How did you guys route your aux cable?

[nelliott500]

Just installed a PIE adapter today. The install is simple... getting the radio back in was a pain due to the extra harness that's added. I ran the aux cable out the bottom right of the ash tray area so it pops out from the center console trim. I can then hide it in the glove box when I'm not using it. Worst case with this route is a little bit of cable showing from the center console trim to the glove box.

Any better ideas? I don't mind digging back in if there's a better way to do it.

 

[G-RELL]

ive done it several ways. if you run it through the center console, you can drill a hole in it, and just coil the wire in there when not in use...

 

[NickT88LSC]

I went down the center console also and entered into the armrest storage compartment.

 

[joegr]

I went down the center console also and entered into the armrest storage compartment.

Me too.

 

[nelliott500]

I went down the center console also and entered into the armrest storage compartment.

That's a pretty good idea. Where did you put the actual PIE box?

 

[RigsLS]

what is the PIE box ?

probably something I know but by different name.

 

[joegr]

what is the PIE box ?

probably something I know but by different name.

It's the box with the electronics that talk to the radio to fool it into thinking it has a satellite receiver or CD changer attached. The ones that are specific for iPods also talk to the iPod and allow it to be controlled through the factory headunit.

 

[joegr]

That's a pretty good idea. Where did you put the actual PIE box?

As best as I can remember, I put mine behind the dash, under or behind the ash tray.

 

[nelliott500]

Hmm... I was hoping to stash it in that area behind the HVAC controls but it wouldn't sit due to how tight the wires for the radio are. I ended up shoving it up top right of the radio so it sits sort of above the glove compartment next to the center console A/C vents.

 

[1LoudLS]

first LS, i ran the ipod cable down through the center console and drilled a hole into the storage compartment.

second LS, I just ran the cable over and onto the glove box through the hole for the light, that way i can just leaved it locked up all the time*.


*i have to control the ipod via the radio's touch screen, this is not a good option if the adapter you are using make you have to use the ipod itself for controls,

 

[FrankLS]

I routed mine through an openning on the bottom left behind the HU. The wiring led right behind the kick panel speaker (the little one by the gas pedal). I hid the "pie box" behind the carpet right below the speaker and ran my wiring behind the carpet towards the seat. Then right beside the seat, I routed the wire between the carpet and the middle consule and have the wire going under my seat with my Ipod. I never really use the ipod controls but when i need them, the wiring is long enough so I can grab it and due whats needed.

 

[LS4me]

I did this in our 2000 for an ipod. I'm sure it would work in the 2nd gen...

 

[xford]

Here's my install

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=54044

 

[LS4me]

Here's my install

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=54044

Actually, I did that too. In addition to that dock I have a lead in the armrest.

 

[Pan1019]

When not in use, or even sometimes when in use, I just tuck it between the seat and console. Just installed it 2 days ago too!

 

[nelliott500]

I was considering making my own aux cable with a female 3.5mm, drill a hole in the console or trim somewhere, and find a way to mount it there as a connection. Then, I can just use a retractable 3.5mm cable when I want to use my aux connection and put it away when I'm not.

Pretty sure I've got a handful of solderable female 3.5mm connections at work. They're intended to be used on a wall plate so they have a nut on one side and a it might hold pretty well against the trim/console. I'll have to look into it.

 

[1LoudLS]

if all you want is a female aux input, we use these at work. easy, cheap and work great. the aux cable that come with the kit is garbage, use your own, but the aux extension is nice since you just drill a hole and plug it with the adapter.

 

[regiment1]

I was considering making my own aux cable with a female 3.5mm, drill a hole in the console or trim somewhere, and find a way to mount it there as a connection. Then, I can just use a retractable 3.5mm cable when I want to use my aux connection and put it away when I'm not.

Pretty sure I've got a handful of solderable female 3.5mm connections at work. They're intended to be used on a wall plate so they have a nut on one side and a it might hold pretty well against the trim/console. I'll have to look into it.

I have started looking into this myself. If you think about the 3.5 mm output jack on a stereo, it switches the line signal between the amp and speakers when you plug headphones into it.

I'm thinking you could use the same jack but on the input side, wiring it between one of the input sources and the head unit amp. I've seen a couple of postings by people who use a regular jack wired into the line from their CD changer. They set their head unit to the CD player, and start the CD, but then use a manual switch to change the input signal to the new input jack. I'd like to find a way to:
1 - use the same type of switching jack so a separate switch is not required
2 - wire that jack in between the cassette and amp

 

[nelliott500]

Welp, did the deed this morning. Soldered a female 3.5mm stereo jack to the end of the cable, drilled a hole in the center console, and attached it. Had to use a razor blade to trim the plastic a bit so I could grab enough threads on the connector but it should hold pretty well.