Honda Fit and iPod connection!

[Flyboybob]

I bought a new Honda Fit. It comes with an Alpine radio/CD player. The car should arrive later this month. Honda offers an iPod connection that is installed in the back of the radio. This will charge the iPod and also allow the Alpine audio system to operate the iPod remotely. They want $595 dollars for this option which seem expensive. Can I purchase this item from a third party and have it installed elsewhere at a much lower cost? Also, how can I plug the ipod into the front of the CD player, it comes with an "Aux" input in the front?

Thanks in advance!

[mrdantownsend]

if it has an AUX input, you just get a stereo - stereo cable and plug it in.

YOu will have to control your songs Via iPod. It doesn't work through the stereo controls.

That's basically the only thing you're losing by not spending $500+

that's the main appeal of that extra, you can control the iPod through the stereo system.

just go with the AUX.

go to radioshack and ask for a stereo to stereo cable.

[punk_r0x]

$595! That does seem ridiculous. For that price they should give you an iPod too.

[dc20]

It is expensive...I am buying a new Honda Ridgeline with the iPod connection, and it is $340 installed. Picking mine up tomorrow.

[pres2014]

What was your impression of the Ridgeline Ipod hook-up installed by Honda. How does it work and does it impact your XM radio. Also, do you still have manual control over the iPod?

[dc20]

I have mixed feelings about the Honda Music Link connection. It has pretty limited functionality, as all it is intended to do is to shuffle either songs or albums. I have discovered that if you start a playlist before you connect it, however, it will play what you have started, though I think it uses battery power when you do that. You cannot control the iPod manually when it is connected.

However, I think it does sound great...much better than through an FM transmitter, so I'm happy with that part. And though I was initially disapponted that the Music Link wouldn't let me do more with my iPod, i realized that I do spend a lot of time shuffling songs anyway. So I guess overall I'm OK with it, though I wish I had more control. Bottom line is that I can live with the limited functionality for the much improved sound quality, so I do use it every day, and have forsaken the FM transmitter.

I don't have XM in my Ridgeline, so I can't comment on it, though I can't imagine that having the iPod connected would affect it in any way. It's just another function on the stereo, like flipping between, FM, AM, or CD.

Dave

[Galley]

So they're charging $400 for installation???

MSRP $199
Installation costs not included.

Designed specifically for Honda vehicles
Connects the iPod directly to the vehicle's audio system for the best sound quality
Use the audio system's controls to search for and play music from your iPod
The MusicLink system charges your iPod battery while it's connected and the vehicle is on
Honda MusicLink is not applicable to iPod shuffles

Installation costs not included.