2008.5 Mazda 3 iPod adapter question

[Iceman_F1]

Hello all,

I've recently purchased a 2008.5 Mazda 3 GT Sport with no real "options". I was thinking of getting the iPod adapter directly from Mazda but the price of everything has made me consider an alternative option.

I've read through a lot of posts about the different models out there but nothing to me stands out. So here's what I'm looking for...

- Works with 32GB iPod Touch (bought within last month)
- Easy to install (a bit paranoid about taking apart my own car but willing to give it a shot)
- Proven works with 2008.5 Mazda 3 GT Sport unit as well as steering wheel controls
- Song display (nice to have but not needed)
- iPod not locked and able to play all songs shuffled instead of just a playlist
- Hopefully not TOO expensive...

Basically, the reason I want this is the "random" button for the MP3 CD player is really annoying. I like being able to switch to another song at random instead of it just jumping to the next song or having to re-random the CD. I tried hooking my iPod up to the AUX port and it works, but if I need to change to a different song, it's a bit awkward.

Also, from what I've read, it's easiest to just put it in the glove compartment. However, I don't have a case for it yet and I'm a bit worried with it moving around in the glove compartment. Is there any suggestions on a good case for the iPod touch that would protect it while still working there or a way to make sure it doesn't move around?

Sorry if this post basically repeats on what a lot of other posts already answered, but I couldn't find a 100% answer to something that would work for the iPod Touch as some people say some will then other people say they have problems with it. Or some people say it works with their 2008.5 and others don't.

If there's nothing out there, I'll probably end up calling Mazda to do it but I want to see if there's a less expensive option first...

Thanks for taking the time to read this post and I await any answers...

[RallyPlaya]

PM Flipdaddy he is the Parts Manager for Mazda of Toronto and they have a great Ipod integration system thats directly connected to the cars controls.... BTW i also have an itouch integrated on my 3 and its Sweet works really well with the car

[crazycanuck]

is it possible just to connect to the aux input and control songs from your iPod?

Or is the adapter necessary to get an iPod to work with the car speakers?

N/M a search of threads suggest I gotta get an adapter

[Iceman_F1]

is it possible just to connect to the aux input and control songs from your iPod?

Or is the adapter necessary to get an iPod to work with the car speakers?

N/M a search of threads suggest I gotta get an adapter

No, you can attach it through the AUX input in the center console, however that method just transfers the audio. To control things that way, you have to have your iPod out to be able to change the iPod volume and switch songs. I want to be able to control things from the steering wheel and have the iPod out of sight. Maybe if a friend is in the car, be able to use either the steering wheel or the iPod, but mostly steering wheel.

So to do it that way, you need an adapter or some wireless remote for the ipod...

[crazycanuck]

Cool.

My original plan was just to build a mount for my touch and control it from there.
Do you know where I can pick up an aux input cable?

[Iceman_F1]

Pretty much any electronics store should have them...

All you need is a Male-to-Male 3.5mm Audio Cable...like this one
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS80730252&catid=25877

Obviously they come cheaper than Futureshop, but it was the easiest website that had the product.

[crazycanuck]

I never knew the aux input for the car was only 3.5mm. I could've swore it was a lot bigger.

[Iceman_F1]

Nope, standard headphone jack plug. Unless you have something different in your car, all the decks/AUX plugs in cars I've seen have just been that. I took a cord from work for mine...same ones we have for the back of the computer speaker to the monitor speaker.

[crazycanuck]

I think the 07s might be different. At least on the GX models, which is what I drive.

The aux input is in the storage unit next to the arm rest. No aux input for the deck area.

[Iceman_F1]

No, that's the same place mine is...if you mean in the storage area that is the center arm rest...

but either way, it's just the AUX plug with another place to put the power for (basically 2nd cig. hole)

With this Mazda, that's where they have it. I got a Panasonic CD player for my old '98 Camry and it was on the deck itself but still the same style plug.

[crazycanuck]

nevermind. Bought a male-male aux jack, and it worked wonders. Had the car almost a year now, and I finally figure this out. I was still burning damn CDs, when I had an iPod.

[Iceman_F1]

XD

Glad to hear it worked. Yeah, right now, I still use CD Players until I get my iPod adapter cause I don't want to control it from my iPod often.

