http://www.whatsmyip.org/ipodrx8

I just wanted to show off how I installed my iPod, but people tell me this is really good just as far as radio removal and installation goes. So here's the link. What it shows in full is:
Remove your radio, take it apart, solder up an AUX Audio input, the all important putting the radio back together, then put the radio back in your car. LOTS more pictures than the average tutorial.

There is a "Tape/MD" button on the radio. Couldn't that input be used instead of splicing into the CD input?

Yeah there's a whole other hack for that. You need to buy a tape module to do that one though, and tape modules are close to $200. Doing the CD input way costs about $4 for a cable. Also someone is working on a plug in module that goes where a tape module goes and has RCA inputs. But there's no telling when this is all going to be done. I wanted my iPod NOW.

Loo8, you are the man! I just added the AUX input and it works flawlessly with the carputer. I had to add a ground loop isolator, but it's all good now! Thanx for the great DIY.

I'm just getting started on the mod now. How do you make the ground loop isolater and where does it connect???? Thanks!

You might not need one. I didn't. I don't know why other than maybe my Belkin iPod adapter maybe has one built in?

Holy crud! I did the same hack a while back and took a few pics, but I didn't think to take as many pics as you did. Great DIY!! It's perfect. Mine is still working flawlessly and I love it. Anyone looking for a fairly easy aux-in hack should follow this DIY to the letter.


btw, I needed the Ground Loop Isolator for my install (20 bucks at Radio Shack)

Did you use an ipod or audio from something else? It must be that the belkin ipod car adapter thing has one built in

i have the PIE adapter now For sale inmy Vendor forum
good deal foru club members

Also WE have all the P.I.E. Stuff SO i have your ISO's Wire, CAps..

Very well documented hack indeed.
The only thing I would do differently is to solder female RCA plugs/sockets to the HU instead of the mini-jack plug. I would then connect a male RCA/mini-jack cable to the female RCA plugs. This way, if I want to remove the HU again, I can just unplug the RCA plugs without having to touch the mini-jack cable..

So how will this work if you have the stock 6 disc changer? Will it work?

I would imagine that it would work the same, and just stick the 'blank' cd on loop on the cd changer. But I've never seen the 6 disc so I don't know.

umm.. Why arent you using the PIE aux input ?

because i did this one before the PIE thing was available, and besides, mine's much cheaper.

good point but the pie was always here.. we just did not understand the firmware issues..

But also the P.I.E. is a very high quility input. It will allow you to use an Alpine CD controller as well. and accese it via the OEM controlls.. its just that we are converting that box to a RCA input for the other usees.. But for $90.49 shipped to Rx8 members free .. how can you beat that .. :)

Well I am about to get XM for christmas and it seems more economical to spend the $4 on the RCA cable instead of the $80 on the PIE. Is there an advantage the PIE has over the CD Hack. Besides having to do the sodering and losing my factory warr. on the radio. I have read 100's of posts and haven't been able to find an advantage to one over the other, and I also haven't been able to find someone who has done this to the CD Changer.

I also read thew somewhere that people with NAV have had problems with the PIE is this true?

I am interested in your CarPC though and would love to be able to replace the factory screen with another touchscreen and still get the NAV in to the aftermarket screen since I bought the NAV already....., any ideas?

Thanks for all the input and if there are some advantages I will be more than happy to shell out the $80.

Yes.. sound quality for one.. 2. your Warranty, 3. you spent 28,000 on your car at least so why not get the right part for the right job.!! ?

As long as your HU is 9.55 or higher you will have no issues Nav or not. IF you don't have 9.55 or higher I can upgrade your HU for you.

To put this in perspective. I only recommend the Tape or CD hack to peeps that live over seas and don't have a USA spec rx8 .. both the hack require a fake disk or Tape.. and then you will hear hum from those sources.. ..

Why would you want to go this path. The Pie Kit will not void your warranty and you get to push the CD button a 2nd time and then you get your new input !!

Easy as PIE ..

As for the replacement of the screen to a touch screen maybe someday. but not now.. for now you will have a wireless mouse device or remote

You can beat that ($90.49) by buying a $4 audio cable and doing the hack. You still need to buy the ipod adapter either way.

ok,, if you say so :).. but I like may Warranty on my new car.. and I love my clean audio.. I undrestand why you did the hack.. I to had the hack in my Cd unit.. but the Sound diffrance is like night and day.. you get all the full range and the ease of a full 6 disk changer full of real disk's all 6 ! and then i push one button and have my MP3 and or DVD audio ..

But I never use CDs anymore, so its no inconvenience for me to have a CD in there all the time. And My audio is 100% clear! Its as clear as a CD is. As far as the warranty goes, I'm sure if i took everything apart, and tore the wires out of the radio, and put it all back together, then brought it in for service, I'm sure they would never even know i had mod'ed the radio.

And what hum are you talking about from the cd player?

Just out of curiosity what does the display read when you push it the second time to access whatever is connected to the PIE?

EX1, Ex2, Ex3... - EX6

there are 6 inputs and the display will show what ever inputs you have hot.

It will flash EX1 while your Audio is active.
Just out of curiosity what does the display read when you push it the second time to access whatever is connected to the PIE?

But I never use CDs anymore, so its no inconvenience for me to have a CD in there all the time. And My audio is 100% clear! Its as clear as a CD is. As far as the warranty goes, I'm sure if i took everything apart, and tore the wires out of the radio, and put it all back together, then brought it in for service, I'm sure they would never even know i had mod'ed the radio.

And what hum are you talking about from the cd player?IF you turn on your CD/RCA hack.. run the volume all the way up.. with no audio coming into the rca hack and listineg for Audio you will most likely hear Hum,, and Hiss at higher volume levels.

There should be no noise at all.. And one more thing..
Rember that Mazda does read these forums. If your HU ever goes bad they will remove it and replace it.. Then it will get sent off to a shop that repairs and diognoses them .. They will see your hack .. But you are right none of it matters.. its all up to your taste.

Yes you can buy a 4 dollare rca cable and then open you cd and then solder on to it.. but most people will not do that to there cars. and want a plug and play solution.
For them they can have there PIE and eat it to :)

this is crazy...'in theory' the $4 hack is a good idea but in application it is not...yes the sound quality is poorer and yes it voids the warranty, and yes it requires taking apart the HU and soldering to it...blah blah blah...but the really issue here and the reason I never did this hack is...

YOU HAVE TO HAVE DAMN BLANK CD RUNNING ALL THE TIME! I don't want to have to take out the CD I'm listening to...insert a dummy blank one just to listen to my DVD player or MP3 player!!!!!!! What is the point of having a Mode button on the steering wheel when you get to CD and you have to change CDs to listen to nothing

I love being able to switch between a CD and my mp3 player on the fly from the steering wheel...there is nothing more to say really

its not in a position i can take a picture of. But its only an inch long, and screws through metal and directly into the side of the radio, so you should be able to look at your dash and stick your hand up there and get a good idea of where the bolt should be.

