I installed the MP3 player I got from Trussville this morning and snapped some pictures.

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and after a 6 month gestation, here's my baby.

Originally posted by Superfan
I installed the MP3 player I got from Trussville this morning and snapped some pictures.

Would you consider posting a pic-by-pic narrative of the installation? That would be extremely helpful to those of us who plan to do the install in the future.

you have my exact car - black with appearance package! Superfan, how long did it take you to install the MP3 player? also, was it all just snapping the connectors together? no splicing, soldering, etc.?

Superfan,

Thanks for the pics, every bit of assistance is appreciated.

And yes the appearance and rotary accents kick as*, that is how my 8 will come in, except for being gray. Have fun with your ride. I will be doing the MP3 "install tango" when my car arrives.

I installed my mp3 player over the weekend. Just a FYI you DO NOT have to go that nuts on the lower console where the shifter is. All you have to do is unsnap the plastic cover so you can get to the 2 ashtray screws. I would not suggest taking it the whole way off. Once you do that, take out 2 screws, undo the bolt (shiney silver and tucked away to the right of the steering wheel up in the hole. Once you look and locate it, it is somewhat obvious). There are 5 connectors once you pop the unit out. 2 underneath with clips. Stick a small screwdriver underneath the clips to disengage them. Then one on the right side (facing the unit) - a black wire (antenna). Then the one on the top and a large multipin connector on the left. Putting it back it is much easier than taking it out since you don't have to worry about disengaging the locks. Once the unit is out of the console, there are 12 red screws. Take them out, pop the old one out and swap. Easy as pie.

Once again, the only tough parts are disengaging the 5 connectors on removal and possibly locating and removing/replacing the side bolt. I'll try to post a picture or 2 of the exact location of the bolt later.

Superfan,

Thank you for your pics. Could you post some pics that is after you installed the mp3 player? I just wonder how it will look like. Thank you.

Originally posted by jtimbck2


Would you consider posting a pic-by-pic narrative of the installation? That would be extremely helpful to those of us who plan to do the install in the future.

The unit came with all the instructions. I'll scan them tonight and post them. The whole thing took under an hour to do. The hardest parts was just like pmacwill said the 5 connectors and the bolt on the under side (BTW it's 10mm).

Originally posted by donald121

Superfan,

Thank you for your pics. Could you post some pics that is after you installed the mp3 player? I just wonder how it will look like. Thank you.

It looks just like the stock radio. The only thing changed was a little trim piece that says "MP3". It a module that you can't see when it's mounted. I'll Post some pics.


--
I tried to get a picture of the 10mm bolt but I couldn't get the angle. Ohh I can't stress this enough, be carefull when removing the unit as it bends in the middle. Pull too hard and it might crack. Just try to pry it out with a flat head screw driver /w the head wrapped in electrical tape.

Originally posted by Superfan
The unit came with all the instructions. I'll scan them tonight and post them.

I had the impression that the player itself and the trim piece were sold separately, and that the instructions only came with the trim piece. Can you verify or refute this?

It looks just like the stock radio. The only thing changed was a little trim piece that says "MP3".

Is this the only difference in the trim piece? Because if it's sold separately, it doesn't seem like it would be necessary. Someone said in another posting that this piece is rather expensive for what it is, just a hunk of plastic.

Please, Superfan, let us know if we need that trim piece or not. If it'll work without it, then I'm gonna try and skip that piece and save a few $$$...

Originally posted by BRx8
Please, Superfan, let us know if we need that trim piece or not. If it'll work without it, then I'm gonna try and skip that piece and save a few $$$...

you don't need the trim piece.
Work is crazy until tomorrow at noon. I'll try to scan and post the instructions (that come with the trim piece) tomorrow afternoon or evening

Great set of photos... thanks!

Does anyone know the model number on the head unit? I've been looking at various Pioneer auxilliary input adaptors (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-WYDdUneyvik/cgi-bin/ProdGroup.asp?g=50900) and need to know a little more about the head unit.

Superfan, thanks for the pics, just what I was looking for.

Pcmacwill, thanks for the advice about the shifter console, any more hints are always welcome. I think I'll place an order, now that you guys are having success with the install.

Install Manual Page 1

Install Manual Page 2

Install Manual Page 3

Install Manual Page 4

Install Manual Page 5

Install Manual Page 6

Install Manual Page 7

Install Manual Page 8

Old CD Player Unit Top

Old CD Player Unit Bottom

Old Panel

the CD Player module is identical to the MP3 Player module. The only difference is the internals. You don't need to buy the Panel. The only difference is that the new one say's "MP3" on the left hand corner. Thing is they packaged the instruction manual /w the panel but since I just posted it, you can save yourself the $20. Hope this helps.

Thanks, man. I certainly won't be spending the extra bucks to get an MP3 logo. Do the operating instructions come with the deck or the panel?

Thank you so much Superfan, that is very helpful!

thank you Superfan, much appreciated!

like i said in another thread, i've went ahead and purchased just the MP3 player from Trussville at a total of $261.00 including shipping...you will need to call them as ordering from the website only allows you to purchase the entire set consisting of the module and trim plate which does indeed cost around $20

Operation manual comes with the panel/trim piece. I looked at the invoice I have from trussville and the trim piece is $15.60. You can skip the manual as the operation is intuitive. I'll see if I scan a few of the pages were the basic operation is described.

Thank you SO much Superfan! If Trussville is only charging $15 for the trim plate, I may go ahead and order the whole kit anyway, just so I'll have the printed user's manual. I thought I read somewhere that the trim plate cost a lot more than that (something like $60!)

Thanks Superfan. You rock! This is really helpful stuff.

I installed my MP3 player tonight, and I had a bugger of a time.

My first problem was that even after removing the lower panel below the steering column, I still couldn't see the damned silver bolt anywhere. After about an hour of groping, peering, and twisting into all manner of unnatural positions, I eventually removed the metal panel that was revealed when I removed the lower panel, and lo, there it was! It was gold rather than silver, but it was unmistakable once I laid eyes on it. I'll attach a picture below.

The second problem I had was getting the head unit out far enough to get a hand behind it to unfasten the connectors. After disconnecting the two heater control connectors I was able to pull it out a little further, but still nowhere near far enough. After much cursing and gentle tugging, I was eventually able to shine a flashlight in behind, to discover that the wiring loom and antenna cable were both tied back to the main loom with blue tape, which was greatly reducing the available slack. After a bit more tugging and jiggling, I was able to get a kitchen knife back there and sever the tape, which finally allowed me enough slack to gain access to the plugs and disconnect them. Talk about a PITA! Perhaps not all cars have the looms tied back that way - I can't believe anyone could have gotten a hand back there with the minuscule amount of slack that mine had.

Anyway, once I'd overcome those two major obstacles, the rest was an absolute doddle, and I'm now mp3-enabled. :D

Originally posted by eccles
I'll attach a picture below.Oops, here ya go:

Thanks guys for all the instructions and tips. Now that you have the MP3 in operation, does it show ID3 tags? If it's not too much to ask, can you guys post pics of the MP3 in operation? TIA.

Originally posted by Good Duck
Now that you have the MP3 in operation, does it show ID3 tags?Other folks report that it supports both ID3 and CD-Text, however mine says NO TITLE for every track, both on MP3 data disks and audio disks burned with CD-Text. I'm still tryng to ascertain whether I'm missing something or if I have a dud unit.

Another thing I just thought of: before I installed the unit, I noticed a small slider switch labeled (unhelpfully) "1 2". It was set to "1", and I could find no mention of it in the installation instructions so I left it alone.

