iPod Link arrives this Wed in Canada

[SpeedyZoomZoom]

For those that are looking to get an iPod kit for their Mazdas, my wife called 4 dealerships in the Toronto area, and they all said it was arriving this Wednesday and it would cost $184.00 (Canadian of course)

Unfortunately 1 week too late for our long weekend road trip to NY and PA. I guess I have to burn some CDs :-(

[afticarab]

Great News! Is the item IPOD specific, how does it attach, does it display on Mazda 5 Stereo control, dealer install etc. etc. etc. I contacted my local Mazda dealer and they had little info. If you have any further it would be much appreciated. Thanks!!

[SpeedyZoomZoom]

Sorry I got no 1st hand info, but based on other threads and on some pics i've seen, this is specific to iPod, but!!! it looks like there is also an Aux port so that you can basically attach any mp3 player, and get it to play on the car system.

But since the charger and controls are specific to iPods, if u want juice and steering wheel controls u'll need an iPod.

Oh yeah, from other threads, there does not seem to be any decent info diplayed on the Car audio display.

Sorry. Thats all I got. Next week I will be going to the dealer to see what else I can find out.

[Kid Red]

Awesome news. I can't wait for first reports with pics.

speedy- you've seen pics?

[Zoom5Zoom]

WHATS THE PART NUMBER

Thanks

[kamikazzz]

I found a guy who have it online. I bought the model with USB flash memory and I got a really fast service. It works really good. Very fast installation. It'S very similar of what Mazda dealer module. Look on the web site www.carlinkdirect.com.

[Zoom5Zoom]

For those that are looking to get an iPod kit for their Mazdas, my wife called 4 dealerships in the Toronto area, and they all said it was arriving this Wednesday and it would cost $184.00 (Canadian of course)

Unfortunately 1 week too late for our long weekend road trip to NY and PA. I guess I have to burn some CDs :-(

INDEED IT HAS ARRIVED. I had a kit in my hands and read over the installation proceedure and what it is all about. It works for NAV and NON NAV type Mazda 5's. Cost of unit is indeed 185 CDN and installation I was told is 1.5 Man hours (if you are technically inclinded do it yourself)

The adapter only adapts to "IPOD'S ONLY" like the title says. So if you have a reg MP3 player "NON IPOD" then we will have to find a way to tap into the pin out of the ipod unit lol...

Attachments below are just a few scans of the install and kit info. I have the whole kit install process if you need it please call as I will then only scan it in...

[Zoom5Zoom]

I found a guy who have it online. I bought the model with USB flash memory and I got a really fast service. It works really good. Very fast installation. It'S very similar of what Mazda dealer module. Look on the web site www.carlinkdirect.com.
I like the option of both direct input or USB attachment .... seems a smarter hook up then that of mazda's as IPOD is the only supported device. JMO

The Mazda IPOD adapter does make use of all the button interfaces of our Head unit on the 5 and audio controls...song change etc. But as a trade off the multi input seems to again be a better buy pending on price..

[RODSCALIP5]

I installed this kit on my wifes 5 tonite. It took 15 min. Unfortunately, I was again unable to play my music. I starting to think that my Ipod (Mini) has a battery problem, as the instructions say that the Ipod will not play for this reason. I will do a how-to if I ever get this thing to work.

[Zoom5Zoom]

I installed this kit on my wifes 5 tonite. It took 15 min. Unfortunately, I was again unable to play my music. I starting to think that my Ipod (Mini) has a battery problem, as the instructions say that the Ipod will not play for this reason. I will do a how-to if I ever get this thing to work.
Which unit the Mazda IPOD adapter or the other one listed above. In my "scanned" attachements above it states which models of IPODs the Mazda Adapter supports... hope this helps

Mini IPOD Version 1.2 or higher in your case....

[RODSCALIP5]

Which unit the Mazda IPOD adapter or the other one listed above. In my "scanned" attachements above it states which models of IPODs the Mazda Adapter supports... hope this helps

Mini IPOD Version 1.2 or higher in your case....

Yeah, it was the Mazda Ipod adapter. My Mini is version 1.4, but the battery has drained several times in the past were I had to reset it. I am waiting on my sister to bring her 30 gb Ipod. I will try hers out and hopefully it will work.

[ladygrey]

Quick question. Does the connector also charge the ipod? I think it does but couldn't figure it out for sure.

[RODSCALIP5]

Quick question. Does the connector also charge the ipod? I think it does but couldn't figure it out for sure.

Yes it does.

[RODSCALIP5]

Here is an update. I used my sisters 30 gb Ipod and it worked! I am sure all Ipods work, but my Mini was just too used and abused.

[Kid Red]

Does this plug simply into the back of the head unit? I have auxmod installed, but the diagram looks to be a different port, correct?

rodscalip5- What controls work? Is it just ff and rw? What is displayed on the Mazda's LCD?

[P_bouchr]

Mmmm even though I bought the tape cassette I may write an email to my sales rep :).

