adding aux input to 05 SE w/ Rockford Fosgate

Just got an 05 Xterra SE w/the RF 6CD changer. Does anyone know if it's possible to add an aux input to the head unit? I know there's a place in the back to add the factory satellite radio, but is it possible to somehow adapt that into an aux input? I'd like to be able to plug my iPod in via a mini-plug, as opposed to FM modulation. I also want to keep my steering wheel controls, so a new headunit isn't really what I want.

No, you cannot convert the sat port into an aux port. In fact, I'm not too sure what you can do. Sorry.

You have to do what I do, get an alpine deck for the wife with the adapter, and put the ipod in her vehicle :p
6 MP3 disc's isnt bad

I have seen SAT to Aux adapters for a 350Z ... Im sure someone is working on one for the Xterra. It's a shame because the stock fosgate system in the 2005 sounds pretty good... I really don't want to spend the money to replace it. However... I really miss having my ipod in the car. :-(

Thanks for the reply on the SAT to Aux adapter for the Z. Gives me some hope.

Just to update those who might be interested, the PAC AII-NIS adapter that works with other Nissan and Infiniti vehicles works perfectly with the 05 X w/ Rockford Fosgate system.

Gerver, could U please give me a small brief detail in what was involved in this set up? I myself would like to play my ipod without the itrip. And where do I get this adapter from. Thanks!

As long as you have the Rockford Fosgate headunit, this is a monkey-easy install.

Obviously, you need to buy the PAC AAI-NIS adapter.(Just Google it, and you'll find any number of vendors willing to sell it to you. Cost me about 70 bucks.) From there all you need to do is open up the dash, get behind the HU and shove the adapter plugs in the back of the HU. If you need instructions, they're included, but this is really as simple as plugging in.

The AAI-NIS has two sets of RCA jacks on it, so you get two aux inputs. Just get an RCA to 3.5mm cable (you can get these anywhere from Radio Shack to Walmart) and run that from the adapter to somewhere outside the dash. I have mine run to the little tray underneath the VDC button panel.

Selecting the aux input is controlled through the HU, making for a nicely integrated package.

If you need help pulling out the dash panel, I know there's a post somewhere on this board showing how to do that. It's very simple.

Before getting the AAI-NIS, I had a hardwired FM modulator installed to get the aux input, and let me tell you; it can't hold a candle to the sound quality of a direct connection. It's a HUGE improvement. I have an XM Roady2 and my Ipod hooked up, and I couldn't be happier.

i did some reading on this unit and i am a bit confused. do you lose your radio presets? as i understand it, aux1 is controlled by preset A, aux2 is preset B, and preset C (AM stations) is not used. although i would love to have an ipod in the truck, i don't want to lose the radio.

thanks

No, you do not lose your presets. You simply get a new "SR" (satellite radio) option as you cycle through the presets. It will bring up FM stations, then SR, then AM presets as you hit the presets button.

I should say that the radio will cycle as above as you press th Radio button. Sorry.

Hey Gerver, I called up PAC today and they said that the Xterra RF has not yet been tested. I assume you just took a gamble and hoped that the SAT inputs were the same across the board for all Nissan vehicles.

For your ipod, you still use the clickwheel, correct? Or did you get the AUX-POD that allows you to use your steering wheel controls? Does the NIS charge the ipod simulaniously?

Thanks

I got the same story from PAC when I emailed them. I read somewhere that it worked with the 05 Frontier, which offers the exact same HU. (You'll notice on PAC's website that they've since added the Fronty to their compatiblity list) So yeah, I took a calculated risk, but I was pretty sure it would work.

The adapter only offers the inputs, not specific support for the Ipod. I have the little wired remote you can buy for the ipod, so I use that and the clickwheel. I also bought the Belkin car lighter adapter, which includes an integrated amp for the ipod, so I can charge it and greatly improve the sound quality.

