Aux In for 2004/2005 prius

I have the DICE and I use the AUX input for my portable XM radio. I need to use a Ground Loop Isolator.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusInsight @ Oct 4 2006, 06:25 PM) [snapback]328141[/snapback]</div>

Prius isn't listed in the "Application Guide". I don't know if it will work or not.

Others have used the PAC AUX-BOX. It requires two cables, the AB-TOY and the AB-TOYT.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusInsight @ Oct 4 2006, 06:25 PM) [snapback]328141[/snapback]</div>

I had an unwired FM modulator, but too many stations on my dial here made it impossible, so I switched to a PAC aux box (I have the single CD stereo -- this won't work with the JBL from what I hear). Basically, it spoofs a CD changer, so I hit the disc button again to get the aux input. Comes with a nice long miniplug cable, or RCA inputs. I went with the long cable and run it to the flip out cupholder when I have the mp3 player in the car. When I get more motivated (i.e. have time) I'm planning to run the cable under the carpet and into the console for a more finished look. As it is, it comes out beside the lower glove box, and I can coil it into the glove box when I'm not using it. One of us is bothered by seeing the wire, and one of us isn't, if you know what I mean, so that may factor into your install plans.

No problems so far, it was a little confusing as to the cables I needed since in theory this isn't supported, some things I read said I needed both an AB-TOY and AB-TOYT cable, but an AB-TOYX worked for me. I was able to install myself just removing the lower glove box and the vent unit to the right of the radio. It is a little tricky to plug in the cable into the socket on the rear of the radio, but if I can do it, I suspect most anyone can. I used some wire ties to fasten it into place and ties the cables down. The only scary part is prying the vent loose, good instructions, though, to be found here.

I picked the PAC since it was cheaper (under $100), and I didn't need iPod integration since I don't use an iPod, and figured just a plain aux audio input was more flexible in case I decide to get a portable satellite radio unit or something.

Sounds great, I use an MP3 player off of batteries, so no ground issues. If there were, the big box stores have simple solutions.

A wired FM modulator would not have as good a sound quality, but that really depends on your tastes. If you are listening to sports or talk most of the time, then it might be a better alternative.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusInsight @ Oct 5 2006, 04:59 PM) [snapback]328633[/snapback]</div>

I got the box and cable from www.thebettersource.com, no affiliation, but I have to admit, I sort of picked them at random after googling, so there might be better deals, ymmv. Good luck with your install.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusInsight @ Oct 5 2006, 11:29 PM) [snapback]328798[/snapback]</div>

Yes, I'm very happy with it. The lack of an Aux input was my biggest complaint about my '05, and this fixed it. I do have to crank the volume a bit on the MP3 player, but levels are fine, and it sounds great to me. Well, not as great as the aftermarket Alpine I had in one of my previous cars, but at least as good as CD. Much much clearer than trying to use an FM adapter.

The PAC box "acts like" a CD changer, you hit the Disc button again to toggle between the CD and the AUX input. The MFD always displays something like Disc 1, Track 1 when the aux input is selected.

The box itself is hidden behind the dash, there's no interaction with it. It has some DIP switches that need to be set according to instructions with the specific cable when you install it, but other than that, it's just there. I have the cable with the miniplug coming out from under the dash, and I do plan to reroute my cable some time. As it is now, I put it in the glove box when not in use, and the car appears totally stock then.

 

I was using the PAC Aux Box in my 05 for about six months now. Just got my DICE so I pulled it out. Sound quality was great, however it did not work well with my Nav/6 disc combo. The factory in dash changer and the aux box would fight for CD1. If the car was left on "cd changer" and you powered the car on, you would get access from the CD changer. If you went to FM and then back to CD you would get the AUX BOX. The big gotcha was you couldn't get back to the factory changer until you powered the car off. From what I have read it works great with the single changer.

I'm selling my unit as I don't need it anymore, $50 including both cables to make it work with the Prius.