If you own a portable media device (such as an iPod, Zune or smartphone), you know that the notion of listening to music in your vehicle via the device can be very attractive. Luckily, there is a way you can listen to music through your car stereo via your media device as you drive your vehicle: Use an FM modulator.
Instructions
1. Remove the faceplate of your stereo unit (refer to your stereo unit's manual if you do not know do this). Using your screwdriver, remove the cradle screws that hold your stereo unit in place. After you have removed the screws, pull the stereo unit out of its compartment.
2. Examine the wiring diagram in your vehicle's owner's manual and your stereo unit's owner's manual to find the ground and hot wires. After you have found them, tape the ground wire of your FM modulator to the antenna-wire housing (the metal connector outside the antenna wire).
3. Splice the hot wire that you found inside your vehicle; use your wire cutters to accomplish this. Peel back the plastic coating until approximately half an inch of wire is exposed.
4. Splice the hot wires of your FM modulator. (If you cannot find the hot wires, refer to the modulator's owner's manual.) Reveal approximately half an inch of wire and twist it into the exposed section of your vehicle's hot wire. After this is accomplished, wrap the twisted wire with electrical tape.
5. Set the radio frequency at which you want to listen to your music. Normally, there are three sets of radio frequencies that the modulator will pick up; however, some FM modulators will pick up any FM station to which you set it.
6. Insert the wiring harness and modulator into your vehicle's dashboard. Screw the stereo unit back into your vehicle using the cradle screws and pop the faceplate back onto the front of your stereo unit. Plug your portable media device into the FM modulator via the included cord and turn on your device. Set the radio to the frequency you chose; you are now able to listen to whatever is on your portable media device through your car stereo.
Tags: stereo unit, your stereo, your vehicle, your stereo unit, media device
