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USA Spec iPod® Interface

Connects your iPod to select GM factory radios

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  • USA Spec iPod® Interface

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Item# 581PA11GM offer details

Item# 581PA11GM

Review Summary

 
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USA Spec

Why would I need an iPodĀ® adapter?

An iPod adapter allows you to connect your iPod to your car stereo, then access your playlists with your stereo's controls - a great idea for several reasons. One, you can scroll through your song titles on your stereo's larger display, instead of squinting down at your iPod. Two, you can route the adapter cable to your glove compartment or center console, so your iPod stays safely out of sight. Three, the iPod adapter keeps your iPod fully charged, so it's ready to rock when you leave your car. And last of all, some adapters bypass your iPod's internal digital-to-analog converter, using your stereo's superior DAC to turn your files back into music.

Our take on the USA Spec iPod® Interface

by Tim Sprinkle

You can take it with you. Just because you've got a factory radio in your General Motors 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. And with your iPhone® connected, you can even stream music from popular Internet services like PANDORA®, Livio Radio, iHeartRadio, and more.

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 GM 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. Or switch to "Direct Mode" and use your iPod to access all your songlists. And the interface charges your iPod while it's connected.

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 GM 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
  • 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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GM
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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Phone4S/Phone4/Phone3GS/Phone3

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • iPod-GM adapter
  • 58" iPod interface cable (CB-PA85)
  • 54" Adapter to GM radio cable
  • 70" XM Data wire
  • 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 an iPod with a dock connector to be connected to and controlled by the factory radio in select GM vehicles. Please check the Crutchfield Vehicle Selector to confirm compatibility with your vehicle.

CD Changer Port: Depending on the vehicle, the adapter may use the factory radio's CD Changer port or XM Radio port. In many cases this interface enables the iPod to coexist with the GM navigation system, CD changer, XM radio receiver, DVD system, and On-Star.

iPod Compatibility: The PA11-GM is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features when connected to a compatible GM factory radio (as of Oct 2011):

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 4.3.5 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 4.2.7 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
4S 5.0 Y N Y Y Y Y Y

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.

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

  • Playlist Mode: You can create up to 5 favorite mobile playlists, 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.
  • Hybrid 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.

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 & view song/artist information 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.

Playlist Names: In order for the adapter/factory radio to recognize a playlist, it should be named GM1... through GM5... Text can follow the GM name and number, such as GM4_artistname or GM3-jazz. For a given disc slot (1-5), if there is no playlist named GM followed by that number, that disc slot will play the first available playlist on the iPod (the second blank slot will play the second available playlist, etc).

Auxiliary Input: In addition to the iPod input on the PA11-GM 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, the Play All mode is moved to the Disc 5 slot and the GM5 custom playlist is lost.

Playlist Mode Controls: In Playlist Mode the iPod is controlled using the CD Changer commands on the factory radio. Use the Radio's Disc Select controls to access the 5 custom mobile playlists, the Play All mode, or 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), 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-GM charges iPod battery when connected. Charging stops after 1 hour of non-use to prevent draining the vehicle's battery.

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

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Reviews for the USA Spec iPod® Interface

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1 out of 5

Extremely dissatisfied with this product

Written By JoeB, Albuquerque, NM on Sunday, December 11, 2011
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Conceptually a great idea however in function it lacks reliability. When it does work the sound is acceptable and functions according to the user manual. Looking for a replacement for my wifes 2003 Tahoe.
Cons:
The unit requires constant resetting to enable functionality, quite annoying! I wave went through two units both have similar issues.
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4 out of 5

2005 Yukon Bose

Written By Mark, Atlanta, GA on Sunday, March 21, 2010
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Great product. GM has a history of leaving plenty of room to work around when installing extras. I mounted the unit underneath the cup holds, drilled a small hole in the base of the center console and ran the cable tat connects to the iPhone in there. What is nice is the lid to the center console does not seal completely on this model vehicle so I can have the cable out just enough to stay neat while leaving the iPhone in the cup holder or storage bins for easy access. It allows for use under cd changer or xm radio options.

