Dension ICELink

[kronicx]

Hello all. I've been reading this forum for a while, and I just joined.

I've been wanting to install something into my 2003 4Runner to control my iPod. The problem is, I have the JBL with 6-disc in-dash CD changer. I have not come across anyone that has had this stereo and got the ICELink working in their 4Runner. I have however read about the other AUX options, but I wanted to use the dock connector with the balanced line output, so the ICELink was the best option.

The purpose of this post/thread is to help people out in the future that would like the same setup in their 4th Gen 4Runner.

I called Dension today and they said that the unit should work in this configuration, so I ordered it. I will keep everyone updated on the install process and how it works with this configuration. If all works out right I'll have it installed this weekend.

EDIT: added the year to help forum searches

 

[cmachado]

Kronicx, as long as you have a CD changer input behind the head unit, you should be able to install ICELink.

ICELink was going to be iPod mobile solution until I go the Scion head unit. Unfortunately, the Scion HU does not have a CD changer input in the back, so I can't connect the ICELink to it. My next best option was to install a hardwired FM Modulator. It works well, but not as crisp as a direct connection. I will say that this JVC modulator is rather noise free, which was a huge surprise. As long as I set my iPod to "Treble Booster," I get pretty good sound from it.

Definitely keep us posted on your installation.

 

[kronicx]

I had my ICELink installed today. I decided to have it done at Best Buy because I didn't feel comfortable removing the interior myself. Install was $34.50, I had a $30 gift card, so the total install price for me was $4.50.

The install took about an hour and everything went great. I decided to put the iPod in the tiny, almost unusable storage space under the HVAC controls. The iPod fits just about perfect in that spot. The install is totally clean, and the truck still looks completely stock.

There is only one slight inconvenience that the Best Buy installer told me. It appeared to him that the only way this install works is to have no more than 5 discs in your in-dash CD changer. When the changer was full, he couldn't get the ICELink working, but when he took one disc out he got it to work. I have not yet tested this, so I'll have to update to confirm or deny this.

EDIT: This is not true. All 6 CDs can be in the changer at once and you can still access the ICELink.

I have not tried the rear seat audio either as I don't use it, but I will check to see if it appears to be functioning, and I will report back.

EDIT: The rear audio seems to work fine. I don't have the wireless headphones so I had to just look at the display. You can cycle through all the different modes, but when you get to the cd player it will only play one CD mode. Most likely only the last CD mode you had selected.

One other thing I have noticed is if you are listening to the iPod while the key is turned to ACC then you turn to On to adjust your windows or something, then right back to ACC the power gets interrupted to the iPod and it stays paused while the head unit thinks it's still playing. All you have to do to fix this is simply turn the key off and back to ACC.

As for the cable and installation, I can give some insight for people wanting to install it themselves. The cable starts at one end with the dock connector to plug into your iPod. From there it goes into a heat-shrink wrapped circuit board to split the signal to a data cable and composite (left and right) stereo cable. These cables then plug into a convertor box that tricks the head unit into thinking its an external CD changer. Two cables then come out of the other side of the box. One appeared to be a power connector (it had a red and yellow wire). The other cable plugs into a Y-adapter that will plug into an already used connector the back of the head unit, but then will take the existing connector into the Y-adapter.

So to sum it up, the ICELink works perfectly in the 4th Generation 4Runner with the 6 disc in-dash CD changer. All steering wheel controls continue to work, and you still retain the functionality of your in-dash changer. To access the ICELink, you hit the CD button on the head unit twice.

EDIT: The sound quality difference is amazing. I directly compared the tape adapter that I used before then switched back to the ICELink. 100% improvement, I can't believe I put up with the tape adapter for so long. The ICELink is expensive, but it's definitely worth it.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask. I can post pictures if anyone wants to see how it fits, and part of the cable routing.

 

[jtb71]

Pics, please! Also, I have the single disc JBL. Do you think this set up works for me as well. Can't wait to try it...

 

[kronicx]

You will have no problem with the ICELink and the single disc head unit.

As for the pics:

Closed, still looks completely stock.

Sorry, had to do this one, couldn't resist.

 

[kronicx]

Open, iPod sitting in the storage bin. It's even the thicker 30GB iPod with an iSkin case on, yet it still fits great.

 

[kronicx]

The hole that had to be drilled to allow the cable access into the storage bin. It's totally hidden unless you stick your head up under there with a flashlight, or in my case holding the camera down at that level, shooting blindly with a flash

 

[bigbill25]

Very clean install. Does anyone know if the ICELink works with the T4R Nav system or the Solara Nav system?

