Crutchfield - North America's electronics authority since 1974

1.888.955.6000
 
 
Free Shipping on Everything.  60-Day Money-Back Guarantee  |  Lifetime Tech Support
 

USA Spec iPod® Interface

Connects your iPod to select Nissan/Infiniti factory radios

Zoom USA Spec iPod® Interface
Front
Video loading and will display in just a moment.
Photos
USA Spec iPod® Interface
 
Videos
 

Item# 581PA11NIS offer details

Item# 581PA11NIS

Review Summary

 
DISCONTINUED
 
This item is no longer available to purchase.
 
Contact us for other options
 
Call   Email  
 
 
 
 

By buying this product you'll earn up to 150 Rewards points.

When you sign up for a Crutchfield account, you’ll be enrolled in Crutchfield Rewards. You’ll earn one point for every dollar you spend on gear from us. You can turn your points into Rewards Cards that you can use toward future purchases. You can sign up for an account now, or after you complete your purchase (you’ll get credit for the points either way).

 
USA Spec

Our take on the USA Spec iPod® Interface

You can take it with you. Just because you've got a factory radio in your Nissan or Infiniti, doesn't mean you have to leave your iPod (and the hours and hours of music it contains) at home. Just install USA SPEC's iPod interface — it not only allows you to listen to all your favorite tunes through your car's speakers, it even lets you control song and playlist selections right from your radio.

Just mount the compact interface box in a hidden location in your vehicle, and connect the adapter cable to the CD changer input on your compatible Nissan or Infiniti factory radio. Plug your iPod into the interface — you can control volume, source, song selection, and up to five different play lists right from the radio. And the interface charges your iPod while it's connected. You even get an auxiliary input for connecting an add-on satellite radio, DVD player, or other external source.

Please enter your vehicle information or call an Advisor at 1-888-955-6000 to find out if this adapter is compatible with your vehicle. As the iPod interface uses the CD changer port, any existing changer that you have must be disconnected.

Compatibility Note: Be sure to check "Hands-on Research" for specific iPod model compatibility with this iPod adapter.

Highlights:

  • iPod connection adapter for select Nissan factory stereos
  • manage the iPod via your radio's CD changer controls
  • adjust volume, track up/down, fast forward/rewind
  • use up to five playlists (select five favorites, or Auto Playlist will let you choose from the first five on your iPod)
  • Direct Mode allows you to control everything via the iPod itself, giving you access to all playlists (requires a DIP switch change on the USA SPEC adapter)
  • compatible with all iPod and iPod mini models equipped with a dock connector and iPod software update 2004-04-28, or higher
  • warranty: 1 year
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee
 

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and Specs

Features and Specs
General
Adapter Type
Loading...
iPod audio in w/ iPod control
Vehicle Specific
Loading...
Nissan
Brand Specific
Loading...
No
Parts Warranty
Loading...
1 Year
Labor Warranty
Loading...
1 Year
iPod Compatibility
Full-Size
Loading...
Classic/5Gen/4Gen
Nano
Loading...
Nano5/Nano4/Nano3/Nano2/Nano1
Touch
Loading...
Touch3/Touch2/Touch1
Mini
Loading...
Mini2/Mini1
iPhone
Loading...
Phone/Phone3G/Phone3GS

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • iPod-to-Nissan interface
  • 72" iPod interface cable (CB-PA85)
  • 4' Adapter to Nissan radio interface (CAS-NIS)
  • Owner's manual
  • Design Change Notice sheet

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features

Overview: This adapter allows an iPod with a dock connector to be connected to and controlled by the factory radio in select Nissan and Infinity vehicles. It is generally compatible with factory navigation systems but not factory satellite radio. Please check the Crutchfield Vehicle Selector to confirm compatibility with your vehicle.

