Options for adding an auxiliary input on the Mazda3

[SKiZZ]

Got it Monday. They shipped fast. I'm waiting for my parrot bluetooth bose adapter before I install. I may even decide to get Sirius finally too and get my Shark Antenna installed while I'm at it.

I haven't installed it yet as I am waiting on my bluetooth blose adapter. WOuld of been here, but fedex lost it. Ugg, wanteded to install it Friday.

I am doing the new ipod adapter, and the bluetooth adapter and i want to do sirius as well.

Do I need the switch box for the sirius to do it when i have a seperate sirius and media button in my 09 MS3?

 

[Nliiitend1]

I'm not sure about the '08.5s and '09s, but on my '08 you need the switchbox to run both the AUX and EITHER the Sirius OR the iPod adapter. On the '07-'08s, it appears you have to choose between OEM iPod integration and OEM Sirius. Without the switchbox, you can either the AUX, the iPod integration, or Sirius.

 

[SKiZZ]

I'm not sure about the '08.5s and '09s, but on my '08 you need the switchbox to run both the AUX and EITHER the Sirius OR the iPod adapter. On the '07-'08s, it appears you have to choose between OEM iPod integration and OEM Sirius. Without the switchbox, you can either the AUX, the iPod integration, or Sirius.

Looks like the I need the switch box, but the new Sirius kit does not delete the aux jack in center console.

Man where is all this stuff going to fit. (scratch)

 

[Nliiitend1]

I was able to jam the switchbox into a spot behind the glove compartment above the carpet against the firewall. I used some doublesided 3M tape to help secure it.

I put the Sirius receiver in the recommended location (in the rear above the right rear wheel behind the carpet wall).

 

[RogerSmith]

Mazda 3 2005

I recently aquired a Mazda 3 (2005) I have a blackberry that I use to play my media. I was hoping that the system would have a AUX input, but unofrtunately it does not. I have read trough the threads and tried to buy the Aux mod, however, they are all sold out without any time of them being in stock. So, what I was thinking was trying to by the car stereo system of a newer mdoel and having that installed in my 2005. Is this possible? I went to the dealership in my area and they were absolutely no help. This thread helped me 10x more than they did. They told me that it was impossible and Mazda 3 series dont have an AUX port. Well, they were shocked when I walked up to the 2010 Mazda 3 and it had it in that one. Anyways, they are no help. I really want to maintain the integrity of the system and am willing to buy a newer mazda stereo system and try to install it or have it installed in my 2005. Any help would be great. I tried looking online to see if I could buy it but have had dead ends. And, all the 2007+ models of mada 3 seem to have the exact same stearo system with no AUX button. I have a media button, but thats worthless because there is no media port or anyting. Just my CD player. It even says I have a Tape/Md and a Satelite button but I dont have that either. Any assistance would be great.

*NOTE* I really dont know much about cars and it seems that many things suggested in the thread needed swtiches and etc. To me, even though it is more expensive, I figured it would be less hassell for me to buy the actual full system and install it. But, if people are willing to give some detailed instructions, hen I am open to all suggestions. That person that posted the Ipod picture step by step walkthrogh was awesome! Sucks that I dont use an ipod. Oh well, again sorry I dont know much about cars :/

 

[icspots]

I recently aquired a Mazda 3 (2005) I have a blackberry that I use to play my media. I was hoping that the system would have a AUX input, but unfortunately it does not. I have read trough the threads and tried to buy the Aux mod, however, they are all sold out without any time of them being in stock. So, what I was thinking was trying to by the car stereo system of a newer mdoel and having that installed in my 2005. Is this possible? I went to the dealership in my area and they were absolutely no help. This thread helped me 10x more than they did. They told me that it was impossible and Mazda 3 series dont have an AUX port. Well, they were shocked when I walked up to the 2010 Mazda 3 and it had it in that one. Anyways, they are no help. I really want to maintain the integrity of the system and am willing to buy a newer mazda stereo system and try to install it or have it installed in my 2005. Any help would be great. I tried looking online to see if I could buy it but have had dead ends. And, all the 2007+ models of mada 3 seem to have the exact same stearo system with no AUX button. I have a media button, but thats worthless because there is no media port or anyting. Just my CD player. It even says I have a Tape/Md and a Satelite button but I dont have that either. Any assistance would be great.

