FM Modulator Install with pictures

[mshrake]

Tonight I installed the Rockford Fosgate FM Modulator in my 4Runner so I could listen to my iPod through the factory sound system.

I really liked that it is very small since the 4Runner does not have a lot of room behind the dash. The best feature is it does not require a power switch. It senses when the iPod is attached and turns itself on. After you disconnect the iPod, it turns itself off after 100 seconds. You can set it to two different FM frequencies (88.3 or 88.7 Mhz). I used 88.3 Mhz. The sound quality is better than I expected, but not as good as an AUX input. To date (4-27-2004) no one makes an AUX input adapter for the 2004 4Runner with Navigation, so this was my only option.

Normally I would not have attempted this install, but with help from the different threads on this board, there were no surprises at all! The whole process including taking pictures took only 1 hour.

The detailed pictures as well as the step by step write up are avalible here:

FM Modulator Install

The pictures are large, so please be paitent while they load.

Mike

 

[lojeff]

Nice work. The photos really point out the steps in tearing apart the dash.

 

[mshrake]

The procedures found in other threads detailed it really well, but I figured since I was tearing it apart I might as well take pictures. Plus I was a little concerned about getting all the plugs back in the right location so having pictures to reference if needed would be a good idea.

Mike

 

[jharris2]

Plus I was a little concerned about getting all the plugs back in the right location so having pictures to reference if needed would be a good idea.

Very smart!!

 

[darktiger]

Nice work, wish this was up in January when I tore apart mine. Real easy though, took 5 minutes to take everything out.

 

[T4Runner]

Nice

Nice job and pictures.

Hey, I see you are from Atlanta. That is about 2 hrs from me. I can pick those running boards up if your still interested in selling them. Think you could meet me half way...I'll buy your gas

Let me know..

 

[Ghost Rider]

Thanks for the pics!

I used your pics to install my Blitzsafe yesterday, and start to finish in 1.5 hours, including running to buy the Y-cable I forgot to get before I started...

First time I've pulled a dash apart, but your comments and pics were spot on, no problems...

 

[hubbabubba]

Very nice pictures, thank you. They provide a good reference and I'm sure a lot of people will put them to good use. This might also be useful to some Ipodlounge folks.

 

[Brewster]

Ghost Rider, could you tell us more about using the Blitzsafe?

1. Does your rear seat/wireless headphone system still work?

2. How does one select the new Blitzsafe aux input?

3. Do you have a picture of where you installed the input jack(s) for the iPOD (or whatever you're using?)

Thanks.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Ghost Rider, could you tell us more about using the Blitzsafe?

1. Does your rear seat/wireless headphone system still work?

2. How does one select the new Blitzsafe aux input?

3. Do you have a picture of where you installed the input jack(s) for the iPOD (or whatever you're using?)

Thanks.

1. Don't know... Have never/will never use it... But it's not supposed to, based on other threads...

2. I used the V2 model, as I have the JBL indash cd changer, and it works great...

3. I went through the front wall of my center console, right side, about halfway up... Used a Dremel to drill the hole... Also used a Belkin Y cord(made for an IPod...) that is 7' in length, so I have the length to move it around easily in the front cab... And i can hide all the cable in the console when I don't use it... BTW, I have a Dell DJ15, and love it... 15GB, $187... Can't beat it...

I'll take pics later, if you still want...

 

[Brewster]

Thanks, Ghost. Your description on #3 was good - I won't need a picture.

However, I don't understand your answer on how to select the the new jack. I may not have phrased my question well. When you plug your Dell into your new jack, and get ready to listen to it, what do you select on the Head Unit? Does it look like a 7th CD, or does the Blitzsafe adapter see a signal from the Dell player and automaticaly switch to the Dell input signal?

Does the 6 disc changer still work properly when you're not using the Dell?

 

[Ghost Rider]

The Blitzsafe site said the connection would show as CD 1, Track 99....

Mine shows CD 1, track 1, I believe... With or without having CDs loaded or the player hooked up...

I haven't had time to check CD operations, yet, but I will load 6 CDs in the the HU and see what happens...

But with 2735 songs on my player, will I ever use CDs??

I'll still check, tho...

Went to Blitsafe, and confirmed my part # was the TOY/AUX DMX V2, which I ordered from Logjam Electronics...

After I did a search for Blitzsafes, they were the best price...