Can anyone who has their MP3 player but has not yet installed it, or has installed it but remembers what this switch was set to, let me know?

I think I see a reinstallation in my future. :( At least it won't take me so long next time.

Thanks to everyone for posting all this information on how to install the MP3 player. My install was essentially a snap. It took about an hour and a half, but I was taking my time not to scratch up too much. My biggest hangup was trying to get the clips released on the connectors. They're in an awkward position, and hard to press in. But once they came off, the rest of the install was a breeze.

eccles, I looked at the switch on the underside and it was set to 1. It would have been helpful if there was a sticker or an engraving as to what it was for. Nor did I see any description for it in the manual. So I left it alone. But my player picks up ID tags like a champ. Have you tried pressing the DISP button multiple times? I noticed that if it doesn't pick up a CD title, it'll say NO TEXT and stay on that for a couple of seconds. But press through that and song titles will come up.

Originally posted by Kawi
I looked at the switch on the underside and it was set to 1. It would have been helpful if there was a sticker or an engraving as to what it was for. Nor did I see any description for it in the manual. So I left it alone. But my player picks up ID tags like a champ. Have you tried pressing the DISP button multiple times? I noticed that if it doesn't pick up a CD title, it'll say NO TEXT and stay on that for a couple of seconds. But press through that and song titles will come up. Well, I pulled my unit apart again this evening, and tried it with the switch on 2. With it in that setting, the drive becomes even dumber - it behaves like a single-disk CD player with several hundred tracks numbered from 1 to n - it doesn't group them into "virtual disks" by directory, nor does it even attempt to display any information except track number and playing time - the DISP button does absolutely nothing, just as it did with the single-disk CD drive.

So I put the little switch back to 1 and reassembled it all again. Of course, it still resolutely displays NO TITLE. Pressing DISP rotates between CD#/Track#/Time - NO TITLE - NO TITLE - NO TITLE - CD#/Track#/Time, ad nauseum.

Okay, here is the lowdown on ID3 tags. I've just installed my mp3 unit (2 hours!!) and have played with discs bearing ID3v2 tags AND discs bearing ID3v1 tags. The v2-tagged discs displayed NO TITLE every time. The v1-tagged discs displayed titles, artists, and albums (after pressing the Display button). To summarize:

ID3: V1 ONLY!
Press DISPLAY to cycle through ID3 fields.

P.S. F&^@#*&in connectors!!!:mad: :mad:

Originally posted by B-Nez
The v2-tagged discs displayed NO TITLE every time. The v1-tagged discs displayed titles, artists, and albums (after pressing the Display button).Well, I pulled the ID3v2 tags out of a test set of MP3's (Media Center allows selective removal of v1 and/or v2 tags), and blew them to another CD, but still NO TITLE everywhere. Every piece of software I have tells me that the ID3v1 tags are present and valid, yet still nothing.

In an effort to isolate whether it's my software or the player hardware, I've blown an ISO image of this latest dud disk. If anyone is feeling charitable enough to download it, blow it to a disk, and let me know if your MP3 player can read the titles, please PM me and I'll send you the link.

Thanks, folks.

Wow, it took me an hour and a half to remove the audio unit, and 15 minutes to install it. My worst foe was the BIG main audio connector. Even after ripping the blue tape holding it with the other wiring, I still only a 1/4" gap (or less) between the top of that plastic tray and the bottom of the unit. Here is one thing that may help the next installer - look at the picture someone posted showing the rear of the audio unit removed. Note there are some heatsink channels on the underside one larger roud one, and a narrow one next to it. Note the proximity and angle from the groove to the connector clip. Insert your small screwdriver into that groove, try to match that angle, and push up and out. Keep trying, you WILL get it.

Also, when removing the red screws to switch the players, be sure to apply a LOT of pressure to keep the screwdriver in the slots. The screw heads strip very easily. If you opt to use a socket instead, you must still be careful, as the sides round off easily, as well.

After all is said and done - it is a great unit, and I'm glad I did it myself.

can someone please help me...i could NOT, for the life of me, get this bolt out...it's just so far in there...how did you guys get this bolt out??

http://www.rx8forum.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=86979

You just need to get an extender for your rachet set. Also, I noticed that mine was not screwed on too tight. Once a got half a turn in, I was able to unscrew with my hand. Also, take note of the hint to push from the back when you are pulling out the console. Much easier if you do it that way.

Thanks Superfan and eccles for the pics and the synopsis, it made the process a snap for me to install.

I have a small driver-handle for my smaller sockets that I was able to use. You just have to get your hand in there with the twisting tool of your choice (be it an extension bar or a driver handle) and a 10mm (I think) socket, and give it a good twist.

thanks for the help guys, i will try it again once i get home from work...can someone verify that what i need is a 10mm socket?

Originally posted by BRx8
thanks for the help guys, i will try it again once i get home from work...can someone verify that what i need is a 10mm socket? Yes, I believe that bolt was a 10.

thanks again! i'll post my results tonight

thanks for the tips guys...i really REALLY appreciate it...since i took it off a few days ago and knew the whole procedure, this second time around was a snap...the entire dissection took about 30 minutes and then a good 10 minutes to put it back...

the 10mm bolt was very easy once i got that extension...just break it loose (it was very loose on my already) then turn by hand...

the hardest part was indeed getting those connectors off...i didn't have to cut any tape at all, i just took the bottom 2 off, the left one you can depress the latch and the right one you'll need your key or a flat head to push in the latch...then you can basically, but carefully, pull the unit out to expose the upper 2 which are both very easy to remove, granted you have skinny hands and wrists like me...

once done, plugging it back in takes less than half the time

First, thanks to all for the pics and tips on the MP3 player install.

I tried to install mine this weekend and got stuck almost before I started. Once I had the center console /shifter cover up, I removed the two screws holding the ashtray assembly in but I could not remove it! Is there a trick to this? It would move but it would not come out. Just don't want to force it out and break something...

Originally posted by Steve T
First, thanks to all for the pics and tips on the MP3 player install.

I tried to install mine this weekend and got stuck almost before I started. Once I had the center console /shifter cover up, I removed the two screws holding the ashtray assembly in but I could not remove it! Is there a trick to this? It would move but it would not come out. Just don't want to force it out and break something...

Yeah, there is a lip that extends up under the stereo faceplate. You have to kind of rotate the bottom edge towards you as you pull the ashtray down. I found that opening the ashtray (most of the way) was helpful with removal and installation.

Thanks for the help, I will try it again tonight.

Just installed my MP3 player this afternoon. Piece of cake, thanks to all those who posted photos and tips. You guys made it much easier. It only took me a little under an hour. The connectors were a PITA, but manageable. The only real problem was that it was 102F in my garage at 4pm. :eek:

Dave

I installed my CD/MP3-CD unit in last night.
Followed everyone's helpful advice and the Mazda installation instructions I found on a dealer site.

All seemed to work all connectors snapped in and played with that XXXXXX hidden bolt until I finally got it in.

Everything works except the MP3 player.
I noticed on the directions that it would take 12cm or 8cm (3") disks.
So I put all my MP3s on a 12cm disk with no sub-directories.

I put the 12cm disk in and it sucked it in.
I waited a real long time, thinking that it needed time to load all the songs.

Now the eject button and any controls for the MP3 player will not respond. It acts like there is no disk in the player. All AM & FM function work fine.

I am lost what to do now, any suggestions?

Anyone know how to get the CD out?

Has anyone used a MP3 12cm CD in the MP3 player with the disk filled with MP3 on the root directory?

