How to Connect an iPod Touch to a Car Stereo
- 1). Use an iPod adapter if your car's stereo has a connection for a CD changer. This will be the most complicated installation, and it may be best left to a professional installer, but the result will be a direct link between your iPod and stereo and the best possible audio quality. This allows you to browse and play music from your iPod Touch with your stereo's controls and you may even be able to see song information directly on your stereo's display. The adapter is connected to the rear of the stereo at the CD changer's "Audio In" ports and also to the CD changer controller port. A dock connecter is routed from the adapter to a suitable location for connecting to the iPod.
- 2). Connect with an auxiliary input if one is available on your stereo. On most newer and aftermarket stereos there will be a mini-jack "Aux In" port on the front of the unit. Connect the iPod with a mini-jack to mini-jack cable from the iPod's headphone jack to the stereo's "Aux In." There may be an "Aux In" located on the rear of the stereo that utilizes stereo RCA jacks. To connect an iPod here, remove the head unit and run a mini-jack to RCA cable from the Headphone Out on the iPod Touch to the "Aux In" RCA jacks. Make sure the "Aux" sound source is selected on the stereo, and use the iPod to control playback.
- 3). If your car has a tape deck, use a cassette adapter to connect your iPod. The mini-jack connector of the adapter is connected to the Headphone Out of the iPod, and the cassette portion is inserted into your tape deck. Press play on the tape deck and control playback with the iPod.
- 4). Use an FM transmitter to wirelessly connect your iPod touch to your car's stereo. The transmitter is either connected to the iPod's Headphone Out or dock, and a radio frequency is selected on the transmitter. That frequency is then dialed in on the radio and playback is controlled through the iPod. Select an unused channel that is broadcasting static; you may need to do some fine tuning to get a clean and clear signal.