Cables:

  • CB-PA85: iPod dock connector on one end and round 13-pin plug on the other end (plugs into the adapter)
  • CAS-NIS: Round 13-pin plug on one end (plugs into the adapter); two 10-pin and one 12-pin Molex plugs on the other (connects in between the factory radio and factory wiring)

iPod Compatibility: The PA11-NIS now includes the CB-PA85 cable allowing charging of the 4th generation nano, 2nd generation touch, and the iPhone 3G. The interface is compatible with the following Generation 3 and later iPod models:

  • iPod Photo (4th generation)
  • iPod Video (5th generation)
  • iPod U2 (4th generation)
  • iPod mini (1st/2nd generation)
  • iPod nano (1st/2nd/3rd/4th/5th generation)
  • iPod classic (80/120/160GB)
  • iPod touch (1st/2nd/3rd generation)
  • iPhone and iPhone 3G/3GS

Control Modes: The iPod interface adapter features the following control modes.

  • Playlist Mode: You can create up to 5 favorite mobile playlist then use your radio's CD changer controls to access and control your playlist.
  • Direct Mode: Gives you complete control of your iPod while it is connected to the factory radio. Your iPod is not locked out while connected to the radio and you are able to manually access your complete iPod content. The Radio still can adjust song up/down random or shuffle play but you can manually control your iPod and select any playlist, genre or Artist of your choice.
  • Dual Mode: Combines features of Direct Mode and Playlist Mode. You can create and access your favorite mobile playlist or directly access all your iPod content manually on your iPod. Your iPod displays song title information and iPod is not locked, so the iPod can be operated manually at all times. (May be referred to as the Hybrid Mode in some manuals)

Playlist Names: In order for the adapter/factory radio to recognize a playlist, it must be named NISSAN1... through NISSAN5... Text can follow the NISSAN name and number, such as NISSAN3_artistname or NISSAN2-jazz. For a given disc slot (1-5), if there is no playlist named NISSAN followed by that number, that disc slot is filled by the next available playlist on the iPod.

Auxiliary Input: In addition to the iPod input on the PA11-NIS there is an auxiliary input (RCA) for use with another source, such as a DVD system, satellite radio, etc. The aux input is accessed at disc 6 track 1 using the factory radio controls. This aux input can be used with or without the iPod connected. When using the aux input in the Playlist mode, Play All access is moved to the Disc 5 slot and the NISSAN5 custom playlist is lost.

Controls: Use the Radio's Disc Select controls to access the 5 custom mobile playlists, the Play All mode, and the auxiliary input. Track select, forward and backward, works just like on a CD. Other commands include shuffle play, scan (plays first 10 seconds of each track), repeat play, Fast Track Search (skips forward or backward 10 tracks), and Fast Forward/Fast Reverse within a song (available in shuffle mode only).

Battery Charge: The PA11-NIS charges the iPod battery when connected. Charging stops after 1 hour of non-use to prevent draining the vehicle's battery.

CD Changer Port: The adapter uses the factory radio's CD Changer port so if the vehicle has an existing outboard CD Changer it must be disconnected.

Pause: When a non-iPod source is selected on the radio (AM/FM/Cass/CD) the iPod pauses.

Resume: If the iPod is not disconnected after use, it will resume playing where it left off when you restart the vehicle. If you're listening to a playlist portably and you plug the iPod into the adapter, playback continues from that point.

 

Product Reviews

Review Summary

Average Customer Review:

49 people say:
(32)
(14)
(2)
(1)
(0)
 

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences about this product. Please be sure to focus your comments on the product itself. Read our Review Guidelines for more information.

