Factory Radio question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: Central Iowa
Factory Radio question
Hello,
Is there a way to use our phones to play music through the factory radio? I don’t want to change out head units as that might be above my pay grade. My car is a 2001.
thanks!
Is there a way to use our phones to play music through the factory radio? I don’t want to change out head units as that might be above my pay grade. My car is a 2001.
thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,953
Likes: 1,701
From: North Coast
As of right now this should be the best option. It will be out soon.
https://www.discountcarstereo.com/blu-c5.html
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 896
From: Nappytown MD
AMAZON and 25 bucks will get you what you need to play music from your phone (or phone calls) through your stock head unit. It also can provide a USB for power/ Here's one examp0le, there are literally dozens-
https://sealskincovers.com/collectio...tte-coupe/2002
https://sealskincovers.com/collectio...tte-coupe/2002
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,953
Likes: 1,701
From: North Coast
Note the plug in harness will have better quality audio vs the radio signal units.
They radio signal units can be an issue in areas with few open signals too. Results may vary.
It all depends on the quality of sound you want.
They radio signal units can be an issue in areas with few open signals too. Results may vary.
It all depends on the quality of sound you want.
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 11
Likes: 6
From: Outer Banks, NC
2024 C5of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Yes. You need a simple transmitter that will play music from your phone on an unused FM channel. Widely available. I got one at Target for about $30. This will also allow you to make and receive calls hands free. There were static problems at first, but turning the volume on the phone all the way up fixed that.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: Central Iowa
AMAZON and 25 bucks will get you what you need to play music from your phone (or phone calls) through your stock head unit. It also can provide a USB for power/ Here's one examp0le, there are literally dozens-
https://sealskincovers.com/collectio...tte-coupe/2002
https://sealskincovers.com/collectio...tte-coupe/2002
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 1,439
From: New Jersey
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C2 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C5 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '25
There is 101 threads on this here. One even on this page.
As of right now this should be the best option. It will be out soon.
https://www.discountcarstereo.com/blu-c5.html
As of right now this should be the best option. It will be out soon.
https://www.discountcarstereo.com/blu-c5.html
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 896
From: Nappytown MD
Ha ha! Sorry about that. YOu want a round one especially if you want to use the cig lighter below the head unit. The bigger square ones take up too much room.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 1,183
From: Conyers Georgia
Ha ha! Sorry about that. YOu want a round one especially if you want to use the cig lighter below the head unit. The bigger square ones take up too much room.
Amazon.com: IMDEN Bluetooth 5.0 FM Transmitter for Car, 3.0 Wireless Bluetooth FM Radio Adapter Music Player FM Transmitter/Car Kit with Hands-Free Calling and 2 USB Ports Charger Support USB Drive : Electronics
Amazon.com: IMDEN Bluetooth 5.0 FM Transmitter for Car, 3.0 Wireless Bluetooth FM Radio Adapter Music Player FM Transmitter/Car Kit with Hands-Free Calling and 2 USB Ports Charger Support USB Drive : Electronics
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,953
Likes: 1,701
From: North Coast
I have been using the transmitter deal and in my area there are so many radio stations I get a lot of signal issues. If I drive far another station comes in and then I have to find a new clean signal.
These are decent sound but still not the best. Also they can be buggy depending on where you live and how many radio signals are free.
These are decent sound but still not the best. Also they can be buggy depending on where you live and how many radio signals are free.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 1,213
I use one of the transmitters from Anker. Here in central Texas the FM spectrum is fairly crowded but you can change channels on the fly with a little practice. For the money it's a great solution.
If you watch for a used single DIN head unit you can probably find one with Bluetooth built in pretty cheap. An adapter plate will hide the gap left from your factory 1.5 DIN unit.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,953
Likes: 1,701
From: North Coast
The OP is in central Iowa. They are not going to have trouble finding an open FM channel.
I use one of the transmitters from Anker. Here in central Texas the FM spectrum is fairly crowded but you can change channels on the fly with a little practice. For the money it's a great solution.
If you watch for a used single DIN head unit you can probably find one with Bluetooth built in pretty cheap. An adapter plate will hide the gap left from your factory 1.5 DIN unit.
I use one of the transmitters from Anker. Here in central Texas the FM spectrum is fairly crowded but you can change channels on the fly with a little practice. For the money it's a great solution.
If you watch for a used single DIN head unit you can probably find one with Bluetooth built in pretty cheap. An adapter plate will hide the gap left from your factory 1.5 DIN unit.
I really hate the plug also sticking out all the time. Add to that I really dislike the look of the non factory radio especially single din. If I did a radio I would go for the one that has the factory radio adapted to a Bluetooth. The trouble there is no one here has posted about using one and or what one is the best to choose. They are not cheap. But I want to keep my factory look. I am not a fan of hacked up dashes. I got over that in High School. Just my thing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 1,213
Use the outlet in the center console. Just remember to unplug it. When I forget my phone randomly connects to it and I walk out in the garage and unplug it while reminding myself what a doofus I am for forgetting it again.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 121
Likes: 12
There is 101 threads on this here. One even on this page.
As of right now this should be the best option. It will be out soon.
https://www.discountcarstereo.com/blu-c5.html
As of right now this should be the best option. It will be out soon.
https://www.discountcarstereo.com/blu-c5.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,953
Likes: 1,701
From: North Coast
I still may do the harness since it is cheaper and should work as well. Now if my radio dies I could go the other way.
I just want to getaway from the radio signal thing.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 121
Likes: 12