The only problem is this unit will not charge an iPhone.
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1 out of 5

2006 Hummer H3

Written By John, Utah on Thursday, January 21, 2010
Installed in a 2006 Hummer H3
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Returned first unit. It kept showing XM error and dropping offline. Both units would sound like a record skipping when switching bands. If you have to replace the box. The bliue XM wire can be difficult to disconnect. Large wire going to radio vibrated out several times until I rerouted the wire in a bog loop around the adapter.

Second unit started putting out poor quality sound from ipod after being installed just over 1 month and scratch noise when switching bands started to get worse. Got fed up and removed it.

Unit was installed on top of radio with heavy duty velcro so it did not move or vibrate. I would not recomend this adapter.
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5 out of 5

2005 Escalade

Written By Anonymous, Newberg, OR on Saturday, December 26, 2009
Installed in a 2005 Cadillac Escalade
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Information provided by Crutchfield for removing trim panel was spot on. As long as you get an edge started (by headlight knob) it is pretty easy to just pry it off by hand. I would suggest after removing the stereo to also remove the A/C controls (only 2 more screws) to access the rear of the radio even better.

I ended up locating the main unit under the dash near the gas pedal so I would have easy access to it in the future if needed, the cables were plenty long enough for it. The only trick was trying to get the connector for the XM radio to come off (still couldn't get it off, but was able to find the 'Data' wire and splice into it.

I was being extra careful during the installation, and it took me about 2-1/2 hours, that included testing it before I did the final assembly. Enjoy!
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Simple, Effective Solution

Written By Anonymous, New Orleans on Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Installed in a 2006 Chevrolet Suburban
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
This product was easy to install and works as promised in my '06 Suburban with factory Nav and XM. I spliced the (tiny) XM output wire and mounted the unit behind the glove box. You'll need your own splicing stuff (butt splice, wire nut, or whatever) since it's not included in the package. I decided to run the iPod connector wire into the glove box, using the small left-hand section of the divided box. This required drilling one hole in the base of that compartment of the glove box, but the end result was an entirely clean, out-of-sight solution. The interface is a little quirky, but it's a great solution for a retro-fit. I made five new playlists in iTunes and titled them "a", "aa", etc., so that the unit would read them first and we can toggle through them with the steering wheel controls. It also lists the artist and song name on the screen. I removed the AC/heater control module when installing to give me easy access to the back of the radio when reinstalling head unit. This made the often-mentioned problems with getting the factory unit back in the dash a non-issue. I have zero experience installing car stereos, but am fairly handy -- this was easy. Removing the instrument panel cover in a Suburban is a breeze if you just take it slow. Sound is great. Excellent product, highly recommended.
3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

2003 GMC Yukon Denali

Written By friedscorpion, Little Rock, AR on Thursday, November 19, 2009
Installed in a 2003 GMC Yukon Denali
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
You HAVE to follow directions EXACTLY. No shortcuts. My Yukon has AM/FM/XM/single CD/6 CD changer and I wanted to hook up my iPod and/or iphone 3G s. The "XM1" becomes the ipod/iphone; The "XM2" becomes your normal XM signal. The steering wheel controls volume up/down/next song. It re-charges perfect. My only complaint is that you HAVE to cut the "data" wire (LIME GREEN) in the no.7 position from the XM receiver which is located behind the glove compartment. Once the wire is cut, you have to tap-into this lime green wire with the provided blue XM wire. It's not a big deal, just a step I didn't anticipate. I mounted the interface behind the glove compartment and ran the wire to my ipod/iphone around the edge of the console so that it's lying next to my cigarette lighter for easy access. I recommend it.
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