[geezerz99]

i am not very knowledgeable with all this "ipod" but i recently received a new ipod shuffle as a gift that came with a dock. now if i buy this ipod link will i be able to use my shuffle?

[Zoom5Zoom]

Yeah, it was the Mazda Ipod adapter. My Mini is version 1.4, but the battery has drained several times in the past were I had to reset it. I am waiting on my sister to bring her 30 gb Ipod. I will try hers out and hopefully it will work.
I bet you cheated and dropped the glove box and connected to Head unit did you?

[RODSCALIP5]

I bet you cheated and dropped the glove box and connected to Head unit did you?

What do you mean? :D

[Zoom5Zoom]

did you do the install as recommended in Install instructions with adapter or did you find a easier way? Nice to hear it works well but I am convinced that there is a wire harness what will take not just the IPOD using that kit adapter unit...

[Zoom5Zoom]

Does this plug simply into the back of the head unit? I have auxmod installed, but the diagram looks to be a different port, correct?

rodscalip5- What controls work? Is it just ff and rw? What is displayed on the Mazda's LCD?

Yes you connect to the connector box... there is a separate instruction with NAV systems also

[RODSCALIP5]

did you do the install as recommended in Install instructions with adapter or did you find a easier way? Nice to hear it works well but I am convinced that there is a wire harness what will take not just the IPOD using that kit adapter unit...

Yeah, I followed the instructions. Pretty easy actually.

[Zoom5Zoom]

Yeah, I followed the instructions. Pretty easy actually.
Thanks... did you take pics?

[RODSCALIP5]

Thanks... did you take pics?

Nope, I have not fully installed the Ipod link on the 5. I actually bought it for my 3, but decided to try it out on the 5.

[Kid Red]

i am not very knowledgeable with all this "ipod" but i recently received a new ipod shuffle as a gift that came with a dock. now if i buy this ipod link will i be able to use my shuffle?

Not familiar with an iPod? That's unusual for such an enormous cultural icon of this decade. Yea, you should be able to use the shuffle, it has the dock connector on the bottom of the unit right? (wide port)

[geezerz99]

Not familiar with an iPod? That's unusual for such an enormous cultural icon of this decade. Yea, you should be able to use the shuffle, it has the dock connector on the bottom of the unit right? (wide port)

thanks kid... i'ma check the funds see if we can grab one of this...

[ladygrey]

Not familiar with an iPod? That's unusual for such an enormous cultural icon of this decade. Yea, you should be able to use the shuffle, it has the dock connector on the bottom of the unit right? (wide port)

Actually, it says in the instructions that were posted above that the shuffle won't work. It doesn't work with any of the other iPod dock connectors. It has a direct USB connector rather than the dock type connector that other iPods have. The Shuffle is basically just a glorified USB flash drive (and I say that with love, since I do have one).

edited to add a picture of that part of the instructions since they were hard to read in the original.

[paging_drburgos]

Wow! This is just what i've been waiting for!

[epharmacist]

(band2) So, when can we expect this in the USA? I discussed this with the dealer last month when I bought my Mazda5 and they said there is no iPod adapter. So they were no help. How can we get our hands on one in the USA or do I have to get my Canadian cousins to buy me one?

[Zoom5Zoom]

to get one from your canadian cousins you still need a passport and 5 id's and a letter from your mama to make it happen.... ok its the rules eh

[RODSCALIP5]

(band2) So, when can we expect this in the USA? I discussed this with the dealer last month when I bought my Mazda5 and they said there is no iPod adapter. So they were no help. How can we get our hands on one in the USA or do I have to get my Canadian cousins to buy me one?

It's already out. Go to tonkinpartsonline.com and get yours.

[Kid Red]

Actually, it says in the instructions that were posted above that the shuffle won't work. It doesn't work with any of the other iPod dock connectors. It has a direct USB connector rather than the dock type connector that other iPods have. The Shuffle is basically just a glorified USB flash drive (and I say that with love, since I do have one).

edited to add a picture of that part of the instructions since they were hard to read in the original.

Ah, thanks for correcting me. Sorry geezerz99, my bad.

Tho, couldn't a USB-dock connector adapter be used? If not, maybe get a used iPod that is supported.

[Kid Red]

It's already out. Go to tonkinpartsonline.com and get yours.


Which one, there is like 15 of them and no specific listing in the Mazda 5 section.

[ladygrey]

Tho, couldn't a USB-dock connector adapter be used? If not, maybe get a used iPod that is supported.

I don't know - from reading the instructions it seems like it's a software issue as much as a connection issue...

I'd go with the used iPod plan. They are pretty easy to come by. I got mine that way for a song because the guy wanted to upgrade to the video version.

[P_bouchr]

Hey for a totally noob like me is it easy to install the link? I mean installing it should be no problem, but i'm more concern about getting to the back of the radio unit...

Any tutorial already posted here?

See dealer wants 1.5 hours @ 80$ to install this, when I see here it took some like 15 minutes... yeah right at the dealer...