--Bill

 

[alpha]

Unfortunately, the Scion HU does not have a CD changer input in the back, so I can't connect the ICELink to it.

The Dension website says that iceLink 1.1 is compatible with the Scion head units.

http://densionusa.com/merchant/merc...ct_Code=I11_TOYOTA_R2&Category_Code=IA_Toyota

hmm.. might be an option that i'll look into..

Very clean install. Does anyone know if the ICELink works with the T4R Nav system or the Solara Nav system?

--Bill

The website I posted above says that it works with the Camry NAV, but doesn't say anything about the 4Runner or Solara NAV units..

 

[Matt56258]

Question about ICELink??

Does anyone know if the ICELink will work with the factory 6CD in-dash radio on an '03 4Runner? I can't find it on the Dension website. It just says, "Please note that this kit may not work with the 6cd in-dash radio on certain models."

 

[jtb71]

Does this setup charge your iPod? Trying to decide between this and a straight audio connection from the headphone jack. Thanks.

 

[kronicx]

Does anyone know if the ICELink will work with the factory 6CD in-dash radio on an '03 4Runner? I can't find it on the Dension website. It just says, "Please note that this kit may not work with the 6cd in-dash radio on certain models."

Yes, it works with the in-dash CD changer. I tried to make that well stated in my original post. I wasn't sure before I bought it whether it worked or not. I made this as a resource for anyone else with the in-dash changer who wanted to install the ICELink, as I could find no information on the compatibility when I was making my purchasing decision.

Does this setup charge your iPod? Trying to decide between this and a straight audio connection from the headphone jack. Thanks.

Yes, it charges your iPod until it reaches a full charge. No problems with it overcharging. That was one of the selling points for me. I didn't want a lot of cables strewn about to connect to the radio and to the power. One simple connection to handle both audio and power.

 

[dsongalong]

kronicx,

i'm installing a similar product and wanted to do the exact configuration as you did. The iPod fits nicely in that compartment. My question is how far can you pull your iPod out (with it connected)? Like when i'm driving and i want to navigate certain menus, can you just pull it up you or do you have to disconnect it. IF you can pull it out, is it a pain to shove the cable back into that hole?

 

[kronicx]

The cable is long enough for me to pull the iPod out and control it comfortably from the front seat. Instead of shoving the cable back into the hole, I just fold it back into the storage bin, so it lays under the iPod. The cable is pretty stiff, so it can be a hassle to put back in. I have been thinking of ways to get it to fold back in more conveniently, but haven't come up with anything that is worth trying. Maybe my problem is I have too much cable and need to shove some of it back up into the hole.

 

[dsongalong]

thanks, i appreciate your reply. I was also just wondering. When I play my iPod via Tapedeck, i have to shoot my bass level down to -5 and my treble to 5 AND EQ my iPod with treble booster and bass booster. What a PAIN!!!
do you have to do this when playing it via Icelink? Or does the sound already sound pretty good.

 

[kronicx]

The sound quality difference between the tape and ICELink is night and day. The tape sounds decent until you compare it directly to the ICELink. I still can't believe I settled with the tape for so long, it sounds absolutely dreadful in comparison. I never have to change the settings on the iPod or the headunit when I plug it in.

 

[nyker56]

My first post as a new 4runner owner.
I see through this thread that an Icelink works with the disc changer in the 4th Gen 4runners. What model Icelink should I buy that will work with my new 2005? I was not able to find an Icelink for a Toyota or JBL system on the Dension site?

Thanks.

 

[JoeV]

I just went to the DensionUSA website and BestBuy. They don't mention anything about the 2005 4Runner with the 6CD indash cd changer. It looks like it will be compatible (the 2005 doesn't seem different than your 2003), however I'm not sure which icelink to purchase from Bestbuy since the 4runner isn't an option. Any ideas?

 

[bulldog-yota]

They no longer list any Toyota or Lexus on their website. So you migth want to take your business elsewhere.

I used a NEO unit which works fine, or you can go slightly upmarket and get one of these.
http://www.vaistech.com/home.html

I did get the proclip for the ipod though and it works great.

 

[gRunner3]

I sent Dension IceLink tech support an email on 5/24 asking if they had any plans to release a Toyota kit. They responded by saying that one would be ready in 3-4 weeks. I won't be holding my breath, though.

I've been watching the VAIS Tech company's website for a while and it seems they are pretty slow getting anything ready as well. They are either severely understaffed or are outsourcing the development overseas and not getting good results. In either case, I wouldn't expect them to have anything ready for a while.

Kronicx - Does your ICE Link display any kind of text on your radio? The Dension website indicates their product will display text if the radio supports it... just wondering if the Toyota radios have this functionality.