tidmutt

Hi All,

I've just installed the RP short throw shifter and I've moved onto installing an XCarLink IPOD adapter. I'm at the point where the head unit is partially removed and I'm just trying to unplug the HVAC wiring so I can pull the unit out far enough to disconnect satellite and connect the ipod adapter. I have the left plug (closest to the driver) disconnected but the center wiring will not come loose. Part of the problem is I can't tell what sort of connector it is but I'm assuming it's similar to the one I've already removed. I've tried blindly using a screw driver to push up on a clip that might be there, but no luck. Can anyone provide any tips on this? I'm following this guide:

http://www.whatsmyip.org/ipodrx8/6.php

and this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG77cRRaWPM

The video looked promising but stopped short of showing how to disconnect the HVAC wiring.

Thanks.

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

Yeah, that's a tricky one! keep pushing up with a screwdriver and pulling at the same time! It'll eventually come out

tidmutt

anyone else have any suggestions? Is there actually a clip to push on with the screwdriver? What does the plug look like? I've been pushing up on it with a screwdriver and pushing in various places for a while now and I don't seem to be able to make it come free.

Wargoose

Both plugs work in the same manner - a small clip that you depress to release it and then pull down.

I use a small mirror and a flashlight to get a good view so I can direct a small screwdriver to the locking tab that needs to be released. Some of the females in your life might have a small compact you could borrow for this task, as there's no room for a larger handheld mirror.

tidmutt

you know, that mirror idea is so bloody obvious, I'm kicking myself for not thinking of it. It just so happens that my wife has numerous small mirrors handy.

I'll give that a try. Thanks.

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

honestly, it's really hard to get out. Just push up and out! When i did this, i was at the point where i could have cared less if i tore anything out, and whadda ya know, the lil summabitch came out!

tidmutt

Got it! Thanks RX8Soldier and Wargoose, the mirror idea helped immensely. I just positioned a small screw driver on the small clip and pushed up and out and it came free. I swear some engineer is a sadistic bastard who takes pleasure in imaging all of the pain devices like these cause.

tidmutt

okay, next question... how the hell do you remove the sirius plug? I've had a good look at it using the mirror and squeezing my arm down behind the head unit and it looks like a screw driver is needed which is tricky given the confined space. Anyone have any suggestions? I've tried wiggling it, pushing up on it with a small screw driver while pulling.

LOL... sounds like I should be watching **** while I do it.

tidmutt

To the Mazda engineer who elected to use those plugs and those cable lengths, you should be shot. Then taken out and shot again a few times for good measure. I eventually just gave up and disconnected all the other cables and then after much effort and bruised fingers I was able to shove a screw driver into the release slot on the sirius plug, I then levered it up and pulled the head unit towards me and finally it came free. Seriously, why make it so hard? For the next poor sucker who needs to disconnect the Sirius satellite connection the release for the plug is similar to the plug at the top of the head unit that runs parallel to the stereo so you can get an idea of how it works by looking at that. If you have room (or small fingers) you can probably push on it using a finger but I found a small flat head screw driver jammed into it works best.

Seriously, Mazda engineer, you SUCK.

Khaf

OK dude don't bash the Mazda engineers. I am an electronics engineer and one of the tests that we do is vibration test. Lots of connectors come loose and do not pass the test depending on product they are used in. Considering all the vibration that these connectors see due to bumpy roads and cornering and braking and etc, they have to use these type connectors. If they use any other connector type that easily comes out, it is poor engineering. Believe me, last thing you want is your radio stops working every time you hit a bump and you have to reconnect the connector in order for it to work.

tidmutt

yeah, I assumed as much. I'm not really bashing the engineers, just venting frustration, better to curse the engineer than to destroy their work in a fit of rage (which I nearly did on several occasions).

Although to be fair, there are probably other clip designs that would provide a tight fit even under vibration but would be easier to remove but then what do I know I'm just a software engineer and hence my work is not subject to vibration.

tidmutt

On another note, I'm getting a buzzing/humming whenever I have my ipod classic 80GB plugged in (5th Gen), but if I plug in the iphone I get no such buzzing. I searched but haven't found much yet other than one mention of a faulty XCarLink and someone else mentioning using a Ground Loop Isolator.

I tested the bluetooth module, it's quite good. Made a phone call which seemed to work well but will have to test some more. The A2DP is quite impressive, I streamed a bunch of songs from my iphone and then the audio from various youtube videos. Almost replaces the need for the ipod connector itself.

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

man that rant was FUNNY!!!! I felt the exact same way when I was dealing with getting out the HU!

Ok khaf, I can somewhat understand why they used those particular connectors. But, DID THEY HAVE TO USE THE SHORTEST CORDS THEY COULD FIND?!?!?!?!? I mean, were Oompa loompa's working the day they installed it? For fak sakes, Gumby would have a hard time reaching in there! oh, and you have to do it BLIND!!! /end rant

Khaf

^ BTW I do not know any of those characters, I just googled them.

tidmutt

LOL, I think Mazda has some dirt on Gumby (erotic pictures of Gumby and Pokey where Pokey is living up to his name...) and has forced him to assembly their Head Units for years now. Brings new meaning to the term, "sweatshop".

tidmutt

Gumby and Pokey scandals aside, anyone have any thoughts on the buzzing/bumming being emitted when I connect my 5th Gen 80GB IPOD to the XCarLink? Maybe I'll just start a new thread...