Additional information gained this morning: The air conditioner and fan does not work. So I will try again tonight. Maybe a connector was not plugged in all the way or came off. Still like to see info on 12cm CD and how to get a CD out manually.

Yes, All my mistake. had the air Conditioner plug not pluged in (had it in an empty receptical next to the antenna plug)

NOW ALL WORKS GREAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trussville Mazda great people and great price.
http://www.trussvillemazda.com


Paul

Originally posted by pcorsaro
Anyone know how to get the CD out?

Has anyone used a MP3 12cm CD in the MP3 player with the disk filled with MP3 on the root directory? Yes, my wife's iTunes burns CD's that way, and I've had no problem with them. What you're describing sounds like a mechanical problem rather than a logic problem. When you inserted the disk, did the display show "reading disk" (or words to that effect)?

Short of removing it all again and looking for a manual eject latch somewhere, my only other suggestion would be to disconnect the battery for thirty seconds or so then reconnect, to see if the drive has a power-on reset function.

Unfortunately, it seems that these drives are not totally bulletproof - while I've not experienced the problem you're having, I'm still waiting on a replacement for mine which steadfastly refuses to recognise any ID3 tags or directory names.

Woo hoo!

Thanks to all the fidgeting and frustration of those who have gone before, I just finished installing the MP3 player in me very own 8. :)

That bolt! Argh! Thanks to eccles for the picture and the tip on removing the metal panel behind the lower panel to get better access to the bolt. I'd never have found it.

Those connectors! What a PITA!!

But the blue tape, that's the worst. I wonder if the guy whose job it is to tie back that wiring with the evil blue tape has any idea what pain he has caused would-be MP3-playing Rx-8 owners.

FWIW, my MP3 CD collection, encoded by LAME, which writes ID3v1 tags plus ID3v2 tags for those fields not defined by ID3v1, gets all supported fields displayed without problems.

I was the guy that installed the MP3 and the MP3 player would not work and the CD would not eject.

All is OK now I removed it again and found that the AC control connector was almost plugged into the (should be empty) connector next to the antenna cable.

All works great now.


Paul


Blue RX8 GT Package 8/4/03
Past 1st Gen RX7

can the mp3 player handle variable bit rate mp3s? thanks.

Originally posted by zojas
can the mp3 player handle variable bit rate mp3s?Yes.

Originally posted by eccles
Oops, here ya go:
http://www.rx8forum.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=86979


Eccles, what position were you in when you took this photo? I still can't find this freakin' bolt!!!

I did the following:

Removed the panel around the gear shift
Removed the two screws that secured the astray
Removed the ashtray
Removed a total of 4 screws that were behind the ashtray
Looked for an hour for that damn bolt!!!!!


The tape deck came factory installed. Could that be obscuring the bolt? The only things I see up there are attachments for the air conditioning controls. Should I be looking up from on the driver's side floor behind the dash or looking up from infront of the console through the hole left by removing the ashtray???

Roto,

Beneath the steering wheel, remove the plastic cover, what is left is a metal "frame" it is easier to get to the bolt if you remove this frame piece as well.

Now for the angle of the picture:
You are looking in the wrong place (ashtray area). Your perspective should be from the "foot well area"

From outside the car (drivers side), knell down and look into the space you created by removing the plastic and metal cover, you should be able to see the bolt now. You may beed a rachet extender to get to the bolt but from a few people's experience it's NOT torqued down too tight. good luck

Thank you voodoo. One last question if you don't mind so I can be sure that I have it all straight when I get home this afternoon:
Is the plastic cover benenath the steering wheel that I'm supposed to remove just to the right of my where right knee would be when driving or is it a panel directly under the steering column? Thanks again!

Originally posted by RotorMotor
Thank you voodoo. One last question if you don't mind so I can be sure that I have it all straight when I get home this afternoon:
Is the plastic cover benenath the steering wheel that I'm supposed to remove just to the right of my where right knee would be when driving or is it a panel directly under the steering column? Thanks again! Let me try to explain it clearly so you don't end up disassembling the whole car! :D

Check out Superfan's scanned instuctions here:
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7644&perpage=15&pagenumber=2

Go to the picture entitled "Install Manual Page 4". The very first section entitled "Lower Panel Removal", that's the plastic cover you want to remove and in my estimation is what you are referring to as "right under the steering wheel".

But to clealry see and get to the bolt, I would also recommend removing the metal frame "bracket" underneath the plastic panel. This is not mentioned in the directions but as soon as I removed the metal frame the bolt was staring me in the face. Good luck.

p.s. Do not attempt to remove the panel "next to your knee", no reason for that.

I finally got the nerve to put mine in. Wasn't too bad. I found it much easier to unonstall the metal plate under the steering column. It has only 4 screws and comes right off. Then you can see an access the hidden screw much easier. I couldn't find it until I took it off. After I got it all together I noticed the display was not lighting up. I had to take it apart again 10 min this time. The upper plug was not in quite right. Of course I forgot to take the CD out of the old changer. Anybody know how to get it out?

Originally posted by RX8by
Of course I forgot to take the CD out of the old changer. Anybody know how to get it out? Reconnect the old CD Player... welp.. :mad:

I'm not much into car mp3 players or CD/MP3 players so forgive my ignorance........this is just a standard size CD with MPs burned to it, yes? I've encoded to MP3 before so i understand that part of it, just a matter of putting it on a standard CD properly.

Someone mentioned LAME, which I have seen but never used, to encode and record............

I'm not much of an audiophile but may consider this MP3 player over my single-cd player, thanks.

In my opinion the MP3 player is head and shoulders above the single tray (or 6-disc) changer. You can hold well over a hundred songs on a single MP3 disc, so you have a lot more music at your disposal over the traditional CD player. You "burn" mp3's just like you would regular "data" onto a CD-Rom. Then all you do is pop-it into the MP3 player and off you go.

Those with computers, the songs and a burner, it's a no-brainer to get the mp3 player. Understandably, for others the lack of familiarity and/or the initial costs to gear yourself up to burn songs unto discs maybe to much of a leap to be worth it.

The MP3 Player still plays regular music CD's too. There are some finer points around MP3's and audio quality, lower quality smaller file size, better quality bigger size, hence less songs on a single CD. My quote of 100 songs on a single disk is assuming very good audio quality. You could fit 150 songs sampled at 128kbits and that is still pretty good quality.

looks like something else to add to my wish list......

Hey Mods, can we make this thread sticky please? I keep referring folks to it all the time.

Thanks for posting the pictures everyone!! ...and I do agree ..removing that one bolt is a PAIN!! ughhh!! :confused: I am having a real hard time taking it out ....and I'm sure it's because I don't have the right tools....anyone in the bay area want to help me install a tape deck?? :D

Originally posted by x-mobile
....anyone in the bay area want to help me install a tape deck?? :D I'm sure you'll have no problem filling that request... make sure to prescreen some of these jokers.. ;)

Really...anyone want to help ..lil ol me!!

Damn, why couldn't you be in Austin? :D

I could help - but not before early January (I'll be away until then). That's probably too much of a wait - if not, let me know.

I'm considering purchasing an RX-8 but I'm tired of talking to my local dealership, they seem to know very little about the cars they sell. I understand mp3 and and in-dash 6 disk changer are two options but are they mutually exclusive? Is it one or the other or can you install both? Thanks.

Originally posted by russgriz
I'm considering purchasing an RX-8 but I'm tired of talking to my local dealership, they seem to know very little about the cars they sell. I understand mp3 and and in-dash 6 disk changer are two options but are they mutually exclusive? Is it one or the other or can you install both? Thanks. You are correct it's one or the other. The top bracket holds the CD Player, MP3 Player or 6-Disc changer. The bottom bracket can hold either the Mini-Disc or cassette player.