1008com, I have one question.
Is it possible to run the audio cable under the cupholders compartment, into the storage compartment (where the cigarette lighter socket is), instead of through the cupholders compartment? It would be a cleaner installation. Can the cupholders compartment be lifted up/removed somehow?

1008com, I have one question.
Is it possible to run the audio cable under the cupholders compartment, into the storage compartment (where the cigarette lighter socket is), instead of through the cupholders compartment? It would be a cleaner installation. Can the cupholders compartment be lifted up/removed somehow?

yes...

but the cupholder compartment doesn't come out like the front panel

okay just use the NAV diy I did...it shows you how to remove the panels...easy :)
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=44095

That's great. Thanks magellen, you've saved me a couple of hours of searching.

That's great. Thanks magellen, you've saved me a couple of hours of searching.

your welcome :)

This was the reason I started my carputer project. I ended up doing the PIE adapter because the silence cd wouldn't burn....couldn't get any of my friends that work at Universal to burn it either. Funny that the reason I built my carputer....I ended up not using. Wasted my 30 dollar speaker wire too :(

hey thew, while I think my hack is a great alternative to the expensive PIE controller thing, I just realized that you said it lets you control the ipod with the steering wheel controls? All through the dock connector? Can you link me to this item because I searched and searched and I couldn't find any info or pictures of this thing at all, only a listed price of $220. If I can switch tracks through the steering wheel, well than thats a whole other issue and I might get one of those connectors for that (i had planned on buying overload's module soon as he added the feature of steering wheel controls). But i need more details, like if this doesn't work through the dock connector, then forget it. Get back to me!

OK Help me clear this up because I've done lots of research and its very confusing. And all these web sites (P.I.E.) etc looks like an 8 year old made them, 10 years ago.
So the way I have it now, I have a Belkin Power adapter that has a dock connector, and a line level output, and I assume a ground loop isolator thing, since i've never gotten anything but perfect audio out of my ipod. The line out goes into my hack, and magic, I get iPod audio.

Now the alternative is the $80 PIE Mazda to MBUS converter. That I understand, that gives me an MBUS port. From there it gets sketchy. I know you can get a really cheap RCA adapter. But that gives me no steering wheel controls, so I might as well forget it. Now I saw the denison icelink, but that costs like another $200 doesn't it? Plus it has the ugly cradle charger that I don't want. My cupholder mount is fine. Plus. does the denison unit also power the ipod through the dock connector? And does it provide ground loop protection? Thew keeps saying $90, but that doesn't include steering wheel control does it? Also where is this store he was talking about because I couldn't find it.

OK the people at Dension are Retards. I emailed them to try and get all my questions about their product answered since it isn't clear exactly what the deal is. So heres my questions:

This is an enquiry e-mail from John

Hi

I have questions about the Ice>Link that I haven't been able to find on your site. In particular, the Ice>Link Plus for 2003+ Mazdas.

Is this device all you need to hook up your ipod, or do you need some kind of aux input also?

I'd want to get the one with just a dock connector cable, does this cable also charge the ipod?

Is it also true that the Plus displays the current song name on the radio's display?

This device does allow you to switch to next track and previous track via exisiting radio controls correct? (in other words can I use my steering wheel controls?)

Thank you

Heres the response I get:
Dear John
Anything that controls the radio will control the Ipod.
Best Regards,

Zoltan | Dension USA, Inc.
Tech Support
Ph. 866.822.3673
Fx. 562.684.4010
www.densionusa.com


Apparently they are too busy to read sales emails. Too bad cause I would have bought one of those shitty things.

it def says zoltan lol.

The cradle for the dension icelink does charge the ipod, and yes is does look ugly in the pics, but you can just use the basic wire hookup and use an existing mount or leave it loose. Im under the impression that the cable method does charge the unit but i cant be certain. oh yeah and it only works with v9.67 firmware and greater.

I would like more info on the Mazdaparts PIE though

I was reading that the text display doesn't really work on the RX8, is this true, anyone know?

I have the 6 CD changer ... does that mean I don't need the $80 PIE, just the connector?

I have the 6 CD changer ... does that mean I don't need the $80 PIE, just the connector?

u need the PIE it uses a different port

To l008.com:

I can't tell you enough how much I appreciated your step-by-step DIY radio removal pic tutorial. I didn't solder (sp?) anything but used your pics and steps to pull my radio out and plug in my PIE adaptor to make my ipod work through the car stereo.

My husband was very leary about what I was getting ready to do with my new '05 RX-8. I ordered my parts from Jason at Mazadaparts.com and he stayed with me via email the entire time making sure I was completely comfortable with installation. I swear, I've never seen the inside of my engine, let alone underneath my dash and behind my radio.

My 13-year old son told me I reminded him of Jessica Simpson trying to fix her car when he pulled up with his friends and saw me under the hood hooking up the battery after my PIE install. Whatever he meant by that, I took it as a compliment, as it all worked!!!

My Ipod sounds great through the AUX and I was so proud to have done it myself. Locally, several car & stereo places told me it would cost 200.00 to install. Bestbuy, I think was around 50.00 for install (That was if I brought my own parts in...)

Anyways, throughout the installation, my husband was very impressed with everything you documented. Thanks to you and the rest of the RX8 club. I'm having a blast and am looking for more mods to do now.

Note: Go48 (Larry) has also sent me great pics of oil change procedures. I've got an in-garage (tornado) storm shelter where I can drive my car over and change from underneath. Yikes, I could be my own Petboys... My gosh, my husband is now concerned. He's not sure if he should call AAA for tow pickup, the Firestation for on-call notification during my initial oil change, or Dr. Phil for my new and serious quest of working on my own car. Personally, I think it excites him ...hmmm

Thanks again for everyone's great advice.

I did this mod today, the PIE and other adapters are way too expensive for what they really are, just a small circuit board with some wires and plugs.

I have the 6CD changer and it works great, I just have the silence cd on disk 6. I also added a ground loop isolator since the input is connected to the Xbox under my seat.

Aweosme tutorial!!! It took me forever to find that one bolt under the dash though... and to push the tabs to unplug the connectors from the back. Once i got the HU out it was very easy.

Yeah that bolt is a BITCH!

I did this mod today, the PIE and other adapters are way too expensive for what they really are, just a small circuit board with some wires and plugs.

I have the 6CD changer and it works great, I just have the silence cd on disk 6. I also added a ground loop isolator since the input is connected to the Xbox under my seat.