Review title
* Email
Your email won't be visible. Please use the email address that is associated with your order.
Display name
(e.g., JohnD) Your review will be signed using the display name and location
* Your location
(e.g., Charlottesville, VA)
* Your rating
Click on a star to rate the overall product on a scale of 1-5
1500 characters left * Your review
Attach a YouTube Review
Crutchfield Video Review Guidelines
  • Only submit videos that you made or are authorized to use.
  • Do not submit videos that contain music, video or visuals that are copyrighted and belong to someone else.
  • Please see our Review Guidelines for more information.
Submit the URL of your YouTube™ video review or product demonstration. e.g., http://www.youtube.com/v/o79TWHh598U
500 characters left Pros
500 characters left Cons
* Agree to Terms
By checking this box you agree your review becomes the property of Crutchfield, that you are over 18 years of age, that you own or have owned this product, and that you are located within the United States or its territories. Please see our Review Guidelines for more information. We reserve the right (but are not obligated to) review all submissions and edit or remove any review in any manner which we deem necessary. Your review should be posted within seven days.
1-10 of 49 items >> Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness
 
5 out of 5

Works well, but after trial and error install attempts

Written By Vlad, Phoenix, AZ on Sunday, April 01, 2007
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
Installed this unit in 02 Maxima SE with the base stereo. USA Spec instructions don't tell you, but the cable has 3 connectors. You must disconnect the largest connector that is plugged into the stereo and plug it into the female plug on the cable. The matching male connector (from adaptor's cable) plugs into the stereo instead of the one that was disconnected. This essentially connected the adapter in-line with the wires (probably just few of them) that used to go directly from the car to the stereo.

The 3rd and last plug from the cable is plugged into the empty (CD Changer) slot in the stereo. This completes the electrical part of the installation. Unfortunately the manufacturer didn't bother to elaborate beyond "connect the adapted to the stereo".

Once all connected, it works like a charm. We've been using similar adapted in our other vehicle (04 Acura MDX) for a year now, very happy with it.

Hope this saves aggravation for some.

Cheers.
3 out of 3 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Great. Definitely worth every penny!!!!!

Written By David, Brooklyn, NY on Thursday, April 12, 2007
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
I bought this item as the FM transmitter devices really don't work in NYC (there's a station on almost every channel). I have a 2001 Nissan with Factory Bose Stereo and wasn't gettign the sound quality (and was on my 2nd transmitter). First, it arrived in two business days, which is phenomenal, since I asked for regular shipping.

It took some time to figure out how to get the stereo out, but that was mostly my insecurity as I had never done this before. Once it was out, it only takes a few seconds to get the interface plugged in. The other reviews are correct and a big help. There are 3 USA Spec plugs. First, remove the big plug from the radio and plug it into the USA Spec wire (mother/father). For the plug that was in the radio, attach the second USA Spec plug, that will be evident. Then attach the last USA spec wire to the changer. I don't know anything about this stuff, and I figured it out in five minutes.

It worked like a charm. Perfect. You can control the songs with the steering wheel controls which is an added plus to me. I've been debating the purchase for a while. So glad I did it.
4 out of 4 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Great hardware! Works great in '06 G35!

Written By morg, Northern Virginia on Tuesday, March 20, 2007
 
At first, this didn't work at all. But that was because I didn't connect all of the cables. Duh. I have the G35 coupe with the Bose system. I don't use Sirius, so I disconnected it and plugged this unit in its place. No problem.

Check Google for a few sites that show you how to take the trim off of the dash. That was the hardest part by far. This unit fits easily underneath the radio behind the trim and installed in minutes (once I removed the trim!)

The steering wheel "seek" controls only go to the start of the current song or to the next song. But the dash seek button, when held, will seek through the song until you release the button. It charges while plugged in. Also, I use the direct mode, not playlist mode. With direct mode, I can still use the ipod controls.