I installed my mp3 player today... those pics were a great help


I spent like a half hour trying to get the main plug behind the unit disconnected... and it never did come off!!! :mad: I have no frikkin clue of what I was doing wrong.

I looked at the unit better and realised that you really don't have to remove the 2 connectors in the back to do the mp3 player swap, so I didn't. If you tug on the unit enough theres enough slack in the wiring harness to do all you need.

What a pain in the arse!!! The fender strakes however went on in 15min and look sweet :p .

Just got mine for X-mas, I'll hopefully be putting it in sometime soon...screwed with it a little today and the console didn't want to pop apart; mostly because I was scared to damage it. I scuffed it a little getting it off... :-( but I'm really picky I doubt anybody would notice the marks unless I pointed them out.

We'll see how it goes later. I only got through a little before it got dark...

Wish me luck...it looks like I'll need it.

Just installed my MP3 player and noticed that the dealer neglected to put the magic screw back in when they replaced the display faceplate that they scratched up. Took 1 hour to get out and probably 10 minutes to put back in. Thanks for the step by step I really appreciate all your hard work.

Waaall, I just replaced my single CD with the 6 CD changer. Thanks to the excellent instructions in this thread, the thing went in just as easy as pie! Coupla comments...

The infamous "blue tape" was not a problem, as it was cold in my garage and when I gave the head unit a little tug, the tape snapped like brittle plastic! Too cool... I guess working in the cold does have some advantages! :)

The gold colored bolt was also not a problem, as it was fortunately just finger tight from the factory. It's a bitch to reach, but dooable.

Coupla suggestions to add to the knowledge base here: When you remove your shift knob (which is incredibly heavy for what it is, BTW) be sure you put a washrag or something simlar over the shifter column. It's pretty sharp, and would easily scratch your head unit face plate as you pull the unit out of the dash.
If you DO forget and leave a CD in the player as I did (D'oh!) you can get it out by only reconnecting the largest electrical connector to the back of the stereo.
Once you have the ashtray out, it's a great time to tap into 12V power that you might need later. You have two choices too: the power to the cigarette lighter (which is on whenever the ignition switch is in the ACC or ON positions), and the power to the light for the ashtray. I personally tapped into the latter one, as I plan to install LED floor lights sometime in the not too distant future

Finally, I just have to comment on how incredibly well made this car is! It is a real pleasure to work on, and amazing to me how nicely everything both comes apart and goes back together, once you know the tricks. Thanks again to everyone who contributed to this awesome thread!

Well, I just finished doing the MP3 Tango. Thanks to all the tips I found here it went very well. My only "Oops!" was knocking the 10mm socket off the extension while withdrawing it from the guts of the car after replacing the famous "Hidden Screw" (see photo for another shot of the location fo this screw) and now I have a 10mm socket under my carpeting somewhere!

Additional info: my mp3 player will play 700MB CDR discs just fine, both CD audio and mp3 formats. I am using Exact Audio Copy with LAME.exe as the encoder and Nero 6 as the burning software to make my mp3s. This uses VBR and it works OK. I'm pretty new to the mp3 scene, so if anyone has a better way of making mp3 discs (quality preferred over quantity) I would like to hear it. Maybe there is a faster way.

Im sure its here but i have tried to search, how much is the MP3 unit? Thanks

If you are interested in quality MP3's, then stay away from VBR - Variable Bit Rate. That is used to conserve HD space and not audio quality. Record your MP3's at 192KBits Per Second, at that quality you'll have a hard time noticing from the real thing (unless your some obsessed audiophile wanker).

Enjoy the MP3 player!

Originally posted by zerobanger
Im sure its here but i have tried to search, how much is the MP3 unit? Thanks
Trussville Mazda (www.trussvillemazda.com) sells them for $267.60 plus shipping. They usually have them in stock and ship right away. I'm sure other dealers have them too, but I don't know of any.

Originally posted by brothervoodoo
If you are interested in quality MP3's, then stay away from VBR - Variable Bit Rate. That is used to conserve HD space and not audio quality. Record your MP3's at 192KBits Per Second, at that quality you'll have a hard time noticing from the real thing (unless your some obsessed audiophile wanker).

Enjoy the MP3 player! Well, LAME has several quality settings and I am using the highest one. Minimum bit rate is 128kbps and it goes up to 320kbps. As I watch the encoding progress is is usually about 200kbps more or less, so I suppose I'm getting about the same quality. I will try a fixed bit rate, though. Thanks for the tip.

I'm not a REAL audiophile, though I do get pretty nit-picky on music files that are to be archived -- those have to be compressed in a lossless format. I use shn for those. In a car, you're not in an ideal listening environment anyway -- but late model cars have pretty good sound systems in them! Like the one in the 8.

can anyone tell me,... do they have a 6 disk version of the mp3 player or is that only a single disk option?

No, the MP3 player is a single-disk unit. But it can hold far more music than six audio CD's.

Originally posted by bobclevenger
Trussville Mazda (www.trussvillemazda.com) sells them for $267.60 plus shipping. They usually have them in stock and ship right away. I'm sure other dealers have them too, but I don't know of any.

thanks im gonna order one!

I got my unit today, and installed it in about an hour.

My stock HU pulled right out, and there was plenty of room to reach behind and take the connectors/antenna out.

Most of the time was figuring out how to get the stock unit separated from the housing. Then I realized you have to take ALL the red screws out... duh!

Mine shows the tags for the mp3's.

On another note, anyone know how to combine mutiple tracks into a single large mp3 with no space (compilation cd's)??

Originally posted by syntrix
On another note, anyone know how to combine mutiple tracks into a single large mp3 with no space (compilation cd's)?? Yes.

Oh, you want to know how.:D

Use any audio editing software that will accept mp3 files and do the "Cut 'n Paste Tango."

Open "file_1.mp3" and then copy it to the cliboard.

Clear "file_1.mp3" from the program.

Open a new file.

Paste "file_1.mp3" into the new file and save the result as "my_bitchin'_collection.mp3"

Load "file_2.mp3" and then copy it to the cliboard.

Clear "file_2.mp3" from the program.

Open "my_bitchin'_collection.mp3" (if it's not already opened)

Paste "file_2.mp3" into "my_bitchin'_collection.mp3" right after the end of "file_1.mp3" and save "my_bitchin'_collection.mp3" again.

You now have a single mp3 file (my_bitchin'_collection.mp3) that contains two pieces of music (file_1.mp3 and file_2.mp3).

Repeat as needed.

Adding to my previous post:
The procedure I posted will work for any audio files from any source, but it is time-consuming!

If you want to use CDs as your source, the CD ripper available at http://www.dbpoweramp.com/ has a "rip as one track" option.
The ripper is part of the file converter which also works as a stand-alone and is freeware! They have a burner that is shareware, will burn audio CDs and mp3 CDs, and is pretty cheap to register! It's a pretty good package.

Or just when you go to burn the CD, remove the blank spaces between songs. Default is usually 2 seconds. This way you cans till scan the songs easy, yet have no empty spots.

Originally posted by Genom
Or just when you go to burn the CD, remove the blank spaces between songs. Default is usually 2 seconds. This way you cans till scan the songs easy, yet have no empty spots. The problem with that is the fact that the Mazda mp3 player pauses between tracks. It does this even when there are no blank spaces burned between songs. It only does this on mp3 discs; "normal" audio CDs don't pause between tracks unless a blank space is burned into the disc.

