Fiat 08 Ducato & IPod

[Goldcoaster]

Have any owners been able to obtain an IPod connection cable and installation kit suitable for hardwiring an Ipod to the existing Fiat radio in the current Ducato?

I would like a set-up where the IPod is controlled by the inbuilt buttons on the steering wheel.

I don't need the FM /cigarette lighter socket transmitter type

Thanks, Bill

[duffers]

Hi

I understand that these are quite good if a bit pricey

http://www.ipodcarkitdirect.co.uk/Dension

I find that the FM link option is cheap and cheerful and not really a successful solution, it needs too much driver interaction.

 

ray

[Goldcoaster]

Thanks Ray, I wiil contact Denison.

I had one in my 2005 2.8 litre Fiat and it was brilliant!

The Fiat radio was not compatible so we fitted a new Pioneer radio with remote control and better speakers than the original.

The Pioneer also required an IPod adapter ( adout 70 pounds ) which, with the cost of the new radio, made the excercise pretty expensive.

With that set up, the Ipod remained in the glove box, and the radio and Ipod could be operated from any where in the MH.- Even lying in Bed!

We cover long distances with poor, or no decent radio reception, between major towns here in Australia, and with 3000 odd songs on the Ipod it makes travel more enjoyable.

What I am trying to discover is -

Does the current Fiat radio have provision to accept an Ipod adapter cable?

If not I will have to go through the process of fitting a new radio with Ipod provision.

Cheers, Bill

[Brod]

There is a dedicated unit to interface with the IPOD from JVC, it is known as KS-PD100. It plugs into the back of the radio and is small enough to sit on the radio hidden out of sight. Just search for best price.

[sailor girl]

Yes I've just bought one of these from Halfords. Haven't had it fitted yet so i don't know how it works but the manual said that's the one to use. Cost £25.

 

Liz

 

[Goldcoaster]

Thanks Brod and Liz,

The JVC KS-PD 100 is exactly the type of interface that I am looking for.and looking at their spec it states suitable for JVC head units from 2005 on.

It has occured to me that the radios fitted to Austalian deliveries may be different to the ones you are receiving in the UK, as ours appear to be genuine Fiat factory radio ( don't know where sourced from) and may not have the rear socket, or accept the JVC interface adaptor.

All of our current Ducatos have radio controls on the steering wheel along with the cruise control buttons.

I will attempt to get some specifications and compatability from Fiat Aust.

This may take some time!

Thanks again for your interest,

Regards, bill

 

[Brod]

To check you need to pull out plastic holder above the radio, then pull off the plastic surround around radio. Then obtain two radio removal strips for JVC, I got mine from a local Auto Radio Store. Insert each strip until a click is heard then gently pull radio forward via the strips, make certain that you unravel wires without detaching from the radio. The connector, if the radio is the same as mine, will be on the left rear of the radio. After connecting the unit I stuck mine to the top of the radio housing with double sided tape. You can select the IPOD with the SRC button on the radio

[Goldcoaster]

Thanks again Brod, Cheers Bill

[catinou]

We had the same problem and when the Halford guys checked where to fix the kit they found all the connections had already been used for the DVD/CD/Freeview/TV etc.

 

We finally solved it, as we use our i-pods all the time on long journeys especially in mainland Europe, by getting a new radio fitted by a local specialist. He part exchanged our old unit and although the cost of the chosen replacement was a total of £120, fitted, it was worth it. Not only did we get an i-pod connection on the front of the radio but also a USB connection, which has proved most useful for charging items as we travel. :-D

[Brod]

No problem with the JVC radio fitted to my 08 Ducato. The IPOD connector is separate from CD, the DVD / TV sound is on a line input and selection carried out before it arrives at the radio.