56K no way! How to: Install a jack for MP3 player on a CX-7 -NAV setup included

[Raider]

Hey Guys, I finally found a solution to the AUX problem and installed an AUX input for an MP3 player.

AUX INPUT FOR MAZDA CX-7 SPORT (non- NAV) AT LAST!!! NAV Setup below

Well, after doing a little bit of research on the web and tearing apart my head unit, I was able to figure out the way to connect an AUX input. I adapted this procedure from one I found for a 2000 Miata with Bose radio.

From Cue:
You'll need 3 or 4 different colored 22guage wire (too lazy to read earlier; and can't remember exactly), a soldering gun (for the headphone jack), the headphone jack (3.5mm), an exacto knife, a sewing needle, and a screwdriver (with multi bits), and I'm pretty sure that's it.
The wire should cost you less than $10, and the 3.5mm female jack should be about $2.

The first thing that you need to do is remove the shift knob and place it on “D” to gain access to the service port on the bottom of the bezel to be removed.




Following the advice of another guy, I inserted pliers to remove the cir-clips in the service port and pulled hard, don’t be afraid, make sure to cover the tool with a thin cloth to protect from scratches.




After that, remove the bezel by pulling towards you.

Then unscrew the four screws to remove the head unit and unhook the wire of the emergency lights.

When you have the radio out of the car, you have to look for a 16 pin connector on the back.

Then you only need to connect the pin #1 (lower left hand side , green wire) to the pin # 13 ( on the bottom, second for the right).
I used a 22 gauge wire that I previously inserted a needle in to enlarge the hole to make it fit
Between the Pin # 1 and #1 3 you need to install a fuse in line ( I used a 15 amp) and a 1K resistor.


Now when you push the MEDIA button, your radio will change to AUX line input, Cool!!!!

The next thing you need to do is connect a 3.5 headphone stereo jack to the pins # 3 (Right input), pin # 5 ( Left input) and pin# 7 ( signal ground). (see picture)


After I welded the wires and connected the pins, I decided to apply a little bit of glue instead of waiting for the right pin connector, you can order this pin connector on the web, but I couldn’t wait to plug in my MP3 player.

I rerouted the wires from the back of the radio to the empty area designated for the tape deck, where I will place my AUX input.


After that I used a small propane welder to make a hole in the plastic cover to insert the AUX input.


I decided to locate the AUX input on the right because it is close to the glove compartment and close to the 12-volt outlet just in case I need to charge the MP3.


That’s how it looks, not bad and cheaper than other options on the market.

Here there is the wiring diagram


I hope this guide can help anyone out there.


CX-7 WITH NAV: Read here:

sgspearman successfully did this on his 2007 CX-7 with Nav. First, thanks to everyone for all the postings. Since there have been some changes since the first posting - especially around better ground connections, I thought I'd post my wiring diagram and a few thoughts from having done it today.


Note that I used 4 and 6 connected together as the grounds for the audio cable. I was very pleased with the volume and the lack of noise with this and would recommend it. I also used a pre-made audio jack and cable that I originally got at radio shack I believe. I did not see any good reason for the fuse given the 1k resistor - all other connections are as mentioned earlier but here I show how they line up with 4 pin connectors.

Here's a view of the way I wired up these connectors before insulating them:

Note that these are common connectors for PC motherboards - they were often used for connections to CD drives for example. By putting this together with connectors, it all became just plug and play once you pulled the radio out.



Here's a few tips in following the instructions from the original article in this thread:

1. Putting the vehicle in drive was good to provide clearance but I did not find I needed to remove the shift knob
2. To remove the connectors from the back of the radio, feel for the small tabs underneath (on the larger connectors) or on the side (for the flashers connection). Depress that in order to remove the connections.
3. I ran my cable out to the glove box as mentioned in another article. It was very obvious how to do so once you're in the dash.
4. Do try out your jack after hooking things up but before reassembling. I found it didn't work the first time - one connector was apparently loose. Pulled the radio out and tried again.


