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USA Spec iPod® Interface

Connects your iPod to select Toyota factory radios

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Item# 581PA11TOY offer details

Item# 581PA11TOY

Review Sumary

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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 car, 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 Toyota 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 a Sales 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 (including in-dash changers) must be disconnected.

Get more info on this product

Highlights:

  • iPod connection adapter for select Toyota 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 chart | What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

Features and Specs

Features and Specs
General
Adapter Type
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 iPod audio in w/ iPod control
Vehicle Specific
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 Toyota, Scion
Brand Specific
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 No
Parts Warranty
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 1 Year
Labor Warranty
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 1 Year
iPod Compatibility
Full-Size
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 4Gen/3Gen
Nano
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 No
Touch
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 No
Mini
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 Mini2/Mini1
iPhone
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 No

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • PA11-TOY iPod-to-Toyota interface
  • 49" iPod interface cable (CB-PA14)
  • 46" Adapter to Toyota radio interface (CAS-TYi)
  • 4.75" Adapter cable (CAS-TA)
  • 4 Self-tapping screws
  • Owner's manual
  • Limited warranty registration card

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 Toyota and Scion vehicles. Please check the Crutchfield Vehicle Selector to confirm compatibility with your vehicle. The iPod interface takes the place of the slave Toyota 6-disc CD changer. They cannot be connected to your factory radio simultaneously.

iPod Compatibility: This adapter is compatible with virtually any iPod with the Dock Connector. This includes (but is not limited to) iPod G3 and G4 (3rd and 4th generation, firmware version 2.3 and 3.0.2), iPod mini (firmware version 1.3), and the iPod photo (firmware version 1.1).

Vehicle Compatibility: The PA11-TOY interface is compatible with the following vehicles:

  • 1998-2005 Toyota 4Runner
  • 1998-2005 Toyota Avalon
  • 1998-2005 Toyota Camry
  • 1998-2005 Toyota Corolla, Echo
  • 2001-2005 Toyota Highlander
  • 1998-2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  • 2005 Toyota Matrix
  • 1998-2005 Toyota MR2, Celica
  • 1998-2005 Toyota RAV4
  • 1998-2005 Toyota Sequoia, Tundra
  • 1998-2005 Toyota Sienna
  • 1998-2005 Toyota Solara
  • 1998-2005 Toyota Tacoma
  • Scion: All models
Note: PA11-TOY is not applicable to Toyota vehicles equipped with factory navigation and/or DVD systems.

Modes of Operation: The PA11-TOY provides two operation modes:

  • Direct Mode: In this mode, the controls on the iPod are functional as well as the track up/down, fast forward/reverse buttons on your radio for controlling music playback. To use this mode, set the dip switch #2 on the interface to "Off" position. In this mode, the audio will come through DISC 5, Track 1 on the radio.
  • Playlist Mode: In this mode, the iPod is operated and controlled as a factory CD changer. This mode allows you access up to five playlists on the iPod. For this mode, dip switch #2 must be switched to the "On" position with the iPod disconnected.

iPod Playback: All audio tracks on the iPod will be played at Disc 6. The track order is determined by the default order on the iPod. Selecting discs 1 through 5 on the factory radio will allow playback of 5 playists on the iPod if the Aux Input is not selected. You can select a playlist by pressing the Disc Up or Disc Down buttons. Playlists which are created for direct access must be designated with the word "TOYOTA" and the disc number. If no "TOYOTA" playlists are designated, the first five playlists on the iPod are accessible from the Disc 1 through Disc 5 buttons.

Auxiliary Input: In addition to the iPod input on the PA11-TOY there is an auxiliary input (stereo RCA) for use with another source, such as a DVD system, satellite radio, or game system. The aux input is selected at CD 6 Track 1 using the factory radio controls. This aux input can be used with or without the iPod connected. To use the auxiliary input on the interface, dip switch #1 must be set to the "Off" position.

Note: When the Aux input is used, the "All Tracks" playlist is moved to Disc 5, and playlist "TOYOTA5" is lost.

