I need a definitive answer on whether or not the IPOD adaptor will work on a 2007 Mazda3 with factory installed Sirius radio. I've search the subject and read many a post but none really seemed to answer the question. From what I read; the switch box is needed to activate the AUX input, but that even with the switch box, the IPOD adaptor will not work with the Sirius radio. When I took it to the dealer for the first oil change and indicated that the AUX didn’t work, they said I needed the IPOD adaptor. I have an appointment with my dealer to have it installed tomorrow for $560.00 parts and labor, but wonder if all I should be installing is the switch box? Is there one device that includes the switch box and the IPOD adaptor? Does anyone know the answer to this riddle??? Thanks, Mark

 

Okay the short version is your dealer doesn't know what he's talking about and is trying to rape you for money. To make the ACI work with sirius you need the switchbox. The ipod adapter (OEM or otherwise) is not compatible with sirius even with the switchbox.

Here's the long version with all the details and explanations.

There is a port on the back of the HU that is used by lots of external components, namely sirius, ipod adapters, the ACI (Auxiliary Console Input), and the phatbox. The switchbox allows you to plug in the ACI and one of the other components. Here's where most people get confused. One of the ports on the switchbox ONLY works with the ACI, so it's not possible to plug in both sirius and the ipod adapter. When the '07 came out most mazda dealers didn't even know the switchbox existed (even though there's literature in their database about it). Also most of them don't know about other devices not working in the port for the ACI.

So here's the scoop. If you're keeping sirius and all you want is a way to play your ipod into the stereo then the switchbox will allow you to play it through the ACI. You'll have to control the ipod from it's own controls (not through the stereo buttons), and the ipod won't charge unless you get a charger for it. All of the aftermarket ipod adapters (except for one) use the same port as the sirius so no help there. The one that uses the TAPE/MD port isn't compatible with Mz3's that have radios made by Clarion, which is most '07+ models. Look at the white sticker on the top of the stereo to see who made it.

Next off those prices are way way off. The ipod adapter costs about $100ish, and the switchbox costs $113. Basically they're charging you $300 to take off panels which would take you about 5 minutes to remove and to run a wire. Literally about 9 tension clips and two phillips head screws stand between you and your stereo sitting on your seat. Granted the "Mazda" install of the switchbox is much more involved than it has to be, but still you're being raped on charges. I have the mazda install instructions for the switchbox if you'd like to look at them. Add in to all of that that the ipod adapter and sirius can't be hooked up at the same time and you're totally being screwed.

So choices:
-If you want to use the ACI and sirius then buy the switchbox from an online retailer and install it yourself or have the dealer install it. I suggest Jason from www.onlinemazdaparts.com. I've dealt with him in the past before and he has absolutely fantastic service.

-If you just want a way to play the ipod but don't care about the ACI itself then buy an Aux Mod Basic. It plugs in through the TAPE/MD port and provides a 3.5mm input..... basically the same thing as the ACI but it costs about half as much (as the switchbox) and uses a different port.

-If you really want to be able to control the ipod through the stereo (i.e. ipod integration) then get one of the aftermarket ipod adapters (audiolink, DICE, etc.) and buy an aftermarket satellite unit. Then just plug the sat. unit into the 3.5mm input included on the ipod adapter and you're set.

-Another option would be to see if the dealer would refund any costs to you (including labor) if they try to install it and find out the ipod adapter and sirius don't work at the same time.

My suggestion is to not buy anything from the dealer and buy online and install yourself. Really when you see how easy it is then you'll kick yourself in the *** at how much money you almost spent on it.

I hope this helps you out, and that you get a chance to read it before you go to the dealer just so you can think about it for a bit. Sorry I didn't reply earlier in the day but I was out all day.

 

Thanks Icspots,
That is exactly what I was hoping to clarify. I've seen the disclaimers on several of the Mazda Parts sites for the iPOD integration kit that it won't work with Sirius. My thinking is that the dealer doesn't know this or doesn't realize that the car has SAT radio.
I have to take it in tomorrow anyway for them to fix the remote start (the key FOB doesn't unlock all the doors on the second push of the unlock button), and was planning on bring a printout of the warning that I saw on the parts page.
I'm kind of hoping that I can coerces them into putting in the switch box at a discount since when they sold me the car there was no mention that the ACI wouldn't work with Sirius without additional parts.
I may tackle it myself depending on what they want to install just the switch box.

Thanks again!!!

Mark

 

No problem, happy I could help out... especially since you saw this before your appointment. If you can get them to install the switchbox for free (since they didn't tell you one of the features you bought the car for would be disabled) then definitely go for it.

Good luck.

 

is there a way to get xm rather than sirius through the factory head unit, 2008 tribute, and do you know the manufactuer of stereo?

 

The factory stereo only has hookups for sirius, so basically no. One of the aftermarket ipod adpaters available (The Axxess module) has an option for an integrated XM reciever which displays on the HU LCD. There are a few problems with it though. First off it is apparently incompatible with Clarion-made Mazda stereo (to be found in most '07+ models), also the manufacturer discontinued production of the receiver that works with the module.

To find out the make of your stereo pull it and there should be a white sticker on the top to tell you who made it.

 

i recently installed my DICE module AUX WITH text in my 2005 5 door. it took about 2o minutes and was very easy.i routed it into where the ashtray is supposedtobe i think? right in front of my shifter. ipod its completely hidden when i close the thing, and i didnt have to drill anything the wire slid right through where the 2 plastic pieces overlap in the backof this compartment, PERFECT. perfect sound, and text is very cool!!

 

I just bought a 2008 MX-5 with the same issues. I'm hoping the radios are common between Mazda models.

I need an iPod adapter along with XM radio. I would prefer if the XM radio can be displayed on the radio... if not, I'll have to live with an ugly XM portable unit.

Can anyone point me in the right direction to get good prices on both aniPod integration adapter along with an XM Directadapter?

 

Where did you get your DICE and how much was it?

 

DICE Electronics. They run around $160.