2003 Honda Accord with IceLink v. 1.1 installed!

[dwiller1]

I've been researching how to install my iPod into my 2003 Accord for months. When IceLink first came out, I was interested but didn't want to use the headphone out jack for audio. When ipodlounge reported that there was going to be a new version that utilized the dock connector for line out audio, charging, and remote control from the stock stereo, I decided to wait. As soon as the item was available, I ordered it. It was on backorder for about 3 weeks, and I installed it the day after it arrived.

My top priority for the installation was to have the iPod hidden, so I wouldn't have to take it off the cradle every time I parked my car, and then put it back on again. In the Accord, that left 2 choices, the front storage bin, or the armrest storage bin. I was not concerned with seeing the iPod while driving, as I pretty much just keep it on random play, and besides, it is probably safer that I don't see it!! The armrest had the most room and seemed like the best choice.

You can check out my installation pictures here:
http://homepage.mac.com/davewiller/IceLink/

I searched the internet to find similiar installations that would help us out. We loaded these sites up and used them as a reference during our installation. While doing the installation, 2 of us were in the front seat (I was paranoid about screwing up my car), another guy organized all the parts, and made sure when we took out screws that they went back to the right place, and also kept tabs on the internet with instructions other people had posted. My friend's girlfriend was in the backseat to offer a woman's perspective on things and to help with the flashlight.

As you'll see in the pictures, the plan was to mount the iPod in the center armrest, and run the cable through the opening for the power adapter, under the emergency break, under the gear selector, and into the area behind the storage bin. From there, we would mount the Soundgate box and IceLink interface with Velcro to the space under the radio.

First, we pryed up the trim panel around the gear selector. I was nervous it was gonna break, but we just kept pulling then it came up. We then disconnected both seat heaters. They unclip very easily. We then removed the rubber mat from the center armrest, and unscrewed the black screw that attaches the power adapter. The power adapter also has clips, we pulled up on the bottom and then pulled down from the top and it came loose. We left it plugged in, I just taped it to the side of the arm rest, so it wouldn't get in our way. We then used a wire hanger (with tape on the end so it wouldn't scratch), and taped the end of the cable that attaches to the dock to the end of the hanger, and used this to pull the cable through, underneath the emergency break. We pulled the cable up by the blue seat heater connection and left it until we had the center console out. We then pulled out the rubber insert from the coin storage tray, and used a flathead screwdriver with electrical tape over it, to pry up the metal bin, to reveal some screws. We unscrewed those 2 screws, and then pryed up the coin storage and front power outlet. There are clips in the front. We left this connected to the power, and just had it hang to the side. Once that is removed, there are 2 more screws that hold the center storage console in place. We were very careful with the screws, because we didn't want them to fall in and be lost forever. We used a magnetic screw driver, and one of use would keep our hands under the screw in case it fell. Before we removed the storage bin, I taped the top of the bin, and my car's console with electrical tape so that nothing would get scratched. Once the 2 screws are removed, we used a coat hanger as a hook tool, and pulled the storage unit out.

Finally we could test it!!!! We connected the wires, and as soon as they were connected, I saw that the iPod was charging!! Very good sign. We turned the car on, hit the CD/AUX button a 2nd time, and the display changed to CD-C. Steering wheel controls worked great to change tracks.

We then used Velcro to mount the Soundgate adapter to the side of the wall under the radio, and attached the IceLink interface to the other side. Storage unit back in, then the coin storage/power outlet, and then the trim. Now we just had to mount the cradle.

We had cut a little notch in the armrest power outlet holder, for the wire that comes from the cradle, but then realized the notch was too far forward. We used a drill to make another notch in the back to allow the cable to come through cleanly with no pinching.

Orginally we were going to use Velcro to mount the cradle inside the arm rest. I should also mention that I did not order the pro-clip mount, because that mounts out in the open. This was all done with what comes in the package from Dension. We all decided we didn't think the Velcro would hold up, and decided to screw it into the armrest. This was not easy. Mostly because we didn't have the appropriate tools, so we had to take cement screws to start holes, and then try to work the real ones in. Once the mount is installed, you use an allen wrench (included) to angle and lock the cradle to the mount. We replaced the rubber mat and cleaned up.

I am very happy with how this installation came out. In my book, IceLink is the only way to go. Line out audio, charging (I had no issue with hum, or ground loop problems), and the ability to change tracks with the factory stereo.


Thank you very much to these people for posting their pictures that helped us so much:

http://distantcreations.com/accordipod/
http://members.aol.com/hillstones/private/ipod.html
http://www.handa-accessories.com/acc...UDIOATTACH.pdf
http://icelink.densionusa.com/

Thanks as well to my 3 friends who helped me with this installation.

[urbanmac]

Nice install, I have a Honda S2000 with an ICE>Link installed, when I turn the head unit on, the iPod turns on, then off, then on, then off, then on and stays on, during this on/off sequence it plays about 1 second off the resumed track which is a bit annoying. I'm just wondering if you get this in your Honda?

my install notes are here:

http://dev.createmobile.com/icelink/parts.html

[johnnydancemove]

Awesome setup. I have same car with Soundgate into Aux setup. Does the Icelink allow you to change songs via the stereo controls? Does it disable the CD player in anyway? I am deabting getting one and adding it to the mix....