[x_o_k_x]

I believe OEM Adapter does not work with IPHONE/ITOUCH. So even if you wanted to buy one it wouldnt work. But there is plenty others, just do a search thing on top. Im sure you will find something you like.

[Iceman_F1]

Good to know. Then again, I ordered an AudioLink one that, from the responce I got from them, said it would work for a touch and 2008.5. Guess I'll see when it comes in and my friend hooks it up.

[Iceman_F1]

UPDATE as a sort of warning to others. I ordered a iPod Adapter from http://www.audiolinkcanada.com/ and got the unit at a decent speed. HOWEVER, it has problems working with the 2008.5 Mazda 3. From what I can tell, it's not the iPod model but more the headunit as I tried on a family members 2008 and it worked as described (both for iPod Touch and iPod Nano).

I'm still in contact with them to see if I have to return it or whatever but just a heads up. They were relaying my emails to 'theRPMstore' since that's where they get the units from and their response was the following...

"Hi

I sent the issue to RPM in the states and they responded that it is the third 2008 Mazda3 customer to have a problem with the AudioLink unit.

His response quoted:

“This is the 3rd 2008 Mazda 3 customer to complain, so I think that Mazda changed something in the "2008.5" version that prevents the AudioLink from working. However, I'm not even sure what "2008.5" means. Perhaps you can ask this customer specifically what the differences are between the 2008 and 2008.5 since he has access to both.

We will likely need to get a head unit and send it to the manufacturer to have the AudioLink updated for these newer vehicles.”

Can you shed any light on the question?"

As it stands, I may end up selling the adapter and trying to see if an OEM model will work...but if not, then I'll just do without one until there is something 100% for the 2008.5 working with an iPod Touch.

If anyone knows of anything that for sure works, let me know? I know the NeoProLink one doesn't. When I emailed them, they said they were working out issues with it...the AudioLink doesn't. I guess the 2008.5 is too new right now -_-;

Anyways, just a heads up for anyone that might stumble on this and want to know.

[JohnnyMapleLeaf]

Interested to see how this turns out for you. I am using the aux cable input on my new 2008.5, but l would like to be able to control in from my steering wheel as well, and have the ipod hidden. It's dangerous, IMO to be fiddling around with an ipod in the centre consol when one of my wife's Justin Timberlake songs comes on! lol.

[Mike]

I have a Audiolink with a 2008 car. The unit they sent me didn't work good with my car to. It kept pausing the ipod every couple minutes. I did a bunch of troubleshooting and narrowed it down to the cable that plugs into the ipod. They ended up sending me a new wire and it seemed to help the problem (now only occasionally paused the ipod)
Not sure what kind of problems you are experiencing. Is it similar?
Audiolink seemed to be good for customer support (I was talking to Phil) but I'm not 100% sold on the product. When it works thu, it works good.

[Iceman_F1]

Nope. Completely different problem.

I have a 2008.5, my mom has a 2008. I also have 2 different ipods. A 2GB 1st gen iPod Nano and a 32GB iPod Touch. Here are the steps I tried...

1) Hook up AudioLink to my 2008.5. Power goes through the unit and charges iPod. No matter what I push, won't go into the play mode so doesn't recognize. This step I tried with the iPod Touch.

2) Hook up AudioLink to my 2008.5 with the iPod Nano. Same as step 1. Charges the Nano but doesn't go into the play mode. and yes, I had to hook it up a 2nd time because I didn't think to try the Nano right after the touch.

3) Hook up the AudioLink to my mom's 2008 with the iPod Nano, works as stated. Double tap CD to go into play mode or use the steering wheel. Everything works as it said it would.

4) While connected to my mom's 2008, unplug the iPod Nano and plug in the iPod Touch, again, worked as stated.

So I narrowed the problem down to the stereo being different between the 2008 and the 2008.5 models. Now being in contact with Phil from AudioLink Canada and him relaying messages back to theRPMstore, it's basically confirmed that it's a problem with the 2008.5 and the change in stereo. Which is the info I posted in my last post.

So now I'm down to 2 basic options and waiting to hear back from Phil. I either A) send it back to AudioLink Canada and get a refund or B) see if anyone on these forums wants/needs a iPod adapter. To me, it doesn't matter which, but I don't have the post count to post things on the classifieds board yet and I'm waiting to hear back from Phil on if he's heard anything more from theRPMstore in the week that I sent my last message.

