Connecting iPod/iPhone to Radio Power Cord

philc · 08-14-2009

My stereo was stolen a few months ago and I've been trying to figure out what options I have to get music playing in my car again. I could get a new head unit, but I only used those to connect my iPod (auxiliary port). Currently my dash has a big gaping hole with the power connector plugs sticking out. I'm wondering if there's a way to bypass having a head unit and somehow connect my iPod directly to that power cable. Do you guys know of any adaptors/solutions for this?

I can post a picture of what my setup looks like if that would help.

To remove this ad, register today for free or log in if already registered!

04 Honda Civic · 08-14-2009

Im sure somehow its possible, but it would be extremely hard and not worth your time. Get a cheap headunit.. I fucking hate crooks..I tint the fuck out of my car so I dont get my double dinn stolen and then get tickets.. You cant ever win..fucking theifs

Best bet is a new headunit with ipod wire. Did they cut your OEM harness? Post a picture of what your working with.

bigaudiofanatic · 08-15-2009

Even if you hooked it up to the power cable the internal amp of the ipod will not be strong enough to power your speakers. Get a new head unit.

philc · 08-15-2009

They cut all the wires to the back of the stereo harness (dash molding), but I've since had all of the wires replaced so everything is new and ready to be reconnected. I'll try to get a picture up soon.

Alpha 5 · 08-15-2009

This would not be that hard.

First you will to install an amp to power your speakers. I would recommend placing the amp under the passenger front seat.
Just run a decent size power wire to power it and then use the ACC wire from the dash to turn it on and off.
I would then Get: See pic below.

Specifications:-
* Input connection: male TRS mini jack
* Output connection: 2x female RCA

I would then run this from the Ipod to the amp.
Done. You still need to figure out what you are going to do with the big gaping hole in the dash.

electric130 · 08-16-2009

as said, you'll need an amp to do it. i'd get a new HU first.

04 Honda Civic · 08-16-2009

do you not want a new HU because of what happened to the first one?

philc · 08-17-2009

Exactly. I'm hesitant to get a new headunit since mine was stolen. All of the break-ins that day were on Honda's with non-factory headunits. Just not sure I want to run the risk.

I've looked at getting the factory stereo again, but they're ridiculously priced. I could find a used one, so that's always an option.

It also comes down to the fact that I never listen to the radio or play CDs. I use my headunit only to play my iPod. If I go with the factory unit then I have to find one with and aux port or look into one of the iPod integration kits which starts to add up the price pretty quickly. If there's a way to bypass all of that and work out another solution where I can just connect my iPod then that would be ideal.

Alpha 5's solution sounds interesting. I understand that I need an amp that can power my car speakers. The hole in the dash doesn't bother me since it clearly says "nothing to steal here". This is an older civic and not a showcar by any means.

I was also wondering if there's a way to connect all of this via the bottom pin connector of the iPod instead of the headphone jack. It would be cool if I could somehow install an iPod dock into the hole of my dash so it acts as the connection and a cradle. I'll admit that I might be totally dreaming here as I'm not very savvy when it comes to this stuff, but figure there's no harm in throwing out ideas. I greatly appreciate the feedback so far, it's been helpful in guiding me on the right track.

Awjvail · 08-18-2009

You can get the stock headunit for pretty cheap second hand..

What year have you got?

Check here for people selling some parts - they might be selling a stock one.

http://www.civicforums.com/forums/19...vic-parts-sale

or you could check eBay.

philc · 08-18-2009

I have a 2001. Thanks for the link to the for sale section. I've been checking Craigslist and EBay. Definitely an option if that's the route I end up going. If I get a headunit, then I'll definitely do that.

DChondacivic · 2 Weeks Ago

The exact same thing just happened to me this weekend. Thanks for the responses here.

I was looking at new head units but I don't want to spend the money even for the basic. The thief also took the part of the dashboard mount for my radio, which is like 10 bucks for a 01 Civic, so i'm going to buy that to reduce the gaping hole, as it were.

I like the idea of just hooking the ipod directly up to the unit, as that is generally what i use anyhow. However, I have an Iphone and have been searching for solutions to incorporate the phone part of the device to the system as well. If anyone has additional suggestions for this please let me know.

I'm also pretty much retarded when it comes to car audio, so is it relatively easy to install an amp and cordage suggested above or do I need to find someone who knows what they are doing first.

I feel your pain man. Thieves suck.

J

bigaudiofanatic · 2 Weeks Ago

Personally I would get a cheap alpine head unit take the face plate off when you park and do it that way. Otherwise you are going to need a amp as stated above power wires and Y adapter. Than you could not just crank up your ipod you have to slowly turn up the volume otherwise you could damage your new amp. On top of this you probably would want to upgrade your speakers as well because your stock ones will not stand up to a bigger amp for very long. Probably cheaper for a new head unit. As I said I would just put a cheap alpine head unit like the 102 i believe is the model and a ipod connector. Just my .02

gearbox · 2 Weeks Ago

same happened to me with my old car. had the cheapest $100 kenwood you could buy, thought nobody would steal it, they did, so i started taking the whole radio out. similar to some older alpines that actually had a handle on it so you can carry it around like a bag lol. but it works. just dont push the radio completely in so it doesnt lock, that way you just slide it out, unplug the back, and take it with you, or even put in the trunk. nobody will break in again when they see an empty hole with some wires hanging out i guarantee. you can find alpines all over ebay for less than 100 for some older models or 150 for brand new. now i park in fairly good areas so i only remove the faceplate. but i ALWAYS remove it, no exceptions, except in the garage with car locked and door closed.