Hello everyone! I have a 2002 Highlander Limited (USA), and I'm contemplating connecting an iPod to the stock head unit. The correct Neo iON part for my 2002 Highlander is this one from mp3yourcar.com. My concern is in regards to the car changer port on the stock head unit. Being a Limited Highlander, the head unit is a tape player/radio/6-disc in-dash cd changer. My question is, would this head unit actually have a cd-changer port in the back, even though it already comes with a 6-disc in-dash changer? And if it does have the cd-changer port, would I lose the cd-changer capability of the head unit? Pardon my ignorance, but any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
iTrip FM transmitter works for me. It was designed aroung the iPod and is powered by the iPod itself. You can get them on ebay if you're looking to save a couple of bucks.
ModPod,
What would work fine? I get great reception in my toyota but terrible reception in my wifes saab. Is there a better way? I'm sincerely interested.
LaRado, the Neo Ion is NOT an FM transmitter solution. I don't want an FM transmitter because I've tried one before with a previous MP3 player and the reception isn't consistent with either of my cars. The Neo Ion connects to the CD-changer port of your car's stereo, and the other end connects directly to your iPod. It's the best solution because you get the best possible sound from a portable MP3 player out there.
ModPod, I see you've been preaching the Neo Ion solution here . Honestly, if I can just figure out if my Highlander actually has a CD-changer port, I'll get the whole setup. I talked to a service person about my 2002 Highlander and the person mentioned that there is no CD-changer port on the back of my car stereo. She mentioned that there is only a singular connector that outputs sound and power (a specialized connector???). I'm not sure if I fully believe that story, so I guess I'm gonna have to bribe one of my co-workers to take the stock stereo apart just to check.
ModPod, on your web page that depicts adding the Neo Ion, which connector is the cd-changer port on this page? Just curious in case I get to see the back of my stereo's connectors.
If anyone can save me the extra work of checking my Highlander's rear connections, you get a cookie and my everlasting kudos.
I have the neo in two of my cars and really like it. After trying to get a fm modulator to work and realizing that it was a lot cause an installer friend told me about the neo. I bought one for myself and my girlfriend wanted one after playing with mine.
LaRado - I haven’t heard of anyone making an adapter that will work in a Sabb.
track2 - I think the service person you talked to might have been wrong. If you can take a picture of the rear of your radio I could tell you for sure but I still think you have a cd changer port. Toyotas for the most part have very compatible and user friendly stereo equipment.
Track2, I understood that you didnt want an FM transmitter after your first response. Thanks. I didn't know what solution ModPod was suggesting. Now I do. Thanks again.
ModPod, the Saab has an after-market head unit so I'm hoping this will work for us. Thanks!
Just a thought track2 but those sound/power outputs could be pre-outs and remote output to set yourself up with an amp and sub? So that story might not be entirely untrue.
__________________ 90' Toyota HTP Pickup 22RE 3" Body Lift Breathin K&N with 31" Sneakers.
@ElmerFudd, interesting theory, I just have no idea if it's right .
@ModPod, speaking of the connections on my car stereo...check out this eBay auction. This looks just like the car stereo in my Highlander, and I'm pretty sure that's the one. Better yet, the seller even mentions it was pulled from a 2002 Toyota (ok it was a Solara, but close enough???). Take a look at the picture of the rear connectors. Is one of those the right connector?
I also sent an e-mail today to the sales dept. at mp3yourcar.com asking what their return policy was. If they don't charge a re-stocking fee for returns (and I told them the only reason I'd return it is if it's not compatible), I might get it.
That looks exactly like the rear of my deck and it works fine - the service person doesn’t know what their talking about. So yeah I am 100% sure that it will work being as the rear of your radio looks just like mine.
Hi ModPod. Thanks for the reply...sounds like it should work, yay! Just thought I'd update this thread I started...
MP3yourcar.com did reply the next day to my e-mail stating that they would not charge a restocking fee for a return (I would just pay to ship it), so I went ahead and bought the part. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll have time to try it out until next weekend, so hopefully all should go well. If it all works I'll even post pic with the setup :-).
That lady at the service center at the local Toyota was wrong, dead wrong, BWA HA HA HA HA! Sorry, lost my composure . So I decided to crack open the Highlander myself (too impatient to wait for my friend to help me), and lo and behold there was a CD-changer connector that matched the adapter I purchased from mp3yourcar.com. Hooked up the iPod (well, borrowed my wife's ) and it worked!!! Interestingly enough, I do not lose functionality of the CD changer. If I have just 1 disc in the changer it will play from the CDs, but as soon as all the discs are removed from the changer the iPod will work. Works better than I thought, and best of all I get the sound quality I've been holding out for on my car stereo. I did a little "mod" by drilling a semicircle into the area that the dash panel meets the bottom panel. This allows the cable to go through to the front near the cigarette lighter. I've purchased a cigarette lighter mount for the iPod, so the cable will connect to the bottom of the mount. Should work out great.
Thanks everyone for your replies. Now all you '02 Highlander owners know that it works .
That lady at the service center at the local Toyota was wrong, dead wrong, BWA HA HA HA HA! Sorry, lost my composure . So I decided to crack open the Highlander myself (too impatient to wait for my friend to help me), and lo and behold there was a CD-changer connector that matched the adapter I purchased from mp3yourcar.com. Hooked up the iPod (well, borrowed my wife's ) and it worked!!! Interestingly enough, I do not lose functionality of the CD changer. If I have just 1 disc in the changer it will play from the CDs, but as soon as all the discs are removed from the changer the iPod will work. Works better than I thought, and best of all I get the sound quality I've been holding out for on my car stereo. I did a little "mod" by drilling a semicircle into the area that the dash panel meets the bottom panel. This allows the cable to go through to the front near the cigarette lighter. I've purchased a cigarette lighter mount for the iPod, so the cable will connect to the bottom of the mount. Should work out great.
Thanks everyone for your replies. Now all you '02 Highlander owners know that it works .
Glad it worked for you and that you like it. I <3 having my iPod in my car...
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. Honestly, if I can just figure out if my Highlander actually has a CD-changer port, I'll get the whole setup. I talked to a service person about my 2002 Highlander and the person mentioned that there is no CD-changer port on the back of my car stereo. She mentioned that there is only a singular connector that outputs sound and power (a specialized connector???). I'm not sure if I fully believe that story, so I guess I'm gonna have to bribe one of my co-workers to take the stock stereo apart just to check.
) and it worked!!! Interestingly enough, I do not lose functionality of the CD changer. If I have just 1 disc in the changer it will play from the CDs, but as soon as all the discs are removed from the changer the iPod will work. Works better than I thought, and best of all I get the sound quality I've been holding out for on my car stereo. I did a little "mod" by drilling a semicircle into the area that the dash panel meets the bottom panel. This allows the cable to go through to the front near the cigarette lighter. I've purchased a cigarette lighter mount for the iPod, so the cable will connect to the bottom of the mount. Should work out great.
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