2006 Chevrolet silverado crew cab with 6 disc changer and xm radio

Written By Anonymous, beaumont, tx on Saturday, October 10, 2009
Installed in a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I just installed this product this morning. so far it works great. i have it
going through the xm radio since and it works great. i have it in direct mode
mainly because i don't care if i can read the info on the radio screen and it
seems like it has the least problems from past reviews. first off read old
reviews they are very helpful, couldn't have done it without them. i found it
very helpful to use a coat hanger to run the wires. I'd run a coat hanger then
tape the wire and pull it through. as stated previously the hardest part really
is putting the radio head unit back into the slot. i put a coat hanger through
the gauge area to pull the wires to the back left as i slid the receiver back
in. also as stated before the xm receiver is behind the glove box which is
easily reached if you adjust the glove box stop latch and pull the glove box all
the way down. the xm wire you are looking for is green. all together took
about an hour. pretty easy and no problems so far.
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

Nearly Perfect

Written By ecrist, Minneapolis, MN on Wednesday, June 17, 2009
 
My wife purchased this for me for Father's Day 2009. I did quite a bit of research on this and the other (Peripheral) unit, and people seemed most happy with this one. I love this unit. It took me, for start to finish, less than 15 minutes to install. I installed this unit in my 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, and put the device in my glove box. On my model-year truck, the glove box is split into three sections, on the left is a narrow 'cubby' which is where I put this unit, with the iPod/AUX ports facing out. Looping the radio cabling over the back edge, it routed easily to the back of my factory stereo.

The reason for four stars versus five is that, in Hybrid mode, at least with my iPod Photo, it never leaves the 'GM - OK to disconnect' screen. My wife's iPod Nano leaves the screen, but after nearly 5 minutes. Direct mode is a great, and still allows me to use my steering wheel controls! Pause/Play on mode change and 1 hour of charging make this thing feature-complete.
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2 out of 5

'05 Colorado: Burned thru 2 of them

Written By Emily, Pittsburgh, PA on Sunday, May 17, 2009
Installed in a 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Got a 2005 Chevy Colorado Crew Cab, factory installed radio with no USB port, iPod connections, or XM radio. I have a 5th gen 60BG iPod. I used to have an adapter that I had professionally installed which lasted for a year before it died. Bought this one in Jan'09 from everyone's recommendations here. I installed it myself (the instructions supplied were ok, included instructions to replace the door speakers which I didn't need & the manufacturer's choppy English instructions on connecting it to the radio). However the instructions to operate the iPod thru the radio or by the iPod didn't match what was happening - with the previous one I just hit CD/AUX to use it via iPod (it plugged into the headphone jack not the charge port.) This product I had to hit the BAND button to get to the iPod but my radio's readout said "XM 1". It worked for 3 months then the readout said "XM ERR" and stopped working. Installed the replacement Apr'09 and I'm getting the same error/dead adapter 5 weeks later. The 2nd one first worked via CD/AUX first time, then would only work via BAND. All white switches were ON, tried 1&2 ON, 3&4 OFF. Still isn't working. Very annoyed & I'm returning it too. The dashboard is almost broke from removing it so many times & the buttons for the A/C & circulating air are damaged from the radio. Now I'm going to have to pay more for a brand new radio just to play my iPod in my truck. My truck is driven on city/highway roads only.
1 out of 2 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

05 Sierra - Factory XM not being used

Written By Billy, Grand Forks, ND on Friday, May 08, 2009
Installed in a 2003 Chrysler Town and Country
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
WOW - great product - excellent sound - couple of difficulties to share though.

1. - I used XM integration (instead of CD Changer) so I could get title/artist info on the display. - I have factory XM, but not activated (Too much $, not worth it). SO I disconnected the XM and only installed this device. - Radio had a hard time detecting the change - it kept wanting to connect to XM receiver. Wound up dropping the glovebox, disconnecting connector at XM receiver, then it seemed to lose the XM options - re-plugged in this kit and things started working as they should.

2. - XM Error would come up occasionally (2-3x so far) - I'm thinking it was due to static/something relating to hooking up the aux. jack. - Problem hasn't occurred since stopping using the jack. - I think things would show back up with a restart of the vehicle, but that's a pain.