Thank Bob! I give it a try tonight, but I have to re-install XP on the main computer :(

Don't worry, it's the only windows computer in the house (for work compat reasons).

I bought mine from trussvile mazda today. came to 260 shipped to california.

My local dealer wants 340 + tax.

LOL.

Does anybody know who makes the CD and MP3 player?

It is not BOSE, because on the BOSE website, it states:

"Bose does not manufacture components such as radios, cassette- or CD-players. Because they are selected by vehicle manufacturers, related service issues are handled by your authorised car dealer."

I spotted "FMS Audio" on one of pics that Superfan posted. And they seem to be a valid company.

Anybody know a website?

http://www.guide2detroit.com/e-card/fmsaudio0009.htm

and fmsaudio.com says a permission denied message or something like that.

fms is on my stock HU sitting in the house now.

Originally posted by moatz
Does anybody know who makes the CD and MP3 player?FMS Audio, Panasonic, and Clarion manufacture the audio components. Apparently there are some onboard diagnostics that will identify the manufacturer, but I couldn't get them to work: http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12967

Originally posted by moatz
I spotted "FMS Audio" on one of pics that Superfan posted. And they seem to be a valid company.

Anybody know a website? I believe they're a subsidiary of SANYO.

Yeh, I have found out the FMS is partnership between Ford, Mazda and Sanyo.

They are the stereo components behind the Aussie Ford Falcon AU, as well.

There is a list of their components on this page:

http://www.semic.sanyo.co.jp/news/event/2002/06_atc_e/outl.htm

but not much else.

Obviously their website is not yet built or they have not got a public facing html page.

CD changer is made by Matsushita.
MP3 player is made by Pioneer
Head unit is made by FMS

All info from markings on the units in my 8.

I received my MP3 player from Trussville yesterday and started to put it in. Thanks to this thread and the photos I even got the bolt out quickly. I cut the blue tape to have more slack with the main unit.

Now I can pull out the main unit ~ 3 inches but I fail to remove those two AC plugs at the bottom. They *have* to be unplugged, right?
Any pointers where to push or pull?

-Peter

They must come off.

Reach around, or tilt the unit down so you can see... put a towel down around the shifter and front of the HU.

YOu will find little tabs you press, and then you pull the connector off.

The tabs are in the centre of the connector, on the bottom. Push the tab inward (toward the body of the connector) with something like a pocket-sized screwdriver (flat blade, 1/8" wide) while pulling the connector off. I couldn't do it with just my fingers.

Be sure to get all the connectors all the way on (until they click) when you put everything back in!

Thanks Bob and syntrix, I kind of had seen where and how to push those plugs but just couldn't do it. The fact that I re-broke my left middle finger last Tuesday doesn't make this easier.

On lunch break I asked a coworker with healthy hands for help and the two plugs are off now.

Tonight I hopefully will complete this job.

(hours later)
I got it installed and it works fine. I'm happy with the result although there are 2 tiny dings on the console (not the front plate but the leather imitation next to it, on the passenger side).

And I lost that bolt, it fell down into some abyss behind the stereo, and I couldn't get it out today. Doesn't make a noise during driving, so I guess I just let it sit whereever it is.

Didn't someone else lose a size 10 socket there?

Originally posted by ptiemann
Didn't someone else lose a size 10 socket there?
Uh, That would be I <raising hand sheepishly>.
I know where it is. It's just hard to get to without tearing out a whole lot of stuff. The carpeting fits TOO well! -- and isn't very flexible.

10mm with a 2 foot extension. Worked great for me.

Put some putty in the end of the socket so when the nut comes free, it won't fall out of the socket.

hm, the putty idea is good, but would you worry about it once it's in there? It cannot really fall anywhere where it would damage the motor, or?

this needs to be a sticky.

I installed it today, took about 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish. No problems. I would have never found that bolt thingy without the detailed explanations. very good write up.

Hello Guys,

I installed my MP3 yesterday. It took me about 2 hours from A to Z. Special thanks to superfan for the pics.
I found additional usefull infos on
http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/docs/index.html

All went fine .... until those !!@##¤¤?? connectors.
So I left them in, and did the job like that, my shift knob sometimes activating my warning lights! Some sport, though, to remove the two red screws behing the unit. I had to use the make-up mirror of my girlfriend to locate them properly.
Happy that the cables were long enough.

Thanks again for all the usefull comments

Well, I finailly got mine installed today. I got it as a Christmas present, and this has been my first real weekend where I didn't have to something the whole day. So I installed my Mp3 player. Thanks to everyone on all the tips they supplied. Especially that picture of where the bolt is. I spent an hour trying to find it, and that's even after looking at the picture. I seriously came back to the computer twice to make sure I was looking in the right spot. I eventually found it by feeling, and the reference pictures posted here. I had the blue tape in the back, eventually I pulled it enough to get my hands in there to get rid of the blue tape. Once you un-hook the plugs, it's all downhill and coasting...

In fact I was going so smooth, I forgot to hook up my A/C controls. :(

So I remembered when I read Pcorsaro post on here. About the controls not working. So I had everything all tidy and clean up, and had to go in and pull everything out again. :(

But it when much quicker the second time around. This is cake now. I could install these blindfolded, which when taking out that bolt I basicly was.

Thanks again everyone for the great info. Now it's time to fix all my ID3 tags... :D

New member here....purchased my RX-8 through my company's S-plan with Mazda and got a sweet deal on a Nordic Green RX-8 with 6 Speed Manual, Touring Package, and Splash Guards.

Through all the great posts on this site, I ordered my MP3 unit (and some all weather mats) through the Trussville Mazda site and it arrrived the next day!!!

I read through this thread and I installed the MP3 unit myself in just about 1 hours time. Thanks to all that posted as it made it much easier to do...MP3 player is so much better than having to switch between disks....not to mention it displays all of the song info on the LCD!!!

Many more mods to come....adding custom pinstriping to the car today......and much more on the horizon.....more horsepower and a spoiler.

Drive fast....drive safe...

Welcome, superjcp! Sounds like you're gonna fit right in... :D

And yes, the DIYs are great, aren't they?

Originally posted by Omicron
Welcome, superjcp! Sounds like you're gonna fit right in... :D

And yes, the DIYs are great, aren't they?

Thanks Omicron! I am learning about my car......did alot of research before I bought it. I have been a big fan of the Wankel enginer for quite some time....and I thought seriously about getting a RX-7 3rd gen....but I know that engine had longevity problems and demanded alot of attention...so I ended up with a 1997 Mitsu Eclipse Spyder GS-T in 97 and had that for 5 years....went back to a truck for a year and a half...got tired of it...and had to get back into a FAST car....and here I am!

Had the car a week and already changed or added 4 things.....and looking at doing so much more....money flying everywhere!!! I love it though....making the car mine...and unique to me...

nordic green.....huh.....no wonder you like the FD....i bet you like the MB also

Originally posted by rx8spiritR
nordic green.....huh.....no wonder you like the FD....i bet you like the MB also

Huh?

In 97 when I bought my Mitsu, Rx-7's were hard to find......I tried...

WAS THERE RCA HOOK-UPS ON THE STOCK HU? WANT TO PUT IN A SMALL AMP FOR A SINGLE 10" SUB.

Originally posted by 2PIPES
WAS THERE RCA HOOK-UPS ON THE STOCK HU? WANT TO PUT IN A SMALL AMP FOR A SINGLE 10" SUB. No, there are no RCA jacks on the stock head unit.

eccles, you're the one that really rocks!!!!!!!!!!!
thanks a million for the picture of the gold bolt!!!!!!
save me at least 1 hour.

and I"m so dump that i left a CD in my cd player which i notice after it's been take out. make sure you take out the CD before you do everything if you're planning for the MP3 player!