Thanks!

[dbett]

Very nice.

I really wish I could use the Icelink with my Nissan/Bose system.

Oh well.

[dwiller1]

urbanmac: I don't turn the head unit off. I leave it on, turn the car off, iPod pauses, then shuts off, and when I turn the car back on, it resumes playing. While driving home tonight, I did power off the head unit, waited a minute, and then powered back on, and the iPod continued right where it left off, so it doesn't appear that I'm having the issue you are having. Have the folks at Dension been any help? (Oh, and I used your site as well before the install, as your's was the first site that I saw that had the new version of IceLink, so thanks for posting that!)

johnnydancemove: Yes, the IceLink allows me to advance tracks using the controls on the head unit or on the steering wheel. When I press the "MODE" button on the steering wheel to go between AM radio (Boston traffic), FM radio (Stern), etc., the iPod pauses until I back to the AUX input (CD-C), at which point it picks up where it left off. The IceLink does NOT disable the CD player in any way. You said you have the same car, so you should also have the 6 disc internal changer. That still works perfect. The IceLink would prevent you from having an ADDITIONAL CD changer mounted under a seat or in the trunk. But I think you'll agree that a 6 disc changer, plus iPod is plenty!

[johnnydancemove]

Awesome. Ordered it today....thanks for the info. I actually have similar setup: FM WBCN Stern, 630 AM Sox, CD-C iPod, and CD changer. I also have XM Roady hooked up. I am curious to see how Icelink affects that.....any idea?

[Tom@densionusa]

Originally posted by johnnydancemove
Awesome. Ordered it today....thanks for the info. I actually have similar setup: FM WBCN Stern, 630 AM Sox, CD-C iPod, and CD changer. I also have XM Roady hooked up. I am curious to see how Icelink affects that.....any idea?

I can help with that question.

We also use the SoundGate adapter with your S2000 setup, it would have to replace the XM Radio since you are already using your one available AUX port.

You do have the option of hardwiring a custom switch to run the two, but I believe you will not be able to switch over until the head unit reinitializes the ICE>Link or XM system, it may even require pulling the battery leads.

[JBF]

I so want to hook up my iPod to my 2004 colorado but I don't want to loose my factory XM.

What I don't get though is how can it be an aux if the factory xm radio is located under the "band" and not "aux". You would think you could hook up another aux if that was the case (seeing as the XM is built into the headunit itself.)

Could you explain more on what you mean by re-initializing it, etc?

[Tom@densionusa]

Originally posted by JBF
I so want to hook up my iPod to my 2004 colorado but I don't want to loose my factory XM.

What I don't get though is how can it be an aux if the factory xm radio is located under the "band" and not "aux". You would think you could hook up another aux if that was the case (seeing as the XM is built into the headunit itself.)

Could you explain more on what you mean by re-initializing it, etc?

When I mean "reinitialize", it means the self-test the radio puts out when you power up the radio (checks for external devices such as CD Changer).

On the GM models, the XM port is used for all ICE>Link installs. You will have to simply choose between the XM or the ICE>Link, as you cannot have both.

http://www.densionusa.com/forum/DSCN1985.JPG

This is a picture of the ICE>Link installed in a '04 Envoy. The ICE>Link actually works in Sirius Mode (XM).

[JBF]

Darn. Does this mean that any other aux port I get installed would have to take the place of the XM radio too?

Like if I want to just have the iPod playing through an aux-in and not worry about controlling it through the headunit, would it still mean the XM radio would have to be disconnected?

[Tom@densionusa]

Originally posted by JBF
Darn. Does this mean that any other aux port I get installed would have to take the place of the XM radio too?

Like if I want to just have the iPod playing through an aux-in and not worry about controlling it through the headunit, would it still mean the XM radio would have to be disconnected?

Correct, the ICE>Link will take place of the XM radio.

On your specific vehicle, I do not believe there is any available AUX port - this is the reason why the XM port is used.

[JBF]

Crap... this sucks.

So your basically saying that you believe that with the delphi headunit in my vehicle, the port that would normally be used for the cd changer is being used for the xm radio right now.

I guess if anything I might just end up putting in a switch for it, you know? If I have to turn off the radio each time I want to switch then I can handle that.

[Tom@densionusa]

Originally posted by JBF
Crap... this sucks.

So your basically saying that you believe that with the delphi headunit in my vehicle, the port that would normally be used for the cd changer is being used for the xm radio right now.

I guess if anything I might just end up putting in a switch for it, you know? If I have to turn off the radio each time I want to switch then I can handle that.

The switch may work. Unfortunately, some radios require "reinitializing" before any new or different devices are discovered - this may require removing the battery cables each time, making it pointless.

I'm not sure if this is required on your particular radio, this is usually only seen in extreme cases.

[JBF]

Hmm... Well I'm going to take it to one of the best professional radio installers in our city. I'm sure if they can't come up with a way then no one can. Hah.

Thanks for your help Tom. I appreciate it.

[Tom@densionusa]

Originally posted by JBF
Hmm... Well I'm going to take it to one of the best professional radio installers in our city. I'm sure if they can't come up with a way then no one can. Hah.

Thanks for your help Tom. I appreciate it.

Be sure to keep us posted here of your findings!