Car Audio Question.

[Husker_OS]

My car has a single disc CD player. I despise single disc CD players and want to get either a CD changer to put under the seat(or somewhere close to me). I have audio controls on the steering wheel, and love it. So my question is, if I purchase a CD changer is it going to mess up the steering wheel audio controls?

[zasbury25]

Re: Car Audio Question.

Just as long you don't replace your factory CD player, your steering wheel controls for volume and radio will continue to work. Your steering wheel controls will not work with the changer, unless you purchase one from the dealership (usually more $$$) that connects directly into your factory radio.

[Chaos81]

Re: Car Audio Question.

What kind of car do you have?

[Husker_OS]

Re: Car Audio Question.

Just as long you don't replace your factory CD player, your steering wheel controls for volume and radio will continue to work. Your steering wheel controls will not work with the changer, unless you purchase one from the dealership (usually more $$$) that connects directly into your factory radio.

So if I'm using the CD changer, I can't change the volume or tracks via the steering wheel controls?

What kind of car do you have?

'04 Grand Cherokee

[zasbury25]

Re: Car Audio Question.

Basically, you have three options...

1) Buy a Factory CD Changer and data cable and be able to use the steering wheel controls to control the cd changer and volume. This is the most expensive option.

2) Buy an aftermarket CD changer and a data cable that will hook up with your factory radio. You will be able to control the changer and volume, but about $100 more than option 3. Only a select few changers will work with this option.

3) Buy an aftermarket FM Modulated CD Changer and only be able to control the volume with the steering wheel controls when using the changer. FM Mod Changers come with a seperate controller that changes discs/tracks. This is the least expensive and any FM Mod Changer will work with your system.

Hope this helps.

[Chaos81]

Re: Car Audio Question.

'04 Grand Cherokee

And it doesn't have a stock CD changer? First one I've seen that doesn't have a CD changer in it and I've worked on 15+.

Anyways, Jeep does have a CD Changer avaliable for those. You have the three choices that were posted above by zasbury25. Like was mentioned, the cheapest option is to get an FM modulator. You can still change the volume, but you won't be able to control the tracks.

However, if you get a factory installed one, you will be able to change tracks on the steering wheel.

Hope it helps.

[Husker_OS]

Re: Car Audio Question.

And it doesn't have a stock CD changer? First one I've seen that doesn't have a CD changer in it and I've worked on 15+.

Anyways, Jeep does have a CD Changer avaliable for those. You have the three choices that were posted above by zasbury25. Like was mentioned, the cheapest option is to get an FM modulator. You can still change the volume, but you won't be able to control the tracks.

However, if you get a factory installed one, you will be able to change tracks on the steering wheel.

Hope it helps.

How much is the factory installed one going to cost?

[Chaos81]

Re: Car Audio Question.

I have no idea, but it probably won't be cheap. Just call your local dealership and ask.

[p_rushing]

Re: Car Audio Question.

http://www.pie.net/store/index.cfm?action=ViewDetails&ItemID=6

PIE makes a lot of interfaces. This will allow you to connect any aftermarket cd changer with the rca connection. As far as the steering wheel controls, give them a call and they can tell you what you need to get.

I bought a part from them to hook up my MP3 player to the factory radio, it works great.

[Ridgeberg]

Re: Car Audio Question.

Can anyone suggest options to hook-up and iPod to a factory radio?

I have an 06 Subaru Impreza. Apple doesn't make the adapter for Subaru yet. Since it is a lease, I am reluctant to buy a new CD player with iPod capabilities, unless I really have to. Although I did see Best Buy offering free installation and I could pick up a new player for $130 or so.

I saw the link to PIE, but I am clueless. Any car junkie advice would be great!

[p_rushing]

Re: Car Audio Question.

PIE should have an adapter, but nothing is listed for Subaru, so its just a matter of searching their forum and finding which one works. Basically what you are doing is hooking the adapter into the spot for a cd changer on the back of the radio. This is your best option for a lease because all you do is pull out the radio and plug it in, then put it back.