Adding an iPod/MP3 Player to a Sprinter Van

Submitted by bob on Tue, 2005-12-06 23:01.

It appears that a number of Dodge Sprinters, including my Roadtrek RS RV, are packaged with the Becker Sound 30 radio.  This article will describe how you can add an Apple iPod connection to the Sound 30 radio for about $23.

The Sound 30 radio features an auxiliary connector on the back for hooking up a CD changer or other devices.  With the right wiring harness, connections, and tools, you can add a mini-stereo plug that you can hook your iPod into.

Parts List

I bought these parts from Crutchfield and have included the Crutchfield part numbers.  The OEM DIN tool is a key part to remove the radio.  The radio is locked in place and these specially keyed tools will allow you to remove it.  The Blaupunk adapter I selected is one of a number of adapters available.  On this particular adapter you have to swap six of the pins on the connector, but it's not too difficult to do.  If you buy another type of connector you just need to make sure the pinout matches the radio by shifting the pins in the connector.

Tools

  • Philips screwdriver
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Torx screwdriver (size T15)
  • Paperclip (straightened)
  • Clothes hanger (straightened)
  • String
  • Flashlight
  • Volt meter

Instructions

Preparing the AUX Adapter

The P.I.E. BLAU/10-RCA 2nd AUX Input Adapter features a physically compatible wiring harness with the Sound 30, but has pins in exact opposite mirrored positions.  The back of the Sound 30 connector looks like the diagram below:

8 - Ground
9 - Left Audio
10 - Right Audio

The AUX Adapter looks like this (rear view)

The arrows indicate where the pins need to move to.  Please note that you should use a volt meter to test these pins to make sure they are positioned like the diagram.  Hook one lead of the volt meter to the pin and the other to the RCA sleeve for ground and to each of the RCA inside female connectors for left/right audio.  Make a note of the wire colors and write down the ones you'll be swapping.

The pins on the connecter have a small metal latch that keeps the pin from being pulled out.  To remove:

  1. From the front side, insert a paper clip to the left or right of the pin. 
  2. Pull gently on the wire from the back. 
  3. If you've released the latch, the wire will pull free

Be patient with trying to find the latch -- it takes a lot of trial and error unless you have a special pin removal tool.

Removing the Radio

To remove the radio you will need a pair of special radio removal key tools.

  1. With the parking break on, put the gear shift in neutral to get it out of the way.
  2. Insert the removal keys in the small slot near the bottom of the radio.
  3. Pull the radio forward, about 3-4 inches.  You don't need to remove or disconnect the radio.

Installing the Aux Connector

  1. Using a flathead screwdriver, press the key release on the bottom sides of radio to release the key removal tools
  2. Gently pry the grill on top of the dash (above the radio) up for access to the radio compartment
  3. Install the Aux Connector to the radio

Wiring the Stereo Plug

I ran the 3.5mm stereo plug/wire under the dash into the glove compartment where I keep my iPOD.  Alternatively you can run the wire the same way as the instructions below, but leave the wire free for running to the center console, cup holder, etc.

  1. Open the glove compartment door
  2. Using a Torx screwdriver, remove the torx screws that hold the glove compartment to the dash
  3. Remove the phillips head screw holding the glove compartment latch to the dash
  4. Gently pry up the bottom of the glove compartment to release it from the dash and pull it out
  5. Using a straightened clothes hanger, feed the clothes hanger up and to the left of the glove compartment toward the radio compartment.  There is a small opening to the right-rear of the radio compartment where the wire can fit.
    NOTE: Be patient here -- it may take 30-60 minutes of experimentation to find the right pathway up to the compartment.
  6. Once the clothes hanger emerges, make a hook in the wire and tie a line of string to wire.
  7. Pull one end of the string through.
  8. Tie the other end of the string to 3.5mm stereo plug -- it's best to tie the leading part of the string directly to the metal plug and as a backup, the tail end of the string behind the plug.
  9. Pull the plug through.  You may need to use the clothes hanger to help free the plug of any snags while pulling.
  10. Connect the RCA connecters between the Aux Connector and the 3.5mm stereo cable
  11. At the rear of the glove box, there are two rubber plugs.  Remove the left one.
  12. Reinstall the glove box
  13. Run the 3.5mm stereo cable into the rear of the glove box.
  14. Attach iPod and enjoy!

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