Neo

Hey guys,

I've been debating whether to get the head unit changed out to something that'll accept bluetooth audio streaming. There really isn't too much information out there regarding this since our cars weren't made by the bundle but I do want to retain the current abilities of the little LED readout at the top. Meaning, I'd still want the ability to set the time and have my external temp displayed.
Head unit has to have Apple Car Play and the controls on the steering wheel have to be useable.

Anyone out there encountered such a dilemma?

Cheers,

djgiron

I think you lose the temp display when doing this, the rest stays functional (from what I have read in here, but that was a few years ago). If you go to Crutchfield you can get all the install stuff you need from them.

Neo

Yeah, I was there first thing before coming here to post anyone's install. Oddly enough, there hasn't been too many people who've done this sort of swap. I've since found a much simpler and cheaper solution. I'm just going to keep it the way it is for now.

Thanks for the response.

Dodo23

Mind sharing your solution?

Neo

I was actually kinda forced to wire up a connection between my phone to the aux port of the system. It wasn't an issue before since I was running an iPhone 6 but then I moved up to a 10. I lost the audio jack on the phone.
After looking at what it would cost to properly switch out the entire system, and losing some of the stock functionality it has, I decided against it and just ordered a lightening adapter which can connect a lightening cable and have an audio port. So I continue to connect via the aux port of the system.

If the overall system decides to flake out in the coming years, then I'll consider swapping everything out. For the meantime, this is more than adequate.

djgiron

That is what I do now, you can get nav directions that way also, but it is buggy trying to use Siri with this method.

0913B

iTrader: (1)

just search up “Bluetooth aux adapter” on amazon , it’s about $15-20 and it connects to your phone through Bluetooth, connects to your car through the input jack in your arm rest, gets rid of having to wire it directly to your phone.

TPNxl

For the 2009-2011 RX8s at least (in the future) for those who need it, the PAC RP4-MZ11 wiring adapter retains the time, outside temperature display, A/C controls, and the ability to write a message on the display, as well as retains steering wheel controls. Source: I installed one and it was super easy (even the wiring was a piece of cake with Posi-Twist connectors).

Neo

Thanks everyone.
In the end I sent the amp out for repair. Came back within a week and the system is working like new again.

cheers,

spectre6000

Do I understand correctly that you use this in conjunction with whatever comes with a head unit? Between the two, you get whatever functionality of the head unit without losing any factory functionality? Or am I misunderstanding the exact application?

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

Spectre, another option is to utilize something like the Maestro rr2.
(Look to my recent Bose stereo thread for more info)

spectre6000

Thanks. I'll look into that.

spectre6000

@Jedi54 I was going to ask in your Bose Upgrade thread, but you locked it. I was talking to someone at Crutchfield about this, and they said the Maestro wouldn't work for the RX-8 for lack of an available wiring harness. Their site shows what looks to be a universal harness, and you obviously made it work. What did you use?

Make it easier for me to find later:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-int...cement-273115/

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

@spectre6000 that thread isn't locked.
I believe my original Bose upgrade thread (2007'ish) should be locked as I have made quite a few changes since then.

spectre6000

You're right. I had both open simultaneously, and must have gotten them mixed up when I was formulating the response. Disregard that part.

The question remains re: the harness situation though.