I'm no techie so would appreciate some help. I recently purchased the Xcarlink iPod adaptor. All seems sensible and straight-forward and I've got as far as working out how to get the radio out of the harness and which cables go where etc. The problem comes when I think about how to route the cable from the back of the radio down to the armrest box. This would seem to involve removing the centre console covers and it is at this stage that my nerve deserted me.

Alternatively, it looks as if it may be easier (although less satisfactory) to route the cable through to the glove box...

Has anyone else done this? Any tips, advice, guidance, help etc most welcome!

thanks
Peter

i had a simular setup on previous eos
i removed the ashtray and gearlever cover to ease installation , but you can also just tuck it between the carpet and the console
i fitted mine in one of the cupholders as i already had the cd changer in the armrest
the bottom of the cupholders comes away and i then used a dremil to make a hole big enough for the plug, sounds nasty but if you cock up the little round mat covers all see my post on ipod and video working on nav screen
to be honest though i wouldnt bother again just pit it in the glovebox :D

to be honest though i wouldnt bother again just pit it in the glovebox :D

Ok, thanks, Pacemaker, very helpful.

Peter

Hi, I threaded the xcarlink cable into the glove compartment. It was so much easier.

Hi, I threaded the xcarlink cable into the glove compartment. It was so much easier.

Yep, I guess that's what I'll do, thanks for the feedback.

Peter

OK, now I realise this is a pretty modest change given what some of you guys are doing to your cars, but I did manage to get the Xcar link iPod adaptor fitted successfully today. There is an extra CD changer port on the back of the RCD500 so it was really a simple job, and then 5 minutes to thread the cable through to the glove box, routing it by the side of the manual shelf.

Now, without any warranty or guarantees (!!!):-

1. Gently prise plastic radiohead surround off its mounting clips.
2. Undo four screws holding radio into harness.
3. Connect female connector from adaptor to the extra CD changer port on rear of radio.
4. Connect ground to harness screw on back of radio.
5. Make safe (with insulating tape) the extra connectors not being used on the adaptor set.
6. Route cable through to glove box (remove the manual from the shelf and there is ready access to the rear void behind the dashboard). I positioned it just to the side of the manual.

When you attach your iPod, push the CD button to access the extra CD menu and you get control of your iPod through the unit buttons. No track titles or anything like that but good enough for me.:)

I attach some thumbnail photos.

All the best
Peter

Hi Peter,

I'm just looking at fitting the XCAR link to my 07 EOS, which has an RCD 300. I've had the radio out tonight, but I wondered which screw you attached the earth to, and did you have any tips on routing the cable from the glovebox through to the back of the stereo.

The stereo cable is very tight on mine, I can only get the unit out a few cm, so it's tricky!

regards,

Greg