Connecting Ipod To Camry

[zaq1]

The local Toyota dealer reckons that it is not possible to play an Ipod in the Camry that has the DVD unit installed (it has no 3.5mm jack in the central console area whereas the CD version has). Anyone know anything about this? He furthermore states that there is no auxiliary input on the rear of the DVD unit to plug anything else in. Anyone have any ideas or info, please. I think the units installed in the new Camry's also feature in older models, maybe someone has experience about this.

[onnut]

I do not believe that the camry does not have a jack on the back of it's stereo. Double check on that!

Does your car have a USB port? If so then you can plug your iPod into that and should be able to control it from the steering wheel controls.

The USB port on the accord is in the center consol under the armrest, I also have a cable connected to the rear of the stereo and use one to charge my iPhone and the other to play music from my iPod.

[zaq1]

Thanks for your reply. The DVD version does not have an input under the central armrest. The CD version does.

Taking out the unit to look for an input would be a major task to attempt at home!

I suspect that there might be something at the rear of the unit, but the dealer says there is not. There is no jack or USB socket in the passenger compartment.

If anyone has info, I'd be interested to hear about it.

Thanks!

[Digitalbanana]

I had a similar issue with a new Fortuner in Bangkok. The Toyota 6xCD audio doesn't cater for USB or aux input even on today's models! Only option to rip it out and but another vendors audio I was told by the Toyota dealer at my cost if I wanted to listen to audio from any other device besides their CD player or FM radio! Toyota Thailand were no help at all on this, guess no one in Toyota has heard of mp3 on a USB device yet?!

[SantiSuk]

The Fortuner manual directs you to discuss with your dealer if you want to access an MP3 player/i-Pod. I did and my local franchise suggested installing the SatNav system (same as Fortuner Navi) which has a USB connection. Cost about 100,000 baht!!!

I could not get to the bottom of why a simple mod could not be made - they kept refering me shiftily back to the sales dealership in Bangkok. Now I know that Toyota have f_cked up.

Execrable design on a baht 1.5m motor (TSD Sportivo). I intend to write to Toyota in Tokyo if my original dealer confirms the same. What a mistake to buy a car with a DVD player that only plays when you stop at a premium of baht 200,000 over a more standard Fortuner and a 20 year old approach to music technology. I wish we hadn't been so fixated with buying a white one!

[zaq1]

Thanks to Santisuk and Digitalbanana

Your comments match my experiences so far exactly. I also can't believe that Toyota would F* up like this.

Particularly, DB writes "I wish we hadn't been so fixated with buying a white one!"

HA! ME TOO! There was a CD version there (80,00 baht cheaper) but in black . . . and I wanted it in white! (your Fortuner looks GREAT in white, btw. Good choice there!

If you Google about you'll find that a replacement unit is available (Chinese) that costs as little as under $300 US. I read they are available imported in Bangkok, not sure of the baht price yet. Includes a TV, SD socket and a mini USB in addition to all the other standard Toyota features. The dealer had quoted me 55,000 baht to supply the same unit, btw!

It is possible to bluetooth connect a music player or phone with music files onto the standard system. Tried that and it works. NOT been able to instal the ipod that way yet though . . . PLUS I do not want Bluetooth microwaves bouncing around in the car. Gives me a headache.

When I find a way (or some kind soul shares with us) I'll report back to you guys.

Thanks for now

[hkt83100]

There is always one option: Go for one of those FM-Transmitters for about 200 Baht. You can either put a SD-Card or USB-Stick in it (I use a 2 GB SD-Card), or connect the earphone out of your Ipod with a supplied cable to the Transmitter. The little monster goes into the cigarette lighter, now just choose an unused frequency for sending and listen to your music on FM radio.

[onnut]

There is always one option: Go for one of those FM-Transmitters for about 200 Baht. You can either put a SD-Card or USB-Stick in it (I use a 2 GB SD-Card), or connect the earphone out of your Ipod with a supplied cable to the Transmitter. The little monster goes into the cigarette lighter, now just choose an unused frequency for sending and listen to your music on FM radio.

I used one of them once and the music cuts out when you go out of range. It's the same as listening to a radio!!!!

[SantiSuk]

How can it go out of range if the transmitter is a few centimetres away from the receiver (or am I missing something?)

[Digitalbanana]

I think he must mean the signal gets massive interference when driving thro built up areas. Only fix I found was to stick the FM 12V transmitter in the rear 12V socket close to the radio screen antenna. Pain in the arse changing the tracks tho from the drivers seat!

As for the Chinese replacement audio units for 300USD with every kind of input and including a Toyota on screen logo, I passed on them as they looked cheap and nasty. Only way is to spend bigger for quality brand names, but I haven't gone there yet.

[onnut]

How can it go out of range if the transmitter is a few centimetres away from the receiver (or am I missing something?)

yes sorry. I mean there is massive intererance while driving around. It's as if you are listening to a bad radio station.

[zaq1]

Not sure if any of you guys will see this, being written a few weeks later . . .

Da Da!! THE SOLUTION IS:

The standard Toyota DVD installed has Bluetooth! So an ipod, iphone or any cellphone with Bluetooth and music can be connected that way. Hands-free phone connection by bluetooth, too.

So why did the dealer not tell me this? Good question!

No socket - as no necessary. Bluetooth is the way to go.

BTW, perfectly clear sound, works great.

The car (Hybrid) ain't bad either.

[SantiSuk]

Not sure if any of you guys will see this, being written a few weeks later . . .

Da Da!! THE SOLUTION IS:

The standard Toyota DVD installed has Bluetooth! So an ipod, iphone or any cellphone with Bluetooth and music can be connected that way. Hands-free phone connection by bluetooth, too.

So why did the dealer not tell me this? Good question!

No socket - as no necessary. Bluetooth is the way to go.

BTW, perfectly clear sound, works great.

The car (Hybrid) ain't bad either.

Thanks - have now seen it a few weeks later myself. Will investigate

[ikob]

You can use X car link to your car, the car will see your ipod as an extra cd player. Excellent sound

you can also use USB, Aux, and ipod

Call khun Piak at 085-9339592, i dunno whether he can speak english or not

cost 3,xxx baht

[duckkorat]

I know this thread is quite old, but I just got my new Fortuner Navi with DVD and bluetooth hands-free. I also have a 2009 Camry 2.4v with practically the same stereo (DVD, bluetooth). Am I missing something about getting music audio from my iPhone to the car stereo? When I connect the iPhone via bluetooth only the phone can be heard through the car stereo, not the music from the iPhone. The posts above seem to indicate that there is a way to do this, anyone know how?