atlM35 wrote:Not difficult at all. You just pull on the entire back panel of the center console and it pops off.
You'll then see how it's screwed in from the inside. Good luck!
Thank you so much! That worked. Originally, I had to leave the flap open all the time to connect the wires to the input, but I managed to take apart that panel, take the connections out of it, and run them underneath that whole rear panel. I did have to remove one of the zip ties that was holding the wire to the right side of the console. The metal box underneath the console had warnings about airbags going off if struck, so I decided not to leave all the components inside (as clean as that would've been). Another reason not to leave the components underneath the console is for ease of access to the A/V input jack; in my ownership of the car so far, I've never used it, but who knows.
This is the wire that used to reach the flap and feed the A/V inputs, as well as the charging port. I ran both of those ports underneath the metal at the bottom (there's enough space) in order to not have the panel squeeze them when put back on.
Here's an overlay of the entire setup (I originally had an audio cable extension from the Ground Loop Isolator to the car inputs, but I removed it when I ran those connectors under the panel.
The Blackberry Music Gateway connects to the charging port (I had an old USB cellphone car charger lying around that I used) and included both 3.5mm and RCA audio outputs. Obviously, I'm using the RCA. Keep in mind that this is the second generation gateway, so if you do decide to get one, make sure it is the second generation (look for the NFC "tap to connect" at the top of the box), as I've heard about some bluetooth pairing issues with the first gen. Originally, I had the RCA audio cables connecting directly to the car's ports, but as I mentioned previously, there was a noticeable hiss/whine, which was really annoying, even at regular listening volumes. At loud volumes, it was not even worth using it. I had this issue with all powered bluetooth streaming devices I used (powerless is not an option, because I don't want to deal with replacing batteries), and after some research, I decided to try a Ground Loop Isolator.
Here's the Ground Loop Isolator (RCA audio input > RCA audio output). I purchased it from "The Source" (it replaced, and is equivalent to Radioshack). This thing is incredible! When I purchased it, I assumed it would alleviate the hissing issue, but it went far above my expectations and eliminated it entirely! If I pause my music and turn up the volume all the way, the only sound is normal minimal white noise. No hissing or other annoying sounds!
I could stand to make this a little cleaner, but I don't see much of a need as the carpet keeps everything in place, and I have the benefit of easy access to the Bluetooth Gateway (if I ever need to pair a new device) and the car's A/V inputs.
The flap is now completely empty:
Here's everything put back in place. I don't have to worry at all when I have someone in either of the back seats. I never carry 3 passengers in the back, but if I did, I'd probably have to be really careful.
Cost:
$20 for the USB car charger. I'm not sure what prices are like for it now; I purchased it about 3 years ago and wasn't using it.
$60 Blackberry Music Gateway; definitely worth it, IMO. I've tried countless cheaper solutions, and none come close to the sound quality. Also, it doesn't exhibit any of the bluetooth pairing issues I've had with other units (namely, it doesn't forget paired devices, even if I haven't used the car/powered it on in a while - I've gone up to 1.5 weeks with no issues).
$20 Ground Loop Isolator; I was in a hurry to get this. I saw much cheaper (~$5) prices online (and even at other stores, which were sold out), but it was simply more convenient to have it right away. That hissing sound was really annoying.
As for phone handsfree, my phone is paired to the music gateway, as well as the car's built in bluetooth; music goes through the gateway, and calls go through the car automatically. When a call comes in, or if I dial a number, music is automatically paused, and resumes when the call has ended.
P.S. I've been looking into several methods of controlling music playback without using the phone/iPod itself. There are bluetooth steering wheel clips, for example. If anyone has any experience with those, do let us know if they're any good
Just sayin.
