adding a MP3/iPod player to a Monsoon radio?

[alrock]

isimple came today and i installed it, no problems and works flawlessly, damn plastic clips gave my some trouble, especially disconnecting the 4x4 cluster. I do have a couple of questions for those of you who have this unit and/or know anything about the dash area.

1. What is the giant metal pipe that runs behind the stereo? i only ask because i know some of my wires are going to be touching and i don't want to start any electrical fires.
2. Am i doing it wrong? i have to reprogram the isimple each time i want to switch from my ipod to my android phone, or is there a way to have it programmed to do both.
3. is there a place where i can get another chrome paneling for the dash, i just have this feeling that i'm going to break those clips one of these days, it would be nice to have a back-up
Thanks

1: pretty sure it is structural support for the dash. I hope you don't have bare wires back there and if you're worried about friction consider adding wire loom.
2: My iPod is using the iPod adapter and my Android is using the headphone jack. To change between the two: hit Band until you come back around to the iSimple "menu", then use the dial to select the appropriate adapter. I think the iPod is AUX1 and the Android is AUX2.
3: The first time you pull the center section it can be tight; after that it tends to loosen up. I've removed mine at least a dozen times and not broken a clip. But if you want a backup I think your best bet is eBay.

I secured the iSimple adapter to the top of the radio with double stick tape. I even built up a support with the tape to hold in the AUX connectors as they don't seem to hold too well on their own. By securing the adapter and the AUX wires I shouldn't have to worry about friction, fraying of wires or short circuits.

 

[cgalpha08]

Ok great thanks. I secured mine to the plastic sidewall with some double sided sticky stuff. Also thats what i was doing with the selection, i just didnt know if there was an easier way.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk

 

[PacNWAg98]

After a couple of months of saying "I really need to order one of those" - I finally just ordered mine from Amazon. (Isimple Isgm575) :thumbs:
I have a monsoon with no GPS, so my install experience should be right inline with that of JR3T - thanks again for the awesome instructions!

DAVE

 

[PacNWAg98]

Just installed mine and it works great!! it took me a total of about 1.5 hrs to install, but most of that time was me being picky about where I was going to stash my wires...

I followed JR3T's instructions and they were right on the money - thanks again!

There's nothing better than 80 GBs of my favorite tunes rolling around with me

DAVE

 

[alrock]

Glad it worked out well for you.

 

[cgalpha08]

Glad its workin! Mine is still working great!

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk

 

[JR3T]

Good to hear it worked out for you too.

 

[PacNWAg98]

Update:
So all was going great - and played/functioned beautifully on Sat & Sun. Then, this morning I go out - turn on the ignition and the radio is beeping. It flashes LOCKED for about 30 seconds and then goes completely blank. :gaah:

If I push the Display button, I get the time, but that is it. On Star still works.

Any advice? I quickly looked in my manual, but did not see an easy solution. Have not yet looked online - but thought one of you may have a suggestion.

thanks!
DAVE

 

[JR3T]

My understanding is your head unit goes into locked state if it detects it is not connected to same vehicle on power up. And if it gets locked, then the dealer must unlock it for you.
I would first try a power cycle by taking neg terminal off the battery for a few minutes and see if it fixes itself.
If not, then pull off center console and check all connectors that were touched during install are well seated.
If all else fails, then head over to dealer for a reset of the head unit security protection.