A4 ipod adaptor?

[hanny73]

Hi all,

I've got an A4 1.8t quattro with a 6 changer cd and tape - firstly I'm not sure what stereo this is - concert/symphony??? And secondly can I fit an iPOD adaptor and which one is the most suitable?

Thanks!

[prolfe]

As far as I know you'll have to sacrifice the CD Changer as the iPod adapter plugs into it instead.

[hanny73]

Thanks for the reply - the six changer is built in to the stereo, is this still the case?

[prolfe]

Thanks for the reply - the six changer is built in to the stereo, is this still the case?

If you can get the stereo out, you'll see the type of connector on the back.

If it's a quadlock, then there should be the space for a changer, and therefore the ipod adapter.

I think you've got a Symphony.

[hanny73]

Thanks 'profle' - I haven't got keys for the removal - is ebay a good option?

[prolfe]

Thanks 'profle' - I haven't got keys for the removal - is ebay a good option?

it is

I paid £3.95 for four keys for my radio.

[Menenlily]

Hi all,

I've got an A4 1.8t quattro with a 6 changer cd and tape - firstly I'm not sure what stereo this is - concert/symphony??? And secondly can I fit an iPOD adaptor and which one is the most suitable?



Hi there,
I found a brilliant piece of information the other whilst trawling around the internet (looking for something else) which will help you identify your stereo. http://www.ibiblio.org/tkan/audi/radios/radios.html

Speaking of ipod adaptors, I've heard good things about the XCarLink one and I'm saving my pennies for one now. I can also advise you from my own experience not to go for the Dennison Ice Link FM Ipod adaptor. Even though they're hardwired in, the sound quality is pants if the FM signal is patchy or weak.
You'll doubtless find more info on the XCarLink adaptor if you do a search on this site.
Menenlily

[hanny73]

Thanks Menenlily - I've already done a little bit a research on here.

I do notice you can't use the iPOD functions once it's plugged in??

[Menenlily]

Thanks Menenlily - I've already done a little bit a research on here.

I do notice you can't use the iPOD functions once it's plugged in??

I don't know if you mean the Denison Ice-Link FM thing or the XCarLink adaptor, but with the Denison the only controls, apart from volume, were the ipod controls. On the XCarLink website they have this to say about controls:

"Full access to the controls on your ipod while connected -
with the xcarlink you can continue to use your ipod just like if you were listening through your headphones; have full access to all the normal functions and view your ipods display as normal."
and also,
"With the xcarlink you can perform all functions that you would normally use with your Car CD player to control your ipod. You can select tracks, rewind, fast forward and adjust the volume through your existing volume control."

I hope this is true :nervous:

[hanny73]

Thanks Menenlily - that's great research - I think I'll be ordering one of those, I'll just have to work out how to fit it!

[A4Ade]

Hi Hanny,

Did you have any luck fitting your adapter? Any info on fitting it that you can share?

Thanks,
Ade

[kurtas2006]

I fitted my ipod xcarlink today. Fairly easy job, the hardest thing is routing the cable.

First remove the stereo and wire up the xcarlink to make sure it works, no point wiring it all up and finding out it does not work. You will need to touch the ground connector against the case to make it work.

Next job is to route the wiring. There were two punchouts on the top shelf of my glove box. I punched out the larger one. I then got a bit of net curtain wire to help route the cable.

Easiest way I found was to hold some net curtain cable in your finger and put your hand into the stereo bay, then sort of work it towards the glove box whilst keeping an eye on the hole you have punched out in the glove box. As soon as you see the cable behind the glovebox use your middle finger through the punched out hole to coax it in. You could make a hook using a coat hanger to pull it in but I could not find a wire coat hanger. Once the cable is in you should have a bit sticking out the stereo bay and a bit out the glove box.

I decided to keep the Xcar link box in the glove box, the xcarlink box has a 3.5 audio jack as well as the ipod connector, the cable on this 3.5mm jack is way too short to reach the glove box if you site the xcarlink box anywhere else (eg underneath stereo).

Next carefully tape the connector and other wiring to the cable and ensure it is not to wide etc. Then you can begin working the cable towards where the stereo is. I pushed the now taped blue cd changer cable through the punched hole and then the female connector (also taped). As you are pushing these through begin to slowly pull the cable on the other side and eventually it will work its way through.

Then wire everything up and attach the ground connector to the stereo. I did not have the correct torx bit to undo any of the screws to attach the ground connector so I stuck it down using some aluminium tape. Works fine with my iphone.

If anyone in the midlands needs a hand fitting one of these then drop me a PM.

[A4Ade]

I too fitted an xcarlink a couple of months ago. I chose to remove the glovebox - only a couple of screws holding it in - and then you have no trouble routing the cables at all :D

I agree about keeping the xcarlink box in the glove box, and not behind, as it gives you much more reach with the cables.

Ade

[kurtas2006]

I too fitted an xcarlink a couple of months ago. I chose to remove the glovebox - only a couple of screws holding it in - and then you have no trouble routing the cables at all :D


Ade

I was tempted at first to take the glovebox out but it was raining, so I could not lean from outside to get at the screws easily. Too lanky to do it any other way. :D So next option was to leave till it stopped raining or use cable routing tricks.