Hello Everyone,

I purchased my RX-8 with the MP3 player installed and although I've read the instructions I'm not sure if this is an annoyance based on lack of features or ignorance on usage, hope you can help.

When I listen to a CD full of MP3's and have it on Random Play, If I want to skip to the next Random Song it actually goes to the next song and turns off Random Play. Of course this resets the Random Play counter and I start hearing repeated songs again. Any of you with the MP3 player been able to get this to work? It seems anytime I try to do anything it just turns off Random Play, like scanning through a song or starting the same song over again. Although this is my first Car MP3 player this is not how Random Play works on regular non-MP3 Car Stereos.

Thanks,

Nope, unfortunately you can't skip to the next random song that's an annoyance a few of us have pointed out. You have to push the RDM button twice, unfortunately you end-up with the possibility of playing a song you just recently heard, it sucks, I know.. :(

I have the in dash single cd player and am seriously considering the MP3 player, but does it skip like the single cd player? I keep my cds fairly clean but find the most miniscule scratches make the single cd headunit skip like crazy especially with burnt cds. Aftermarket cd/mp3 players I've had in the past usually alleviate this problem. In this case, it would be a stock cd player upgraded for a stock $ 260 cd/mp3 player. Tks

I didn't have the stock single cd player long enough to know about it. But I do have the stock mp3 player and have had no problems with it skipping on any disc I have played (audio or mp3). It also reads cd-text info as well as mp3 tags (ID3 v1). It won't play randomly across directories, but that's about the biggest negative to it.

I've had my mp3 player for over 1 year now, and it has never once skipped. It does seem to be a little less tolerant of jitter errors, though, than say Winamp or what have you. The solution for that is to make sure when you rip, you end up with 0 errors. Any good ripping software will allow you to change the paranoia settings for particularly sketchy discs.

I have the in dash single cd player and am seriously considering the MP3 player, but does it skip like the single cd player? I keep my cds fairly clean but find the most miniscule scratches make the single cd headunit skip like crazy especially with burnt cds. Aftermarket cd/mp3 players I've had in the past usually alleviate this problem. In this case, it would be a stock cd player upgraded for a stock $ 260 cd/mp3 player. Tks

Sounds like bad luck, dude -- sorry to hear that. I got the stock single-CD player when I got the car, because I knew I would eventually upgrade to the MP3 player. I've had no problems with skipping at all -- even on the horrendous pavement at the I-85/I-65 interchange in Montgomery AL (some of the worst-kept stretches of pavement I've ever encountered). I've also used several CDRs in it with no problems. I generally don't use CD-RWs, so I'm not sure if those are digestible. Maybe you just got a bad unit...

The installation photos no longer appear in this thread.

Is it my browser or are others unable to see them as well?

I'm not seeing them either.

Damn. Iwas goingto buy this before the end of the month and w/my luck the installation pics are gone. Ohwell. Looks like Imgoing to have to paymy dealer 40 bucks todo the install.

I just got the mp3 player on Friday and was going to do the install yesterday. Mazda instructions sucked. I could have sworn the diy pictures were up last week. Superfan, or anyone, have pictures to help us out?

Any word on these pics before I goto a dealership on Thursday to get it done by them?

Any word on these pics before I goto a dealership on Thursday to get it done by them?
I think the problem is that "[img] code" has been turned off. I don't know why this is -- perhaps you could PM a moderator and ask.
Someone else on this board has photos of the whole process posted on his/her website. You might try searching for similar threads to find it. My site only has photos of what I did after getting the factory head pulled out -- sorry, but I thought others had covered that pretty well.
It's really not all that hard, but the photos DO help a lot. Good luck.

I did the MP3 player installation the other evening. I was rushed at the end because I was running out of light and the weather was turning bad. So I only have a partial photographic record of the steps....

First, go to Rosenthal and print out this TSB:
http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/docs/9-13-03.html

It contains Mazda's instructions for removal of the dash center panel, which is necessary for the MP3 player installation.

Before you start, eject any CDs in the CD player!

Steps 1-3 of the TSB are illustrated by the attached photo. The shift knob has been unscrewed and the center console panel between the front seats has been lifted. Prying this up took some effort. Notice the 3 cable connectors that you'll need to loosen.

Now for Step 4....

Step 4:
Remove 2 bolts that hold in the ash tray. Here are some shots:

Step 5 advises you to disconnect cigarette lighter. You need to disconnect to get enough slack to move the ashtray assemble to the side.

Now to work on the area underneath the steering wheel. We are about to enter the Lair of the Mysterious 10mm Bolt!

Step 6 has you remove a plastic panel, which you just pull out by the upper area labelled "A".

There is a metal plate underneath this panel. The instructions don't mention removing it. I did remove it while I was hunting for the 10mm bolt. Removing it may also help with some later steps of remove the center panel.

To remove the 10mm bolt:
First, maneuver your hand through the holes underneath the steering wheel towards the CD player. There is a plastic wall with a cutout. This cutout is where the 10mm lies.

Attach an extension to your 10mm socket and loosen the bolt. I advise using your hand to remove the bolt.

When you are successful, let out a few whoops, wipe the sweat off, and take some breaths.

The TSB then asks you to remove 2 bolts located where the ashtray sat. I've attached a photo of this step (Step 8).

By now, it's starting to get dark and the clouds are looking threathening. This means hurry and no more time for photos. Sorry!

Step 9 has you pry the radio panel out of the dash. This is a huge PITA!.

I tried following their instructions, but was only able to loosen the lower 2 clips (identified by "A" in the TSB). By cramming one hand up where the ashtray was and pushing out with the other by the 10mm bolt area, I was finally able to loosen it.

There are 2 locked electrical connectors that you need to remove. The trick is finding the little bump where the lock is and pressing it down. This step also took a while.

Now you can pull out the entire stereo assembly. I did find that the cable harness required some coaxing to provide enough slack.

Now that the stereo assembly has been pulled from the dash, the next step is to loosen the red screws. I think there are 8 (4 each side).

There are instructions on the top of the MP3 unit, telling you how to loosen some clips with a screwdriver. Pull the CD unit out and replace it with the MP3.

Reassembly is simple in comparison to disassembly. The only tricky part is the 10mm bolt (surprised?). To prevent the bolt from dropping into the bowels of my RX-8, I put some plumbers putty into the socket.

That's pretty much it. I hope that your installation will go more smoothly than mine.

Thanks guys for all your help, instructions probably cut work time in half. This was my third stereo install ever and this must have been the hardest. Took about one hour and fifteen to finish.

Just a couple hints/reiterations that might help someone:

After removing the shift knob, gently pull up on the shifter cover to release the clips. No need to be prying in odd places.

The hidden magical yellow 10mm screw is not on tight. One turn and you should be able to take it off by hand. And it is best put back on by hand.

Regarding the red screws, you can use a 8mm socket which I found easier (Didn't have the right screwdriver). There are a total of 14 red screws altogether, 8 initially on the mounting bracket (4 on each side), 2 in the rear that hold the a wire plate, and 4 more(2 on each side) to separate the cd head unit from the a/c unit.

Remove the cd in the old player before unplugging. I almost forgot to do so. Have fun

Hahahjust my luck. I got itinstalled @ a dealership for 80 bucks on Thursday (somehow they did it w/o scratching anything)and tonight Ive returned the forum to find out thatnot only are the original pics working again butsomeone went out of theirway to post their own all over again. Nice tosee that they are back though.

