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USA SPEC iPod® Interface for VW and Audi

Connects your iPod to select 1998-up Volkswagen and Audi factory radios

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Item# 581PA11VW6 offer details

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USA Spec

Our take on the USA SPEC iPod® Interface for VW and Audi

You can take it with you. Just because you've got a factory radio in your Volkswagen or Audi, doesn't mean you have to leave your iPod at home. Just install USA SPEC's Volkswagen PA11 iPod interface — it allows you to listen to all your favorite tunes through your car's speakers, and to 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 included VW6 adapter cable to the CD changer input on your compatible 1998-up Volkswagen factory radio. Plug your iPod into the interface and you'll control and charge your iPod while you drive. And with your iPhone® connected, you can even stream music from popular Internet services like PANDORA®, Livio Radio, iHeartRadio, and more.

The PA11 adapter features two different playlist options: create up to five mobile playlists and use the vehicle's CD changer controls to access them, or use the "Direct" mode to select your playlist with the iPod's controls. Either way, you'll always have full control of all iPod functions, including random or shuffle play. The interface also provides an additional auxiliary input — so you can connect other devices as well.

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.

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

Highlights:

  • iPod connection adapter for select 1998-up Volkswagen and Audi 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)
  • when iPhone is connected, you can stream tunes from popular Internet services like PANDORA®, Livo Radio, and iHeartRadio
  • Dual Mode allows you to control everything via the iPod itself, giving you access to all playlists
  • additional auxiliary input
  • auto memory locates last song accessed on each play list
  • 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
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iPod audio in w/ iPod control
Vehicle Specific
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VW
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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Classic/5Gen/4Gen
Nano
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Nano6/Nano5/Nano4/Nano3/Nano2/
Touch
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Touch4/Touch3/Touch2/Touch1
Mini
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Mini2/Mini1
iPhone
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Phone4/Phone3GS/Phone3G/Phone

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • iPod-VW adapter (PA11-VW6)
  • 59" iPod interface cable (CB-PA85)
  • 59" Adapter to VW radio cable (CAS-VW6)
  • Owners manual

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 a compatible iPod with a dock connector to be connected to and controlled by the factory radio in select VW and Audi vehicles. Display of artist and song information, track search by artist, song title, album, or genre are not supported with this product. Playlist number and track number only are displayed on the radio.

Note: Please consult the Crutchfield Car Selector to see if your vehicle is compatible.

Optional CAS-AD3 Cable: Some Audi vehicles require an additional cable. If you have a 1998-2007 A4, 1998-2002 Cabriolet, 1998-2007 A6, 1998-2003 A8, or a 2000-03 TT, you will need purchase the USA Spec CAS-AD3 cable (581CASAD3, sold separately).

iPod Compatibility: The PA11-VW6 is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features when connected to a compatible VW or Audi factory radio (as of 2/24/2012):

iPod/iPhone Model Generation Tested Version Media Type Control Type Display Type Charge
Audio Video Head Unit iPod/iPhone Song/Artist Text Track Info
dock connector 3rd N/A N N N N N N N
clickwheel
color
4th 3.1.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
mini 1st 1.4.1 Y N Y N Y Y Y
2nd 1.4.1 Y N Y N Y Y Y
video 5th 1.3 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
classic 80GB 1.1.2 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
120GB 2.0.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
160GB 2.0.4 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
nano 1st 1.3.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
2nd 1.1.3 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
3rd 1.1.3 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
4th 1.0.4 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
5th 1.0.2 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
6th 1.1 PC Y N Y Y Y Y Y
touch 1st 2.2.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
2nd 4.2.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
3rd 4.3.5 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
4th 5.0.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
iPhone 2G 3.1.3 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
3G 4.2.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
3GS 4.3.5 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
4 5.0.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
4S 5.0.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
iPad 1 5.0.1 N N N N N N N
2 5.0.1 N N N N N N N

Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may need to reset the head unit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to revert to the older software version or wait until a newer software update is available.

