Ipod connector for 2008 Avalon

[billberry12]

What do you readers feel is the best ipod connector for me to get so that I can control the ipod with my radio controls on my unit and steering? There seem to several models availbable. Toyota has a couple as well as some aftermarket brands. How much can I expect to have to pay someone to get it installed properly, of where can I find instructions to do it myself?

thanks,

[mugu]

I have the USA spec I purchased through crutchfield. Asides from the drama with it not working with the iPhone 3g which required me to send it in, I get a highpitched whine now. It almost sounds like a little feedback, almost alternator whine.

Also, there is no proper dipswitch configuration for my stock deck, so while I have steering wheel control I do not have CD text and I have to change to "disc 9" to control it on the PMP itself.

Overall, I was disappointed.

[billberry12]

Sorry to hear of your bad luck. What year and model car do you have? And what model ipod connector. Did you install it your self?

[mugu]

I have a 2006 Avalon, I have the middle range non-navi head unit. It doesn't have the SAT button but does have tape.

I have the TOY-PA15 by USA Spec as mentioned, so your mileage may vary depending on how it plays nice with your stereo.

I installed it myself which wasn't so hard, all it took was to plug the ipod adapter into the CD changer port. Hard part was figuring out how to remove the stereo itself (had to remove the ignition key grommet then pretty much else of the dash heh).

[AvyLimited]

I just installed the Toyota kit and it seems to work well. I have a 2007 with Nav and so I can only comment on my install, but it allows control of the IPOD from the radio or the steering wheel controls. It displays the artist and part of the song title on the display and you can control it by Artist, Album, Playlist, or just leave it in shuffle. Still trying to figure out all the controls, but as I said seems to work well. The install took about 45 minutes start to finish. I followed the instructions here: http://www.trdsparks.com/install/PT545-00082Avalon.pdf

I ordered the kit from my local dealer and it was just under $200