Please Note: This article previously appeared on my other general purpose blog which I have since shut down. I thought the topic was techie enough that routine TechTraction readers might find it helpful so I decided to republish it here. Enjoy.

Dying to hook your iPod into your car stereo but don’t want to use one of those FM transmitters? Well, according to the August 2007 issue of Wired magazine all you need is a small adapter cable that converts two RCA jacks (two raised plugs - one red and one white) down to a single 3.5-mm stereo jack. Connect one end to your car stereo and one end to your iPod and you’re in business. If it were only that easy. In nearly all cases the instructions from Wired simply won’t work, here’s why.

Car stereos with RCA connectors are rare

Wired magazine claims that most car stereos have RCA jacks in the rear of the unit so you can attach auxiliary devices such as satellite radio and multi CD changers. While such connections do exist on some car stereos, the presence of such inputs is not guaranteed.

Don’t listen to Wired magazine — find your manual instead

Wired magazine suggests you pull out your car stereo to gain access to the connections they are so confident exist on your system. Take my advice, DON’T DO IT!

Ripping out your car stereo is not as simple as ejecting a CD. Therefore, save yourself the aggravation and potential disappointment — refer to the car stereo’s manual and make sure these connections exist. And, if you don’t find the “promised inputs,” don’t give up hope because there is another possible solution.

There is another way

When the “promised” RCA jacks aren’t found, you still might be able to avoid giving into the FM transmitter for iPod connectivity. If your current car stereo includes a CD player, you might have a multi CD changer expansion port on the back of your car stereo; however, check your car stereo manual before blinding going down this path.

Some aftermarket car stereo accessory manufacturers have found a way to tap into the multi CD changer port using a specialized adapter cable. The custom does still requires access to the back of the car stereo but it does make a direct connection between the car stereo and your iPod.

The adapter cable plugs into an expansion port previously reserved for connecting a multi CD changer. This connection then runs to a small junction box that usually provides a set of dip switches that allow you to configure the connection to your specific car stereo. Then, another cable extends from the other side of this junction box with a connection for your iPod.

Full iPod connectivity with kits from iCarKits

Some of these devices (such as the ones available at iCarKits) are very elaborate and offer full integration with your car stereo allowing you to charge and control your iPod with controls on the car stereo. Other forms of this device simply convert the multi CD changer port into a pair of RCA connections — you know, the ones that Wired magazine says “all” car stereos have. The downside to this type of connection is that you need to find the right match to your existing car stereo, which means you’ll do a fair amount of web research to get just the right device. Also, some of these devices get rather expensive (I’ve seen some around $200). If you’re going to spend that kind of money, you might as well consider a brand new car stereo that already comes with an iPod or auxiliary input connection.

In summary, there are other ways besides using those FM transmitters for iPod/car stereo connectivity. The trick is to find the right device for you system, at the right price, and NOT to listen to Wired magazine.

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Filed under: How-To & Tech Tips