How to Convert a Portable MP3 Player to a Car Stereo

Safely use your MP3 player in your car.

You want to listen to your favorite MP3 playlists while you're driving your car, but you don't want to risk wearing headphones that would restrict your hearing while driving. Furthermore, in some states it's illegal to wear stereo headphones in this case. Depending on the capabilities of your car stereo, there are several ways you can convert your MP3 player to use with a car stereo and play your tunes through the car's speakers.

Things You'll Need

• MP3 player
• In-dash car stereo
• 3.5mm male-to-male audio cable
• MP3 player interface adapter
• FM transmitter device
• Universal car audio cassette adapter

Instructions

1. Use the AUX jack in your in-dash car stereo. Newer, higher-end car stereo systems may have a built-in AUX jack to which you can connect your MP3 player. You'll need to get a 3.5mm male-to-male audio cable. Connect one end of the cable to the MP3 player's headphone jack. Connect the other end of the cable to the AUX jack. Select the AUX channel on your car stereo (check your manual for instructions specific to your car stereo). Turn on the MP3 player. You should hear the music through the car stereo speakers.

2. Add an MP3 player interface adapter to your in-dash car stereo. Connect one end of the cable to the MP3 player's headphone jack. Connect the other end of the cable to the 3.5mm jack on the adapter. Refer to the adapter's user manual to learn how to activate the jack through the car stereo. Turn on the MP3 player. You should hear the music through the car stereo speakers.

3. Use an FM transmitter device with a 3.5mm jack. Plug the FM transmitter into the car's cigarette lighter/auxiliary power receptacle. Turn on the FM radio on the car stereo. Follow the manufacturer's directions to tune in an FM radio station that is not broadcasting a program. Once the device finds an unused channel, use a 3.5mm male-to-male audio cable to plug the MP3 player into the jack on the FM transmitter. Turn on the MP3 player. You should hear the music through the car stereo.

4. Use a universal car audio cassette adapter if you have an older car stereo with a cassette player. The cassette will have a 3.5mm audio cable attached. Plug the end of the cable into the headphone jack of the MP3 player. Insert the cassette player into the car stereo and push play, if the tape doesn't start automatically. Turn on the MP3 player. You should hear the music through the car stereo.

Tips & Warnings

• If you use an FM transmitter, you will probably need to change the radio station frequency at times if you are traveling a long distance. Also, the sound quality may not be as good as what you can get with an AUX jack or interface adapter.

• Find an MP3 player interface adapter that is compatible with the stereo system in your specific make and model of car. These adapters usually require professional installation. The adapter has a 3.5mm jack to accommodate a 3.5mm male-to-male audio cable.

References

• Auxiliary Inputs
• MattGilbert: Car Stereo iPod Input Hack