How to Connect an iTouch to a Car Stereo

The iTouch is one of the latest portable media devices from Apple, combining elements of a portable audio player, computer and phone into a single device. One of the most common uses of the iTouch is playing music while driving. Connecting an iTouch to a car stereo can be accomplished with a few different methods.

Things You'll Need

• iTouch
• iTouch FM transmitter
• iTouch USB cable
• 1/8-inch-to-RCA cable
• 1/8-inch-to-1/8-inch cable
• Power drill
• Driver bit

Instructions

Connect an iTouch through an Auxiliary Input

1. Connect a 1/8-inch-to-1/8-inch cable to the headphone/line out input of the iTouch.

2. Connect the opposite end of the cable to the 1/8-inch jack on the faceplate of the car stereo.

3. Switch the car stereo's input to "AUX."

4. Play an audio file on the iTouch and adjust the volume level by adjusting the volume on both the car stereo and the iTouch.

Connect an iTouch through a USB Input

1. Connect an iTouch USB cable to the iTouch.

2. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the USB input of the car stereo.

3. Switch the car stereo's input to "USB." On many car stereos, the stereo will automatically identify that the USB input is being used and switch to that input.

4. Play an audio file on the iTouch and adjust the volume level by adjusting the volume on the car stereo. The iTouch may be controlled via the stereo controls in "HEAD" mode, or controlled via the iTouch controls in "IPOD" mode.

Connect an iTouch through a Rear Auxiliary Input

1. Check if your vehicle's stereo has an auxiliary (AUX) input that accepts RCA cable connectors. Manufacturer's instruction manuals and websites as well as other online resources can provide this information. If it does have a free AUX input, an RCA-to-1/8-inch cable can be directly hard-wired into the stereo.

2. Remove the front panel, or bezel, that surrounds the stereo and heating/air conditioning controls. Some bezels can be pulled directly off, but most have screws that must be removed before removing the bezel. Manufacturer's instruction manuals usually indicate how to remove each vehicle model's bezel.

3. Remove the stereo from its bracket. This is usually done by loosening screws on either side of the stereo's faceplate and sliding it forward. Some stereos require special mini-tools for removal that are included with the vehicle or can be purchased from the manufacturer.

4. Locate the AUX inputs on the back of the stereo. They will be small RCA inputs, colored white and red.

5. Plug the RCA-to-1/8-inch cable's RCA plugs into the corresponding inputs on the back of the stereo.

6. Reinsert the stereo and screw it into place.

7. Pass the 1/8-inch end of the RCA-to-1/8-inch cable through the front of the bezel. You can do this either by drilling a small hole in the bezel or by passing it through the side of the bezel when the bezel is reattached.

8. Reattach the bezel. Your stereo is now hard-wired to use an iTouch by switching to the AUX input on the stereo and connecting the 1/8-inch plug into the headphone jack of the iTouch.

Connect an iTouch Using an Input Converter

1. Purchase a converter if your stereo doesn't have a free auxiliary input. A converter allows a signal from an MP3 player to be played through a vehicle's stereo when free auxiliary inputs are not available. Different vehicles require different types of converters, and the correct type for your vehicle may be purchased from vehicle manufacturers or car audio retailers.

2. Remove the front panel, or bezel, that surrounds the stereo and heating/air conditioning controls. Some bezels can be pulled directly off, but most have screws that must be removed before removing the bezel. Manufacturer's instruction manuals usually indicate how to remove each model's bezel.

3. Locate the input for the converter on the back of the stereo. These inputs most often have multi-pin connections and will match the plug on the converter.

4. Pass the input cable of the converter through the front of the bezel. You can do this by drilling a small hole in the bezel or by passing it through the side of the bezel when the bezel is reattached.

5. Reattach the bezel. Your stereo is now hard-wired to use an iTouch by switching to the converter input and plugging the cable directly into your iTouch.

Connect an iTouch with an FM Transmitter

1. Connect the power jack of the FM transmitter to a power outlet (cigarette lighter) in the car.

2. Connect the iTouch end of the FM transmitter to the iTouch.

3. Tune the car stereo's radio to the station the FM transmitter is transmitting from.

4. Adjust the volume during playback on the iTouch controls and the car stereo's controls, and control playback through the iTouch controls..

Tips & Warnings

• Altering the original configuration of your car's stereo and drilling holes into the interior can decrease the car's resale value. Consider this possibility before proceeding with any permanent alterations to your car.

References

• Crunchgear: DIY: Hardwire Your iPod or MP3 Player to Your Car's Head Unit
• PC Magazine: 6 Wayst to Link iPods and Car Radios
• Popular Mechanics: The 5 Best iPod Adapters, and How to Install Them