• How can I hook up my ipod to the cars stereo?
  • now this is a basic and very general guide.
    just to give you some pointers.
    obviously it varys between install and the models of stereo you have in your car.
  • If you have a new punto GP with blue n me I gather you can pretty much hook the ipod in there so I’ll leave it at that.

  • For other models
  • If you stereo has a line in connection either on the front or rear then you can plug the ipod in with a male/male audio cable.all music played is controlled directly via the ipod
ipod-6foot-male-to-male-l.jpg
  • Unless you have a line in then you cant go with a straight to the head unit(HU) connection.
  • for cassete HU's (you dont still have cassete do you?)there are cassette to ipod(or other mp3 players)adapters
    ipod cassete.jpeg

    Then there are add on’s such as the iTrip
itrip_3_2.jpg
  • iTrips transmit the ipod music via FM and you tune the stereo to the iTrips frequency.
    These are compatible with all Head Units, though have had mixed reviews on quality & interference.
  • Another option for CD changer compatible HU’s are the cables which connect the iPod to the HU via the changer connection.
    These however mean your cd changer needs disconnected unless you have 2 sets or as with some higher end models of cd changers a second changer connection or the cable has a 'pass through connection).

  • Many newer head units are compatible with ipod either directly or with an add on cable.
    The benefits here are you can actually control the ipod via the head unit and/or remote rather than having to control the ipod as well.
  • also the safety aspect of not having to use the clickwheel on the iPod should be considered as well
ipod_schema.jpg
  • kenwood set up shown for example but all the major manufacturers offer add ons for compatible HU's and a lot have newer iPod ready HU's that dont require any other hardware
  • now while the guide has focused on iPods there are other MP3 players out there.unfortunatly for OE connections the iPod is the main supported unit though line out equipped HU's should allow any MP3 player to be connected