iPod Questions [FAQ]

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Se7enLC

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Q: How do I get my iPod to play in my Jeep?
A:That depends on a few things, namely what features you are looking for and what stereo you have. Read the following questions to get a better idea of what option is right for you.

Q: I want all the bells and whistles! But I don't want to change my factory deck...
A: You need what is known as an iPod Controller. It's a device which plugs into your factory deck as if it were a CD changer and allows the CD changer controls to operate the iPod. Depending on which model of stereo you have, you will be able to control the volume, track changing, playlist selection, and other functions. If you have the steering wheel controls, they will also work. You will be able to charge the iPod from this connection. Mopar makes one, as do several other companies.

Q: I want to be able to control the iPod, but I want an aftermarket deck
A: Plenty of aftermarket stereo makers offer iPod connectivity. Alpine for example includes iPod support on almost all of their decks in 2006, all you need to add is a cable to connect the iPod and you have full control and charging from the deck. Older alpine models required an external controller box, but got the same functionality. Other manufacturers have similar interfaces to the iPod.

Q: I don't want to spend that much money, I just want to be able to play the iPod.
A: If you are willing to sacrifice the controls of the iPod, you can get an auxiliary input adapter for either a factory or aftermarket deck. That adapter will allow you to plug your device in via a pair of RCA cables or a 1/8" stereo headphone-style jack. All control will need to be done via the portable device.

Q: Why don't I just get one of those FM transmitter thingies?
A: Because they sound terrible.

Q: I don't have an iPod, I have [insert competing mp3 player brand here]. Can I still use it?
A: If you go with the auxilliary input adapter you will. Any of the other choices that involve controlling the portable device will not work, however. Some adapters for the iPod also include an aux input jack for use with other devices (but why pay extra for the iPod interface if you aren't going to use the controls?)

Q: What are some specific products I might look into?
A:Here are a few:
iPod Control Products for Factory Stereos(Charging, playlist control, etc):
Aux Input Adapters for Factory Stereos
iPod Adapters for Aftermarket Stereos / Aftermarket Stereos with iPod Connections
  • Alpine KCA-420i iPod Adapter (old style)
  • KCE-422i Alpine iPod connection cable (only cable is needed for 2006+ Alpine decks).
  • iPod connections are available for Clarion, Sony, Pioneer, JVC, Jensen, Kenwood, Eclipse, and many more.

Read iPod & Portable in your Car to get more information about various options available for connecting an iPod or other portable media device in your liberty.
 

2003KJ

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I have one of the FM Transmitters for my iPod Nano that I listen to in my Jeep all the time. Yes sometimes it's staticy, but for the most part it works very well. Only downfall is it drains the battery on the iPod like mad. But I just got a charger for it that I can plug into the bottom of my transmitter and have it charging while i'm listening to it.
 

Se7enLC

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-=JoN=- said:
I should sticky this......

and sticky it shall become....(added the FAQ bit too)

Oh, there's FAQ bits and stickies? I've done a few of these FAQs in the last week or so as I thought of them, can you put it on those, too?
 

spacomponents

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we just installed one of the near top of the line Pioneers, from Circuit City, $450 out the door, installed. Has rotary knob feature that emulates iPod ring, and a fairly decent screen size so you can read playlists, etc.
 

Paladin

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Thanks for the help and info.

I went with the The USA SPEC PA11-CHR From Crutchfield

It was 130 ish

With Factory Stereo the RBK In a 2006 Liberty

It took 10 minutes to install no lie. Phillips head and flathead screwdriver are all you need.

The brain of the unit installs perfectly behind the passenger side removable panel.
 
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badkittystt

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Looking at the iPod Controller, how do you know if it will work in your stereo?

I have a 2006 Liberty, stock stereo with the cd player but no cd changer and no steering wheel controls. Can I plug this into my stereo or is it made for the newer jeeps?

Right now I'm using an FM transmitter but the reception is a bit crappy and I have an iPhone 4 so charging isn't supported with that device. (luckily I just stole it from a friend of mine whose car doesn't have a stereo at all)
 

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