3. - Title/Artist only show the first 5-10 characters - no big deal here.

4. - Playlist functionality, etc is excellent! - Steering wheel controls work as they should - only tip - move slowly when changing "Disks" - it must do some macros on the ipod and it can get confused if you jump too fast from "disk to disk", however you can seek up and down as fast as you like.

5. - Start/Stop, pause, etc. - AWESOME - super fast - shut off the radio - pauses your song - turn on the radio, it picks up where it left off faster than a CD would. - GREAT!

6. - Audio quality is perfect - did I say that before? - WOW
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Great product with some flexibility

Written By Matthew, Starkville, MS on Monday, April 13, 2009
Installed in a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Classic
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
This is great, I had some questions about the install and the tech staff at Cruchfield were great. You dont need to cut the wires that the instructions indicate if you dont have XM in your vehicle. It is nice to have both my Ipod and an AUX hookup in my car now that is in the factory stereo...so nice.
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5 out of 5

This is perfect

Written By Ben, Chapel Hill, NC on Thursday, March 26, 2009
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
This was soo easy to install it's not funny (nothing compared to my other car's stuff). I think there were only 2-4 screws involved. Tip - move shifter around if automatic to get clearance when removing dash facing (for chevy and gmc applications). I set it to 2 off, 2 on (in that order) and Ipod / IPOHNE (they both work) shows as disc 5, I added an aux input which is now disc 6 (this unit shows up as an imaginary CD changer). Sound is perfect. Works exactly as it should and retained my rear DVD function :-) Very pleased with the product.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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2 out of 5

2004 GMC Yukon Denali (Bose, XM, CD Changer)

Written By Anonymous, Forest Lake, MN on Sunday, February 15, 2009
Installed in a 2004 GMC Yukon XL Denali
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I only give this product 2 stars because I had so much trouble with getting it to work. Installing (removing dash trim, removing radio, hooking up wire harness, routing cable, reinstalling radio and trim) only took me about 1 1/2 hours. The problem was getting it to work. The din settings were a little confusing but my biggest problem was that every time I shut my car off and restarted it the USA SPEC wouldn't be recognized. I kept getting the message "NO CDX magazine" "no music disc." I would have to unplug and replug the USA SPEC in to get it to work. Big hassel since I mounted it behind my glove box.
I called Crutchfield and got a replacement sent to me no problem. The service at Crutchfield and product support was A+.
I then completely re-wired and reinstalled the new USA SPEC. SAME PROBLEM!!
Finally after hours of trouble shooting and research I read an earlier review in which the person had the same problem. Sure enough their solution worked. Now whenever I restart my car I have to unplug my Ipod (once, twice, maybe three times) to get my radio to recognize the USA SPEC. Not a big hassel but definately not the convenience or the performance I had hoped for.
GOOD LUCK if you own a 2004 GMC Yukon. I sure hope you have better luck than I did.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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3 out of 5

It works, But....

Written By Gary, Saint Louis, MO on Monday, January 26, 2009
Installed in a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
First I will say Crutchfield has come through with great customer service.

I recieved my first unit very fast, and when I tried to install had many problems. First the cable for the ipod would not even connect to the PA11 because it had the wrong connector. So right away I called crutchfield and after about 5 mins on the phone a new one was on the way. Shipped that day.

Tried using AUX settings until new one arrived, and it worked for all of about half a day. Then quit, not sure why. So just waited and installed new. Works great so far. Only problem we are having now is some where in the process we lost the CD player all together. There are 6 disks in it, and the radio says no disk. Oh well I guess. Something to figure out later. Still hoping this thing works for more than a day.
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1 out of 5

Only lasted 16 months

Written By greg, Pawleys Island,SC on Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Installed in a 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I really enjoyed the unit while it was working, but it only lasted 16 months.
That's approximately $10.00 a month. You would expect a quality
electronic devise to last for years and years, like a car radio.