*NOTE* I really dont know much about cars and it seems that many things suggested in the thread needed swtiches and etc. To me, even though it is more expensive, I figured it would be less hassell for me to buy the actual full system and install it. But, if people are willing to give some detailed instructions, hen I am open to all suggestions. That person that posted the Ipod picture step by step walkthrogh was awesome! Sucks that I dont use an ipod. Oh well, again sorry I dont know much about cars :/

Okay I'm a little confused. What are the buttons you have across the top of your HU? For a 2005 it should be something like FM/AM, SAT, CD, TAPE/MD..... I think there's another general button on the left but can't remember it off the top of my head. The main difference between the '04 and '05 is the '04 doesn't have the SAT button. In '06 the TAPE/MD button was replaced with the 'MEDIA' button.

If you're willing to go aftermarket then I recommend the basic grom unit. It connects through the port on the back of the HU (same as the OEM sirius) and is accessed by pushing 'CD' twice. It basically gives you the same thing as the Aux Mod but connects through a different port.

 

[RogerSmith]

To answer your question, across the top I ahve Fm/Am, SAT, CD, and Tape. Essentially, I was looking to see if I should/can buy a new HU that already has n AUX across the top. I ask that because the LCD screen is kinda messed up. Not sure why. And I don't think it can be fixed. Its not unviewable, but just annoying. There are pixels that dont work and thus are constantly there. Thats why I thought about or considered buying a new HU. The problem is, I can't find any place on the internet where you can do that. I thought Mazda would have it, but I cant find it. I may consider the aftermarket. But I am trying to maintain the integrity of the car system. I have seen some after market audio kits that look decent. So, that is my question I guess. Can you purchase Mazda HU's that already have the AUX button and input jack? I will try to include a picture of my LCD next post and you can determine if it can be fixed or replaced.

 

[RogerSmith]

My LCD screen

Ok, here is the picture.

As you can see, the clock is perfectly fine, but when you get to the middle, its like dotted lines all the way down. It even messes with the FM2 and the radio station number. I know it isnt major, but it is quite annoying. Any thoughts?

 

[epheterson]

I think you should add this under Accessories:

PAC SNI-1/3.5 Noise Filter - Ground Loop Isolator
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_127SNI135/PAC-SNI-1-3-5-Noise-Filter.html?tp=2653

I installed AuxMod like 2 years ago and have just been dealing with the ground-loop problem. I ordered this yesterday and expect it to completely eliminate it. In general, if the iPod will be charged in the car, this should be installed alongside most Aux-Input solutions.

 

[RogerSmith]

I may consider that accessory. Do you install that in the back along with the others or do you plug your ipod/media into that on the outside?

 

[icspots]

To answer your question, across the top I ahve Fm/Am, SAT, CD, and Tape. Essentially, I was looking to see if I should/can buy a new HU that already has n AUX across the top. I ask that because the LCD screen is kinda messed up. Not sure why. And I don't think it can be fixed. Its not unviewable, but just annoying. There are pixels that dont work and thus are constantly there. Thats why I thought about or considered buying a new HU. The problem is, I can't find any place on the internet where you can do that. I thought Mazda would have it, but I cant find it. I may consider the aftermarket. But I am trying to maintain the integrity of the car system. I have seen some after market audio kits that look decent. So, that is my question I guess. Can you purchase Mazda HU's that already have the AUX button and input jack? I will try to include a picture of my LCD next post and you can determine if it can be fixed or replaced.

Okay that makes more sense. You can buy one of multiple auxiliary inputs that connect to either the SAT port on the back of your HU, or to the TAPE/MD port on the bottom of the HU. Remember the SAT and TAPE buttons are just saying the HU is "ready", i.e. that it is capable of controlling those components, not that it actually has them.

As far as discussing the issue of an input with Mazda...... most of the people you're going to talk to at Mazda don't know what they're doing (some will). The ACI (auxiliary console input) did not become available until 2007, and was standard from then on. To my knowledge no one has tried to use an ACI on a '04-'05 model. Here's the catch. Even if it did work you'd be looking at about $400-500 in factory parts and then it might not even work.

As far as replacing the LCD. If you do you'll need to either get the LCD (or buy a whole HU and remove the LCD) from a '04-'05 Mz3 HU. The reason is that in '04-'05 the LCD was wired directly to the HU (plugs into the driver's side of the HU), and in '06+ models the LCD has it's own separate harness. Swapping out the LCD should be a matter of unplugging the wires, removing two screws and reversing to put the new one in. I'd just keep an eye out on ebay or the buy/sell forums of the popular 3 forums and see if you can find something on the cheap. That said it actually still works fine, so as long as it doesn't bother you it's not like it's damaging anything.