Playback Modes: The PA11-VW6 provides two ways to control and access music on your iPod through the factory radio: Direct Mode and Playlist Mode:

  • Playlist Mode: The iPod is operated and controlled like a CD changer. You can access a maximum of four playlists from the radio. The iPod's controls are not functional.
  • Direct Mode: Search and select music on your iPod as you would normally, and all control functions on the iPod are available for use. The track up/down, fast forward and fast reverse buttons on the radio and steering wheel can be used to control the iPod. If you wish to play free WiFi music streams, such as Pandora, from your iPod touch or iPhone, you should use the Direct Mode.

App Streaming (in Direct Mode): Direct mode also lets you listen to the sound from your iPhone's downloaded music apps (such as Pandora, iHeart Radio, SiriusXM, etc.) through your factory head unit & speakers. You will continue to control your iPhone's apps from its touchscreen.

Note: Your iPhone will need an active Data Plan account with connection to the Internet via 3G, EDGE, or WiFi. You will also need applicable music service accounts.

Auxiliary Input: In addition to the iPod input on the PA11-VW6 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.

Battery Charge: The PA11-VW6 charges the iPod battery when connected. Charging stops one hour after the iPod is paused or the ignition is turned off 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. An in-dash CD changer is not affected.

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.

 

Product Reviews

Review Summary

Average Customer Review:

43 people say:
(18)
(15)
(5)
(1)
(4)
 

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1-10 of 43 items >> Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness
 
5 out of 5

2001 VW New Beetle

Written By Derek, Colorado Springs, CO on Friday, April 18, 2008
 
I just installed this on my 2001 VW New Beetle and it works perfectly.
Replacing the factory radio was an option I considered (the Alpine X001 is a nice
head unit), but I decided this go-around to keep the factory Monsoon radio and
look for an adapter that would work. I chose to really integrate this into my
vehicle with the addition of a mounting bracket and holder for my iPod/iPhone
and so the installation was a bit more involved than a quick 15 minutes. I
removed the glove box, and the bottom part of the center console that holds
the seat heaters, rear defroster, and hazard lights controls. This allowed me to
route all of the wires and the unit behind the dash and made for a really clean
installation.

I commute 60 miles one-way to work and with the integration of this unit and
my factory radio, my commute (while not necessarily enjoyable) is much more
relaxing and pleasant. The sound quality is excellent and I couldn't be happier
with how this has worked in my vehicle.
4 out of 4 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

USA SPEC iPod® Interface for VW and Audi

Written By DL, Kansas City, MO on Tuesday, February 01, 2011
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 installed this in an Audi TT. The only problem was removing the radio. After searching
online I was able to find a video that showed how to remove the radio if it won't come out.
The video warns that their extraction method could be dangerous, but I was able to remove
it without any damage. Once the radio was removed, the installation wasn't difficult,
everything just plugged into place. IPod sounds great, I haven't have any problems using it.
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Ipod Adapter - Easy to install, works great

Written By brian, Rhode Island on Sunday, March 16, 2008
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 recently purchased this Ipod adapter for my 2007 Passat Wagon with Sat radio. Installation was very easy, hardest part was figuring out where to route the wires. Simply removed 3 wires from factory harness and plugged into this harness to keep the sat radio working ( instructions in the USA SPEC box). I am using this in Direct Mode, so all control is done from the ipod. - Note- This product doesnt work in Hybrid mode for some of the newest ipods ( ipod nano video firmware 1.1 is what i have), so I used direct mode option on this unit. All original radio functions work fine after installation ( in dash cd changer, sat radio, etc)

Remember to find your radio Unlock code ( in owners manual) for when you reconnect the battery.

Also ESP and Steering warnings come back on once you reconnect battery, both go out after short drive ( due to battery being disconnected)
4 out of 5 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

USA SPEC iPod® Interface for VW and Audi

Written By Whossier, Indiana on Friday, September 16, 2011
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

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

 
Worked great sounds great easy to hook up
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Great sound quality, easy to use

Written By Edna, Gainesville, FL on Wednesday, March 12, 2008
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 had been using the FM transmitter for a long time and it just ate batteries and the sound quality was such a waste on my premium sound system. I bought this after reading all the reviews and took it to a local store for the install. They seemed to think it was pretty tricky to install, but they had also never seen it before and didn't even know that such a thing existed for VW cars. In any case, the sound quality is fantastic compared to the transmitter, and only a slight hint of a buzzing can be heard during silent moments. My only complaint is that in my 2006 Passat this iPod input has to take the place of the CD player - you can have one or the other but not both. I thought I would include this here, because this is not made entirely clear for the layperson such as myself.