[QBA]

I bough a Mazda 3 2008.5 only a few weeks ago and after reading in diferent forums, I understand that the Ipod adapters have a lot of issues communicating with the factory stereo or the other way around, plus I don't think they display the song title either.

I called Mazda dealer and they told me that the new Mazda 3 2009 will have all this issues fixed, So I'm praying here that he new car stero still has the same shape of the 2008.5 one. I guess it should be as easy as buying the new 2009 factory stereo and replacing the one that came with the 2008.5 right?

I don't know a lot about cars but I'm guessing it should be as easy as that right?

Thanks

Alex

[Iceman_F1]

I think all it needs is a redesign/recode of the connector to recognize the 2008.5 stereo. I don't think the 2009 will be too different from the 2008.5 so what they fix with that model iPod adapter might work well enough for the 2008.5. Not sure. I suppose the person to ask is flipdady but he didn't respond in this thread nor my PM so can't say for sure about the OEM one.

[QBA]

The guy from the Mazda dealer told me that the new 2009 stereo will be able to display the mp3 information as well, so artist name, song title and all that.

[x_o_k_x]

Im using OEM Ipod adapter on my 08.5gt. You need 2 different kits: 1 is Ipod Adapter2 and other is Ipod harnes kit2. So its two seperate things that makes your Ipod work in the car. It also allow you to see on the screen when you browse your Ipd and see Songs/Artists/Playlists etc. Havent had problems.

[Iceman_F1]

Yeah, that's what I'll likely try to get in the next dew days. Let's hope it works lol.

By the way, where did you mount yours? I've been thinking of the best place to put it and still not sure where lol

[x_o_k_x]

2008.5 has the same head unit as 2009. The both allow you to see song titles when you play cd/mp3/ipod/xm. So you need that harness kit2 strictly made for 08.5 in order to make your Ipod work. Installing by yourself is a little tricky, since manuals arent translated really well. It took me few hours from start to an end.

BTW I mounted into the glovebox, for clean and professional look.

[QBA]

2008.5 has the same head unit as 2009. The both allow you to see song titles when you play cd/mp3/ipod/xm. So you need that harness kit2 strictly made for 08.5 in order to make your Ipod work.

x_o_k_x but I talked yesterday with the service department of the downtown Mazda dealer and they told me that the kit they sell for the 2008.5 doesn't display the song title and is an issue that is going to be fixed in 2009 model, meaning 2008.5 doesn't do it.

[x_o_k_x]

x_o_k_x but I talked yesterday with the service department of the downtown Mazda dealer and they told me that the kit they sell for the 2008.5 doesn't display the song title and is an issue that is going to be fixed in 2009 model, meaning 2008.5 doesn't do it.

Nope they are wrong, actually many dealers dont know this stuff. Unless if you demand for these 2 parts, your Ipod will 100% work otherwise they will keep giving you the wrong parts etc. You could also go to www.mazda.ca and when you go to build a car, you will notice under options you need Ipod adapter2 and harness kit2. So you need to demand for these 2 things. And I would probably reccomend to do it yourself, since the dealers dont even know it exists in their catalogue.

[QBA]

Nope they are wrong, actually many dealers dont know this stuff. Unless if you demand for these 2 parts, your Ipod will 100% work otherwise they will keep giving you the wrong parts etc.

Oh, thanks for that info x_o_k_x. :)

Can you tell me the actual part number for each kit? I want to make sure I will tell them the right part number when I order this.

How much does each kit cost?

By the way if you say that only the kit made for Mazda 2008.5 will work, Why are you using a OEM adapter?

I have never take a car apart so if you live in Toronto, I could pay you so you can do it on my car just like you did in yours :)

[x_o_k_x]

Oh, thanks for that info x_o_k_x. :)

Can you tell me the actual part number for each kit? I want to make sure I will tell them the right part number when I order this.

How much does each kit cost?

By the way if you say that only the kit made for Mazda 2008.5 will work, Why are you using a OEM adapter?

I have never take a car apart so if you live in Toronto, I could pay you so you can do it on my car just like you did in yours :)

I meant Im using mazda genuine ipod adapter.
Ipod Adapter2: F197 79 CFZ $175.95
Harness Kit2: C9F1 V6 029 $114.95

Im in Ottawa right now, but I might be coming to Toronto sometime in August. You can wait, or you can do it yourself, its not that hard. Im a rookie and I did it pretty quick, except that the harness kit had to figure it out myself.