Here's what the connectors look like on the pins:


And here's how I secured the cable with a tie wrap:

I wasn't sure if it might hit when putting the radio back in, but I didn't see any signs of that.

So, that's my contribution back to the thread - hope it's helpful for some of you trying this next!

[bulldawg66]

I've been looking at this thread for a couple of weeks now and I've decided I'd really like to do this mod. However, I have factory installed Sirius that I want to keep. From what I've been reading I don't see why I couldn't splice into the Sirius connector and connect what I need to get the MEDIA button working plus tie in to the same input wires for the audio. Does this sound do-able or am I missing something?
The only issue I've got is opening the factory plug and adding the pins that I'd need for pins 4, 6 & 13. Any ideas? The only thing I've been able to come up with is cutting the factory connector off and soldering in one of these: Digi-Key - A26458-ND (Manufacturer - 534206-8)

Also, what's the purpose of the 1K resistor?

Thanks for any and all help!

Tom

[Raider]

You would be the first to do it. Sone sort of on/off switch for them, plus a switch to go back and forth. Try iy out, and post hoe it goes.

[bulldawg66]

Splicing into the satellite receiver wiring worked great! I spliced into the wire for pin 1 and jumpered (with 1K 1/2 watt resistor) into pin 13 which was empty on the sat receiver plug. Both pins 4 and 6 for the grounds were empty as well, so for the empty slots I used compatible pins from our avionics shop at work, as well as the resistor. Lastly, I spliced the wires for pins 3 & 5 - I assumed that these were the audio inputs for the sat receiver as well.
All works well, the only thing I have to do is unplug either end of the audio jack when I switch to satellite. Otherwise the satellite volume is very weak.
I did not use the connector from Digi-Key, so my only expense was the audio jack for $2.99 plus tax - not a bad deal!

Thanks for all the help!

Tom

[Raider]

SWEET! Post up pics if you took them. A wiring diagram would work too. If you email it to me, I can host it for you.

[bulldawg66]

Didn't take any pics - I did this during my lunch at work and was kinda in a hurry. I will draw up a wiring diagram and post it, though. It really was super easy. I used environmental splices because they're smaller than regular butt splices.

[jackpot01]

Nice writeup! My 09 has a jack in the center armrest. Is this a feature not in the 07-08 models?

[Raider]

We all do. Just wont work for iPod, and no MP3 players on non-mp3 HU's.

[PPK88]

Do you need to install the fuse as in the wiring diagram it doesn't show?

[Raider]

Not if it plugs into a fused power circuit.

[mazdacx7]

Thanks.. I will try this on my cousin's 2007 CX7.

[realmarkat]

Hey! Just wanted to take the time to say thanks for this thread. Got this to work in my Mazda CX-7 fairly easily, and is a wayyyy cheaper and better sounding alternative then using a transmitter.

You're a lifesaver!

[swallman]

Originally Posted by bulldawg66 Didn't take any pics - I did this during my lunch at work and was kinda in a hurry. I will draw up a wiring diagram and post it, though. It really was super easy. I used environmental splices because they're smaller than regular butt splices.

I know this was posted some time ago, but for those that have existing satellite radio and splice into those wires, do you need to use the MEDIA button to listen with the Aux Input, or use the SAT button ?

I've got an '08 CX-7 with NAV and Satellite that I'm thinking of adding this to.

[tscheifler]

Just finished my install. I would not have tried it on my own without this post.

For connecting the wiring to the radio, I used "Motherboard Reset Switch Extension Cables" which are available from microcenter
http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0327276.

And I used this 3.5mm jack from RS: http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2103452.

In case it is helpful to others, here is a link to a good video that shows how to remove the center dash to get to the radio: GROM: Mazda CX-7 &#3907 iPod Interface Adapter Installation HOWTO - YouTube.

And here is a link that explains how to remove the center console so you can wire it in the storage box (my preference instead of the dash): Mazda CX-7 Console Removal.