I'm looking for something else to try now!
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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3 out of 5

Installation gliches

Written By Lawrence, New York on Saturday, November 08, 2008
 
It is not as hard as it might seem to install. One thing is make sure you put the shifter in neutral or lower on the console before disconnecting the battery since you won't be able to remove the panel on the console. The product is not as versatile as I had hoped as far as choosing what you want to listen to on your ipod. You need to select many things on the ipod itself before just using the cd controls. If you make playlists then it would be easier for choosing but you have to do everything in a linear way i.e. you can't just go to the bottom of your list, you have to go one at a time to get there.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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1 out of 5

Didn't work for me

Written By Keith, Maryland on Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Installed in a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
The rating is not a reflection on Crutchfield. They weren't aware of the problems with the product, and have been very helpful. I intend to buy a replacement solution from them this week.

Purchased this device for a 04 Chevy Silverado w/factory Bose. I opened the box to find 3 supplemental notes notices inside. One warned me Hybrid Mode doesn't work with some iPhone/iPod Touch devices, a 2nd warned me the product will not charge some iPhone/iTouch models, and a 3rd warned me about the availability of an extension cable.

Basically only one of the major features works. In the end, I couldn't justify paying this much for a simple direct connect (auxillary input connector) when I can get one for less. Very disappointing. There are no USA Spec managers or execs in the US to speak with, so there was no way to escalate my concerns. I was simply told the company was in process of designing a replacement cable that would allow the unit to charge my device, and that it would cost another $20. The new cable still wouldn't enable the Hybrid Mode or the other missing features.

Summary:
Won't charge my iPod
Doesn't work in Hybrid Mode
Can't manage the device from radio or use steering wheel controls
Works only in Direct Mode

The Crutchfield Support people in Virginia were terrific, and understood the situation. They issued a return ticket within minutes of my decision to send it back.
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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3 out of 5

Doesn't work with iPhone

Written By James, San Diego, Ca on Friday, September 19, 2008
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Unfortunately, while plugged in to the interface unit, my iPhone (original with 2.1 software) will not receive calls. Otherwise, the unit was easy to install and sounds great. But without the ability to answer the phone, it doesn't work for me.

3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

Great product - easy install

Written By Robert, Seacoast, NH on Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I ordered this IPOD adapter for my 2004 GMC Yukon XL. I had previously been using an FM transmiter type adapter which always had static and had sounded lousy. The product showed up quickly.

I do consider myself at least at the moderate skill level when it comes to installing things like this. I find the install manual adequate at best, some of the directions were vague and it could use a re-write and better graphics. The actual install took about 2 hours, and I wasn't rushing and being very meticulas. The onyl minor hitch was splicing into my XM receiver box which is located behind the glove box. The wire that comes with the kit is around 12-14" long and the length you actually need is about 36". No problem, just splice in a longer cable. But given the price of 20g wire, come one folks and just give us a longer wire.

I only hesitate to give 5 stars because of the manual and wire issues. My Ipod never sounded so good and I control it from the factory controls on my stearing wheel.

-Rob
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5 out of 5

As advertised!

Written By Michael, Baltimore, Md on Friday, July 25, 2008
Installed in a 2006 GMC Yukon XL
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
My order arrived yesterday afternoon, only 36 hours after it was placed.

Almost immediately I read through the installation manual and then started the install on my 2006 Yukon XL. In under an hour, I had the install completed and the vehicle dash completely reassembled. The instructions were right on.

The product works exactly as advertised. In short, it works great! No more crummy FM transmitters, I am very pleased!

The only caution I would add is that, contrary to what would seem typical, the DIP switch positions are reversed, that is, down is ON, and up is OFF. I almost set them incorrectly because of this. However, closer attention to detail on my part would have prevented this near mistake.

Great product for someone with an older vehicle that wants to retain the factory radio.
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    USA Spec iPod® Interface