[QBA]

Thanks for the info x_o_k_x :)

[QBA]

x_o_k_x, So if I buy these two kits and install them on my Mazda3.

I will be able to control my Ipod from my factory stereo?

It will display song titles, artist name, etc from the Ipod on the factory radio?

I will be able to use the steering wheel buttons to control the Ipod as well?

:bana2:bana:chuckle

[x_o_k_x]

x_o_k_x, So if I buy these two kits and install them on my Mazda3.

I will be able to control my Ipod from my factory stereo?

It will display song titles, artist name, etc from the Ipod on the factory radio?

I will be able to use the steering wheel buttons to control the Ipod as well?

:bana2:bana:chuckle

yes, yes and yes. One thing do you have Satellite radio by any chance? you might need a different adapter if you do..

[QBA]

My car comes with it I think, the button is there that say "Sat" but I have never push it before. Now that you mentioned when I used the "mode" button on my steering wheel to change inputs it never shows satellite as one of the inputs.

[x_o_k_x]

ok that you dont have sat and you are fine then. Any questions during the install post here or let me know.

[QBA]

I'm not sure if I have the balls to install it my self lol, what if I break a plastic from the car or something and is going to cost me so much.

[x_o_k_x]

the manuals that come will show pictures and step by step description. You'll be fine, or you could wait untill I arrive or I think McGuyver can do it too. One of the sponsors here.

[LockOut]

If it hooks up how I think it does, then it's really easy, QBA. I'm a total newb at this kind of stuff, and I just bought the AuxMOD. I'm going to be installing it myself. Everything comes out really easily. You just gotta cowboy up and do it.

[x_o_k_x]

Here is how to take yoour dashboard apart:http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=11997&page=2

this mod shows how to wire into center console, Me i prefer glovebox..In that case instead you would just pull the glovebox out..

[QBA]

Thanks for the link with the pics x_o_k_x,

WOW that looks easy, I build my own computers, so I should be able to do this.

The mazda dealer charge me only 90 bucks for the installation.

I may end up doing it my self, because I want to place the ipod on the cigarette compartment like the guy on the picture did.

By the way he is using audiolink, is that an after market converter and does it display the song tittles?

[x_o_k_x]

Thanks for the link with the pics x_o_k_x,

WOW that looks easy, I build my own computers, so I should be able to do this.

The mazda dealer charge me only 90 bucks for the installation.

I may end up doing it my self, because I want to place the ipod on the cigarette compartment like the guy on the picture did.

By the way he is using audiolink, is that an after market converter and does it display the song tittles?

I think its for previous models the audiolink was used, but it gives you an idea on how to do it.

[QBA]

I went to the Mazda dealer and bought the 2 parts :)

[ZooLander]

Im using OEM Ipod adapter on my 08.5gt. You need 2 different kits: 1 is Ipod Adapter2 and other is Ipod harnes kit2. So its two seperate things that makes your Ipod work in the car. It also allow you to see on the screen when you browse your Ipd and see Songs/Artists/Playlists etc. Havent had problems.

This is what I have heard as well. I pick up my '09 M3 GT this week and was told I need to buy an iPod adapter + wiring harness. At $400+ for the option I said I'll do it myself. Does anyone know where to get the wiring kit at a reasonable price?

[ZooLander]

I bough a Mazda 3 2008.5 only a few weeks ago and after reading in diferent forums, I understand that the Ipod adapters have a lot of issues communicating with the factory stereo or the other way around, plus I don't think they display the song title either.

I called Mazda dealer and they told me that the new Mazda 3 2009 will have all this issues fixed, So I'm praying here that he new car stero still has the same shape of the 2008.5 one. I guess it should be as easy as buying the new 2009 factory stereo and replacing the one that came with the 2008.5 right?




I am new to the Mazda cars, but my understanding is that there have been minimal changes in the M3s since their inception. You COULD replace your car stereo, but I don't imagine that would be the most cost effective solution!

[mrfrostyman]

Flipdaddy i believe works at mazda of toronto so you might be able to get a deal off of him if your nice.

