Where to put the "aux-in" jack?

[thenightfly42]

I've been searching and reading through the forums here, and gaining a lot of useful information. I'll be ordering the AUX2CAR setup to attach my iPod, and a ProClip to mount the iPod itself. (I decided against the IPOD2CAR, because in the next 6 years or so I might want XM, or something entirely different, and I don't want to have to reopen the dash.) I'll have a stereo shop do the work, 'cause I don't know how to do this stuff.But, where do people put the aux jack? I've seen some references to routing it to the drawer under the shifter, but I don't completely understand. Are they just loose jacks floating in the drawer, or are the plugs flush-mounted somewhere? Do you need the drawer open to use it? Also, do people generally leave the female RCA jacks, or put another connection in so that it ends as a female 1/8" jack?Thanks for any help.

[Kari]

Mine is in the storage drawer, and it is connected to a wired FM transmitter. It's not really a "jack"...it's actually the stereo plug that you put in the iPod or the Line Out jack on the Sirius/XM car kit. It's not mounted anywhere in there, the cord is just run down into there where it can be wound up and stored. When I need it, I just open the drawer and pull the cord out and plug the jack into the iPod. You do have to leave the drawer open to use it, but it's not distracting, and I find it handy to be able to keep the cord and the iPod hidden when the car is parked by just winding the cord back up and putting both in the drawer.

[thenightfly42]

Hmm, that doesn't sound like it would work for me. 95% of the times I get into the car, I'll be plugging in the iPod, so I don't want to have a drawer open. I think somehow making the jack be physically part of the dashboard would work best, but I don't know what spots it would work. Proximity to the cigarette lighter would be best.

[sloth]

I'd suggest putting a plug in passenger side next to the compartment your talking about.

[GMJAP]

I liked Kari's idea and have my cable threaded down and coiled in the storage drawer under the shifter. As she said it works great - easily out of sight.My cable ends in a 1/8" plug, so I just pull the cable out of the drawer and plug it into the MP3 jack.Routing the cable down there is not as hard as it seems - in fact I think installing the AUX2CAR itself was more difficult. And if you have an 05, there's already a perfect opening above the storage compartment.....BUT since you prefer the jack idea, I think there's enough space to put one next to the 12volt outlet or the 115v switch. I'd put a 1/8" jack - it's small on the dash, and you can always get a 1/8" plug to RCA from RadioShack if needed.PS You might also be able to mount it to the part of the silver trim around the radio, where is curls under, above the climate knobs. It'd be kind out of sight that way if you don't have something plugged in.

[jwalcik]

i ran the cable for mine underneath the plastic around that drawer under the shifter, then up along between the driver seat and the center console. i can tuck the cable away under the seat when it's not in use, and when it is, i can stick my ipod in the cell phone holder in the center console.

[thenightfly42]

Oooh, I think I just found a great location. There's the buttons to the left of the stereo: AC, recirculation, then at the bottom a blank one. Whatever feature that does, my car doesn't have. Is there any reason that I couldn't pull out the fake button and have female RCA jacks flush-mounted there? Is there something behind it that I should be aware of?

[Kari]

I think that button's just a "dummy button" on all of the Vibes, if I remember correctly. Getting it out of the radio bezel without damaging it might be interesting; I haven't really taken the time to examine how the unused button is mounted to the bezel, but that does seem like a good location.

[jeffgtx]

correct me if i am wrong, but doesn't the ipod2car have a thru connection so you can add XM later too?thats what i hooked up my phone hands free too.

[dajonz]

Noob here.I've got an aux button in my '05 vibe (Moon n Tunes) is there actually an auxilliary jack behind the stereo?Must my local shop crack the dash?I would like to be able to hook up my MP3 player by simply running a cable into my glove compartment for example?Thanks a lot!Dajonz

[sloth]

Radio is really easy to take out. There are plenty of topics on it here. Basically you just pull the benzel off and then you have a couple 10mm(IIRC) bolts to remove.

[binary]

There is an aux input - but only one a factory changer can connect to. If you're expecting a couple of RCA jacks - we'd all love that, but they aren't there.A couple of aftermarket options are available that pretend to be a changer, and give you RCA inputs. Last I checked it was about $60. I may be going that route - I'm tired of disassembling my head unit!Oh and the dash part is ultra-easy to remove. grab the lip of the dash part that's just above the HVAC controlls... give a gental tug.Make sure your keys are in the off possition or you're windshield will get wet. Get in your car and look - you'll see what I mean

[dajonz]

Thanks a lot sloth and binary. Appreciate the help!Dajonz

[johnsoax]

My Aux Jack is in the middle console on the back wall of the very front pocket. I will see if I can take a picture of it soon.