Aux input for Bose radio on 2002 QX4

[wmcvetty]

So I have done alot of digging about this because I want to get my iphone working through the head unit without replacing everything Bose. I found an 8 pin din in the back of the head unit that was plugged in. I removed it while looking around and forgot to plug it up and everything worked fine. That got me trying to find out what it was for. I found the manual for the radio from clarion with schematics etc.

Seems that this is an AUX line that was prewired for the DVD entertainment system that came installed on some models.

I ordered an 8 pin din (did not want to cut the one in the car) and some 8 conductor wire. Got a project box, a spst (single pole single throw) switch, and two 1/8 panel mount jacks.

Where I am at now:
- Made the box, but need to replace the switch with a true on/off instead of momentary
- Found the pin config for the Aux/On, R+, R-, L+, L-
- Found that hooking the switch up to a 12v power source and pressing it (since I had momentary) activiated the Head Unit in AUX mode (with AUX displaying on unit)

What I have yet to test:
- If running the line out from my iphone or my blue tooth music gateway comes in as expected
- if pressing the mode button on the steering wheel will change out of aux or does the switch have to be changed to off (betting that is the case)

Anyways, I can share pics etc. and pin configurations if anyone wants to give it a shot. With the blue tooth music gateway I am out maybe 100, without it probably 50 or so with a cable to get line out from my iphone through the 30 pin dock instead of the headphone jack.

Walter

[Turbogst]

LOL I went old school on my 04 and just got one of them tapes with the wire running to my phone in the headphone jack. Playing Pandora through it sounds awesome!! way better then the radio or cd player.. just remember to turn your phones media volume or whatever your using to about 1/2 volume

[wmcvetty]

Yeah, I think the line out through the 30 pin dock defaults the volume. We shall see. I wanted to be able to not have anything hanging around the head unit. This way, I will hide everything in the arm rest.

[sc2nr]

What I have yet to test:
- If running the line out from my iphone or my blue tooth music gateway comes in as expected
- if pressing the mode button on the steering wheel will change out of aux or does the switch have to be changed to off (betting that is the case)

Anyways, I can share pics etc. and pin configurations if anyone wants to give it a shot. With the blue tooth music gateway I am out maybe 100, without it probably 50 or so with a cable to get line out from my iphone through the 30 pin dock instead of the headphone jack.

Any updates on this? pics, tests, ect... This is the Bose 6 disc indash head unit correct?

[wmcvetty]

The cable worked but it seems I am plagued with something newer models have with their aux line. The volume is severely limited to the point I can max it out without it getting to loud. I have ordered an in-line amp for the RCA level inputs and I will update after that. It brings the cost up, but I rather keep the head unit to avoid tempting a walking by thief!

[satriani]

Hi Walter, great find! That would be great if you can post a couple of pictures and the pin configuration. Also, I am a bit puzzled with your comment on the switch. So, do you just connect the 12v power to 8 pin din (of course trough the switch)? I guess when you turn the switch on, the deck becomes aware that an aux source is connected? Thanks a lot.

[wmcvetty]

I will be posting some pics, sorry I have been bogged down with my electrical gremlin (another post).

Yes, you are correct about the switch. I have ran 12v power to a switch, and then from the switch directly to the aux pin of the 8 pin din. Also, it shows up on the head unit "AUX" where the station ID normally is, so you seem to be right it becomes aware when 12v is applied to the pin.

I will be posting some pics and a schemactic that I will probably have to make as I don't want to worry about violating copyright issues.

Sorry for the delay.

Walter