I want a music-in port on the center console. This is so that I can hook up a cable from my ipod shuffle to the car stereo.

I found a bunch of threads about installing various adapaters for aux-in etc. However, I want to preserve the original look of the dash and not have wires and/or visually non-matching adapters visible on the dash.

I heard that Mazda provides a aux-in gizmo with the proper faceplate so that it blends in with the dash. Anyone has pics of it or if it even exists in the US? I couldnt find it on the mazda accessories site.

Thanks,
Bodi

 

I don't think Maza has such a part. That's why you found the other bunch of threads -- people have been looking for ways to solve the lack of an OEM solution since the car came out.

 

I don't have an answer on the Mazda provided accessory however what I did sounds like it would work for you and wasn't that difficult.

First I used the good old PIE connector, which plugs into the back of the head unit and provides a standard RCA L/R out. Then I went out to radio shack and bought a few things.. most notable of which is an RCA extension cable and a RCA to 1/8" converter plug. (Converts RCA to headphone type single jack). Along with a Male to Female headphone converter.

My setup is rather simple.. PIE to RCA... RCA Extension to RCA>1/8 converter plug... Converter Plug to Male/Female adapter. I then ran the entire length under the center console...

I then removed the back part of the center console (The part with the 2nd power tap in it), and took a small drill and drilled a hole just smaller than the Male/Female adapter width. That adapter is basically 2 parts.. a metal coupler and a plastic sleeve around it. I slid the plastic sleeve into the new hole (which is just under the power tap opening) and then forced the metal adapter into it's plastice sleeve..

The result is what looks like a small headphone jack just under the power tap.. and because it's so small it doesn't look aftermarket at all. From then on I just plug my MP3 into that jack, drop it in the console itself and close it all up.. no wires showing, no mess.

I'd post a pic.. but my camera right now is on the fritz.. but basically your running your wires inside the center console and providing the plug inside the console itself to keep it hidden. Should work for ya.