[Dannzig]

I did this Mod on My 2008 CX7 with Bose Nav system and it worked like a dream. Fast easy and very inexpensive. BTW if interested The Aux plug from Rat Shack has Pins Numbered on package, but does not say what they are for. #1 = Ground #2 = Right #3 = Left. Thanks again Raider.:burhttp://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/forum/images/smilies/Smilies

[lildisco]

Originally Posted by Dannzig I did this Mod on My 2008 CX7 with Bose Nav system and it worked like a dream. Fast easy and very inexpensive. BTW if interested The Aux plug from Rat Shack has Pins Numbered on package, but does not say what they are for. #1 = Ground #2 = Right #3 = Left. Thanks again Raider.:burhttp://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/forum/images/smilies/Smilies

sweet, I'm trying to get the parts together to do this. did you get everything from the shed?

[Dannzig]

Originally Posted by lildisco sweet, I'm trying to get the parts together to do this. did you get everything from the shed?

I just got the 3.5 Aux plug and the 1k resistor. I had the connectors from old scrapped computers. But Im sure the shack has those as well.

[lildisco]

picked up some connectors from a computer store who was going to throw the computers away. I think i'm going to the shack tonight in preparation for this weekend. My brother in law has a HUGE shop, so i figured i'd knock it out this weekend. I'm primarily using this for my sirius and need to see the receiver to change the channel. I'm thinking of putting it in the arm rest and moving the receiver out whenever i use it. what did you do with yours?

[Dannzig]

I used it primarily for the AUX plug. I put the plug on the underside of the coin tray in front of the shifter. You cant even see it unless you have the cable plugged in. But it makes it so the Aux power supply is conveniently close for charging purposes.

[lildisco]

I also want to listen to my ipod and pandora on the phone. I'm still on the fence about it

[lildisco]

Installed it in the armrest. Looks real clean and my brother-in-law soldered all the connections as well as shrink wrapped. Looks real clean! too bad my damn sirius player took a shit. oh well, at least i can listen to my ipod and the wifes phone! Thanks Raider!!

[Devilboy7803]

Just a quick question. In your explanation under the picture of "Aux" display, you say to connect right input to pin #3, left input to pin #5 and signal ground to #7. But in the wiring diagram, #7 pin has nothing attached and the signal ground attached to pin #4 & #6. So do I connect the signal ground to #7 or the #4/#6 combo? Thanks ahead of time!

[Devilboy7803]

Well, I just went for it on #4 & #6 for the ground and it worked.


Used the connection ends from a 16 pin that had the wrong configuration and then used shrink tubing to insulate the ends so there wouldn't be any leads touching.



Just before using some hot glue to hold it all in place.



And the finished product. Thanks a ton for this thread by the way!



The best part was finally getting to use the Belkin cord that came in the center console when I bought the car. Totally thought there was a hook up since the previous owner left it behind when I got it. Fake out! Lol

[RiceBurn2.3T]

I tried this and I've must have done something wrong because now my radio isnt working at all. first the cd drive was making noise so I double checked the wiring and realized i did it upside down. Then I took all of that out to make sure the head unit worked properly stock. Now it doesnt work at all. The "room"/audio system fuse is fine. I cant figure it out. I really hope I didnt blow the whole head unit : /

Update: So because my wife refuses to spend any money to fix my NOOOB mistake, I decided to take apart the head unit to see if I could find the problem. I did not find anything. Just for kicks I put it back together and reinstall (w/o mp3 mod). So it still didn't work so I gave up. The next day I gave it another shot and it turned on but with no sound. Everything worked except the power/volume knob. I turned it up using the volume control on the steering wheel. Other then the spin knob on the head unit, everything works normally. Not sure why that knob isn't working. Must have fried something.

I went ahead and did the mp3 jack install and it works great. Please Lmk if you have any ideas on how to fix my knob. Thanks!

[lildisco]

you're wife should be able to help you with your knob....lol

Have you tried pulling the negative battery cable and reset everything? You could also just pull the radio fuse so you don't have to do the whole side to side motion and the window up and down thing. sometimes that's all it takes, especially with electronics.