Controls: The factory radio's controls give you access to the following iPod functions:

  • Scan: plays first 10 seconds of each track
  • Random (Shuffle): songs are played back in random order (some radios have a "P scan" button for this function)
  • Track Up/Down: the "Next" button advances to the next track in the playlist; the "Prev" button allows you to jump to the beginning of the currently playing song
  • Fast Track Search: the "Fwd" or "Rev" button will advance or retreat through the tracks in increments of 10 (i.e. 04, 14, 24...).
  • Fast Forward/Fast Reverse Play: While in Random mode, press the forward or backward button to fast forward or fast reverse through the current song.

Note: Repeat play is not supported by this interface. Switching to another source, such as AM/FM, CD, or Cassette, puts the iPod into pause mode.

Display: The factory radio will display the playlist number and track number only. Display of artist and song title information is not supported.

Battery Charge: The PA11-TOY charges the iPod's battery when connected. Charging stops automatically one hour after the iPod is paused.

Note: The PA11-TOY requires an optional cable (item # 581CBP85) to charge the iPod nano 4th generation, iPod touch 2nd generation, or the iPhone 3G.

 

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1-10 of 46 items >> Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness
 
4 out of 5

Simple and easy

Written By Manx, Pennsylvania on Thursday, March 27, 2008
 
This 1-piece device
is easy to install
and easy to use.
I've never used or
owned anything other
than an FM-receiver
and this is far
superior.

If your Interface is
not working better
than an FM-receiver,
you've got a bad
wire, or a bad
connection....direct
interface into the
stereo is always
going to be better
unless you're in a
no-interference FM
zone (Alaska comes
to mind).

As for overheating
and burning out
multiple iPods I
offer this
suggestion: when you
leave your car,
unplug your iPod
from the Interface!
Although the iPod
and radio will shut
off when you push
stop on the iPod,
the iPod continues
to charge, all the
time. Thus there is
always power running
to the iPod from the
Interface. When you
leave your car,
disconnect and take
it with you!

I recommend the
robust
user-controlled
mode, without
playlists, to avoid
the need to create
and delete multiple
playlists. Although
you lose a bit of
functionality its
worth it to have
master control over
your iPod.

All in all for the
money and for an
entry-level device
this is more than
adequate. 3.5 to
4/5.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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1 out of 5

Worked GREAT...until it burned up 3, yes 3 brand iPods!!!! Beware

Written By Lynnie, Bay Area, CA on Wednesday, March 19, 2008
 
I got this and used it on my 2 hour r/t commute daily with my iPod Classic for a good while. One day the iPod Classic conked out. I thought maybe the battery had worn even though it seemed too soon for that. But as I wanted to upgrade I went out and got the new 80 GB version of the Classic last October '07.

Everything seemed to work great for about 12 weeks, then ffffzzzzttt, the new iPod stopped working while I was driving. I picked it up and it was WAY overheated. Thought maybe it was a battery defect like the Nanos have been having and Apple gave me a new one as the dead new one was under warranty. A friend noticed that the USA SPEC cable plug that goes into the iPod was sort of faintly "singed" looking. Finally got up my nerve to try the new replacement 80GB iPod... just to see what would happen: played music thru the stereo like a champ!! but would not charge. I figured maybe that could work okay (as I had a distinct impression that the USA SPEC might habe been overcharging my iPods...). It played music just great for about 3 days then ......nothing. The iPod was dead (didn't overheat, just totally died!).

It really seems like the product was failing and somehow sending negative electrical exchange to the iPods. The battery should not have failed so fast on the first one; the second one overheating while on the unit was downright scary; and the third one .... it was practically brand new and just died while plugged into the USA SPEC.

Another thing the SPEC is doing is just overiding the AM/FM radio modes of my car stereo randomly and at will (its will, not mine!) I opted to listen to the radio alot given the problems with the iPod interface, and the unit would just cut the radio out and switch the stereo system to the iPod adapter mode...with nothing plugged into it!!!. Not occassionally: it is doing this all the time...it seems to "flip over" about every 6-10 minutes for no particular reason. Really really annoying, and unnerving. Seems like maybe some kind of electrical problem, which makes me hope like heck that I get it out of the car before something really awful happens!!!

