Hard wiring a ground loop isolator in '08 Touring

Hey, that's a great idea! I hate keeping the isolator in my console too. Such needless clutter.

It's pretty easy to remove the center console. There are two 10mm hex screws inside the console (toward the rear) and a few on both front sides (you need to first pop out the front piece to reveal the front screws).

If you do it, let me know how it goes. I'd like to do the same.

 

When you do pull the center console, watch out for the wires. They connect to the Aux jack, the power jack, and the SKS antenna. There is a fair amount of play, so you can move the console around a bit, but don't get rammy and yank it out wires and all.

Tom

 

The PAC looks good. I probably will get one myself.

I currently have the Radio Shack model, which has dual RCA jacks. Although the unit works well, the cabling is a mess because it requires a 3.5mm-to-RCA Y-adapter on both ends. (I was traveling at the time and didn't have much choice).

Assuming you're using a device that has a 3.5mm jack with this, you could test it out as is before actually splicing the Aux input in your car. If it works then take the next step. Based on all the positive reviews, this should be a good buy.

 

I use the PAC one from Crutchfield, works great. Had one from Radio Shack that didn't eliminate the hum.

 

I also have the PAC one from Crutchfield and I am happy with it.

 

Thanks! I will order mine today to replace the rat's nest in my console. Even without a hard-wiring mod, the 3.5mm connections on the PAC alone will be worth it. Can't believe I hadn't found this solution sooner...

 

Scosche used to make a really effective one..might want to look into it.

 

The only Scosche one I could find has RCA connectors, so that won't help.

But I did find this Seidio model that, interestingly, has a 3.5mm jack on one end and a 2.5mm jack on the other. So if you have a device that has a 2.5mm plug for audio out, this should save you a lot of space.

Seidio Ground Loop Isolator @ store.msmobiles.com

 

How about one from Radio Shack, and mount it right on top of the "Little" battery if it will fit. (That's where mine is in my Honda, works fine there.

Maybe one would fit under the passenger side seat next to the amp (if so equipped)?

 

Thanks for the heads up on the TSB. After searching the GreenHybrid site I finally found the pdf. Looks like it applies to 2006-2007 model years only. No mention if this issue was fixed in the 08 (I assume not), as this TSB was issued in late August 2007.

Anyhow, the file is attached for anyone who's interested. And here's the link to US TSB-AU004-07 from GreenHybrid.

 

I bought the one from radio shack. It fixed the hiss I got from my car pc. I wish I knew about this TSB before I bought the ground loop isolatior. Looks like I might have to make an appointment at my local dealer. I wonder if they will give me the part to install myself.

 

I just called my dealer and spoke with the service department about this TSB. I told them about the noise I experience when using my IPOD wit the auxialary port. He said he'd honor the TSB under my warranty and install the parts on my new 2008. I'll go in and have it done next weekend as my dealer's service department is open on weekends. Thanks for the heads-up guys!!!

 

I took my car in yesterday for an oil change and asked them to look into the Aux problem. I mentioned the TSB to them but they didn't act like they'd ever heard about it. So I left the car there and went back to the office.

About an hour later they called me back and said that indeed there was a TSB on it, that they had ordered the needed parts and would call me to bring the car back in another time to have it installed.

The moral of the story: if you'd like to have this fixed in your car, call your dealership, explain the problem, the TSB number and the required parts so they could order it ahead of time, instead of wasting your time going there only to find out they don't have the parts in stock.

 

the PAC is your answer! i dont know if this setup will match your criteria.
i think the PAC is 3ft long with the cord and plus 3ft long on the aux cable. enough to hide the cord on passenger side and hide down to all weather mats going to 12V socket. from there, i removed the vent just to hide the auto-pilot and goes outside to the air vent.

PAC is amazing product. no whinning sound even your volume goes up to 50!

 

I already have a PAC and I agree that it works as advertised. But I'd still like to have a permanent fix since this is a Toyota defect.