts could help. We just got this car. It used to be my grandparents' and it's in great shape, but they never had a need to use an ipod. I've got to get it working so that DS and I can listen to the podcast and our music that DH doesn't like! (Ok, so maybe DS is an infant, but I've got to help shape his musical interests!!)

Our problem so far seems to be the in-dash navigation system. We found a system that we could have hooked up at Best Buy, but it won't work with the navigation. DH is great with electronics, but he doesn't know what he needs to use.

Any advice? Anybody done a retrofit of some sort on a Toyota about that age?

 

[MM32830]

When I bought my 2010 Toyota Corolla, the first thing I did was replace the stock radio with a radio that had a USB input and an AUX input. This is the best way to listen to an iPod (via USB) or any other MP3 player (via AUX).

However, since you have a radio with built in navigation, your choices are limited if you want to keep the navigation system. You could always replace the radio but you'll lose the navigation system.

You can check with the manufacturer of your radio. Some radio have add-on kits that allow you to add an auxiliary or USB input. Barring that, the only other option is to go RF. This is a device that acts like a mini FM transmitter. You plug it into the iPod and it plays the iPod audio on your radio.

There are many different brands of audio transmitter devices out there. I would suggest you search Google for reviews. I had one (before I replaced my radio) that I purchased at Walmart. It plugged into the cigarette light and into my iPod. Not only did it play the audio on the FM radio, but it also charged the iPod at the same time.




__________________
Armand

 

[FireDancer]

If you want to hook it directly into your radio you will need either a dedicated iPod connection, a USB input, or an auxiliary jack. Since the car is a 2005 I am going to assume the first two aren't there from the factory as they hadn't made it into the mainstream market in 2005. That last one is the most likely but you'd see the jack either right on the radio or somewhere on the console. It will look like a headphone jack.

There is a possibility that it is on the back of the head unit which would have to be removed and have an extension installed. It is also possible if the navigation system communicates through the audio system that that jack is being used by that unit.

Your best bet might be to get an FM transmitter for the iPod. That converts the signal into a weak FM transmission that can be listed to by tuning your radio to the set frequency. It will only be FM quality and not full digital but that beats nothing. The Griffin iTrip seems to have a good rating and would fit the bill. Just make sure it fits your generation iPod before ordering.

 

[dgthree]

Anybody have a Camry? I don't really know where to ask about this, and I was hoping some of my fellow ipod addicts could help.

Our problem so far seems to be the in-dash navigation system. We found a system that we could have hooked up at Best Buy, but it won't work with the navigation. DH is great with electronics, but he doesn't know what he needs to use.

Any advice? Anybody done a retrofit of some sort on a Toyota about that age?

My dad has an '05 Highlander, and he took it to a local car audio place where they installed a PA-12 TOY interface which connected to the rear of his factory stereo. It has a plug like the ones that you connect when you sync your iPod, and you can power and control the iPod via the radio controls. It works reasonably well.

Looking at this link, I think the PA-20 is what you'd need to work with a nav system.

You might also want to check Crutchfield to see what they have.

 

[medicjch]

You might also want to check Crutchfield to see what they have.

I'd check with them as well, they are super helpful!

I personally would discourage the use of an iTrip. I've had two different models and they both have sucked, sorry, but there is just not an upside for them. FM modulation should only be a very, very last resort. I use a Sirius FM modulator in my Tahoe and it works OK, the iTrip does not work at all. I need to get a direct wire adapter and Crutchfield has them, but I just have been too tight to drop the money on it. A couple of weeks ago I was on a road trip and I got so sick of finding FM stations that worked, that I spent about a half hour with Crutchfield on the phone trying to figure out what would solve my problem.......they had several options.

 

[WDWAurora]

I just went to the Toyota dealer across the street (sort of) andgot the PA20! It does seem like it should work. We can return it if it's not right. DH can install it-the hardest part is getting the dash off. Other than that, it just plugs in.

I did know there was no aux input once we got the car. I had hoped, but didn't figure it would have one. The factory sound system is actually really good, so I definitely want better sound than an fm transmitter if possible. We'll see how DH does on the install.

FireDancer-I got very confused earlier on facebook because you had commented on a post of Pete's. I couldn't figure out where I knew you from in your picture...then had a duh moment when I realized.

 

[dalt01]

If you want to hook it directly into your radio you will need either a dedicated iPod connection, a USB input, or an auxiliary jack. Since the car is a 2005 I am going to assume the first two aren't there from the factory as they hadn't made it into the mainstream market in 2005.

Your best bet might be to get an FM transmitter for the iPod.

not till 2007...............and the FM trans is not the greatest but is most likely your only choice............my 2011 Camry has Aux built in and it is wonderful.

 

[WDWAurora]

Update-DH has it installed! He still has to put the cover back on the radio and finish running the cord to where we want it to come into the car, but it works! It's just the finishing stuff now. Thanks for the PA-20 info, dgthree. That's what worked. I don't know why I couldn't find that info when I was googling. I'm so glad to be able to listen to the podcast and my music through the stereo. It may even be able to control the music through the screen, which would be kind of cool. I also love that it will charge the ipod and iphone, which is helpful.

I just went out there and he's having minor difficulties getting the cord pulled through all the way. Hopefully he'll get that straightened out soon.

Thanks for all the input, everyone!

 

[dgthree]

Update-DH has it installed! He still has to put the cover back on the radio and finish running the cord to where we want it to come into the car, but it works! It's just the finishing stuff now. Thanks for the PA-20 info, dgthree. That's what worked. I don't know why I couldn't find that info when I was googling.

I'm glad you were able to get it to work. I really wouldn't have known a thing if my dad hadn't bought the version he has.

Hopefully it's all back together now. =)

 

[dalt01]

enjoy your music........and i know you will enjoy your camry.