3rd Gen iPod trouble

[4RunnerGal]

Trying to connect an ancient 10G 3rd gen iPod to my new 2006 4Runner. I bought a $20 monster mini-plug cable to improve sound. No help. Connecting to headphone jack on iPod.

The sound is so faint that I have to max out the volume (62) on the factory head unit. I've not seen any other posts with such problems on new iPods. Anyone else having trouble?

The FM transmitter interface is useless. Any advice appreciated. Would prefer not to replace the iPod as I just replaced the battery and all is well with it.

Thanks.

Liz
Forum Newbie

 

[nserpa9248]

I work at best buy, and see your scenario often.

Sadly, most of the OEM compatable ipod interfaces are not available for the 06' T4R's. (If you have an 04' or older, then your in luck).

What i would consider for what your looking at, your best bet would be to buy a new head unit, and an ipod interface for it.

If your near a best buy, you can look at an ALPINE CDA-9852 ( LINK )

Cost you around 180

And the ipod cable link(for about $30.

You will get some awesome sound quality, and you can control the ipod off of the head unit.

Parts (to install in the car like the dash kit and harness) are 19 bucks a piece, and there is a materials fee ($5).

Whole thing soup to nuts will cost
Deck-180
Cable-30
Dash kit-19
Harness-19
Mat. Fee-5

$253

And 99% of the ipod interfaces are about $200.

Soo...for an extra 53 bucks your getting a newer, better looking, and better sounding deck, that works with your ipod..

-Nick

 

[sharplink]

Are you looking for an On Screen Interface or just to be able to play your Ipod in your 06 T4R?

 

[sketch1]

Want to clarify a few things, your runner is an 06 correct? You bought a monster mini plug, I assume that is a male to male mini jack connecter?

Basically I just want to know are you trying to use the mini jack port in the console or is the monster mini plug some other kind of ipod connection device?

 

[4RunnerGal]

Great questions.

1. Yes 2006 SR5
2. Yes, mail to mail connector. Using the mini jack port in the console to the headphone jack on the iPod.

I've noticed that some albums on my iPod is plays back louder than others. The Aux jack in the console was a HUGE selling point for me.

I guess none of the Toyota sells folks I talked to had ever tried the Aux jack. hmmm

I appreciate any thoughts.

Thanks to all who have replied!!!!

Liz

 

[sketch1]

This may sound like a stupid question, but you do have the volume on the ipod turned up almost all the way, correct?

 

[4RunnerGal]

How did you know I have blonde hair??

Yes, volume at about 70%. No trouble at all when connecting iPod to Altec Lansing inMotion speakers.

I could try to max out the volume and see what happens. Also tried setting the iPod EQ to Loudness.

Good suggestion that I will try. Not sure it can boost the sound enough.

Sound so faint that at highway speed you can't hear it all. The sound is low even while at a stop light.

I wonder if this is a 3rd generation thing. Still think the way to solve is to connect from the dock connector not the headphone jack. This will require anothe cable.

Is there an adapter for mail mini-plug to doc connector???

Liz

 

[alpha]

hmm.. have you tried the sound check option on the ipod? it may help; well, it may not too.. it'll equalize the volume of the tracks so that you don't get some albums sounding louder than others. but it will drop some volume.

hmmph.. i used to connect my 4th gen ipod through a cassette adapter, but i didn't have to adjust the volume so loud..

have you tried connecting another device, maybe a different mp3 player and seeing how that does? if its better, its the ipod. if its not, then something with the car..

 

[uwgrad97]

Before I got my Alpine head unit, I used to have to use my computer to adjust the volume settings on iPod by adding a boost to all my songs. Now whenever I add music to my iPod, I also add a couple of bars of boost just in case. Maybe the boost will give you enough umpf to counter the road noise.

Also, there's a box you can check in settings to even out all the volume levels of all your songs.