[We&2kids]

Just got mine installed (by the dealer) today, and I'm lovin' it! It gives me pretty much full control of my iPod, although there is no text display so I have to remember my playlists to natvigate through my 3,000+ songs. Didn't take any picture since there is not much to look at, except for the black (not white!) cable in the glove box. To give everyone an idea of what it is capable of doing, I have attached the user manual as a PDF.

[was98strat]

Just got mine installed (by the dealer) today, and I'm lovin' it! It gives me pretty much full control of my iPod, although there is no text display so I have to remember my playlists to natvigate through my 3,000+ songs. Didn't take any picture since there is not much to look at, except for the black (not white!) cable in the glove box. To give everyone an idea of what it is capable of doing, I have attached the user manual as a PDF.

Nearly $200 for that!! hmmm Auxmod basic looks like a better deal to me!

The Other Device listed here seems like a better option to me. I really don't see the advantage of having the Ipod controlled by the wheel controls. Unless the Ipod is hidden somewhere, wouldn't it be easier to just control the Ipod itsself? After all you are already familiar with it's control layout.

Maybe it's just me!

[Kid Red]

It would be easier for me at least, to use the steering wheel. I forget to pause, unpause, look down and click, look down and click, etc. I'd rather have it play when the ignition is turned. I use shuffle anyways, like the radio. PLaylists I only use for albums, if anything I use genres more.

I thought it was $125 or something?

[Kid Red]

Hey for a totally noob like me is it easy to install the link? I mean installing it should be no problem, but i'm more concern about getting to the back of the radio unit...

Any tutorial already posted here?

See dealer wants 1.5 hours @ 80$ to install this, when I see here it took some like 15 minutes... yeah right at the dealer...


It's not that hard. It's mostly about patience then skill. There are some gifs floating around either here or at mvpclub.com

[smmra]

$190 CAD and the song title does not even get displayed??? What's the use then? From what I understand the Ipod is stowed away in the glove box while connected. I'd rather use my $40 FM transmitter and be able to see/select the songs playing.

Just my 2¢

[TheMAN]

and unsafely control the ipod, have shitty sound quality, no recharge function unless you get some cheap ass cigarette lighter recharger?

how about NO scott

[joeboy]

I've been reading how the iPod adapter integrates the device with the stock stereo system for steering wheel control of volume and navagation, but are you still able to navagate the controls on the iPod itself?? I'm concerned that it turns the unit into a music hardrive. Anyone know the answer?

I use velcro to keep mine in front of the tape player blank so I can navagate pretty easily with my shifting hand. I don't want to store it in the glovebox which I think to adapter is wired to do.

My FM transmitter gets bogged down when there's no available stations so I'd prefer to wire it in for consistent sound quality.

[Zoom5Zoom]

I've been reading how the iPod adapter integrates the device with the stock stereo system for steering wheel control of volume and navagation, but are you still able to navagate the controls on the iPod itself?? I'm concerned that it turns the unit into a music hardrive. Anyone know the answer?

I use velcro to keep mine in front of the tape player blank so I can navagate pretty easily with my shifting hand. I don't want to store it in the glovebox which I think to adapter is wired to do.

My FM transmitter gets bogged down when there's no available stations so I'd prefer to wire it in for consistent sound quality.

OK I used a IPOD adapter today and you "CANNOT" operate your IPOD unit if you use the Mazda Adapter (leave it in the glove box). Now with "both" your steering wheel controls and your stereo head set you can select a couple of modes of your IPOD. You can select sort by artists or songs groups etc but that is it. There are a couple of interface actions on your stereo headset to change between artists or groups etc.....

Secondly the IPOD adapter has a secondary memory interface and will charge your IPOD while car is running.....

Hope this helps.

[joeboy]

Hey Z5Z,
Thanks for the insight. That's too bad the iPod controls won't work in addition to stereo controls. I often play movies when I'm driving long distances (not to watch - just to listen) so losing that functionality is unfortunate.

Cheers.

[Zoom5Zoom]

Hey Z5Z,
Thanks for the insight. That's too bad the iPod controls won't work in addition to stereo controls. I often play movies when I'm driving long distances (not to watch - just to listen) so losing that functionality is unfortunate.

Cheers.
I have a link for a company in montreal quebec that sells a interface for your IPOD or ANY mp3 unit via USB or earphone interface. It will work on the Mazda 5 Head Unit...... if you want it just PM me

[We&2kids]

Hey Z5Z,
Thanks for the insight. That's too bad the iPod controls won't work in addition to stereo controls. I often play movies when I'm driving long distances (not to watch - just to listen) so losing that functionality is unfortunate.

Cheers.


The mazda iPod connector won't play the movie files anyway - not even the audio track of the movie file. It only plays the music files on your iPod. Sounds like it is not for you, Joeboy.

[joeboy]

The mazda iPod connector won't play the movie files anyway - not even the audio track of the movie file. It only plays the music files on your iPod. Sounds like it is not for you, Joeboy.

Thanks for the confirmation of this. Looks like I'll have to keep shopping.

[misbehave]

Anyone have a pic of this thing?