Aweosme tutorial!!! It took me forever to find that one bolt under the dash though... and to push the tabs to unplug the connectors from the back. Once i got the HU out it was very easy.
you build a half size xbox?

Yeah pretty much...

I'm using a 100gb laptop hard drive, and the DVD drive is farther forward under my seat so i can put in a disk under there, so the case could be made very small. Plus I made a 12v PSU kinda like the ones for carputer installs so i didn't need an inverter.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/g0t_m4xx_21/Cars/RX-8%20Xbox%20Project/IMGA0113.jpg

Yeah pretty much...

I'm using a 100gb laptop hard drive, and the DVD drive is farther forward under my seat so i can put in a disk under there, so the case could be made very small. Plus I made a 12v PSU kinda like the ones for carputer installs so i didn't need an inverter.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/g0t_m4xx_21/Cars/RX-8%20Xbox%20Project/IMGA0113.jpg
nice I've got a 12v on mine two...it has an auto relay built in so I direct wired it to the battery and it turns on when the accessory is on and has a 10sec delay so it doesn't shutdown during ignition or if the electricity cuts out for a couple of seconds :) (if my gf stalls it :lol2:)

I have mine installed in the trunk...I have a 400gig standard size drive and loaded everyhting on it...

the xbox autostarts into XBMC then autoplays the playlist I setup :)

Yeah pretty much...

I'm using a 100gb laptop hard drive, and the DVD drive is farther forward under my seat so i can put in a disk under there, so the case could be made very small. Plus I made a 12v PSU kinda like the ones for carputer installs so i didn't need an inverter.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/g0t_m4xx_21/Cars/RX-8%20Xbox%20Project/IMGA0113.jpg


where you get the lcd screen?

it def says zoltan lol.

Zoltan the leader of the guys in bubble-wraps in Dude, Where's my car?

nice I've got a 12v on mine two...it has an auto relay built in so I direct wired it to the battery and it turns on when the accessory is on and has a 10sec delay so it doesn't shutdown during ignition or if the electricity cuts out for a couple of seconds :) (if my gf stalls it :lol2:)

I have mine installed in the trunk...I have a 400gig standard size drive and loaded everyhting on it...

the xbox autostarts into XBMC then autoplays the playlist I setup :)

Sounds sweet. Same here, it boots to XBMC then autoplays my playlist. What modchip you got?

Only problem Ive found with this mod is that the CD player playing silence pulls down the volume level of the aux input, so its not very loud. I already modified the Xbox motherboard to increase the volume of the line-out:

http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=453997

I'm trying to figure out a way around this, but i need a schematic of the stock 6 CD Changer, to find the two mute transistors and increase the value of the resistors connected to them.

I had the SmartX ver2 but dumped it when I switched to a 1.2 box (I had a 1.6 and the dc to dc powersupply I was using hated a 1.6 :)) so now I have an alladin, funny thing is it boots much faster. Plus I removed as much startup crap as I could (including the green flubber animation).

The one thing that would finish it off is I want it to startup in full screen, not at the menu screen. Yes the playlist autostarts now but if I want to track forward or back I have to enter full screen, if I could have it boot straight into full screen visualiztion then I'd be set :).

The xbox doesn't seem to output high enough as I have the same issue with my PIE adaptor but since I did a direct ground to the battery there is absolutley no feedback or distortion with the volume all the way up, before it was bad.

I haven't figured out a way to make it boot straight to the visualization, the closest thing I could do was lower the timeout for the screensaver to come on to one minute (the lowest you can get), so after a minute of no controller input it will go to he visualization, then you can toggle tracks and stuff.

I'm using an Xecuter 2.3 pro in the one in my car (it's a 1.4), a Xenium in my 1.6, and I tsop flashed my 1.0.

Yeah the version 1.6 uses a different power supply then all the other verisons, the pinout and voltages are all funky. It's amazing you didnt fry the board (unless you did...)

but yeah I'm an Xbox guru (I have xbox parts and soldering irons all over my room), so if you ever need anything let me know. i've modded over 40 xboxes so far.

Ahh I found your power supply. You had the Lamma make it, right?

Yeah I saw that. I made mine myself though using a bunch of scrap parts and two DC-DC power converters. The 12V passes straight through, and is stepped down to 5v and 3.3v though the converters.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/g0t_m4xx_21/battbox002.jpg

It started out as a project to make a portable xbox that ran on 12v batteries, which I completed last January, and about a month ago i finally gave up on it due to short battery life (the Xbox is a HUGE power hog), so I put the xbox on my car.

Lamma is 15 mins from me :) So I was their guinea pig...took a while but we got it...big pain in the ass :) How did u change the switch to visualization time (even if it is one minute)?

Flyboyindy made an RX-8 inspired theme/skin pack for his setup :)

yeah xbox pulls about 6amps or around 85 watt spike 65-70 median...bill gates needs some tips on energy conservation :)

ahhaha Dam all this talk about the X mod makes me want to drive over to my little nephew's house and jack his box(he don't play with it anymore) ehehhe. One thing stoping me is that I don't want to spend $$$ on an lcd.(no nav).Can't find a decent small one for a decent price..

Lamma is 15 mins from me :) So I was their guinea pig...took a while but we got it...big pain in the ass :) How did u change the switch to visualization time (even if it is one minute)?

Flyboyindy made an RX-8 inspired theme/skin pack for his setup :)

yeah xbox pulls about 6amps or around 85 watt spike 65-70 median...bill gates needs some tips on energy conservation :)

In XBMC you go to Settings-> Appearance, then choose "screensaver" on the side bar. Then you can adjust the timeout (the screensaver will go to the visualization if its playing music).

And yeah thats about the same amount of power draw that I measured.

In XBMC you go to Settings-> Appearance, then choose "screensaver" on the side bar. Then you can adjust the timeout (the screensaver will go to the visualization if its playing music).

And yeah thats about the same amount of power draw that I measured.
hmmm, I'll check the xml file I bet I can switch it to 0 seconds it is just that the defined preset values are in larger incriments :), although switching it that short may cause trouble :)

I'll tinker at home

btw what do you use for power inside? I had a test bench 12volt power supply but it was $80 and it had a lot of feedback. I bought a converter for Igloo coolers that handles 7amps and was $12 on clearance at target :) works great!

I bought one of these to power it:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7556928906&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fse arch.dll%3Fcgiurl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcgi.ebay.co m%252Fws%252F%26fkr%3D1%26from%3DR8%26satitle%3D75 56928906%2509%26category0%3D%26fvi%3D1

It's a little bit overkill at 12.5 Amps but I also use it to power some of my high-end battery chargers I use for my RC cars and stuff.

