InuYasha

I completed installation of the factory iPod adapter kit. Installation was straightforward and the adapter works perfectly, allowing iPod control from the steering wheel and radio controls! The iPod displays a Mazda logo when it is under control of the head unit.

However, Song names, Atrist, Album info are not displayed on the head unit.

Operation of the controls is not very intuitive, though. The user instructions furnished with the interface unit are poorly written and confusing.

Has anyone else installed the factory iPod kit? Does anyone have a flow diagram or better instructions on how to operate the iPod controls?

PhantomRX8

I'm curious how hard the Mazda iPod kit is to install. I definitely am clumsy when it comes to these sorts of things and wonder if I should leave it to a professional.

UFGator12

Ok, I also have a 2004 and do not have the SAT button on my nav. Does that matter or is the only thing that matters the updated software on your HU?

InuYasha

It should not matter. I do not have a SAT button on my head unit. I have a 2004 RX8 equipped with the factory Bose Audio System with 6CD Changer, factory Mini-Disc Player, and the Nav System. I also have installed a Delphi XM Satellite Radio and FM-Modulator.

Installation of the iPod Adapter requires connecting one plug to the back of the head unit, mounting a small adapter interface box, and routing two cables (one to the head unit and one to the glove compartment). NO WIRE CUTTGING OR SPLICING IS REQUIRED.

Installation requires that the head unit be removed to make the necessary connections. There are a number of how-to threads on that subject.

1. Remove center console trim at the shifter.
2. Remove two phillips screws. Remove ashtray.
3. Remove head unit security bolt (this is a bitch). You have to remove trim panel under the stering wheel to gat access to this bolt at the left bottom side of the head unit.
4. Remove two phillips screws. Pull head unit forward, release wiring harness connectors and antenna.
5. Remove glove box tray.
6. Install adapter unit, route wires.
7. Reverse steps 1 through 5 to reassemble.

Installation was not difficult, however, work slowly and carfully to avoid scratching trim and/or head unit. Lay a towel over the center console as you are removing it to protect the finish.

A magnetic parts tray is also helpful for keeping track of the screws and bolts as they are removed. I lay them in the tray in groups, going around the tray in a clockwise manner. I reverse the order for reassembly.

Total install time was about 2 hours and that includes stopping occassionaly to watch the John Stuart Show.

BlueGrimRX8

We are raffling one of these off including a new iPod with it, check my sig for info

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

I have an 04' with Bose system. No CD changer and no navi. Will this work for me? How do I find out what version firmware I have?

Even though it doesn't display the song or artist, how do you scroll through the folders? Example, if I press up on the steering wheel.... Im sure it skips to the next track. How would I skip right to the next artist?

Is there a unit out now that WILL display the artist and song titles?

InuYasha

Here are the install instructions and the user guide:

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

Great. Thanks for the post. Note on the end of the users guide..... there is a delay when switching tracks or lists.... how long are we talking here? How do you feel about the delay time while searching for an artist or song? ..... I'd almost rather just control it from the ipod....be alot quicker/easier.


Also, are they any adapters made that WILL display the artist or song name on the dash readout? Or are there any in the works?

kellybrf

iTrader: (2)

i cant speak to the factory one, but ive got an 04 w/the alpine 6 disc with the icelink installed. it was pretty simple; just take apart the center console and radio face, plug the kit into the aux input, run wires and youre good. ive got the wire running into my cup holder so my ipod is hidden. theres a little punch out that you can put a small notch in to make room for the wire. in all id say it took an hour, maybe an hour and a half tops? controls are simple, no txt display though

InuYasha

I did not notice any delay. As for working the iPod directly, I had mone of those Monster FM modulators that plugged into the iPod. Its hard for me to read the iPod screen and drive at the same time.

InuYasha

check out the Harmon Kardon Drive+Play at the following web address:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-61wKRVP...=fp&I=108DP1US

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for the link, but I don't think I want to use an FM modulator. The sound quality is sub-par compared to a hard wired design. I'm really leaning towards the icelink. It charges the Ipod, I can navigate songs from the Ipod, and it works with the steering wheel controls. Nothing on the display.... but big deal.... if the OEM one only shows a couple numbers.... not a big loss in my eyes. Anything I'm missing here?

ozgurcan

hi;
this is my first message in this site
i have been driving 2006 rx-8 for 1 year and i have been tring to install my ipod nano to my car.the firmware is 10.05 and i bought neo audio ipod adaptor for rx-8,it charges my ipod but never writes external in display screen so it doent work,then i contact with my dealer and they ordered original mazda adaptor for rx-8 and this adaptor did the same like neo audio adaptor,now i am using fm modulator but the sound quality is very poor...
please help me to install my ipod to my car...

laythor

if two different kits did the same exact thing it sounds like a problem with your HU.

it could be as simple as a bent pin or something more.

Since your dealer installed the Mazda adapter and it also didnt work, they didnt offer to fix it?? take it back to them, get them to fix it.... then sell the mazda ipod adapter on ebay and use the audiolink one.

ozgurcan

i didnt buy the adaptor from the dealer because i didnt work,they wrote to mazda japan and we are waiting for the answer,i think the problem is my firmware which is 10.05,what do you think??

DarkBrew

If you want to select a menu you hold down the cd change button (up or down) for one second or more. The number scrolls but you ignore that. When you release the button the time counter shows the menu number for a second or so before the next song starts counting.
The cd change button also is used to change the list number within the menu you selected. The list is changed if you press the button for less than one second. The only issue here is if you hit the cd button twice in one second it will change the menu instead of the list so you have to change lists slowly.
The menu numbers are documented in the manual and the list in each menu is selected in the order programmed on your IPOD.

Congrats on the install. Hope this helps.