To address your actual wish to have an audio input. If you just want a regular audio port (which since you're using a blackberry I imagine you would) then there are several options listed in the OP to help you out. I would recommend either the grom input, or the Aux Mod basic. They both provide a 3.5mm input for you. The grom uses the SAT port (access it by pushing CD twice), and the Aux Mod uses the TAPE/MD port (access it by pushing TAPE/MD). They both work well (I've had an Aux Mod for about five years), however the grom is more easily available, and is a little cheaper.

To address epheterson's comment on a ground loop isolator. If you plan on wanting to charge your device while you're playing it then you'll absolutely need a GLI to avoid alternator whine. If you're not going to be charging your phone while listening to music then you won't need one. I don't have one in my car and haven't really had an issue with it. For install you just put it inline between your phone and the input you have and you're done.

 

[RogerSmith]

Thank you so so so much for your detailed answer. It has been most helpful. The AuxMod is all sold out and the owner has mentioned to me in an email that he doesnt know when any will be available or if they ever will be :/ Thank you for explaining to me about the LCD screen. Hopefully your comments will be helpful to others as well! Once again, many thanks!

 

[icspots]

Thank you so so so much for your detailed answer. It has been most helpful. The AuxMod is all sold out and the owner has mentioned to me in an email that he doesnt know when any will be available or if they ever will be :/ Thank you for explaining to me about the LCD screen. Hopefully your comments will be helpful to others as well! Once again, many thanks!

Yeah the Aux Mod's are kind of hit and miss. Even when they were "actively" being made he would only make batches every three or four months and he had a wait list for everyone who was interested.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[DetroitSP23]

I installed a Grom in November and have been very happy with it. Installation was pretty easy as well; thanks to the guide posted here.

 

[Milkman]

I installed a Grom in November and have been very happy with it. Installation was pretty easy as well; thanks to the guide posted here.

I have a 2006 Mazda 3
I want to have a line in port and this sounds like the ideal solution.

My question is, does installing the GROM hardware disable the steering wheel CD changer controls? What about the volume controls on the steering wheel etc?

 

[SKiZZ]

I have a 2006 Mazda 3
I want to have a line in port and this sounds like the ideal solution.

My question is, does installing the GROM hardware disable the steering wheel CD changer controls? What about the volume controls on the steering wheel etc?

Shouldn't, it plugs into a port in the back.

 

[SKiZZ]

ExpansysSaga

Fed Ex lost my package, they took over a week to admit defeat. Well now it's been a month and expansys (Bose adapter for BT) still hasn't sent the replacement on the Fed Ex claim. I've had to call 4 times and everytime they say we will escalate it and you should be getting an email in a few minutes to a couple hours and never do, so I call back, yeah there still looking into it yadda yadda. I'm about to have a charge back filed and just re-order it.

 

[icspots]

I have a 2006 Mazda 3
I want to have a line in port and this sounds like the ideal solution.

My question is, does installing the GROM hardware disable the steering wheel CD changer controls? What about the volume controls on the steering wheel etc?

Nope, the grom connects to the back of the HU. You'll still be able to use all the normal controls you'd normally have.

Skizz, sorry to hear you having problems like this. totally lame.

 

[SKiZZ]

Fed Ex lost my package, they took over a week to admit defeat. Well now it's been a month and expansys (Bose adapter for BT) still hasn't sent the replacement on the Fed Ex claim. I've had to call 4 times and everytime they say we will escalate it and you should be getting an email in a few minutes to a couple hours and never do, so I call back, yeah there still looking into it yadda yadda. I'm about to have a charge back filed and just re-order it.

Finally got some resolution on the thing, but still drama from www.expansys-usa.com. Finally got a call yesterday from them saying it will go out Next day red and I will receive it today and I will get an email in about 15-30 minutes. Well, no email, in 24 hours and I called. Still no joy. So hopefully I have it by the weekend.

I did order the new Dice G2 Cradle http://diceelectronics.com/g2-cradle and the Kuda Mount but in Black with red stitching for my 09 MS3. yes I know it's not on the website for the 09 and he is doing it special for me

 

[SKiZZ]

Welp, the Fed Ex Man showed but no one was home He left a door tag though and will drop it off today Now if I get Kuda mount and dice dock soon, the only thing I will need to do is Sirius. That might take some effort as I wanna run it up to the Antenna and hide it with a shark fin. Anyone take out a headliner in a hatch before?