Thread: iPod input for '00 SE

Peder and I came up with something you might like...

AUX input to factory head unit DIY mod:

Very interesting. I may work on doing this. I saw someone posted about a pause when the tape changed sides. Couldn't you just remove the actual tape from a cassette so it just plays forever? It wouldn't try to change sides if it never runs to the end would it? You just want to fool it into thinking it's playing the cassette. Might tinker with that if I can find one of these at the junkyard. Thanks for the link BackinBlack

Originally Posted by BackInBlack

Peder and I came up with something you might like...

AUX input to factory head unit DIY mod:

I did it, and it works, no pause on flip-over for me

Originally Posted by reinke

best buy has a fm transmitter that you can hard wire into the radio. it is a really nice unit i used to have one in my old honda.

I use one for my XM Roady now. It works, but I don't want to use two. Plus on long trips it can be a pain to find a station that's clear going in and out of different cities. I like this idea just for the cool factor. LOL

BackInBlack... well, I've spent the last 1.5 hours reading all of that, bookmarking your mods page, reading all your mods, reading all the links from that whole thread... jeez, there's got to be an easier way LOL .

It's a great thread with a ton of good info, but I think maybe a new HU might be the way to go here. I'd prefer to keep the original look but don't want to mess with a separate tape unit.

I looked into the PAC iPAC-OEM, but according to the PAC spec sheet, the HU must have a CD/AUX button to be compatible; this one has a CD/Play button instead.

Well, thanks though, that was a tremendous effort.

The tape pause mute thing only happens when you modify a tape head unit directly. The aux tape unit does not do this.

As far as the cd/aux vs. cd/play button, I think they're the same thing. I think the people at PAC really don't pay that much attention to the button's label. I do know that there is a unit that does work for sale over on CGP at the store.

The aux tape unit really isn't that much trouble once you find a place to put the tape unit. I found that mine fits nicely in the glovebox with the equalizer/pre-amp...

The FM modulators are just a tick above crap when it comes to sound quality, and the cd to cassette adapters just plain suck... (IMO)

Originally Posted by BackInBlack

As far as the cd/aux vs. cd/play button, I think they're the same thing. I think the people at PAC really don't pay that much attention to the button's label. I do know that there is a unit that does work for sale over on CGP at the store.

So you don't think this entry from PAC's application guide is meaningful?

Make: PONTIAC
Model: Grand Prix
Year: 1996-2003
Notes:Location: Headunit. Must have CD/AUX button, not CD/Play button
Cable: AB-GM9

(Reference: http://www.pac-audio.com/instructions/AUX-BOX.pdf)

Originally Posted by BackInBlack

The FM modulators are just a tick above crap when it comes to sound quality, and the cd to cassette adapters just plain suck... (IMO)

X10

I asked Crutchfield for a list of adapters for this car. According to them, my only choices are a modulator (no way) or a new HU, since the stock one does not have an Aux button:

"The only Ipod adapter that we have available is the USA Spec PA11-G45, our item number is 581PA11G45. Here is a link on the website: USA Spec iPod Interface Connects your iPod to select 1994-02 GM factory radios at Crutchfield.com

The factory radio must have either a "SOURCE" or "AUX" button to control this device. If your radio has the CD/Play button [it does], then it's most likely not compatible.

The only option for your vehicle will be to add an FM modulator, or just replace the factory radio. I would suggest to replace and upgrade the factory radio to one with Ipod controls."

So... does anyone have a recommendation for a new HU, preferably with red backlights? I'm looking for good sound with the stock speakers, not great sound for an audiophile.

Thanks for any suggestions!!

i just did this to my grand prix. I plugged it directly into the back of my factory CD player, popped in one of those tapes with the jack on the end of it, plugged my Ipod in and it works flawless. you still keep the controls on the steering wheel, the AM/FM button works, the CD button works and if you press it twice it triggers the tape player/IPOD. DO NOT HIT THE SEEK BUTTON WITH THE IPOD CONNECTED YOU WILL GET ERROR 10 AND THE TAPE WILL SPIT OUT. other than that it works great no loss in sound quality, im happy as a clam. tomorrow i will mount it properly

edit - I didnt even mofiy wires, i just simply plugged in, popped the tape in with the jack on the end and plugged in the ipod. it even shows on my HUD that a tape is playing. F'n GREAT!!!

WHOEVER THE GENIUS WAS THAT THOUGHT OF THIS DESERVES BROWNIE POINTS AND A CASE OF BEER!!

today i got it all mounted correctly, i put the tape player inside the center console, mounted it with the two studs attached to the tape player, and extended the wiring harness about 2.5 feet, worked like a charm. saying goodbye to CD's and hello to the iPod!! at first i wanted to mount in the center console below the HVAC in that little cubby area in front of the shifter, but rather than cut up my panel and risk error and hideousness i opted not, but i also wanted the tape player functional and with easy access.. keeping in mind the trim piece is expensive and being as my car is a daytona 500 pacer i didnt want to risk much, but it does look nice for the most part, the lid closes perfectly and the tape player fit nice and snug

sorry i dont have any pictures.

its real simple though.

step 1 - get the tape deck with harness,

step 2 - figure out where and how you want it mounted ( i mounted mine in the center console for quick removal if the tape gave me any trouble, like spitting the tape out ) to do this you will need to make the factory harness longer

step 3 - plug harness into back of existing factory cd/radio player before you start wiring and mounting ( to verify tape works )

step 4 - mount the tape player and run your wiring harness

all steering wheel controls will function as usual, the play button on the controls allow you to switch between the tape/cd. if you hit the seek button while in tape mode, it will flip the tape over to the otherside. volume controls work as well

found one picture after it was all together