Instructions for Mazda iPod interface?

[Stealth3]

I have an '07 MS3 GT. The dealer installed the official Mazda accessory iPod adaptor for me before I picked up the car. (I'm still waiting for the performance parts to be in stock.)

But there was no instruiction book. Nor does the dealer have any clue about how it is suposed to work.

It will toggle through 6 playlists or play all my artists in alphabetical order. But there is no display on the radio other than "EX1" through "EX6." The iPod itself and it's controls are disabled. All it shows is a blank screen with "Mazda" and "OK to Unplug."

Like most of us, I've got thousands of songs and hunderds of artists on my iPod. When I drive, I often just put it on Shuffle and skip any song I am not in the mood to hear. But even this function is disabled with the standard Mazda iPod interface.

To get to the point, other than charging (and who doesn't have a car charger already?) I cannot find any advantage over just plugging the iPod into the standard auxilary input inside the center armrest.

Does anybody have knowledge of how the Mazda accessory iPod interface is really supposed to work? Thanks!

 

[ZoomVT]

hmmm...
i am a little confused so please bear with me.
I just got the 07 and i have barely tried to use the ipod inpunt in the armrest.
You say there is another interface that is dealer installed? I did not know that.
What are the benefits? How much is it?
I'll check it out and see if i can find more information.

 

[utopia]

hmmm...
i am a little confused so please bear with me.
I just got the 07 and i have barely tried to use the ipod inpunt in the armrest.
You say there is another interface that is dealer installed? I did not know that.
What are the benefits? How much is it?
I'll check it out and see if i can find more information.

IPOD ADAPTER
Taking your iPod along for the ride just became a lot easier. The iPod adapter intergrates your iPod to your Mazda with crystal clear sound and built in battery charger. Compatible with all iPods containing 30 pin dock connector. Can not be used in combination with Sirius Satellite radio or PhatNoise sound system. Switching box required when installed on vehicles with auxilary console input. Not available for CX-7 or CX-9 with technology package or factory navigation.

$116.40

SWITCHING BOX
Required when auxilary console input and iPod Integration Module or Sirius are installed. Not available for CX-7 or CX-9 with technology package or factory navigation.

$110.40

RIDICULOUS PRICES! =)

other then that i know nothing. i got the $5 aux. input from Wal-Mart, it does the job.

 

[Wes]

Lemme try and see if I can shed some light.. now keep in mind I bought the AudioLink iPod adapter and not the Mazda iPod adapter. They are basically the SAME unit.

That's correct... it's only capable of playing up to 6 playlists. They are seen on your center console as EX1, EX2,etc
The song number in the playlist is after that. So it you'll see something like EX1:25, EX2:14, etc
Then a bit further to the right is the play time. That's all that is.

All this is the limitation of our factory stereo... that's the best anyone could do with it apparently.

What I do: I put the iPod on shuffle when it's unplugged... then I plug it into the car. Now your playing it on shuffle and I just skip songs when needed.
The only advantage I've found from the Aux port is that you can skip songs with the steering wheel instead of messing with your iPod at a stop light. Also, if you take the time to make 6 really good playlists and shuffle those... you'll never have to touch your iPod again except to load new music.

 

[Stealth3]

Lemme try and see if I can shed some light.. now keep in mind I bought the AudioLink iPod adapter and not the Mazda iPod adapter. They are basically the SAME unit.

That's correct... it's only capable of playing up to 6 playlists. They are seen on your center console as EX1, EX2,etc
The song number in the playlist is after that. So it you'll see something like EX1:25, EX2:14, etc
Then a bit further to the right is the play time. That's all that is.

All this is the limitation of our factory stereo... that's the best anyone could do with it apparently.

What I do: I put the iPod on shuffle when it's unplugged... then I plug it into the car. Now your playing it on shuffle and I just skip songs when needed.
The only advantage I've found from the Aux port is that you can skip songs with the steering wheel instead of messing with your iPod at a stop light. Also, if you take the time to make 6 really good playlists and shuffle those... you'll never have to touch your iPod again except to load new music.

Thanks Wes (and others). This is helpful. I know I'm not doing something wrong. I'm going out to try your shuffle trick right now.

This is why I signed on!

 

[ZoomVT]

good info guys.
i had not even heard of it.

interesting stuff; too bad is so damn expensive.

 

[utopia]

with the $5 walmart you you can't change songs via steering wheel but it isn't THAT big a deal. so you're paying $110 to change songs and to display "EX1:15" on the display? :|

 

[Wes]

with the $5 walmart you you can't change songs via steering wheel but it isn't THAT big a deal. so you're paying $110 to change songs and to display "EX1:15" on the display? :|

LOL... pretty much (wiggle) I prefer the clean, intigrated look I guess.

 

[utopia]

LOL... pretty much (wiggle) I prefer the clean, intigrated look I guess.

if you have a good shuffle list you can leave it in the console. i have an 07 mazda 3 and it's in the second console compartment. they left a nice round hole to run the wire out and i leave it next to my shifter. it's not that messy =)

 

[Olestra]

with the $5 walmart you you can't change songs via steering wheel but it isn't THAT big a deal. so you're paying $110 to change songs and to display "EX1:15" on the display? :|

Well, if you don't have the media jack in 06, then you have no choice.

Also, it charges the ipod right? So that's probably the best feature.

 

[utopia]

Well, if you don't have the media jack in 06, then you have no choice.

Also, it charges the ipod right? So that's probably the best feature.

yea that's a good feature. in the 07 they have an extra cigarette lighter thing (the name escapes me) in the console that i run a charger out of if i need to charge it

 

[ZoomVT]

^^i do too; and i love it. I actually have a 1 to 4 converter so i plug charger for the ipod, for my BT headset; my cellphone and my gf cellphone; i also run the audio out cable for my ipod and give it a lot of slack.
It is very easy to just change songs or whatever.

 

[Stealth3]

Another iPod control option.

I've also used a number of aftermarket iPod remotes in previous cars. I just located what I think is probably the best one - it mimics all iPod controls. remote is small and black and looks fine velcoed to the bottom of the MS3 steering wheel.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-KMVGQY...sp?g=277550&tab=detailed_info&i=142IPNRFC#Tab

Scosch makes it. Crutchfield carries it for about $80, but I'v e seen it on various Amazon stores for about $60. Plugs into the bottom docking port, but includes a pass-thru so you don't lose the option of using other iPod accessories.

 

[ZoomVT]

^^great options. i was actually thinking of that; the reason is that even thoughi have a longer cable coming from the jack it is still a PITA to control cause the armrest doesnt close with the cable coming through. (otherwise it damages the cable).
I am gonna look for options like this; hopefully there is one that is better priced.