[Kramer]

Hi, I just bought my mazda only 3 days ago. I read through this post because I am having trouble hooking up my ipod and I am a little confused as to how to fix it. My 2007 mazda 3 came with sirius satellite radio, I got a cable to hook up my ipod to the "aux in" in the center console. I read through the manual and pressed the media (and mode buttons) to select the "aux mode". When I did this it just scrolled through AM, FM, Sirius, and the CD player. What exactly is going on here that wont allow me to select the "aux mode" and how do I fix it. and as a side note, why is the satellite radio making me unable to work my ipod? Are they not 2 separate inputs?

Layman's terms would be good. My last car was a Ford Bronco so I am trying to catch up to all the new car features. Thanks.

[Kramer]

ah never mind, I figured it out.

[marxster]

Just a quick update for all of those that want to get and iphone 3G (software version 2.2) and the mazda ipod integration kit (with harness kit) to work in a Mazda3 GT 2008.5. Go here to find out about this: http://www.mazda.ca/root.asp?lang=eng

Here's a pdf with some more info: http://mazdaipodadapter.ca/pdf/2008.5/Mazda3/Mazda3_08.5-09.pdf

It does work!

Mazda Canada says it doesn't work and, as a matter of fact, dealers have a list of all compatible and incompatible ipod/iphone devices, and the iphone is definitely listed as incompatible.

None of the technicians at my dealer had any clue about any of this!

I was told by the guy at the car dealer that installed the kit that I have a Bose system and that Mazda Canada confirmed that a lot of the confusion stems from the fact that some of the radio systems have changed in the front but not in the back (or vica versa). Meaning the connections in the back have changed but not the front. Or in other words, the front would be a 2008 but the back would be a 2008.5.

This kit will not charge your iphone though so you need to get yourself an adapter such as the Scosche passPort iphone 3g adapter (http://www.jr.com/scosche/pe/SCE_IFWA/).

Now the iphone works fine. Song names are not displayed, the unit just says something like "ipod song 1".

The iphone can now also be controlled from the steering wheel.

When a phone call comes in, the music will dim and you'll hear the ringing through the loudspeakers of the car system, but you'll either have to pick up the phone itself or use a bluetooth device to speak. You will not hear the caller through the speakers.

Also, I had the guy install the unit behind the glove compartment but rout the cable through the ash trash (no drilling involved). Now the iphone will rest inside the ash tray with the door closed for a clean look, and I won't have to reach in the glove compartment to get it out.

Hope this helps.

[marxster]

Oh, by the way, proceed with caution because I was told that these electrical devices are non-refundable so if it ends up not working for you, you may be stuck with a heft bill and no success.

The module with the harness kit cost me $328.36 and another $96 for the installation.

Oh, and one last thing. I had attempted to install it myself (and it's totally feasable) but there were extra cables that I didn't know what to do with so I got stuck. This was badly explained in the instructions. Turns out that the two little cables marked (Can- and Can+) are for the bluetooth unit which I don't have.

[x_o_k_x]

Oh, by the way, proceed with caution because I was told that these electrical devices are non-refundable so if it ends up not working for you, you may be stuck with a heft bill and no success.

The module with the harness kit cost me $328.36 and another $96 for the installation.

Oh, and one last thing. I had attempted to install it myself (and it's totally feasable) but there were extra cables that I didn't know what to do with so I got stuck. This was badly explained in the instructions. Turns out that the two little cables marked (Can- and Can+) are for the bluetooth unit which I don't have.

Are you sure? Because those 2 little cables go into your info screen to display song titles. It doesnt work any other way, and I tried. Your Ipod simply will not play. I did install myself

[marxster]

I asked the guy that installed my kit and he said those two little cables where for the bluetooth module which I don't have installed. My old ipod mini and my iphone 3g work just fine.

[marxster]

...but I should also say that song titles are not displayed. So you may be right.

[x_o_k_x]

yeah because when i did install myself, i couldnt figure out where these 2 wires go and I looked at every single pin and the only one that matched was from info display, although colors did not match, but i tested and ipod played without a sound, which was weird. So i had to check all the cables and my ipod make sure everything works. In the end I found where to connect these two little wires and it worked! So now everything works and I can see the song titles and everything.

[hot4teach]

Can you post the colors of these wires. I'm trying to do this install right now. Can+ Can-

Thanks.