I bought one of these to power it:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7556928906&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fse arch.dll%3Fcgiurl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcgi.ebay.co m%252Fws%252F%26fkr%3D1%26from%3DR8%26satitle%3D75 56928906%2509%26category0%3D%26fvi%3D1

It's a little bit overkill at 12.5 Amps but I also use it to power some of my high-end battery chargers I use for my RC cars and stuff.
nice, that would probably be better but no big deal

also I change the settings to 1min but it went to a screen saver, simple visualization

I am going for the full screen visualizaiton like Milkdrop, GAIM or G-Force, etc. since u can control tracks from there :)

-J

nah theres a checkbox to have it go to the screensaver normally, but have it go to the milkdrop visualization or whatever ONLY if it is playing music. It's there at least in the newest version, and the previous 2 versions, IDK bout farther back.

If you don't have the newest version I'd go get it from xbins. (Newest is 2005-10-23 build)

nah theres a checkbox to have it go to the screensaver normally, but have it go to the milkdrop visualization or whatever ONLY if it is playing music. It's there at least in the newest version, and the previous 2 versions, IDK bout farther back.

If you don't have the newest version I'd go get it from xbins. (Newest is 2005-10-23 build)
nice! :) the new ones have the dvd player built into the core :)...I'll have to get the latest build :)

OK, I figured out how to make the volume louder with this AUX input mod!!!!

Theory:

Because the CD player is outputing silence, the signal amplifier inside the CD player is trying to hold the output signals low. Therefore, whenever another signal is being fed into this, that amp is pulling down the signal, and reducing its volume.

In the stock 6CD Changer (All of this is based off the CD Changer, I don't know about the regular cd player), there is about 82 ohms of resistance in series with the audio outputs, so, when the CD player is playing silence, it is connecting the output signals to ground through an 82 ohm resistor.

What can be done, however, is to cut the audio L and R tracks somewhere between the signal amp in the CD player, and where you splice in the AUX input, and add more resistance to the circuit. More resistance will reduce the amount of voltage drop from the AUX input, and will have a minimal effect on volume from the CD player (it makes it slightly softer).

I found a nice place to do this, it is inside the CD player, on the bottom board. There are two sets of jumpers where the audio signals must jump over other traces, and you can remove these jumpers and replace them with a resistor. (anywhere from 250-1000 ohms is good).

Remember, these pictures are of the CD Changer, the regular CD may or may not look different from these pics, I really don't know.

First, remove the CD Changer from the rest of the head unit (as shown in the tutorial for addin gthe AUX input).

There are 5 phillips screws holding the top and bottom covers of the Changer on. They are circled in these pics:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/g0t_m4xx_21/Cars/RX-8%20Xbox%20Project/IMGA0156edited.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/g0t_m4xx_21/Cars/RX-8%20Xbox%20Project/IMGA0155edited.jpg

Then pry the top lid off (it has some tabs on either side), then slide the bottom cover off. WARNING! The bottom circuit board is mounted to the bottom cover, and is connected to the mainboard with a thin ribbon cable. Remove the bottom cover CAREFULLY as not to damage this ribbon cable.

The board mounted to the bottom cover is the one we will be working with. Near the center of the board you will see a set of 6 jumpers. The two outside pairs are the audio L and R, and the center pair is the ground. You will desolder the two pairs of OUTSIDE jumpers (the easiest way to do this is to drown the part in solder, then lift it off), and replace them with the resistor of your choice, 250-1000 ohms. The higher the resistance, the louder your aux input will be, but the softer your CD player will be (the effect on the CD player's volume is MINIMAL though).

This pic shows the 2 pairs of outside jumpers replaced with 2 1000 ohm resistors:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/g0t_m4xx_21/Cars/RX-8%20Xbox%20Project/IMGA0154.jpg

now put some electrical tape on the resistors for good measure, then reassemble the changer, and the rest of the headunit.

put the HU back in your RX8, and enjoy some LOUD from your AUX input!!!

Hi all
New UK RX-8 owner here
followed this excellence guide pat of the way so i could fit a AuxMod into the rear tape deck connector , which gives me a Aux line-in to plug my ipod into.

my problem is now that i have put it all back together the red lights behind all the audio and heater switches arn't working. :sad:

i think i may of damaged a wire while pulling out the stereo to get my hand around the back to unplug the connectors

all conectors are pluged in and every switch works just no lights.

i have an UK 2006 model which now has a single plug at the bottom for the heater controls (this guide showed 2 connectors) and i suspect this has the power supply for the lights.

so does anyone know the colour of the wire in the conector that supplys power so i can test it with lights turned on/off

Thanks , i have tried looking at the wiring diagrams but i just can't figure it out :shocking:

well i have just striped the center console back down unpluged all the connectors and found a loose wire in the Large white connector at the back of the stereo after fixing this everything is now working Thank God :hahano:

I used this guide to install my AuxMod chip yesterday. Good write-up but the removal was a B-I-T-C-H. My radio didn't want to slide out far enough to get my hand behind it to disconnect the connectors. It took some serious fiddling, and my hands are all beat up from it, but it was worth it.

Thanks for the great instructions! I removed the bracket on page 4 (four screws, use a #2 screwdriver, upper left screw is really tight!). This gives a direct view of the hidden bolt. If you'd like the original photo, untouched, let me know!

Ok, I just signed up today to say thank you for this thread! I've been a long time viewer of RX8CLUB, but never really found a reason to become a member. I have a 2004 Sunlight Silver RX-8 w/ GT package. I love it! It's my dream car! And to think I used to drive a crappy Saturn! The only thing I miss from my old car was the ability to hook my Ipod into my aftermarket stereo. Lately I'm on a very tight budget and I can't afford to buy a new deck and have it installed. Plus, my firmware is only 9.50 so I couldn't even add an expensive PIE system. I was just surfing around the other day and found this thread. It seemed easy enough to do even with my limited soldering skills. So I went out today and bought an $8 soldering kit from Radio Shack ( I already had an RCA hookup) and within a couple of hours I had everything wired up and installed. IT WORKS PERFECT! I didn't even need a ground loop isolator like others have mentioned. Maybe that's because I used a high end RCA hookup with shielded cables. I'm still amazed how easy it was. This made my day for sure! I just wanna say thanks to everyone for this wonderful info! This site is awesome! :)

Great DIY. I used it for the instructions on pulling the head unit, I just hooked up my audiolink to the back of the radio. Didn't even have to fully disconnect the radio to get room. The hardest part was getting the connector off the mode switch fro the heater controls. That sumbitch took me like 10 minutes of fighting & cursing.

great diy. props to OP.

I just want to say that, even though I will probably never perform this mod, this is the best DIY I have ever read.