The sound is perfect. Loud, full of base, and it sounds like the iPod is supposed to.
4 out of 4 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

2001 G20t

Written By Felipe, Houston, TX on Thursday, March 08, 2007
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
Was a little cautious since my car wasnt 'officially' supported, but i installed this in my factory Bose head unit in 5 minutes. Pulling out the head unit was super easy, all i needed was a torque wrench (for the screws, they are in TIGHT) and thats it! It's better to run it with the second switch to off, that way you use your ipod to pick the playlist, and use your factory stereo to navigate through the playlist. (go to next song, fast forward, etc.) sound is GREAT, although there is a slight hissing sound, but i never hear it because my stereo is always loud.
You can tuck the wires in the console or wherever you want. 100% satisfied.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

95 Infiniti J30

Written By James, Chicago, Il on Sunday, March 11, 2007
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
This product works very well in my vehicle even though it is reported to 'possibly' fit. The instructions are a little vague, but hooking it up was not too difficult. The sound quality is excellent and the radio controls can be used to control song selection. I have dedicated a spare 20g Ipod to remain in the car and act as its jukebox and it performs that role very well. It turns off when the ignition is turned off and back on when you start the car again, playing right where it left off.
I'm very happy with this product.
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Installed on a 2004 Nissan 350z roadster

Written By cjaz, Lexington, KY on Monday, October 08, 2007
 
This is a very good product. Great digital sound. Primarily, I purchased this unit in order to listen to my music via my ipod without fm modulation - due to poor sound quality.



My BOSE NISSAN system was experiencing apparently a common issue where one channel was cutting out when I played the CD in the 6 disc CD changer, causing my left side speakers to cut out intermittently. I was going to send the radio in for repair of this CD channel output issue which was a $295 fix. But i thought i would try this ipod integration kit first - because if the ipod works why would i care about the broken CD player. Well here's the good news: with the ipod playing through this PA11 NIS unit (using the CD controls) the iPod music plays perfectly!!! No need to fix the CD player issue now - Yeah!



Anyway, this unit installs very easily, once you get the center console that holds the radio removed. Once you get access to the back of the radio, the wire harnesses (plugs) are very difficult to remove. Their is a retaining clip on each of the upper two plugs, but in my case the retaining clips were on the bottom at the center of the plug. you have to get a screwdriver on the clip and then push up while pulling the plug out at the same time.



So to hook up the PA11-NIS just unplug the left top large plug and the smaller plug on the bottom right. Push the Male side of plug #1 that was removed from the radio into the female on the PA11-NIS, then plug the large plug of the adaptor into the radio top left slot (#1). Take the other plug that comes with the adaptor and plug it into the #3 slot - leaving the original #3 plug from the existing radio wiring unplugged..
Put the dash back together and voila! IPOD Digital Sound.
The Ipod plays through Channel 6 Track 1 on your CD player, playlists can be accessed on Disc1 thru Disc5. All CD controls work to advance tracks etc and your CD player works too. Ipod title and artist info does not show upon your radio display.


Great product! Good Luck and enjoy!
6 out of 6 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Installed on 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. Works great

Written By Richard, Amherst, NY on Thursday, December 13, 2007
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
This unit is a great fix for a 2001 Pathfinder broken 6 Bose disk changer and
converting the port to be an iPod input. You will keep full use of
steering controls, keep sound quality, and keep cost to under $165 to
fix. After a lot of research I have accomplished my goal of getting my
broken Bose 6 disk changer out of my 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. Please
note I had the 2" radio/tape head unit and 2" separate 6 disk
changer right below it (not the 4in all in one unit). Contrary
to reviews, and what some Crutchfield reps told me this Item
#581PA11NIS does work with this Bose system. I verified this with USA
Spec and after install it works in my Pathy. Be sure to order the Dash
Pocket Item #120889000 to fill in the slot nicely left when you remove
the old CD changer. The only thing I did not like about that pocket was the premade cd holder brackets inside it. But this item fits perfectly and works with the very
sturdy original brackets that hold the stereo and old changer in
place. I kept the Bose head unit in for ease of keeping the steering
wheel controls (since they will work with this Ipod adapter) and cost
efficiency. Plus it sounds good for a stock stereo.