[x_o_k_x]

I dont have any pics, but folow the diagram and dont look at the colors they are way off. Just see how the diagram lays and follow it. Its the connector going directly from the info screen to the headunit. You need to use those clips and clip the wire between the screen and that connector, there is not much space between but i've done it

[hot4teach]

I dont have any pics, but folow the diagram and dont look at the colors they are way off. Just see how the diagram lays and follow it. Its the connector going directly from the info screen to the headunit. You need to use those clips and clip the wire between the screen and that connector, there is not much space between but i've done it


The diagram I have in the box is for a Mazda5. Is this the same?

[x_o_k_x]

The diagram I have in the box is for a Mazda5. Is this the same?

its the same

[hot4teach]

its the same


OK one more quick question. In the diagram am I looking at the plug from the wire side or connector side?

[hot4teach]

OK one more quick question. In the diagram am I looking at the plug from the wire side or connector side?


Got it working. Thanks for your help.

[howitts_done]

I highly recommend the GROM Audio Adapter - link (http://www.gromaudio.com/ipod.html)

I had some minor issues with the original version but I just received their newer one (GROM-IPD2) and it works great! It costs less than $100 with shipping and they provide excellent support. It also works with the latest iPod's and iPhones.

[yearoftherat]

The latest version of the audiolink ipod adapter works with the iPhone:
Audiolink (http://www.audiolinkcanada.com/xcart/product.php?productid=16133&cat=0&bestseller=Y)

[Iceman_F1]

The problem was that at the time (not sure if it's changed yet), none of the 3rd party options worked with the 08.5 model as they changed the # of pins of the stereo (I think that's what it was...)

Would be nice if they had the 3rd party options now but not sure.

[Drew]

Are the 2008.5 and the 2009 stereos the same?
If not is there any adapter out there that will display song titles in 2009?
Sorry for noob questions

[Iceman_F1]

Are the 2008.5 and the 2009 stereos the same?
If not is there any adapter out there that will display song titles in 2009?
Sorry for noob questions

As far as I'm aware, they are the same stereo. In which case, there is only 1 adapter that I'm aware of that works (OEM) but that one does show song titles.

[macman_ca]

I have an 09 Mazda 3 GT and i bought the Mazda adapter, man it sucks!!!!!!! For that much money, I honestly thought it would be better than it actually is.... Anyone else having problems with theres????

Sometimes it shows the title, it skips play lists, then quits and shuts down the power. I had an after market deck in my old car, that always showed the titles when scrolling through the lists, the songs... etc.. never this extra step or royal pain in the butt... just wondering if it is me or across the board???

Would love to hear....:)

macman_ca

[Iceman_F1]

I have an 09 Mazda 3 GT and i bought the Mazda adapter, man it sucks!!!!!!! For that much money, I honestly thought it would be better than it actually is.... Anyone else having problems with theres????

Sometimes it shows the title, it skips play lists, then quits and shuts down the power. I had an after market deck in my old car, that always showed the titles when scrolling through the lists, the songs... etc.. never this extra step or royal pain in the butt... just wondering if it is me or across the board???

Would love to hear....:)

macman_ca

Not 100% sure about the problems. Might help to have a bit of info. What iPod are you using? So you mean that it only shows the title some of the time but not all of the time? And by "skips play lists" what do you mean by that? What exactly is happening?

For example, here's what mine was doing.

2008.5 Mazda 3 - iPod Touch 32GB (1st Gen)
Would sometimes be connected when first start the car but sometimes not. If not, I would have to disconnect the iPod then reconnect it.

Would play the playlist I made just fine and show all song titles (except if they didn't have a song title or different character...I know it was rare but that might have been on a MP3 CD...don't remember). Skipping playlist and changing how it plays what worked but wasn't very intuitive in how to change. IE changing between playlist said "Playlist 1" and "Playlist 2"...but would have been nice to know what playlist each was.

Putting it on shuffle from the iPod then connecting would leave it on shuffle...but hitting the random on the car deck would be kind of screwy and if you skip tracks, it wouldn't go to the next random but would start playing from near the beginning of the playlist.

I know it's not the best in terms of useability...but for basic iPod playback with the steering wheel controls, it was good enough for me at the time...

might be better to know what's happening exactly to see if it's supposed to be like that or if there's a problem. Reason for asking about the iPod you are using is because the problem of mine not always working when I start the car and having to disconnect and reconnect was a common problem with the iPod Touch. It still WORKED...but it had issues on startup or something like that.