I have a XM Commander installed where the ashtray used to be. -- Does this mean I'd have to have it temporarily removed in order to install a cassette deck (to gain access to ashtray screws)? I'm not sure where the ashtray screws are, but my first guess is that they're located under my XM Commander, at the bottom of the ashtray compartment...?

You OUGHT to be able to remove the ash tray screws without removing your XM Commander.
Those screws are located under the front part of the centre console (the part in front of the shifter). After pulling the console loose and moving it back a little, you can get to the screws.

Unless your XM Commander hangs out in the direction of the shifter, it shouldn't be in the way. If the wires to it are long enough, you can just leave it in the ash tray housing and just move it out of the way -- otherwise, just unplug it and plug it back in when you have the cassette module in place. It shouldn't have to be removed from the ash tray housing to install the cassette module.

Bear in mind that I have never actually seen an XM Commander :)

Ok I'm stuck on that one single bolt. I was looking at something different earlier. Now I finally found it but how in the world do you get ur hands/tools in there? I already have a few cuts grrr. I need to buy 10mm tomorrow cuz I really dont feel like paying someone to do this. I want to return the mp3 trim since y'all said we dont need it then why pay 15 dollars for it. I'll call tomorrow to see if I can return it. Well I'll see what I can do tomorrow. Thanks everyone for the help. Wish me luck.

You can get to it with a deep well socket.

Use a 10mm socket (deep socket OK, but not necessary) and a 6" extension. I prefer 1/4" drive for this. Do not remove the bolt completely with the socket lest you drop it. just get it good and loose and finish the job with your fingers (or someone else's fingers if you are an NFL lineman :) )

Ok I removed the bolt that is holding the stereo but I still cant pull it. HELP PLSS!!

Only one single bolt is holding the stereo but I cant pull it. Whenever I do it looks like the middle is bending. Just pull it out right?

I tried following their instructions, but was only able to loosen the lower 2 clips (identified by "A" in the TSB). By cramming one hand up where the ashtray was and pushing out with the other by the 10mm bolt area, I was finally able to loosen it.

.


So you had ur right hand pulling the stereo and ur left hand pushing where the 10mm bolt area was? Ok, I'll try this sighhhh.......

I do it from the other side..drop the glovebox ( along with the damper linkage)

I ease out on the bottom with my left hand while I push the rear out with my right..

Too late I broke it!!!!!!NO!!!!!!!!!

what did you break????????

She broke the faceplate.. :(

I had a little AIM chat with her and she already has one on order.

Ouch.

She broke the faceplate.. :(

I had a little AIM chat with her and she already has one on order.

Ouch.

snap-on I have to thank you for all the help you provide the rx8club community...

as for her faceplate
ouch is right...

but it is fixable so I'm looking on the brightside :)

You're just in a good mood about winning the Hymee....

Thanks

I asked this question in the Interior Audio Forum but no one answered.

Does the MP3/CD player play CD-RW discs?

Thanks in advance.

I asked this question in the Interior Audio Forum but no one answered.

Does the MP3/CD player play CD-RW discs?

Thanks in advance.
Mine played CD-R discs just fine. I never tried CD-RW discs.

It would be nice if they play CD-RW discs. You can just add/delete songs without burning a whole new CD-R.

Since CD-Rs are about 25 cents each, it's not worth the hassle of formatting CD-RWs to me.

I have used a CDRW disc and it worked just fine on my MP3 player. Ive rewritten on it too. No problems whatsoever. Just wantedto see if it would work.

I agree w/Bob though. CDRs are so cheap - why go through the hassle of rewriting all the time?

That's great news.

Yeh, I agree CDRs are cheap now. The reason I am thinking about getting a MP3 player is because I don't want to carry all the CDs in my car and change them. If I download a couple of new albums, I can add them to a CDRW. In other words, I can use a CDRW just like an iPod Shuffle. And better yet, I can control it with the stereo.

I think I will go ahead and order one.

They should make it standard equipment...

Yah but I can access 10,000 of my favorite songs at any time.

I have a question about the factory MP3 player. I currently have the Bose 6 disc in-dash changer. Is the sound quality/power output from the factory MP3/CD player the same as the Bose 6 disc in-dash changer?

Does this bug anyone?

The text for the MP3 and satellite radio (complained about that on another thread) doesn't scroll automatically.

The text turn knob works, but it seems to me that when you change tracks, or the track changs on its own, the text should initially scroll once through the display, then just show as much as the display will hold.

I guess this could be fixed in software (is it correct that HU is upgradeable?).

I don't think calling Mazda corporate does much good for this kind of thing. I had called about the satellite radio text, and they said I would have to talk to a dealer about it (dealer apparently has access to some tech support entity).

I'm going to whine about it when I get my car serviced next. Will post feedback at that point.

I want to thank all of you who provided tips and instructions to replace the CD player with an MP3 or 6 CD changer. It took me only an 1 /1/2 hours with these instructions and tips. I can see I would have blown a whole day just looking for that stupied gold bolt on the side as well as dealing with the electrical plugs. If the large audio plug had been more forgiving I could have done the change over in less than an hour.

To restate an earlier tip on the gold bolt, use a long extention with some sticky putty or two sided tape inside the 10mm socket to hold the gold bolt else it would be a really big PITA to deal with it. I sure don't know anyone with small enough hands to reach it, other than a small childs. Also after removing the plastic cover under the steering wheel, remove the metal plate behind it as well. It is held by 4 phillip screws. It is really easy to get to the gold bolts after the steel plate is removed.

Thanks again

I have large fingers...it is was easy to reach....but then again I laid on my back under the steering column with my legs up over the seat and one out the window :p

I am planning on replacing my mp3 trim for some reason there is a deep scratch. I was wondering if I can replace it without having to remove the whole head unit. Maybe I can pry it?

I have a question about the factory MP3 player. I currently have the Bose 6 disc in-dash changer. Is the sound quality/power output from the factory MP3/CD player the same as the Bose 6 disc in-dash changer?

I have the dame question except I have single CD player with BOSE system. Does the MP3 player affect/change the sound quality/volume from BOSE? I don't know how the BOSE system is configured. Is it a separate unit/amplifier that works with any player? or is it built in the original CD player?

I am really considering installing a MP3 player but just not sure about this piece. Do any of you that had it install have BOSE in your car? If so, have you notice any differnece? Can anyone comment on that? Thanks a lot.

I just replaced mine and the sound is exactly the same. The CD, MP3, 6-CD portion is separate from the amp and actually plugs into the amp/tuner portion of the stereo so the sound is exactly the same.

You could try to pry it, but it would be very hard to get out and you would scratch the non-scratched piece.

*****TO GET THE LARGE PLUG OUT OF THE BACK OF THE STEREO TAKE OUT YOUR GLOVE BOX. YOU CAN REACH AROUND THE BACK AND THERE IS MUCH MORE ROOM TO GET TO THE PLUG. PM ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. *****

Just did the replacement/installation myself. Some notes:

I found taking out the entire front center console cover useful (as per instructions) because it gave me extra space to work with. I threw a clean towel over the area from right in front of the headunit and until just after the shifter, covering the exposed shift rod and the silver plastic sides. When I was fiddling with the radio, it would often dip into that area, so I think the towel definitely saved me some scratches.

I didn't find it necessary to take off the metal portion in the left lower dash (under the steering wheel). I found that by getting my hand around the back of the dash, I was able to get to and see (barely) the side bolt that needed to come off. A 10mm socket is required for it, and I used a 3" extension with a 10mm socket at the end. No ratchet was used, but the bolt gave in anyway.