So the USA Spec ipod adapter sounds good and works well with the factory
system. The install instructions included with the unit are a bit confusing. That is why I wanted to give this a 4 out of 5 stars because it really did set me back awhile. But once it was in it met all my needs quite well. Do a google search for instructions on install in 2001 pathfinder.
6 out of 6 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

USA Spec iPod® Interface

Written By james, lexington park,md on Thursday, August 02, 2007
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
this is the greatest thing to happen to car stereos. I have a 2001 infiniti I30 and the stock bose system sounds great. the cd player in my car is burning out and gets picky about working. to get it repaired or replaced was to much money. this allowed me to still keep the great sound and not have to pay to get my cd player fixed. plus I have 4,300 songs at my finger tips. the best part is that I can still change songs and volume with my steering wheel. You want to keep it on the option that allows you to use your ipod for direct control. this way changing playlist is like switching a cd and you use your wheel controls to change songs. my advice is if you got a ipod and you want to use it for your car this is the way to go. it is easy to put in and easy to use.
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Successfully installed in 2006 Nissan 350Z (with Factory Bose HU)

Written By Justin, FL on Saturday, April 21, 2007
 
It worked like a charm right out of the box; no need for any extra harnesses, amps, etc. Now I'm able to control my IPOD from my steeing-wheel and head unit as intended.

It's one of the best purchases I've made in the last few years... well other than my car.
6 out of 6 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

USA Spec iPod Interface in 2000 Maxima w/ Bose factory system

Written By Cal, Charlotte, NC on Saturday, February 18, 2006
 
This is an awesome product! I was using a cassette adaptor & seperate charging cable with a bad alternator whine omnipresent before getting A Monster iCruze system. I did not like the Monster system as it only allowed limited control of iPod via selected playlists. I returned system after installation to Crutchfield for 100% refund!
I ordered the USA Spec product next and it installed easily although it had a low volume level issue. I called USA Spec and they advised me to return unit for a factory modification to aleviate low volume problem. I mentioned to them that I was still getting a bit of alternator whine when using product. USA Spec was kind enough to send a whine filter and insatallation directions free of charge!
The factory mod worked perfectly and alternator whine is gone after filter was installed. I can use the standard direct iPod controls and charge the unit via dock connector link up.
I highly recommend this product to anyone considering it and hopefully the mod my unit required will be standard before shipping new product to consumers!
27 out of 31 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
1-10 of 49 items >>

Learn more about iPod Adapters for Car Stereos

Learn more about iPod Adapters for Car Stereos

Video: Playing an iPod in Your Car

Video: Playing an iPod in Your Car

Zak Billmeier
6/19/2008
based on 130 ratings (5 comments)
 

This short video describes your options for playing an iPod through your car's sound system.

 
iPod® Car Stereo Adapter Shopping Guide

iPod® Car Stereo Adapter Shopping Guide

Robert Ferency-Viars
2/24/2009
based on 93 ratings (27 comments)
 

These days we can integrate iPod control with almost any vehicle's stereo by using vehicle- or stereo-specific adapters.

 
iPod® Generations Chart

iPod® Generations Chart

Ralph Graves
10/29/2010
based on 864 ratings (20 comments)
 

Sort out which generation iPod you have with these handy charts. Includes the iPod, iPod mini, iPod nano, and iPod touch.

 
Getting the Best Sound Out of Your Portable Music Player in the Car

Getting the Best Sound Out of Your Portable Music Player in the Car

Robert Ferency-Viars
8/9/2011
based on 303 ratings (30 comments)
 

How to get the best sound quality from your portable music player when connecting it to your car stereo.

 
iPod® Installation Guide

iPod® Installation Guide

Todd Cabell
5/5/2009
based on 25 ratings (2 comments)
 

Step-by-step instructions on how to connect an iPod to your car stereo.

 

For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the USA Spec iPod® Interface, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/ISEO-rccbcspd/p_581PA11NIS/USA-Spec-iPod-Interface.html ).

Sorry, the USA Spec iPod® Interface is no longer available for purchase.

USA Spec iPod® Interface