Good job!

I just want to say that, even though I will probably never perform this mod, this is the best DIY I have ever read.

Good job!

Thanks

I'm currently in the process of upgrading that whole site, and I'm dreading the RX8 iPod install pages, cause its 20 plus pages. Its going to be a real pain in the ass :-)

will this work for any MP3 player????i dont own an Ipod but i do have a psp with a lot of songs on it???would that still work??

Yes this is a standard headphone jack so it will work with anything.

Also I put a 'digg' link on my website, so if you really like the DIY, digg it for me :-)

Also, FYI, I'm now on my second RX-8 and on the new one, I use that ipod adapter from the RPM store, not this hack. I paid $120 and what I get out of it is the use of my next/prev steering wheel buttons, and no soldering. I really suck at soldering. When I did this hack for the first time, I actually mailed the headphone cable and the board in the radio to my friend in another state to have him solder it, and send it back :-)

Just finished this mod and it was great and even fun!

I have a single cd unit with firmware 9.50 on an 04 manual rx8 so the audio-link was not an option and i did not want to send in my head unit for an upgrade.

This was a VERY cost efficient way to add an aux input.

while i had the head unit out i added another mod i read on this forum

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=133581

i pretty much tapped into the cig lighter and added an extra 12v socket behind the dash where i plug in my belkin ipod adapter to be completley out of sight. I ran the ipod conecter through the top of the cig lighter door and i will soon place my ipod nano video (sometimes called 3rd generation nano) just to the left of the "seek track" button. So far everything works perfectly and you dont even need a silent cd to test out the system... when you plug anything in, it pretty much significantly dulls down the volume of the cd playing and the aux input is now the main audio/volume source. ( i found this out as i put in the "Korn-follow the leader" cd as it has about a minute of silence at the beginning)

also some tips i found out....

if you buy a radio shack RCA cable, you will find that when you cut off the white and red connecters that there is a mesh of copper inside.... when you strip the primary black insulater you will notice that there are copper wires surrounding a clear plastic tube. The clear plastic tube is insulating the positive copper wires while the outisde copper surrounding it is the negative or ground wires...

if you have no experience with soldering, i would recommend taking it to an electrician, otherwise i would recommend getting extra viscus electrical flux. It is easier to handle and allows for more precision. Also, I taped off the other solder points when applying the flux so i dont accidentlaly smudge the other connection and accidentally "double-solder". Like the DIY says... hot glue will help with stability.

Last but not least.... i didnt even mess with replacing the infamous bolt holding the radio behind the dash.... i see no point... the unit sits firmly enough....

Thank you again I008COM for posting such an awsome DIY

Thanks for the great instructions! I removed the bracket on page 4 (four screws, use a #2 screwdriver, upper left screw is really tight!). This gives a direct view of the hidden bolt. If you'd like the original photo, untouched, let me know!

If your still around, I love you. Thanks for that picture, omfg I was taking off one that was a lot higher up :-(.

Friggin AWESOME .... got my RPM package today at work, took the car out back, 45 min later IPOD for tunes.... no more fm modulator. Thanks for the write up and pictures helped out greatly.

woot finally did it.. couple things to note.

all the connections have clips on em, except the antenna

google for silent CD for silent wave files.

i didn't reattach the bolt... (but that really was the easy part)

anyone know where i may have screwed up based on the following problem?

the left and right audio is working, left goes left, right goes right.

however, i can hear a high pitch noise in the background and it gets louder/softer/dissapear with the engine rpm.

ideas?

Makes me all warm and fuzzy to see this thread.. and all the others that the Aux NAv input box monster i unleashed ...

I still get a kick out of my DVD / NAV ..

You are hearing the AC/engine noise from the alternator.
get a noise filter from Mazdaparts.com a good PIE unit.
http://www.mazdaparts.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=270000-1151625270

anyone know where i may have screwed up based on the following problem?

the left and right audio is working, left goes left, right goes right.

however, i can hear a high pitch noise in the background and it gets louder/softer/dissapear with the engine rpm.

ideas?

I did this mod on my 6-cd HU the other day, props on the amazing tutorial! I took someones advice earlier in this topic and soldered a rca-to-rca cable into the HU and then attached the RCA-minijack. Sound from it is remarkably good, i wasnt expecting much and its great, im actually considering using it to hook up a car PC to the stock HU now.

You are hearing the AC/engine noise from the alternator.
get a noise filter from Mazdaparts.com a good PIE unit.
http://www.mazdaparts.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=270000-1151625270

just realize if i unhook the ipod charger i won't hear it anymore XD.. gonna go that route for now

yea i have the same noise with my belkin ipod charger, I also bought the monster ipod charger with aux output and it also does the same thing.... i think it has to do with the grounding the cig inputs.... cuz i did not plug in the charger all the way so it was not charging the ipod but still got the noise...... maybe if i run a seperate ground instead of the metal inside of the cig lighter i wont get the noise.....

Just did this to an 04 6MT single-CD Bose car and it works fantastically! Great write up!

i am attempting this and i realize that since it was done ona LHD and mine is a RHD, that bolt under the steering column would most likely be in my glovebox area instead?

I say this as I cannot locate any connecting bolts to the radio under the steering column... anyone who knows please advise as I am unsure of how to pull the plastic trim on the glovebox side.

Yes its on the other side. just reach your hand in there and you will feel it.
Don't take apart your glove box :)

i am attempting this and i realize that since it was done ona LHD and mine is a RHD, that bolt under the steering column would most likely be in my glovebox area instead?

I say this as I cannot locate any connecting bolts to the radio under the steering column... anyone who knows please advise as I am unsure of how to pull the plastic trim on the glovebox side.

So i should also not try to remove the trim that runs between the glovebox and teh front console??

hardly seems like enough space..

no reason to. just get you had behind it and feel for the bolt.
then remove it and throw it away :). its only there to keep the HU from being able to be stolen. But frankly. I would rather some one get my HU and not destroy the Dash.. No reason to remove anything else except the AC/Vents above the Digital readout. But first find the bolt. Mazda Did release service note about the location of that bolt in both JDM and non JDM cars. But you already know that.. Get the bolt out and the rest should be easy..

Get one of these Ground loop isolators. https://www.mazdaparts.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=5020000-1154409213
also here on amazon http://www.amazon.com/PIE-GROUND-LOOP-ISOLATOR-EIP-GLI/dp/B001AB7HXG/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1212265409&sr=8-21

Once i added one to my system i got rid of all the noise.

