I have a 2007 Toyota Prius and I would love to connect my iPod directly without using an FM transmitter. Is there anything I can have installed to do this? I called my local Toyota dealer but they want to charge $400 something! I also went to Circuit City but they didnt have anything that would work on a Prius. Any advice would be great.
Try this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B000J022G6?tag=priuschatcom-20 I have one and it works great. This is a direct iPod line out to your car's 3.5mm aux port. You won't be able to see the songs on the MFD, but you can control the volume using your radio knob or steering wheel volume buttons.
Sadly I have the basic model and have no aux port. I regret not paying the extra $ for it now. I wanted to find a way to install an aux port device to use my iPod.
In that case, I would buy the VAIS SoundLinQ2 SL2i kit: Product Listing - 6|10 = 2007 Prius with Standard AM/FM CD including JBL Audio System The kit will set you back about $225 + about $100 for installation at your local car audio store. With this system, you will be able to view songs and song lists directly on your MFD and control volume on your steering wheel. The system also powers on and off your iPod automatically.
There is also the DICE, which is available at here at the Prius Shop. It costs about $150 and the Silverline will let you scroll through Playlists, Artists, and Songs with the tuning knob on your radio. Like the VAIS, it'll stop and start your iPod and will charge it at the same time (like the VAIS). You can install both the VAIS and the DICE yourself. It takes about 30 minutes.
Jean, I have a minimally used DICE for sale. Please research this unit before buying though as many people have experienced intermittent problems/crashes with it. Mine has a broken retaining tab on the connector for the back of the stereo, but it still stays in and works just fine. Make me an offer.
Does anybody know where I can get DICE installed in the Los Angeles area? I dont mind driving to have it installed correctly.
Definitely go for the newer DICE silverline. (No offense, Evan.) The older ones do tend to have problems, but on 2007 and prior, I've heard the silverline is better. I have an older DICE and every few months just have to "reset" it by unplugging the DICE/MFD connection (not from the back of the radio) when it tries to imitate the dreaded MFD failure. I'm only minimally handy and would NEVER install a regular stereo in a car, but installing the DICE is pretty easy, you just have to get some interesting angles and plug it into the back of the factory stereo unit. Can't help you out regarding installers, though, sorry. Sonya
Does the DICE silverline also display the video from the Video iPod? It would be nice to use the MFD for my kids to watch the movies from the iPod
I have the ipod aux but I need a cable. How do I know what kind of cable to buy? I have a 2008 Prius. I was going to to go to best buy instead of buying one from the dealership.
No, the Silverline won't. It will allow you to change playlists, songs and artists using the tuning knob of the radio. I think Coastal sells something like that. I don't have an aux input, but I believe it's a 1/8" male to male cable which plugs into the earphone output of the iPod to the aux input. It can be gotten at many places, like Best Buy or Radio Shack.
Note: If your going the aux cable route, you may want to buy a ground loop isolator... or you may get static or noise... if you have your car charging your ipod.
