IPod and JBL CD changer?

[KarenW]

I have a 2006 Toyota Matrix XRS which, like many Matrix owners, I love. It's fun, I can carry stuff in it, good gas mileage. It has the JBL 6 CD changer stereo in it. Here's my problem: we use the car when we go on trips, and my husband has an IPod that he wants to connect. As far as can tell, any adapter that we hardwire into the stereo means we have to disconnect the cd changer. Am I missing something, and if not, is there anything we could do that would permit us to have both the IPOD and the cd changer?

[bluesport2k]

Hi,

Are you saying that you are able to disconnect the CD changer and successfully connect an iPod? I just bought a 2007 Matrix (but not the JBL sound system - the factroy 6 CD changer) but if you are successful with the JBL unit then I may just go back to the dealer for a fight (long story).

Thanks
MJC
2007 XR 126 miles

[admanmavo]

I don't know if this will answer your question. I just purchased a 2007 Camry XLE and it (the XLE) features an AUX adapter (located at the bottom of the radio console --- in the metallic compartment that is covered by a door that swings open and shut.)

You can connect an iPod -- or any other MP3 player -- by inserting a jack into the AUX receptacle. The other end of the cord that you use has an identical jack, and that is inserted into your iPod, at the top right of the player (same place you connect the jack if you want to listen to your iPod with earphones or earbuds.)

When you turn on the Camry's radio and select AUX on the radio's controls, you hear whatever is playing on the iPod. The sound is great -- because it's now coming through the Camry's radio; you can increase the volume, change the level of bass, treble, etc.

The only limitation is that while you are listening to the current selection you cannot advance the iPod to the next song or go back to the previous one, or see text on the Camry radio's LED visual panel to identify what selection is being played, etc -- by using either the Camry's radio controls or the controls on the car's steering wheel. You can only advance to the next iPod selection or go to the previous one by manually selecting those on the iPod itself (using your finger on the iPod's control wheel, as you would do if you were listening to the iPod in a normal way.)

I checked with Toyota and they confirmed that limitation; Apple also does not market any device that would allow you to perform those functions via the radio's controls. However, there are third-party manufacturers and their products usually cost around $160; I didn't want to spend the extra money and go through the bother of having those devices hooked up to my new car, so for the time being I'm content to manually control my iPod if I wish to go to the next or previous song (before the current one is finished,)

I don't know whether Toyotas made before the 2007 model year allowed you to very easily hook up an iPod and be able to listen to its audio contents through the car's radio system.

Might I suggest you go to an Apple store (if there's one near where you live) or else go to Apple online, and ask them. Their people seem quite knowledgeable.