superjavs1

So I'm trying to get a way to play my music (more specifically from my iPod) in my 1999 malibu. I Heard that if your car has an AUX-in hole, then you can buy a cable and connect your iPod that way instead of having to buy an after-market radio and replacing the one in my car.

So I found out through a trusted site that had a list of the "AUX" locations that my AUX-in is supposed ot be located in the dashboard. There's even a button in it that says "TAPE/AUX", which makes me think the the input is definetly there.

Unfortunately, I can't find it. Can any1 help? If I do find it, what is it that I need to actually get the music on my iPod playing?

MP3Car.com

 

ccjustin

it has to plug into an adapter that plugs into an empty factory spot on the back of your radio. the empty port is meant for an auxiliary tape player or cd changer from the factory, if you have one you'll have to give it up for the ipod/aux functionality. this is the part, there are others like it;
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Metra...oductDetail.do

blackcobra487

I have one of those that I'm looking to get rid of. Let me know if you're interested.

superjavs1

What kind of car did you use it with? because even if it was a GM (General Motors) Car, there's like 4 different types of adapters that differ on the number of "pins" on the thing that plugs into the AUX port.

blackcobra487

I have the one that is in the above link: AIP-GM02_ID. I am pretty damn sure that it's the one you would need. Does your radio have CD changer controls? Could you post a picture of your radio?

superjavs1

Actually, something interesting came up. Today I went to see if I even had an open port at the back of the radio, so I tried to take it out.

Turns out, the Radio is EXTREMELY Anti-Theft secure, so it's practically bolted to the car and I can't get it out.

blackcobra487

I'm sure there is a way to get it out, it's all a matter of finding the right directions to follow. I came across this page, it may help.
http://www.carstereoremoval.com/htm/...libu97_00P.htm

superjavs1

Thanks for that, but I think I may end up getting an iTrip, because it's a lot cheaper than buying the right AUX cable (I found an iTrip on Amazon for 5 dollars)

How is the quality of the iTrip, though? is it about the same as an FM station, or is it like an AM station, or even worse?

blackcobra487

Many people will tell you that FM modulators, especially the cheap ones, suck. They should have quality close to FM stations, but numerous things affect that.

If you are interested, I was only planning on charging $30 for the Aux adapter. That would include shipping.

superjavs1

Hmmm, I'll try out the FM modulator, and if I don't like the quality, I'll contact you about that AUX adapter. Otherwise, this is my last post in this topic.

superjavs1

UPDATE:

So I got an FM transmitter, and it works great. Only thing is, some songs have a "crackling" noise but that's only because the volume is low, so I have to put the volume up on my radio. I can fix that later by changing the original volume of songs through iTunes. Besides that, the quality of sound is great, almost CD like. I would definitely recommend getting an FM transmitter for those that don't want to spend a lot of money.

I found an iTrip online for 3.99 on Amazon. And I didn't even have trouble finding an unused station. Usually, the lower range of the spectrum is never used, so I use 88.2 and it works great.

blackcobra487

Glad it worked well for you. I know the one I had wasn't worth the batteries it used.

MP3Car.com