iPod Adapter to Center Storage Box How-To

[fyrcomm]

First off, I gotta thank Doc for that write-up on how to install the head unit. I was initially gonna just let my audio shop do it for me, but after reading that how-to, i felt comfortable enough to do it myself. I'm so glad I did, since now I know exactly what's going on behind that huge screen.. and then there's also that great sense of accomplishment! thanks Doc

Here's a pic of the finished product:



One thing that I did NOT know how to do, nor could I find a forum that tells me how, was how to run the ipod harness to the center console storage box. So I ended up just looking at the FSM and found out how to take part of my baby apart.. and since I know many people (including myself) prefer pictures to drawings, I went ahead and took some pics for this how-to. Basically, this is just a continuation of Doc's how-to, so BE SURE to read that first. Anyways, here goes:

1) It's best to install the adapter the same time you install your head unit, but even if you're doing this after the fact, you need to check out http://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=294580 first. Follow the instructions up to step 7, and then disconnect the air control harness (the big one closest to the bottom). If the wires for your head unit are long enough, you won't need to disconnect those wires/harnesses. I just set the assembly onto the passenger side seat. You should get something like this (yes I know I did a pretty sloppy job with wires for my install):



2) Once that's out, we can get to the main part of this how-to, which is how to remove the storage box. Since the shifter assembly is in the way, it'll have to come out. To start, we need to remove the shifter knob. For the manual transmission, it's easy, just screw it off. For the CVT, do the following:

2a) Pull the silver part on the bottom (shift knob boot) of the shifter down. You may need to stick a flat head screwdriver in there to help you out.



2b) Once that's down, you have access to the locking pin. Take that out..



2c) Once unlocked, take off the shifter knob and boot. If you feel like you need to, you can move the shifter into "drive" by popping out the shift lock release cover (circled) and sticking something (such as your key) into it until the lock is released.



3) Now to remove the shift boot/indicator, just wedge a flat head into the circled crack and pop it out (it's held in by clips). NOTE: Look at the picture closely and be sure you are putting the flathead in the correct place.



4) Set the shifter assembly aside, and you can now pop the storage box out from the bottom. This is also held in by clips (circled).



5) Disconnect the power outlet on the back of the storage box



6) Take the storage box and drill a hole on top. Use a drill bit large enough so that you will be able to fit the entire length of the ipod cable through the hole. I used a 1 inch spade for the KCA-iP300V.



7) Run the length of the wire through the hole you just drilled, and you're ready to put everything back together. NOTE: If you want a super clean look, you can get a rubber grommet for the hole you just made. I didn't bother, since nobody can see the hole, and the cable is so thick that I doubt the plastic edges of the hole can cut through it. Nonetheless, you can find rubber grommets for probably less than a buck at any hardware store.



8) Pop the storage box back in. Don't forget the power outlet connection! NOTE: When I put the box back in, the lid wouldn't stay closed. It turns out it was because the gears on the driver side of the box wasn't aligned correctly. To save you that trouble, here's a pic of how it should look when you put the box back in:



9) Once the box is popped in, reassemble the shifter by just going backwards: place the boot/indicator back over the shifter and pop it in, drop the shift knob boot and knob over the shifter, put the lock back in place, and pull the shift knob boot back up. Now take the ipod cable and make the proper connections to your head unit.



10) Finally, reinstall your stereo into the dash. Make sure you have all the connections in, and replace the negative battery terminal cable. Plug your ipod into the harness, and enjoy controlling your ipod right from your head unit!





Well that's that. If I have the chance, I'll try to do a write-up for how to get it to the storage box under the arm rest, and to the glove compartment. I started with the center storage box because it was the easiest
Modified by fyrcomm at 10:56 AM 10/2/2008

[rjdmmfl1]

Good job Tye! Glad my write up helped out! I'm sure Blake will add this to the Articles section when he has time... wow, 39 posts and already a custom title for doing a write up.... now that's contributing to the forum

[AppleBonker]

Good write-up! I've got my iPod in the exact same place. Also, I'm glad Doc's instructions on how to install a head unit worked out for you. Now you know the job was done right (someone else didn't butcher your car) and you saved some money in the process. Just another example that it's not a hard install, as long as you're willing to read the write-ups. Once again, nice work.

[fyrcomm]

thanks! i'm glad you guys approve

[bronson96792]

nice ill be trying this next week

[iammai]

Hey frycomm

I bought the same factory trim piece for the double din deck you have. Did you have to buy any aditional brackets or did you just use the existing stuff? I have a 2.5 as well. I have not decieded on a HU yet, but I will be getting a navigation unit soon.

Thanks

[fyrcomm]

Hey frycomm

I bought the same factory trim piece for the double din deck you have. Did you have to buy any aditional brackets or did you just use the existing stuff? I have a 2.5 as well. I have not decieded on a HU yet, but I will be getting a navigation unit soon.

Thanks

nope no need to buy new brackets. the existing ones should fit for any double din deck

Tye