Hello all. Let me start by saying the search function of this website has yet to work for me. I type in a request, hit go, and nothing (that is until my browser times out). I'm sure there is plenty of information with regard to my topic (I have read a lot of it) but I can't seem to find exactly what I'm looking for. Please be kind and refrain from ragging me for being lazy. I have tried....

Now on to my question(s). First a little background...I have a 2001 6sp coupe. Everything is stock. HU has a single CD player. I do not have a CD changer (and I'm not sure if my vehicle is wired for one). While I am very impressed with many of the custom stereo/media/navigation installs (especially the Car PC mods) I'm hesitant to start ripping up the dash. Plus....I'm cheap. I do, however, want the ability to play MP3s, browse the web for text based info, and navigate. Like a few of you, I can accomplish all of this with almost zero modification to my dash by using a PDA.

I have a Dell Axim X50V and Bluetooth GPS. It sits on a Seidio mount that powers both the PDA and GPS receiver. The PDA has slots for CF and SD memory cards. I currently have a 4GB CF and a 1GB SD (before you laugh....wasn't the original iPod a 5GB unit?). I had all this stuff in a previous vehicle which I have since moved to my Vette. Technically speaking (with regard to the Vette) I have spent zero dollars for this setup (at least that's what I keep telling my wife). At any rate, the missing part of the setup is the ability to play MP3s through the stock HU/speakers. I thought I would be slick (and cheap....$25) and picked up an FM wireless transmitter however, the sound is not the greatest and there is interference, especially when the DC power cord for the Seidio mount is plugged in. It seems my only solution is to connect the PDA's audio out directly to the HU.

As I indicated earlier, I have read a lot of posts with regard to what I am trying to do, however, I do have questions (finally!!!). Can anyone explain (or direct me to) a step by step procedure (hopefully with pics) for connecting the audio out of a device to the HU? Specifically, I'm a little confused as to the need for the 2nd cable adapter for those without a CD changer. Do I have to purchase a CD changer? As I understand the process, the audio out cable (stereo mini to RCA) goes from the PDA to the GM10-AUX box/cable kit which then plugs into a connector in the passenger foot panel (near the fusebox). Where does the 2nd cable go? How do I know if I have this connector behind the foot panel? I have looked and there does seem to be a connector with nothing attached to it, however, it is fairly large and does not look like what everyone else has described. Please advise me on this.

 

I have an '01 coupe, and I've done exactly what you're trying to do. This should answer your questions and give you more useless info to boot.

The long version:
The GM10-AUX doesn't plug directly into the connections in the passenger floor. The GM10-AUX is supposed to plug into the CD-Changer Wiring Harness in the trunk. If your car didn't come with the changer, then you most likely won't have that cord in the car, but you can buy it at many places (the link above is Tuan Lee's site). The CD-Changer Wiring Harness has one 10-pin plug on the changer/GM10-AUX end, and two smaller plugs on the passenger floorboard end. The floorboard end plugs into the two plugs at the bottom right corner under the kick panel. Those two plugs might be hard to find, but they should be there in all '01 models, make sure to check under the carpet outboard of the fuse box also.

There is a way to wire in the audio signal only, using this schematic, but it will only work if you have a CD changer (or GM10-AUX type device) connected. The OEM HU will only let you listen to the audio coming in through the changer cables if it knows/thinks that there is a changer there. Unless you have the stock changer running while using the audio input from the new relay the HU will not stay on the changer input. The GM10-AUX fools the HU into staying on CD 1 Track 1 all the time, so it's RCA inputs will always play over the HU when it is selected to the changer. Confused yet

The short version:
The plugs are there, just look again, and you need both cables to get your RCA inputs into the stock HU

FYI, details of my install are posted here

 

Thank you for the reply. I think things are a little clearer for me now. I do have a couple more questions, however...

After taking a look at what you have done to your vette (very nice, by the way) I assume that since the stock CD changer is normally installed in the rear of the vehicle, you installed your 40GB mp3 player in the same general area (yes/no?). Since my PDA sits 1/4" from the top of the dash (just above the center A/C vent), I plan to run the audio out cable from the PDA down to the passenger kick panel area. I don't want to run wires to the rear of the vehicle. Is it absolutely necessary that it is done this way, i.e. is there some kind of connector in the back of the vehicle that has to be connected? That CD Changer Wiring Harness seems awfully long. Can all the connections be made in the passenger kick panel area? Thanks for all your help!!

 

I mounted the Neo on the rear wall of the trunk area.

There is lots of room behind/under the glove box for all of your wires and things. Check out post #9 in this thread for instructions on how to get there.

 

Thanks Markcz!!! You have been very helpful!!