How to Hook an MP3 Player Up to the Factory Radio in a 2002 Grand Prix

The 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix offered straightforward options regarding its factory stereo, reflecting its release just before the rising popularity of portable MP3 players. The Grand Prix in SE trim had an AM/FM radio with cassette player, and the GT and GTP trims replaced the cassette player with a CD player. Although the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix lacked an auxiliary input or USB port, a personal MP3 player can still be hooked up to the factory radio.

Things You'll Need

• FM transmitter
• Cassette adapter

Instructions

1. Decide between an FM transmitter and a cassette adapter. If you have a Grand Prix GT or GTP, you will have to use the FM transmitter, since your vehicle is not equipped with a cassette player. If you have a Grand Prix SE, you can choose either option. Outside radio frequencies can sometimes interfere with FM transmitters, but this does not happen with cassette adapters.

2. Purchase an FM transmitter or cassette adapter that works with your MP3 player. IPod-exclusive units tend to plug only into the proprietary plug on the bottom of the iPod, rendering the units useless for MP3 players from other manufacturers. If you don't have an iPod, choose a unit that plugs into your MP3 player's headphone jack.

3. Plug your FM transmitter -- if that is the device you chose -- into your dash's cigarette lighter and synchronize the radio station with one on your factory radio; choose a frequency that is not in use by a radio station.

4. Activate the adapter kit bypass feature on your Grand Prix if you are using the cassette adapter. Turn your ignition to the "run" or "accessory" position and turn off your radio. With the radio off, press the "Tape/Play" button and hold it down for three seconds. A tape symbol will appear and flash on your factory radio's display for two seconds, indicating that the bypass feature has been activated. Insert the cassette adapter into the cassette deck as you would a standard cassette.

5. Turn the volume down on your MP3 player to about midlevel so that you do not blow a speaker or harm your hearing when you plug it in.

6. Plug your FM transmitter or cassette adapter into the headphone jack on your MP3 player, or into the proprietary plug if your player is an iPod.

7. Toggle the volume as you please, but remember that if you keep your MP3 player's volume too low and use your factory radio knob to raise the volume, you will experience sound distortion.

Tips & Warnings

• If you eject the cassette adapter from the dash, you will have to reactivate the bypass feature to operate your adapter the next time.

References

• Edmunds.com: 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
• "2002 Pontiac Grand Prix Owner's Manual"; 2001