Also you may want to add a Noise filter to
https://www.mazdaparts.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=270000-1151625270

http://www.pie.net/pie_store/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=20&cat=Power+Filters

Check back on my Amazon Page ill have the NF-40 up at the PIE price this week end.


yea i have the same noise with my belkin ipod charger, I also bought the monster ipod charger with aux output and it also does the same thing.... i think it has to do with the grounding the cig inputs.... cuz i did not plug in the charger all the way so it was not charging the ipod but still got the noise...... maybe if i run a seperate ground instead of the metal inside of the cig lighter i wont get the noise.....

wow, i checked through glove compartment and i cannot find it at all.

i dunno wtf i am doing wrong but all i feel is plastic :(

and no i didnt know about a service note, i can barely get good info here in jamaica to begin with

ok this is important news for all JDM owners.

There IS NO BOLT holding ours in, I repeat, there is no such bolt for ours.

Simply pull those ashtray hidden screws and then pull firmly on the base of the HU if necessary work your hand to the left and right and pull away any plastic that might be pressing against the HU and it will pop right out.

Not sure about that service note there thew, maybe you're referring to something else.

Nope that TSB shows the JDM cars with the Bolt on the Right of the HU. perhaps yours was taken out already by a service tech.. No matter at least you were smart and tested it without breaking it.. !!!
Good job.. keep us posted.

OK, I figured out how to make the volume louder with this AUX input mod!!!!

Theory:

Because the CD player is outputing silence, the signal amplifier inside the CD player is trying to hold the output signals low. Therefore, whenever another signal is being fed into this, that amp is pulling down the signal, and reducing its volume.



First of all, thanks for the write-up on how to do this, but I've found a much easier way. Unfortunately, I've only found the fix because I have to finish this abandoned project before I sell my whip. :icon_no2:

After coming back to this mod the other day, I had formed much the same theory. My fix is different however. I simply recorded a sound that was too high pitched for speakers to output at a very low volume for a second so that the cd player recognizes that music is being played.

Burn the attached file to cd and pop it in and you'll have your aux-in at cd levels. Enjoy!

P.s. I burned the file straight out of Garageband and the CD works great. I have not tested the file after it was sent to Itunes and converted to mp3 form, so I don't know if it works. If anyone has any problems with the file not working please PM me and we'll try to fix it.

Edit: Can't upload the file because it's not the right format, anyone want to host this for me?

TO I008com

I am new here and i have only had my RX-8 for 4 days.
Seen you step by step - removal guide, GREAT.....

But please can we have a step by step guide for adding this unit (PIE?- confused) to the aux/tape button. Also where can i buy the parts from.
cheers dr_zee

So I've attempted to burn my own "silent cd" but havent had any luck making a quality one...I hear hissing and my cars acceleration distorts the radio ( I can hear my speakers rev together with my engine lol). Anyone have any links to download a track to burn for this "silent disc"? It'll be icing on the cake to top off this great DIY and how to install your own IPOD all we need now is how to make our own silent disc

I used your tutorial to install an AuxMod and would like to thank you for your effort.

Just used your tutorial this past weeked to install a Dice Unit. Made a video to really help clear things up. Watch the video here:

http://eturkov.blogspot.com/2008/10/diy-mazda-rx8-6mt-oem-radio-removal.html

Great video. Shows the location of the stupid bolt perfectly too!

Great job man.

Yeah thanks for the video and to the original pics

I have a problem.

Previous owner prolly did this hack to my car, and it worked very well, until yesterday.

It would stay on the EX channel for about 30s, and then shut off. What happened? I tested it, and it's not the radio itself, because the CD would run forever, as will the radio.

Sounds like you have the Wrong Firmware .
If you are running the older firmware with the PIE Aux connector or other Copy cat aux connectors you will need your Head Unit Upgraded..
Do a Search on HU upgrades. you will find the info you need.

IF its completely stock and its doing this then your HU must need to be replaced. Again We have done lots of work and research on the HU upgrades and AUX inputs. Search here on the RX8 club for Head Unit Upgrades. and Aux input connectors.

If you have a PIE Box it may have gone bad to but thats not as likely.

I have a problem.

Previous owner prolly did this hack to my car, and it worked very well, until yesterday.

It would stay on the EX channel for about 30s, and then shut off. What happened? I tested it, and it's not the radio itself, because the CD would run forever, as will the radio.

It's worked fine for 2 years already, with no upgrades whatsoever. What happened this time?

Well that just sounds like the HU is now going bad. No telling why. But I do know that that symptom shows when users plug in a PIE unit to the AUX port and do not have the proper HU Firmware . You say the Radio does not shut off? but the C.D. does after a few Mins? If you have no upgrades then you dont have a AUx in adapter so what is shuttig off?

Maybe i am misunderstanding.


:(.

It's worked fine for 2 years already, with no upgrades whatsoever. What happened this time?

The AUX input is shutting off. I don't know how the previous owner did it, but the cable and such looks EXACTLY like the ones in OP's site.

CD works fine.

I know I know old thread, but if I made a new one then I'd be "not searching". Darn Forums.....


Anywho, How hard would it be to hack into the "load" button if you don't have the 6disc and get that to play instead of trying to make a blank cd? Does anyone know the OEM Head Unit board that much?

Dur or using the Tape button?

Ok someone post pictures of your actual solder job because I sat with this for hours and could not for the life of me get all four wires down without something touching or being horrably uncomfortable with how it was sitting before I finally flew the white flag. Although now I'm reading and whats this PIE thing?

i have a question, before all of this, did you disconnect the battery or is that not needed?

You definitely want to disconnect the battery!

ok, cause that wasnt part of the DIY

So let me get this right, I have to purchase the CD in order for it to work?

You can burn your own. Or buy one.

What fire do I burn onto a CD-R? I searched "silent wave" and "silent wav" on google and came up with many irrelevant results. I got off work at 4pm and quickly got to work.. Just finished up and was excited ot play my ipod through my radio but wasn't as simple as I expected it to be :( . Also lost a socket through the carpet trying to tighten the bolt in :( .

Use an audio program to make an 80 minute track of silence. Probably a piece of cake in GarageBand

I don't have a Mac. Can you recommend a program that allows me to make an adequate file?

BTW, instead of using the 1/8" male plug, I brought a 1/8" female jack and mounted it to the cubholder for a stealthy install. Took a bit more work because I have to solder and drill a hold to fit the jack though.

I don't have a Mac. Can you recommend a program that allows me to make an adequate file?

BTW, instead of using the 1/8" male plug, I brought a 1/8" female jack and mounted it to the cubholder for a stealthy install. Took a bit more work because I have to solder and drill a hold to fit the jack though.

I don't know anything about windows. I'm sure someone here does. Or, you could always just order the disc online. Good luck.

Have been trying to search for a program or a file on the internet that will let me burn a silent audio CD for the past hour. Pretty much used every keyword possible.


