Now I consider my self somewhat tech savvy but our 08 FIT has the iPod jack . So I go out and buy a cable that is supposed to work in hooking the iPod to my radio. The cable went from the headphone jack to the jac on the dashboard. I thought you would be able to control the iPod from the radio. Is there something I am missing or is this all there is?

 

nah....the thing you want is the ipod music link connector that dealership has but is like $200 installed!!!!! to me it overprice for something like that....I'm totally fine with the aux port cable which only cost me 10x less... plus I have a Zune too!
New Honda Fit Includes iPod Music Link as Dealer Accessory || The iPod Observer - Now Playing

 

I knew about the Aux jack for the Ipod but this music link thing I have never heard of. You say the dealer sells this? Does any one have it, what are there thoughts? This is some thing I might look into, if I would be able to control my Ipod threw the radio I might use it more often.

 

The jack you are refering to is actually called the "MP3/Aux input jack". This is only an input for any audio source from and Ipod to a laptop. This is what the above post is refering to
USA SPEC Honda iPod® Interface Connects your iPod to select 2003-up Honda/Acura factory radios at Crutchfield.com

This gives over control of the Ipod to the CD changed function and gives direct audio connection to the stereo withou using one of those FM transmitters. Your dealer should be able to get this. You can also go to a car stereo specialty store and they can do this work also. Crutchfield has nationwide installers that they work with and at the time of order they can set this up for you. Or read the directions, take your time and you CAN do it yourself.

I use the Harmon Kardon "Drive and Play" interface for mine. I put the display on the dash drilled a small hole above the center vents and routed the contol in the center console. Best Buy has the interface for $75.00 or you can mail order it for less than $40.00 shipped. OverStock Dealz - HARMON KARDON Drive + Play iPod/Car
I did this for my wife's Element as well. I route a cable from the control unit behind my glove box, to the aux jack so I don't have to use the built in FM transmitter.


I may have to post pictures of my install in the ICE forum...

 

That is bogus, The dealer never said anything about that bull. It seems that you shluld just plug in like you do with a USB cable except this should have a audio jack at the end and not a USB plug.

 

Well I guess to a non tech savvy person this might be confusing. The only way you can control your ipod is though the bottom interface. The top interface is only a stereo jack. Most cars will have the aux jack like the FIT. It is rare that you get a stock stereo that can control the ipod and even then they are limited with the controls. Pioneer's navi units can 100% control the ipod with a 80 adapter.

I will have to check out the Harmon Kardon "Drive and Play" that was posted earlier. Seems like a nice alternative.

 

+1. The salesman probably told you you could 'connect' your ipod thru the AUX jack, which is true (you can get sound from your ipod thru the stereo.) Controlling your ipod thru the stereo is a whole different thing.

You may have misunderstood, the salesman may have intentionally left the 'connect vs conrol' details out, outright lied, or been a fool.

Hard to say for sure.....

 

The drive and Play does everything you need. There is the newer Drive and play 2. This adds GPS and quite a few $$$'s (like 300) to the price.

My installation:
Dash mounted display with a 3/8" hole and gromit for the cable


Control knob mounted on my JDM console:


Connect to Aux jack:
Wire routed behind dash for easy disconnect for my friends with Zune's or other players


Brain box mounted to the right of the glove box, in the open space.
The Ipod connector is routed to the center console in my JDM console. Before the JDM console it was in my glove box.



All wires tied to the big round support behind the dash away from the HVAC controls and the glove box stuff. Electrical routed to the fuse box with add-a-circuit connections.

I added a switch in the knock out next to the mirror control to turn the unit on and off. Sometimes when starting the car with these unites it causes the unit not to "boot" correctly. a switch to turn it off for a few seconds and then on again clears this problem. My wife's Element doesn't have this issue, only my Fit. Also this lets me turn it off when I am not using it, not necessary, but it adds to the finished clean install.
You can use the built in FM transmitter, and it does work very good in the fit, but in most cities you will have trouble finding a clean frequency. This is why I use the audio cable.

 

Then what are the bottons on the face of the radio, it has folder on it

 

These are for a CD with WMA files burned on it. You can navigate the folders of the CD.

 

Yup WMA or MP3 cd's

 

Awesome!!! I will defiantly look into this for my FIT and civic hybrid. Thanks for the quick write up !

Yea I would use the audio jack over the FM transmitter too.