I noticed that the MP3 player is Panasonic and made in Japan, whereas the old player is Sanyo and made in Malaysia. I'm hoping that the Panasonic CD reading unit is more shock-resistant (and can read scratched CDs better). We'll see how it goes, haven't driven over any rough terrain at speed yet.

I also used a small round mirror under the headunit (in the space that the ashtray used to occupy). This helped me see under the headunit and I was able to clearly see the HVAC plugs.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed instructions, photos, advice, insight!

I'm gonna add to this one as I used it today.
I already had the factory MP3 player as I orderred my car with it, but I wanted to add a pie adapter for my satellite radio.
It took me a long time to get the radio out mostly because of the connectors. I got the hidden bolt no problem but those connectors are a pain. Then when I got it how I wanted it, I realized my PIE cable was just a little short and had to take it out again, lol.

I'm also overly cautious about this crap so I took my time. All in all it took me approx 1.5 hours to get the head unit out the first time. I got it back in in about 20 and then out again in about 5. It's not so hard now, just getting those connectors in and out with the small work area is tough.
Tomorrow after work, i'm gonna run the antenna for the sat radio and mount the unit itself. I dont have the XM commander like so many do but the Sirius Starmate Replay. It's not much bigger and it will fit in the ashtray area but you won't be able to close it unless you remove the center divider (irreversible). I havent decided what i'm going to do yet but I have a feeling I'll end up removing that divider and doing what a lot of these guys have done and making it look all spiffy.
I'll take some pics when I'm done.

Thanks for the writeup. I couldnt have done it w/o this thing.
Now I gotta sleep. (starting at 9pm was a silly idea).

There must be multiple sources for this player. My original single CD player was a Sanyo but my MP3 is definitely a Pioneer (made in Japan) not a Panasonic.

"I noticed that the MP3 player is Panasonic and made in Japan, whereas the old player is Sanyo and made in Malaysia. I'm hoping that the Panasonic CD reading unit is more shock-resistant (and can read scratched CDs better). We'll see how it goes, haven't driven over any rough terrain at speed yet."

There must be multiple sources for this player. My original single CD player was a Sanyo but my MP3 is definitely a Pioneer (made in Japan) not a Panasonic.

"I noticed that the MP3 player is Panasonic and made in Japan, whereas the old player is Sanyo and made in Malaysia. I'm hoping that the Panasonic CD reading unit is more shock-resistant (and can read scratched CDs better). We'll see how it goes, haven't driven over any rough terrain at speed yet."
good observation

about a year and a half ago this issue was thoroughly discussed after lots of people pissed their cd player skipped, two conclusions were reached

1) burn discs had a much higher skip rate and cheaply burned or fast burned (over 16x) contributed to the problem

2) the drive, the 6 disc drive skipped less than the single, the mp3 drive being the best

:ylsuper:

I can't do anything with my Cd player! It wont play, I can't take any cd's out, or add any in cause its full.
Don't know if removing it will help!
(have already let the car warm up)

I know I'm a few years late to this thread but thanks everyone for the help and the removal only took me no more than 45 minutes.

Question: What song formats can the MP3 player play besides MP3? (wma, mp4, etc.)

only mp3

If you try to make it play an mp2, it plays the song in slow motion. Scares the shit out of you the first time you hear it too.

Hey - I'd just like to post my thanks to those who created this DIY. I upgraded my CD player to the 6-disc changer last night and I couldn't have done it without all the help from this! Thanks!!!

It's all about the MP3 player man...youre missing out. Get with the times

MP3??? What's that, like an 8-trac or something???

Just kidding! I wouldn't be opposed to having the MP3 player. Where can I buy one??

Uh oh...an unexpected hurdle. No worries...just get a bit of a running start, jump, and... :eek:

Okay, here's the problem that's stopped me cold. I've got a stripped screw that won't budge. See the attached picture (does the "img" tag to an external site no longer work? I just got an underlined link when I tried!)

Any advice?
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The other problem: I see two hidden bolts. Also attached. Which one do I remove? Or am I looking in the wrong spot altogether. I can't remove that panel obscuring my view because of the problem above.

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Finally, I bought a good socket wrench and a universal socket adapter (attached, of course. The piece of paper is there to give you a reference for size). This should save me from having to maintain (aka lose) an entire set of various sized sockets. Now I only need to lose one adapter, which is much easier. The nice thing about the wrench is that you can either rotate the whole wrench or just rotate the handle. Given that feature, do you think this will be long enough to reach the hidden bolt?

I'm not sure which directions you're following because you're trying to pull off the wrong screws and bolts. Did you read through this entire thread?

In the first pic, it looks like the screw you stripped is just one of the 4 holding the steel cover under the steering wheel. Am I right? You don't even need to remove that piece for this job. All you have to do is bring down the plastic cover under the steering wheel, which you've obviously already done since you have access to those 4 other screws.

As far as your second pic, you're not supposed to remove those two screws. There's just one golden bolt deep inside that you have to take out with a socket wrench.

There's a good shot of its location shown on page 6 of this thread.

You're making this job harder than it is. First time around I had the dealership do it for me, but when I had to get into the HU to install another, the hardest part was removing this bolt, and the rest of the job was a breeze. Just try not to scratch the piano finish on the HU.

Perhaps this will help you: http://www.whatsmyip.org/ipodrx8/

Okay. I was pretty sure those two screws were supposed to remain there, so I didn't touch 'em. Yeah, I read through this entire thread. Believe it or not, I've gone through every page about 3 times, then a few more for the step I get stuck on (heh, which has been just about every step).

I've never modded a car before or even worked on anything like this, so I'm really new and really slow. Every single step is a challenge. Nonetheless, I'm determined to do it myself b/c that's the only way I'll learn. Gotta start somewhere.

Good to hear that I don't need to remove that steel cover. I read that removing an extra panel ("not the one next to your knee") made it easier to get to the hidden bolt. However I'm still not sure which panel this refers to. I guess I'll need to give it another look.

I'll also check out that webpage, appreciate it.

Didn't I just get through explaining to you that it's on page 6 of this thread?


There's a good shot of its location shown on page 6 of this thread.


Yes, I did.

:spank:

Got it!! And I might finally have something to add value to this thread. :wiggle:

If you haven't tried taking out your head unit yet, let me suggest a socket wrench attachment that made this task REALLY EASY. After all that hard trying, I did it in literally 15 seconds once I tried using this thing (see attachment).

It's a universal joint that bends in almost any direction. Cost about $8 at home depot. I highly recommend!

bumping this because im lazy and about to start using it..

Hey Folks,
I'm bumping this one too, as I'm new to the forums, figured I would check this thread for activity before starting my own.
I have the Bose system with some thing called Audiopilot. I'm not sure if the factory MP3 player is compatible with that, or if it's just the base system. Can someone confirm? Also since the car is 2005, would there be any pitfalls like the text display not working if I bought a brand new factory mp3 player and dropped it in? I see that the Trussville mazda dealer where the OP got his is still selling the player, for not too bad a price $288. Might get it from there unless anyone knows of a cheaper source or wants to sell me theirs.

Cheers,
Raphy

I know I'm late, but nice work Superfan!!

I know this is bringing a thread back from the dead, but I have a tip that saved me HUGE time when pulling the head unit.

Instead of fidgeting with the HVAC control connectors I removed the faceplate of the unit entirely. There are four screws holding it on (2 on either side of the unit) and one small plastic clip to disconnect. Use a rachet/driver bit adapter and loosen the screws, after that they are easy to spin out with your fingers. Once you have it disconnected you will have PLENTY of room to remove the HVAC connectors.