I am going to try recording silence on windows sound recorder in wav and try to burn it onto a cd and see if that works. Only thing is that it only allows 60 seconds of recording time.

On a Mac just make a silent audio file in garageband, import it into itunes and burn it as an audio CD. Sounds like you need to just purchase the CD on the DIY page. Windows is.... not useful for performing tasks.

Done. Had another forum help me out and I created a 80 min wav file within seconds.

Which forum was that file in? I can't believe that people would pay to get a CD with nothing on it......

hey, guys. little help here.

so i had this done, but i didn't use a ground loop isolator nor an ipod adaptor. so from the unit, the auxiliary cord plugs in straight to the ipod. it worked great except for the lower volume.

problem now is, after just a day, the CD function isn't working. it sucks in the cd, but it doesn't play. i press the CD mode or even the button to change modes and nothing's happening. i tried other CD's and still nothing. input? thanks a lot.

I did mine a couple months ago and haven't had any issues. I did use a ground loop isolator or an ipod adapter so I don't think that would be the issue. My suggestion would be to check your soldering connections, you probably crossed a connection or something like that.

1008com
Reading thru your http://www.whatsmyip.org/ipodrx8/ article.

"and pop in a CD containing 80 minutes of pure silence. The radio will only pick up your new AUX-Input when a CD is playing."

Do you only have to do that once, if yes how's that work. Do you leave it going for the full 80mins

Yes you leave it playing, while the radio thinks it's playing the CD, it actually plays the ipod.

Is there a trick to getting the wires undone any easier?

Awesome DIY. i did this a few months ago in a couple of hours. Thanks for all the great detail. I am using this with my belkin iphone adapter and drilled the aux plg into the face plate. I did have to use ground isolator to get rid of the hum and squeel from the engine noise but i just tucked that behind the face plate too with no issues. I used the MS sound recorder to make my silent cd.

Thanks again this was a huge $ saver. In all this was about $10 and 2 hours.

Hi i have the 05 rx8, i am going to buy the xcarlink adapter.

I was wondering if the head unit has an aux-in ready for plug and play?
If so, which or where is it?

Please advice.

I did the install yesterday, took roughly about 3 hour just cuz we were slacking off and having trouble removing the head unit because of the connectors. I used a ground loop isolater so i hear no static or interference. The DIY had plenty of step by step pics that made it a lot easier.

I did on mine today, and i am proudly to say that it works perfectly :)

I am looking at doing this and plugging in my iphone audio jack. Does anyone know if there is a cable that allows for a mic input to the iphone (and the rca jacks for left/right) that I can then run a seperate mic in the car for it?

Edit: I just did this to my car and every step was right as it should be! I have a 2005 AT. The only parts that were a bitch was the side bolt on the radio and getting the back radio plugs undone. If you have big hands, this is a toughy.

A Silent MP3 file to burn!
http://www.burninwave.com/#silence

Hey I did everything and even added a ground loop isolator but it still doesnt work. Everytime i put in a blank cd it will scan it and then spit it back out and say check cd? Im guessing all the rx8's are like that so im wondering how this hack could work... Please get back to me thanks

You need a CD with a silent file, not a blank CD................................................

Yeah sounds like a problem with the CD. If it's a "blank" CD, that's the problem. You need a cd full of silence.

http://www.whatsmyip.org/ipodrx8

I just wanted to show off how I installed my iPod ... LOTS more pictures than the average tutorial.

Thanks for the great pictures on the radio removal. I just installed an AuxMod Basic (audio only, no iPod controls):

http://www.sylfex.com/products/AuxMod/

that was previously in my wife's Mazda 3. I know this thread is old, but the tutorial is good. And the AUX input I installed is still available for purchase for a decent price of $60. It uses the Tape/MD input, so there is no soldering required.

Thanks for the great pictures on the radio removal.I agree 100%. I used the great pictures to remove my radio & install a GROM iPod adapter. Not sure I would have gotten the radio out without the full tutorial! Worst part was I spent about 20 minutes trying to find that damn 10MM bolt that hold the back of the radio in place. Turns out I couldn't find it because IT WASN'T THERE. Evidently the previous owner had the radio out and never replaced the bolt.

Is this a good solution. SO it really only cost but 5 bucks or so for cables, And some time to fit it all in? Sound quality is good?

Wow thanks, fantastic DIY! Did mine today now I have all 16 discreet temp settings. Next project pass side power door lock repair.

just install an aux cable in it bro

Ha WTF is that I used this procedure to get at my temp control circuit board but woah is me I posted my success to the wrong thread. Damn enthusiasm :) I hate it when I do that.

PS - this is my first WTF post, took longer than I thought!

I think that the WTF was directed at me. However, unlike you, im not big into jumping into a DIY that only works half as good or half the time. I dont do anything half-assed, I do it once the right way. Just like anything else, research.

Thanks, works like a charm!

I did mine and worked perfectly. Tried to do my buddy's and he has a 6-cd changer and i did the same thing, but now the left speakers are mute... i double checked and resoldered everything and samething... i checked everything and no luck. Any ideas...? I swaped radios and on mine it works good but his HU doesnt... Also if you put the AM/FM radio it it works perfectly, but when you put a cd it only comes out from the right side speakers. and Yes i did soldered correctly and used Red on Right and White on left, and obviously, the ground.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Macally-Cassette-Tape-Car-Adapter-For-iPod-Devices/15120567

8$ and you can do the same thing, just plug and play

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Macally-Cassette-Tape-Car-Adapter-For-iPod-Devices/15120567

8$ and you can do the same thing, just plug and play
Show me one RX8 that came with a cassette player.

Well, I hope someone can help me out. I've been working on this for a good while, but I must be doing something wrong, or my RCA->minijack cable isn't suited for the job.

First off, I'm not entirely sure which wire is positive and which is negative within the RCA cable. Mine doesn't have two separately insulated wires, but it has one wire down the center and then another braided around it. Which is which? (Granted, I've tried both ways and with the same result......)

My result: the audio is almost completely inaudible. If I put the volume at max, I can just barely hear it. Would this indicate the wire is too small, or the solder is inadequate? I compared my solder to post #126, and I would say it's of similar quality. Any advice?

John

I would probably just go buy a new cable, the braided wire is probably the ground. I used a 3.5mm stereo audio cable and cut the tip off and inside it was two wire and braided wire around it, put the braided wire to ground put the white to the left and the other to the right.

I made my own wire (took some 16 gauge speaker wire, soldered 3 wires to the solder joints on the 3.5mm jack) and then I soldered it to the radio PCB, and still no dice (same result, very quiet, can just hear it at max volume). Any other pieces of advice?

Dumb question but is the volume on the device you're using all the way up?