[RiceBurn2.3T]

Oh I'm not worried about my ManKnob, wifey takes special care of that thing.

I truer the reset but nothing. When I turn the radio tunner knob (bottom left of head unit) it shuts off the unit. When I turn it again, it turns it back on....weird. Not sure what's going on but I'm just happy it works.

Btw: I put the jack in the center storage.

[lildisco]

I wonder if you can find another radio. wonder if you burnt something with the wires in the wrong spot.

[Lenn]

I just did this but I used a thread from 6crew and it was MUCH easier than this. No resistors, no fuses. The connection back there is the same in the CX7 as it is in every 6 model (2006-2008). I have the CX7 GT with Nav and no noise! Works flawlessly.

All that I needed was a 3.5mm STEREO audio jack, (1) 2 pin CD-ROM audio cable, (1) 4 pin CD-ROM audio cable.

DIY: Adding An Aux Input To OEM Radio (2006-2008)

[Justin251]

This worked great on my non-nav 2008!

Also, my droid charge has a good mic so I use it as hands free while on the phone.

[Zealotki11er]

Just did the wires for my 07 CX-7 GT /w Navigation. How it works when i put it tomorrow.

[melnick]

I just wanted to take the time to say kuddos for starting this thread. This is relatively easy to do and is WAY better than the stock radio by simply adding an AUX input. If you replace the head unit, you lose the ability to use the integrated dash display/clock. This modification also allows to use the steering wheel controls for all but changing songs, etc.

I started following Raider's post, but went with the computer connectors shown by raider and lidisco. Works great. I opted for the in-dash mount of the AUX input and couldn't be happier. Thanks All.

[Raider]

Glad it worked! What year you have? Post pics!

[Mud_Dog]

Thanks for this great tutorial. Totally stupid question I'm sure, but I got the trim piece off fine and the radio unscrewed to remove it, but is there a trick for getting the connections out of the back? I saw the note about depressing the tabs on the bottom or sides, but can't seem to find those. (This is the first time I've done this.) Unfortunately I can't pull the radio out very far since the wire for the satellite connection is quite short. I'm actually just trying to get the radio out since I have a CD stuck in the changer, but the first part of this tutorial is what I needed.

Thanks

[buckyn8]

Just added the auxiliary plug last night! Thanks for the great write up!

[bsnyder]

so I got this installed and everything is good, but I notice that my left speakers do not produce vocal sounds very well. The music portion is ok and vocals are extremely dim. when using a Bluetooth connection for phone calls, sound only comes out of the right side. Any suggestions?

PS. The Belkin Bluetooth for $60 on Amazon is great!

[07cx7mg]

Did this on my 07 cx7 gt w/nav and worked perfect today. Only problem was I wired one of those radio shack jacks and when I got everything in the car I realized that with the nav there is no spot on the dash for the jack. I had drill a hole in the glove box and run it in there.

[rmike1991]

Originally Posted by 07cx7mg Did this on my 07 cx7 gt w/nav and worked perfect today.

Did you also have the sat radio connected to the unit? I mean did you still make new connectors or you spliced in the existing wires/plug? I'm about to do it on my wife's car but don't know the way it's connected in the back. Did you take any pictures?

[07cx7mg]

No sat radio and I used small 4 pin connectors like the guy who posted the pics. No pics sorry. Honestly once u make that small wire harness with the audio jack it's a matter of a few mins to pull the radio out and install. I did mine in 30 mins. Would have been less but I took 10 mins to figure out where put the aux jack. Lol

[iggy85]

Saw this post and became a member I have a 07 cx7 with bose and navigation could I use a aux cable jack instead of a successful input jack. And what size are my door speaker's and what would you recommend for them.

[Raider]

I would check Crutchfield.com to find out door speaker sizes, I don't know offhand. And since this was experimental, use the info in the OP as the basis, and try your stuff out, report back.