Aux Audio Input with Stock Radio

[3rdGen2002]

Hi all – I’m interested in using the CD changer deck port on the back of my stock radio as an aux audio input. A number of companies appear to make these types of products, but I’ve been through three of them without success. Has anyone out there gotten one of these to work? If so, could you pass on a link to where you purchased from?

Basically, all of these companies make a product that plug into the existing CD changer slot in the back of the stock radio (the slot is unfilled as mine did not come with the changer). The aux input is supposedly activated by pushing the CD button twice (the same way the changer is).

Here are the ones I’ve tried (none have worked):

Robot Check

Robot Check

Robot Check

Thanks!

 

[alumarine]

These guys seem to have several things that might work.
At least you contact them beforehand.

http://www.pac-audio.com/products.aspx

 

[Unner]

I had one of the PAC ones. Or it may have been the other big brand that does them, I can't remember. Either way I think an aftermarket unit is a much better option. Way better sound, and newer options like Bluetooth and hands free calling. They can be had for fairly cheap as well.

 

[TheDurk]

I also think a whole new unit is a better option. I trashed the factory head (cassette only, no aux. amp) unit the day I drove mine home from the dealer in 1999. That said, I have used the products sold by this site in a number of cars over the years. It ain't cheap, but I bet it would work:

Toyota IPOD Interface - auxiliary input adapter PA15TOY USASPEC

 

[3rdGen2002]

Thanks for the responses guys. I like the existing radio/head unit interface, but it seems like it is time to scrap it in favor of more functionality. Might be able to squeeze a CB in the giant hole the existing unit takes up :biggrin1:

 

[satek]

Wait! Try one of these first for $4!

Audio Cassette Tape Adapter to Auxiliary Cable 3 5mm Jack for MP3 iPod CD Player | eBay

I have one and it works just fine.

 

[99problems]

I have one in my '99 that works great and I've been very happy with (I can identify with wanting to keep the factory look). I'm at the dealership right now, but I'll grab a picture of the box when I get home. I was able to purchase it off of another member on this forum actually.

Edit: Here's a picture of the box. I installed this in the center underneath the plastic between the cup holders and the shifter and ran the wires into the back of the stock head unit; there are line-outs for two sets of rca jacks but I only use one of them to run a standard headset adapter. Everything fits great with no issues.

 

[99problems]

Backside of the same box:

 

[Unner]

I have one in my '99 that works great and I've been very happy with (I can identify with wanting to keep the factory look). I'm at the dealership right now, but I'll grab a picture of the box when I get home. I was able to purchase it off of another member on this forum actually.

Edit: Here's a picture of the box. I installed this in the center underneath the plastic between the cup holders and the shifter and ran the wires into the back of the stock head unit; there are line-outs for two sets of rca jacks but I only use one of them to run a standard headset adapter. Everything fits great with no issues.

Backside of the same box:

That's the one I had! I sold that one to you haha. I ran that in my Supra for a couple years as well as my 4Runner before I upgraded both to aftermarket units. That thing sounds way clearer than those cassette adapters for sure.

 

[Vinny C]

I was a big fan of the cassette adapter, but my cassette player died so I tried one made by LOGJAM that was supposed to plug into the CD changer connection like the others... It did not work. Cross that one off your list.
I've gone to a Bluetooth FM transmitter for the time being, but the sound is shit. Resigned myself to going with an aftermarket deck in the near future. Good luck with the search.

 

[jrm]

With all the messing around

youre better off with a aftermarket double din with a usb port.

 

[3rdGen2002]

Thanks 99Problems! Just ordered one of the eBay. I'll keep everyone posted.

 

[3rdGen2002]

Wanted to come back with an update. I installed the same unit 99problems referenced above and it works fantastic. The sound quality is as good as a CD and the transition is pretty seamless. For now, I would really recommend it - hopefully it lasts...

 

[trovergraywilson]

Bump.

I have a 2002 LTD with an A56811 OEM head unit, double-din in-dash 6-disc. Works like a charm. With this unit, is there an additional deck port (pls god) to install an aux audio input? Also, if that's the case, anybody hear of an aux input (pls god) with Bluetooth connectivity?

 

[yota_addict]

Once you go Bluetooth you'll never go back!

 

[Yoter]

Wanted to come back with an update. I installed the same unit 99problems referenced above and it works fantastic. The sound quality is as good as a CD and the transition is pretty seamless. For now, I would really recommend it - hopefully it lasts...

I also tried a couple of the moonet ones from amazon and they also didn't work for me.
Do you have a link to the ebay seller for the USA SPEC one that worked for you?
Thanks

 

[3rdGen2002]

Okay looks like a couple questions came up here -

1) Use of existing changer - I don't believe that the DF-TOY system would allow a direct use of both the changer and the aux, although I'm thinking you could create a splitter with some soldering and a switch if you really wanted to preserve the changer.

2) The ebay seller I used only had one unit, out of his own car. It looks like the DF-TOY has been discontinued for some time but USA-SPEC may have follow-up units or there could be other units from other companies. It seems like the biggest thing is that you actually need a unit that converts the signal rather than just a change in the connector like the moonet units.

3) The current setup I have doesn't have bluetooth out of the box, but I've been considering buying a bluetooth dongle to plug into the aux cord (might also get a microphone and mount it on the visor)

 

[paulmofyourhand]

http://www.amazon.com/TOYOTA-iPHONE...1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
I used this one for my 02 limited.
with the apple 30pin to lightning adapter, i'm able to charge and use my ipad air or iphone 6s+

 

[Yoter]

http://www.amazon.com/TOYOTA-iPHONE...1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
I used this one for my 02 limited.
with the apple 30pin to lightning adapter, i'm able to charge and use my ipad air or iphone 6s+

Glad to hear it worked for you but you must be very lucky I purchased 2 of these from 2 different sellers on amazon and neither worked!
Also the connector shown in this link is the wrong connector for 3rd Gen OEM radios we need a 5x7 pin connector which is physically much larger then the one shown in the image.

 

[paulmofyourhand]

Yoter:

actually, you might be right. I did have issue with my original purchase and then ordered another. I wonder if i gave the correct link. i might be taking my dash apart soon, then get some photos for you.