Yeppers, as up as can be. I've tried using my phone and my laptop as a source.

It's like my signal isn't getting amplified at all. What could be wrong?

i tried this diy, soldering went fine, but when i hooked everything back up, none of the lights on the headunit turned on, including the a/c lights, and the lcd screen above didnt turn on.
Any ideas on wht i did wrong? im really hoping i dont need a new radio

edit* well i desoldered everything and hooked it back up, and it still didnt work, so i ended up hitting the faceplate cuz i was pissed and it started working again, so i guess it was a loose connection. i ended up ordering the auxmod so hopefully thtll work

good point but the pie was always here.. we just did not understand the firmware issues..

But also the P.I.E. is a very high quility input. It will allow you to use an Alpine CD controller as well. and accese it via the OEM controlls.. its just that we are converting that box to a RCA input for the other usees.. But for $90.49 shipped to Rx8 members free .. how can you beat that .. :)

will such adapter work with the factory satellite radio?

did it today worked awsome !! thanks 1008com..... i didnt have to deal with the side bolt uder the dash as the previous owner never replaced it! ..

Shit doesn't come out after pulling out the first 2 connectors. And I can't get my hand behind the console to unplug the other three.

What am I missing here?

By the way I have the Sirius radio and 6 cd changer. perhaps there is another other connection I need to unplug that is not listed here. I already put everything back so I'll give a try some other time.

good diy man but that website its hosted on sucks! shoulda posted on here :( was following instructionss and went to next step and the page wont load! like it stops after midnight or something. but now i have to wait til the morning to finish :( just finished soldering and cant put back radio without next steps lol.

Ok so i did this diy and it works perfect now but imma post the problem i was having so if anyone else had the issue they can refer to this. i did the soldering and put my radio back in but the lcd radio ac wasnt working. the only thing that worked was the fan. I took it out many times and even checked the plugs for loose wires and connectivity. we went through each wire with pins to see if it was getting a current >:0

so it was the front panel that wasnt getting anything. the connector pins on the back of the panel and where the radio gets slipped back in. those connecters have to connect. lol. sry im high atm. anyway, mine wasnt connecting because of the cd player front panal thingy. heres the post i put on youtube. gl all!

ok nvm i fixed it. it was those connectors to the front panal. i had to remove the cd player panal metal thing with the black stripe. i didnt put it in right and it was making the board crooked so it wouldnt fit in flush. took it out and it solved my problem. WOOT!

and sphinx u have to wiggle the crap out of it. itll come out.

Wow I'm shocked this DIY is still getting traffic after all these years.
Can a moderator please edit the first post and change the link to this new URL:
http://www.whatsmyip.org/lib/rx8-aux-ipod-input/
The old URL redirect for now, but it probably won't redirect forever.

good diy man but that website its hosted on sucks! shoulda posted on here :( was following instructionss and went to next step and the page wont load! like it stops after midnight or something. but now i have to wait til the morning to finish :( just finished soldering and cant put back radio without next steps lol.

Looks like you were browsing my website right when one of the DIMMs in my server decided to die. It's pair has since been pulled and my server has been rock solid since (and was rock solid for years prior). You simply hit the shit-luck lottery.

Did this mod today, works great! I went one step further and pulled apart the whole center console all the way back to the rear seats and drilled a hole into the same compartment as the charger for a cleaner install.

thank you

I'm having some trouble with this mod and i'm hoping someone can help me out here.

So I just picked up a 2007 RX-8 as well as a GROM AUX / Bluetooth module. I've taken out that hidden bolt and taken apart almost everything but i can't seem to pull the head unit out. I followed instructions but it's stuck on the left side somewhere and i can only manage to pull it out about 3 inches. I'm not sure if it makes a difference but my car has Sirius as well as the 6-disk cd changer.

The big problem is that there is a single plug in the back closer to the left side that does not have enough slack. I'm not sure if this is unique to my car but i'm hoping other people have had this issue as well. I'm convinced that it's this particular plug that's causing the problem because i've followed the wire back and it's the only one that seems to be stuck when i tug at the head unit.

I managed to take apart the glove box so i can look through the back and try to pull the single plug out by hand but i've had no luck. I'm not sure even what this plug is since i don't see it in other instructions (other cars have 2 plugs in the back and 1 antenna cable, i think my car has 3 plugs with 1 antenna cable).

I've searched the forum but haven't found anyone else with this problem. Can someone help me out? I've got pictures of the trouble below.

179416
Circled in red is the problem plug

179417
This is the wire that has no slack. This picture is taken from the bottom of the passenger side, just behind / below the glove compartment. I followed the wire through and it leads past the right of the passenger seat (under where the door would close) and towards the back somewhere. I didn't follow it past that.

179418
I can only pull the head unit out this far.

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated!

**UPDATE**

So after some investigation it looks like this plug is for the satellite radio. It looks like the GROM adapter will require this port so i need to either choose the satellite or the AUX / bluetooth module.

Anyone have any tips to get this plug out? Is there a better/easier way to access it rather than going through the glove box?

I'm having some trouble with this mod and i'm hoping someone can help me out here.

So I just picked up a 2007 RX-8 as well as a GROM AUX / Bluetooth module. I've taken out that hidden bolt and taken apart almost everything but i can't seem to pull the head unit out. I followed instructions but it's stuck on the left side somewhere and i can only manage to pull it out about 3 inches. I'm not sure if it makes a difference but my car has Sirius as well as the 6-disk cd changer.

The big problem is that there is a single plug in the back closer to the left side that does not have enough slack. I'm not sure if this is unique to my car but i'm hoping other people have had this issue as well. I'm convinced that it's this particular plug that's causing the problem because i've followed the wire back and it's the only one that seems to be stuck when i tug at the head unit.

I managed to take apart the glove box so i can look through the back and try to pull the single plug out by hand but i've had no luck. I'm not sure even what this plug is since i don't see it in other instructions (other cars have 2 plugs in the back and 1 antenna cable, i think my car has 3 plugs with 1 antenna cable).

I've searched the forum but haven't found anyone else with this problem. Can someone help me out? I've got pictures of the trouble below.

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Circled in red is the problem plug

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This is the wire that has no slack. This picture is taken from the bottom of the passenger side, just behind / below the glove compartment. I followed the wire through and it leads past the right of the passenger seat (under where the door would close) and towards the back somewhere. I didn't follow it past that.

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I can only pull the head unit out this far.

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated!

I have the exact same problem! I can't get my hand or any tools behind the console to unplug that wire. It's really frustrating.

When i look at it closer now in the picture it looks as if it's actually plugged into the extra outlet on the head unit where the GROM module is supposed to plug into. Anyone have any clue what it's controlling?