May be some good reason why this product is now discontinued. When it worked, I loved it, but when it fails...uhhh-ohhh. I say "Buyer Beware" on this product.
1 out of 2 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Outstanding!

Written By Jenaro, San Juan, Puerto Rico on Thursday, February 28, 2008
 
Excellent device and the instructions on how to install the equipment was outstanding. Shipping process also desire a hat off.

Keep up the outstanding work.
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2 out of 5

Not much over FM Adapter

Written By Chris, Lexington, KY on Monday, November 12, 2007
 
I ordered this for my 2007 Corolla with non-JBL 6-speaker and in-dash changer. I was hoping to replace the FM direct adapter for better sound but I was surprised to find that there was hardly any difference at all. I had both the FM adapter and the USA spec unit hooked up at the same time to test the difference. I then switched between FM and DISC several times and even unhooked and rehooked the FM just for kicks, but still I could hardly tell any difference in sound quality. I "tried" to like the USA spec, but it just didn't happen. Between the $20 FM adapter and the $140 USA adapter, needless to say, I'm returning the USA spec.
1 out of 2 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

A decent product

Written By octobot, Albuquerque, NM on Monday, March 05, 2007
 
just installed this on my 2007 tacoma. i read several reviews that said it would not work with an in-dash 6 CD changer (non-JBL), however it DOES work, at least for the tacoma. it simply replaces the 6th cd if you press DISC again.
after you plug in the ipod it takes it a moment to recognize but after that it works great. you can change volume and track number with the steering wheel controls too. turn off the radio and the ipod pauses after about 2 or 3 seconds. really simple.
some people had issues with low sound. i initially had the same problem but then went into my ipod settings and changed the option for "Sound Check" to off and that resolved it. now the sound is pretty much exactly like radio or CD (maybe just slightly lower)
i had no idea what i was doing but this was very easy. i cannot get over how great it works.
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5 out of 5

A "must have" for iPod owners

Written By Paul, Acton, MA on Sunday, March 04, 2007
 
I was using a tape cartidge adapter to play my Nano in my 2000 Camry - that was OK except for the mechanical squeeking and not charging the iPod and not being able to control the iPod, and always fussing with the volume on the radio and the iPod to get it just right.

This is a great solution to all those shortcomings. The sound quality is great, the volume is just right, the iPod is automatically charged, and the radio provides basic control of the iPod (select track forward and back, FF and Rev, and pauses the iPod when turning off the radio or the car).

Installation really was easy - I stupidly spent a few minutes figuring out where the "Y" cable plugged in before I realized I didn't need it for my configuration. I mounted the box under the passenger's seat which provided plenty of cable length to have the iPod accessible and completely concealed in the center console (I drilled a hole in the inside of the console for the cable). There's enough slack in the cable for anyone in the car to control the iPod (not that I let them ;^) I use direct mode since I don't use playlists, and it just seemed more straightforward.

So far, I'm very pleased. It may be a tad pricey, but if you consider how much aggravation you avoid with an easy installation and flawless operation, its well worth it.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Great Product

Written By Deirdre, Berlin, CT on Friday, January 19, 2007
 
This was installed in a 2002 Camry. Crutchfield's master spec sheet was great and described how to get to the cd changer plug in the back of the radio to attach the interface by removing the trim panels.

Installation was a snap. It was all just plug and play.

The volume was great and the radio controls work the ipod selections (along with the ipod itself). I chose the direct mode and it suits my purposes.

I also plan to connect a satellite radio (from Crutchfield) and it will plug right into the interface for a direct connection.

Just what I needed.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Almost perfect ??

