hey all, dumb question here: is there any way to play a non-Ipod MP3 player in a Prius? I have a 2004 model and it has the Ipod jack, but I couldn't find an adapter online or info on one on the forums here. thanks!
The quick answer is connecting the headphone output on the player to the Aux in for the Prius (located in the center console). Not sure if there are adapters as you describe.
First things first; welcome to PriusChat. It's always comforting to see another "Old Line State"-er come on board. Standard disclaimer; as I've got a '08, I haven't followed the threads on aux-in issues for the early models too closely. That said, if you have an aux-in it takes a headphone mini plug. You can get a 12 in. cable with male mini plugs on both ends at Radio Shack for a couple of bucks. You'd plug it into the earphone jack on any MP3 player. But the real question is; do you even have a aux-in jack? Later models, '06-'08 have a jack and 12V plug in the center console. As I understand it the 2004 doesn't. That means you'd need some after market equipment; $$$ While you're waiting for more input, you can use the search function at the top right of the page to good advantage. To get you started, this recent thread sounds similar to what you've asked: [http://priuschat.com/forums/audio-electronics/42977-stupid-question-ipod-only.html?highlight=ipod Good luck
This is the cable you need to buy, and do what davidtm said, connect one end to where you'd connect your earplugs on your mp3 player, the other end to your aux input jack inside the compartment between the seats. That is, provided your Prius has that jack. RadioShack.com - Portable Music: Accessories: MP3 player accessories: 3-Ft. 1/8" Stereo Plug Cable
The AUX-IN is def. one of the things that sold me on the car. IMO every car in the last decade or so should have had one. As for a non-ipod mp3 player, I highly recommend the iAudio series from Cowon. Far better features than ipod & much better value too.
Make sure to adjust the volume on the MP3 player to get good playback on the Prius. Often you need to crank the MP3 volume up a bit. Tom
thanks everyone for the info. i'll check to see if i have the aux-in jack (crossing my fingers that i do!), but if not, maybe i'll just go the cheaper but less convenient route of burning my MP3's onto a CD... thanks again!
The OP said that they have a 2004. A 2004 does NOT have the AUX input; that started in 2006. To the OP; was this Prius bought new or used? You mentioned that it has an iPod jack so it might have a VAIS or DICE installed. If so, they have an AUX input.
yep, just checked and no "aux" input on the console, etc. i bought it used about a year ago; i guess the only way to tell if it has a DICE unit is to take apart the console/radio (i saw the DICE unit installation instructions on the DICE website and it looks pretty straightforward) and see if there's a DICE unit hidden in the dashboard? i assume that if there is, its just a matter of replacing the Ipod cable that's currently hooked up to the DICE unit w/ one of the cables from radio shack that others have shown in this post?
You don't need to disconnect the iPod cable. Just follow it to the box. On both the DICE and VAIS there's a separate connector for AUX. I know that the DICE would use the same cable as discussed above. After that you make a change (on the MFD) to toggle between the AUX and the iPod. On the DICE, if it's in CD2 mode (probably) you press CD "5" and press either the up or down button on your steering wheel. Once that's done, pressing CD "1" will allow you to adjust the volume on the DICE. If it's a VAIS, then someone who owns one can help you along those same lines.
so, mixed news: i took apart part of the dash and found that there's a Valor ILink hooked up to the MFD. Bad news (maybe?): looking on PC, it seems most people w/ an ILink are disappointed. Anyone out there know if its possible to hook up a non-Ipod MP3 player to the ILink? There's zero help on the valor website. Looking at the unit, there's the port for the Ipod cable and three other ports: "EXT. IR", "SPDIF" (which currently has nothing plugged into it), and "AV/OUT". thanks!
If you use a mini plug into the aux jack in the center console, can you run the cable out of the box with the top closed and have enough cable to use the mp3 player effectively?