[x_o_k_x]

I have an 09 Mazda 3 GT and i bought the Mazda adapter, man it sucks!!!!!!! For that much money, I honestly thought it would be better than it actually is.... Anyone else having problems with theres????

Sometimes it shows the title, it skips play lists, then quits and shuts down the power. I had an after market deck in my old car, that always showed the titles when scrolling through the lists, the songs... etc.. never this extra step or royal pain in the butt... just wondering if it is me or across the board???

Would love to hear....:)

macman_ca

I am not to sure, what happend there, I would check all the wiring and your ipod. And make sure you know which buttons to press to change songs, playlists and menus. IMO sounds like you have bad wiring connections

[Drew]

I wonder if some song displaying and other not displaying has anything to the id3 tag version

[macman_ca]

I have a iPod Colour, fourth gen iPod. this week I even restored it to make sure it wan;t the iPod. It seems to have been user error on the song titles, I have that going. But when I am switching from one Podcast to another (I have 4 podcast play lists) it will jump or swtich to one of my playlists (moving out of the Podcasts back one level. When it should be staying with the 4 podcast lists. I use the steering wheel to controls to move with the podcast playlist ( ie list one has three podcasts, list two has a few etc.) Podcast are no different than songs... For the money they charge for this hookup, you would think it would be a lot better than it is.

macman_ca

[x_o_k_x]

to change tracks: use steering wheel up and down buttons
to change playlist: use HU up and down buttons on the right side
to cange between menus/searching: use HU left knob twist left and right, and it would display songs, artists, playlists etc.. same what didsplays on your ipod, then just stop on one specific menu and it would start playing.
to display song titles: use far right knob press on it, cant see full song name, then twist it to the right and it will scroll.

It took me a month to get used to it, now its a piece of cake and I love it. Its like having 80gb hard drive in your HU.

[macman_ca]

Well I have determined it is the unit. I change podcasts, it locks up and powers off. Other times it forgets the last time I used, say I listened for twenty minutes, next time it goes back to spot before that 20 minutes. I take it slow changing and it still messes up. There is definitely something wrong with this. Does anyone have another unit that will work with the stock deck in an 09? Any suggestions would be great. Thank you!

macman_ca:)

[marxster]

Hey macman,

I have the same problems. I listen for about 20 minutes then the unit shuts down. From then on, if I hit the Aux button, it comes back on but only for a couple of seconds before it shuts down again. If I try that too many times it then doesn't come on anymore at all.

I've checked the wiring and even re-wired it just to be sure. I'm now suspect this thing overheats.

If I park the car, and come back an hour later, I can repeat all the above.

It's a piece of garbage and I'm sorry I paid so much money for it.

Does anyone have a reliable option that works with the 2008.5?

[marxster]

Well, looks like I have all the bad luck in the world. My OEM ipod integration kit gave up the ghost. It would play for about 20 minutes then stop working. Each time I hit the media button it would start playing again for a couple of seconds and stop (see previous post).

Called the dealer and they, of course, wanted to charge me to look at it. So instead of dishing out more money just for them to look at it, I decided to go with the cheaper Grom Audio ipod kit.

Installed, turned on the car, nothing! HU can't recognize the grom. Waiting now for grom support to get back to me. I'm suspecting it's the age old issue with the 2008.5 HU number of pins that changed from the 2008. I read conflicting posts on this. Some say it's supposed to work with the 2008.5 some say it doesn't.

If they can't get this fixed, I'm stuck with having to replace the HU with another unit that can get the job done.

What a nightmare.

[TheMAN]

I thought your car is under warranty?
why not go to another dealer?

[marxster]

I thought your car is under warranty?
why not go to another dealer?

The car warranty has nothing to do with the ipod integration kit that was installed after I bought the car.

Also, to get rid of any confusion once and for all, the Grom iPod kit is not compatible with the HUs on which "MP3" is marked. See their response to my inquiry below.


Please check your car stereo front panel. If there is "MP3" sign
there, then it will not work with GROM adapter.

Also


08+ Mazda MP3 radio incompatibilitty is mentioned at the website (see
Note 2 in "Mazda" section at
http://www.gromaudio.com/grom_application_guide.pdf ).

I was looking at some aftermarket HUs but that means I lose the information display, meaning fuel consumption info will be lost. What to do?