Need Help with IPOD Wiring

[Machspeed]

I’m trying to add IPOD capability to my 06 LS. My head unit has the built in CD player and I have no Navigation, thus I ordered PIE # FRD03-AUX/S. With the exception of the black and red wires pictured, I fully follow the hook up. Of course it helps that there are instructions. The IPOD connector however comes with no instructions and I’m not even sure if I need to utilize them. I know the red and black wires are respective power and ground, but what is their purpose? If I tape them off and not utilize them will I still get power to my IPOD? If I have to utilize them, where would you advise I wire them in at? I really did not want to splice into my factory wiring but if it is essential, I will. Thanks!!!

 

[joegr]

They are power for the iPod, so that it will charge while you are using it, instead of discharge. If you don't mine running off of your iPod's internal battery all the time (till it goes dead) then you don't have to connect them.
If you want to use them, then the black goes to ground. You can splice it into one of the ground wires to the radio (black-green, I think). You can connect the red wire to a constant power source (iPod charges all the time) or to the switched accessory wire to the radio (iPod charges only when the key is on). If you don't want to splice into the car's wiring, you can splice into the harness for the PIE instead.

 

[LS4me]

I used the lighter/power port for power and ground.

 

[Machspeed]

Thanks joe, I was pretty sure that was the purpose of those two wires but I did not want to assume.

LS4, I was just looking at that connection and thinking that would be the place to wire it in at. Actually, I was looking at the lighter and the 12 volt power supply adjacent to it and and wondering which would be the best to tap off of. That said, I'm going with the lighter. Did you splice into it by cutting the wires? Also, if I go that route, is it a constant power source or a switched source?

Thanks gentleman, you guys are great!!!

 

[LS4me]

Thanks joe, I was pretty sure that was the purpose of those two wires but I did not want to assume.

LS4, I was just looking at that connection and thinking that would be the place to wire it in at. Actually, I was looking at the lighter and the 12 volt power supply adjacent to it and and wondering which would be the best to tap off of. That said, I'm going with the lighter. Did you splice into it by cutting the wires? Also, if I go that route, is it a constant power source or a switched source?

Thanks gentleman, you guys are great!!!

I pretty sure it's constant. Easy way to check; see if the lighter works with the key off. IIRC, I used a "tap" connector. It snaps onto the wire and a spade connector plugs into it. Soldering would be a more permanent and better connection.

 

[Machspeed]

LS4, I had the battery disconnected when I asked if the wires were constant or not. A quick connection of the battery and a reading from the volt/ohm meter verified that the circuit is constant. Thanks for the info on the tap connectors too. I had forgotten about those. Unfortunately, I could not locate any in my small town, so my car will sit all taken apart until I can get the connectors. Thanks again!!!

 

[LS4me]

LS4, I had the battery disconnected when I asked if the wires were constant or not. A quick connection of the battery and a reading from the volt/ohm meter verified that the circuit is constant. Thanks for the info on the tap connectors too. I had forgotten about those. Unfortunately, I could not locate any in my small town, so my car will sit all taken apart until I can get the connectors. Thanks again!!!

If you plan on making the connection permanent why not just piggyback the connection and solder it? It will be a much more secure connection.

 

[hite337]

If you are going to do it, do it right and solder the wires.

 

[Machspeed]

No doubt soldering is the best way to go, but this aspect of the connection does not concern me. Also, here's what I will be using to make the connection:

 

[1LoudLS]

If you are going to do it, do it right and solder the wires.

agreed.


the biggest concern I have about most kinds of T taps, is that most of them have a small blade that cuts through the insulation and into the wire that you are tapping into, this will first off weaken the wire and could cause it to break apart if too much of the copper is cut through during the clamping. and depending on how much copper gets cut/broke, this could considerately cut down on the amount of current the wire can carry which leads to heat which could easily lead to fire.

OP: it looks like the type of taps your using have the single pin that pierces the wire when screwed down, those tend to be the safest/least damaging kind you can go with.




even with out soldering, a propper wire tap made but stripping, poking, and wrapping is far better , cleaner, and more secure than any "T tap"



if its not a high current, or data connection, i do the above without solder and a zip tie to hold the tape and connection tight often

 

[Machspeed]

Thanks for the continued input here guys, I appreciate it. The particular taps I'm using are the best in the market and while I wouldn't do it, people make whole wiring harnesses with these fittings. Also, this connection is merely a source for charging an IPOD. Thanks again!!!

 

[LS4me]

I went in today and removed the connectors and soldered them. I actually have a power outlet that I installed in the rear of the console as well as the iPod adapter piggybacked off the power outlet in the storage bin.

 

[1LoudLS]

never a bad thing to do!

its not really a huge concern for the ipod adapter itself as it probably only needs a half an amp of current. the power ports would be what i would worry about, if the T cut through too much of the wire (really a factor if the wrong sized T was used) it could really heat up if you were really using a lot of power.