Written By TWSARCH, Orange County NY on Wednesday, January 03, 2007
 
I have been using a cassette adaptor for the past 2 years I have had my Ipod. Oddly enough the only option on my bottom of the line 04 Corolla CE was a radio with a cassette in addition to the standard CD, so a cassette adaptor seemed like a good idea as a temporary solution until I installed a “system” in the car. 80,000 miles later, the car is not getting a system (the stock sound is surprisingly good for such a cheep car anyway--still). I needed to get rid of the squeaky cassette adaptor and the slight to moderate distortion it introduced on S sounds so the USA Spec item seemed like the way to go.

I read in other review it could be installed in a Corolla with out removing the head unit. I could get my hands on the connection on the rear of the unit but couldn’t get the plug in with out taking the radio out. Once that is done all you have to do is plug stuff in and put it back together, easy to install.

As my stock stereo is not too advance, I suspect I lose out on some of the control possibilities so I elected to use the “direct” mode, meaning you access play list from the Ipod itself. The default mode it arrives in locks out the Ipod and displays “Toyota safe to disconnect” on the Ipod screen and that is it. In the direct mode you can still skip songs with the factory radio and turn the I-pod on and off. I prefer it this way, as the display on the I-pod is still useful. If I had a head unit that could display track names (I think that is supported?) I may have used the other mode and hidden the I-pod.

Sound quality is excellent. The volume is a little lower then when using a CD or radio but that’s
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1 out of 5

Performs well, but overpriced and lost Steering Wheel controls

Written By Chris, Carlsbad, CA on Sunday, December 31, 2006
 
I bought this to connect my wife's iPod to the factory stereo (JBL w/ in-dash 6 CD changer) in her 2002 Toyota Sienna. The installation took about 5 minutes, simply remove the four 10mm bolts slide out the head unit, unplug the blue connector on the passenger side of the radio and plug in the CAS-TYi cable into the back of the radio, plug everything as directed into the converter and mount it (I chose under the dash). I routed the iPod cable into the CD drawer just below the power port and ashtray (who needs CDs when you have an iPod) that way the iPod cannot be seen by any would be theives.

The ONE MAJOR DRAWBACK is that unplugging the cable from the back of the head unit disables the steering wheel controls. I called tech support and they told me there was no work around, in fact they claimed it wasn't supposed to work with the in-dash 6 CD changer. In retrospect, it would have made more sense to spend the $20 more than the very overpriced USA Spec to get the Alpine CDA-9856 head unit and the $20 iPod cable, you'll get better sound, more power, and even get to see the track names. Hey, your going to lose the steering wheel controls anyway.
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

USA Spec versus Peripheral iPod Interface

Written By Don, AZ on Monday, December 04, 2006
 
I wanted to play my iPod in my 2002 Toyota RAV4 and was unsure which interface to choose. Both the USA Spec and Peripheral adapters were supposed to work with my factory radio. This was not exactly the case.

I bought the Peripheral iPod adapter with the Pro Fit TY-73-01 mounting bracket because the Crutchfield salesperson assured me that there were options available on the Peripheral that were not available on the USA Spec. Plus the USA Spec was out of stock. The Pro Fit bracket was not even close to being a good fit for this car (which it was designed for) in fact, the dash panel wouldn't fit properly with the bracket installed.

The Peripheral iPod adapter was crummy. It was much lower volume than the other sources (radio, tape, CD) even when employing the dipswitch fix for volume (explained in other reviews). There was an irritating display issue where the disc number flashed between 1 and 2 which the manual said is normal. The head controls did not always control the iPod properly. And so on.

So I called Crutchfield back and when the USA Spec was available they sent me one to exchange (Crutchfield ROCKS!!!). I yanked out the Peripheral and installed the USA Spec and MAN WHAT A DIFFERENCE! The USA Spec sounds great (no loss in volume), is easy to use, has more to offer (like an extra aux input), communicates perfectly with the iPod and offers access to 5 playlists (the sixth playlist is your entire music library) which the other iPod adapter can't do.

I've been a music producer for 30 years and I know what good sound is. Buy the USA Spec and you won't be sorry!
4 out of 4 people found this helpful
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1-10 of 46 items >>

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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_581PA11TOY/USA-Spec-iPod-Interface.html ).

USA Spec iPod® Interface