I highly recommend anyone to buy this item, it is great!
1 out of 2 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

2004 Cabrio Installation

Written By Jerry, Bekmar, NJ on Sunday, January 30, 2011
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

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

 
Great product for the use of the IPOD in the car (04 Cabrio). Easy install,
great directions. I installed in one daughter's car and plan to do the same for
my other daughter. Great product and well worth the money. She loves it!
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

For VW you need FOUR KEYS!!!

Written By Kirk, Duvall, WA on Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

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

 
Bought this to install in a 2003 VW Jetta. Instructions were a little archaic but fine after reading some tips from others who did this. I was able to successfully unlock all 4 tabs and gently nudge the radio out (it was a little sticky). Install was easy after that.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

iPod adapter install

Written By Steve, Fairfax, Va on Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

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

 
Pretty simple install, except like previously mentioned, the cramped space behind the head unit. The install itself was straight forward, but I had the hardest time pushing the head nit back in. the cables kept getting in the way and blocking it. Also, the stereo removal keys are razor sharp and scratched up my AC controls and sliced my fingers up pretty bad. The adapter sounds great!
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

2001 Audi TT - Good Stuff!

Written By DRL, Oak Park, IL on Friday, April 30, 2010
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

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

 
Originally purchased the Dice, it didn't work. Crutchfield stood behind it and
exchanged for the USA Spec, which works beautifully.

Installation was easy. not sure why others had problems with VW products.
Popped the tools in the slots, pressed, pulled, out came the radio. Looked at
the instructions, saw the plugs to use, unlatched, inserted, re-latched.

Tested, hid the wires, ready to go.

I really have no complaints about this at all. The radio controls aren't the
clearest, but I've owned a Dice, a Neo, and now this one, all installed in VW
products. None of the radio controls are that clear.

I use this primarily for audiobooks, and it remembers the stopping point, though
if I've crossed over to a new section, I have to manually advance it. Maybe I
just haven't discovered the radio control for this, but it's a minor nuissance.

Would I do again? Certainly.
2 out of 3 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

20 Minute Install in 04 VW Passat - Works Great

Written By Eden P, Washington DC on Sunday, June 27, 2010
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

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

 
About 20 minutes total for install. The 4 provided tools got the factory stereo popped out in under a minute. Box fits easily into space under/behind stereo. I could easily see (from stereo opening) a clear path down to the passenger floorboard area, so I decided to route the cable down there, tucked up under the center console (easy to push under) and then brought it out/up at about the cup holders (better than glovebox since having the iPod/iPhone sitting in the cup holder is a pretty nice location and the cord is long enough to allow someone in the front or back seat to hold it).

Works like a charm with no static, and pressing the CD button on the stereo one time gets you into the USA Spec (fake CD changer) mode where you can press 1-4 to get to the special playlists you can set up for it and control through the stereo or 6 to get direct access controlled through your iPod/iPhone, which I prefer. Press the CD button again and you're back to playing your in-dash CD player.

One note is that every time you hook it up it goes through a quick init (takes ~2 sec) and that at least on my iPhone 3Gs with iOS 4 I get a warning that the accessory I have connected wasn't made for it and how it might impact my phone reception. Not sure why I get it but its a false alarm that you can just say OK to (get a similar message on my wife's iPhone w/o iOS 4 which actually encourages you to turn on Airplane mode, but once again say no and you're all set).
6 out of 6 people found this helpful
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1-10 of 43 items >>

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For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the USA SPEC iPod® Interface for VW and Audi, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/ISEO-rccbcspd/p_581PA11VW6/USA-SPEC-iPod-Interface-for-VW-and-Audi.html ).

USA SPEC iPod® Interface for VW and Audi