Audio in for 2007 Mazda5

[JWSJ]

My 2007 Mazda5 did not come with any audio in or USB port for music/mp3.

I see a few kits on the net to add this functionality.

Can anyone (with experience) speak to the ease of adding these?


JWSJ

 

[Davicho]

If you are a little mechanically inclined and a DIYer. Try this mod for nearly free. The thread shows a CX-7 but it will work in our MZ5s too. I did this and works flawlessly.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123778670-How-To-Make-an-AUX-input-for-FREE

 

[Woochifer]

I just installed the XCarLink iPod integration kit in our 2007 Mazda5 a few weeks ago.

I found it relatively easy because the Mazda5 center console is not too difficult to pull apart and put back together. The installation took me a couple of hours -- probably could have finished it sooner but I was looking at different options for where to place the control unit and run the cords.

Ultimately, I wound up installing the control unit inside the glove box (used two-sided sticky tape and adhered the unit to the back of the glove box on the top shelf; all of the cords were tied together or attached to other cabling using zip ties) because the iPod cord is not very long and I wanted to keep options open for using docks on either the center console or dash. For now, the iPod stays inside the glove box, and it works fine because the XCarLink unit allows you to skip tracks, change playlists, and fast forward/reverse using the headunit audio controls. Sound quality is a little on the harsh side, but still a big improvement over the FM modulator dock I previously used.

As far as the installation goes, I rounded up several installation guides before getting started. The Mastersheet from Crutchfield and the installation instructions for Mazda's iPod integration kit were most useful (mazdaparts.org posts PDFs of the instructions). The Mazda instructions install the control unit in the upper center dash (behind the LCD display) and then run the cords into the glove box. I opted to install everything in the glove box (I didn't bother to remove the glove box door -- for one thing, the instructions were very confusing). In addition to the iPod input, the control unit also has an additional aux input. So, having the unit in the glove box also gives me access to that input if I ever want to connect a non-iPod player to the car.

http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_7387356_remove-stereo-mazda5.html
http://www.mazdaparts.org/mazda5-ipod.html

The only real hidden trick that I needed to navigate was putting the shifter into neutral before the center console would come out (assuming you have an AT). Since you're disconnecting the battery before starting the installation, you would need to put the car into neutral first. Otherwise, everything was fairly straightforward. By comparison, my 2012 Mazda3 looks like much more of a pain to disassemble (since that car already has an aux input, I just run it from an iPod charging dock).

 

[Wishmaster]

I bought and installed this in my '07 - http://gromaudio.com/store/aux_adapters/index.html - works great.

 

[professorhank]

Sorry to be reviving an old thread but I'm not sure if this warrants its own new thread. There's been a few "audio in" discussions here but felt all the other units were too expensive ($80-$150) or too complex (too many features I'd never use). All I wanted was a simple 3.5mm cable to pay my iPod thru my OEM stereo. Amazon sells a "AUX 3.5mm Cable Connect iPod iPhone MP3 Phone Audio to Mazda Car Player" for $17. It has a harness that plugs into back of OEM stereo and a 3.5mm plug for iPhone/iPod. That's it, no "control unit", and no provision for power. Installation was simple, unscrew shift knob, 6 phillips screws, and some pressed-in clips, 15-20 minutes and you're done. I opted not to drill thru anything and can route the cable under into the cupholder area or around to the shift knob area. Don't know why I waited so long for this. I might also end up getting a line level out for better sound and provision for power. I'll let everyone know if I run into any problems as some Amazon comments say the harness wires aren't pressed in well and can work its way loose...

I drive a 2007 with in-dash 6CD and now can use the Media button (screen shows AUX) and play my iPod. Since 2008+ already have an AUX and Amazon comments make it clear this doesn't work with 2005 and older Mazdas, my post really only applies to 2006 and 2007 Mazda5.