To clean up all the wires, I ran the audio cable from the dash, along the center console, and up into the console storage area, and into the belkin adapter is plugged into the lighter outlet. It's not a flawless job, but it works great for me without drilling holes, etc.

cool, thanks for clearing that up. gerver, do you have any pics of the install? i would be interested in seeing what you did. looks like i have some money to spend

thanks

I just bought an '04 with the RF system and im sure it'll work as well.. cool deal, ill definitely hit up this mod soon. great info, thanks!

Gerver, U been very helpful and so far I have followed your instruction well. However, could U break it down to me regarding the hardwired FM modulator? I have never been an expert in auto sound system but I dont fear taking it apart. Also, I have the Sirius Sat Radio (factory). Will this create a problem for me or do I just shut up and follow your instruction as U mentioned? Thanks in advance!

Sorry JayZ, no pics. I didn't really think about it, since it's such a simple install.

Tierra, sorry to say it, but with the factory Satellite radio, you can't use the AAI-NIS. It uses the same jack in the headunit as the factory SAT receiver, so you can't have both.

As for the FM modulator, it taps into the wire that runs between your FM antenna and your HU. You set the modulator to a certain unused FM station, so when you set the FM radio to that station, the modulator cuts the signal from the antenna and "broadcasts" its own information. It works fairly well, but the sound quality is only about as good as your average FM radio station. Plus there is some residual static from time to time.

Thats not what I wanted to hear.

But thanks for your info regrading installation of ipod. U really broke it down neatly 4 me in plain english. U R the man!

Gerver, this is some of the best news I've come across yet. 5 trucks for you!

Hey Maverick_7, if you try this mod with your 04, please post how it worked out. I'm sure everyone would love to know!

Thanks, skepticon! I knew I wasn't the only one out there wanting aux inputs. Glad I could help.

no prob.. ill probably order it next week, and install it whenever i get it. We'll see how it goes. If it works I expect mini-trucks too.

BTW...they're right. If you care about scratches in your plastic, make sure you tape off the area around the AC controls, or at least put some tape over the metal clips. I scratched the hell out of mine last night because I didn't bother with this step.
Cosmetics aside, this solution works great.
Thanks again.

I installed the AAI-NIS and it works like a champ. I already had the XM Commander installed and I was using the built-in FM modulator. Now with the new unit I have the XM Commander and my ipod mini hooked up direct. I ran the wire from the AAI-NIS through the dash and under the gear shift console and up near the passenger seat. The only exposed wire is from the ipod to carpeted area right next to the seat.
I bought the Belkin TuneDok to hold my mini in the cupholder. For the ipod cable, I used Monster's ICable and for the XM, I used a Dual Twist RCA cable. Install was easier than I thought.

Thanks gerver for giving us the heads up on the SAT to AUX adapter.

The 04 and the 03 have the same RF systems dont they? How did maverick make out?

Nice install jason_chen. That's very similar to my install, but a little cleaner. How did you run the XM Commander wires?

Could someone throw in a link of where you could purchase the PAC AII-NIS adapter please?

I googled and all I got was this thread. Heh.

Danke

I bought mine from here.

www.audiooutfitter.com/store/AAI-NIS.html

Thank you very much!

gerver, I had Best Buy do the original install on the XM Commander a few months ago. As for connecting the Commander to the AAI-NIS, I just used a set of RCA cables, connected the two and shoved everything back into the dash. The sound quality is a huge improvement from the FM modulator. I think the bass has the greatest improvement.

I just got the Monster iCarCharger for my ipod and I'm using the powerpoint that is in the center console/armrest. The adapter has a low enough profile where it can be plugged in and the armrest can be closed at the same time. I fed the cable right next to the latch where the armrest clicks shut. There is plenty of room for the cable and it shuts completely.

Yeah, the bass response is the most obvious improvement with the direct connection.

I did almost the exact same thing with my ipod setup. I have the 40GB version, and the belkin car charger uses the dock port as opposed to the miniplug jack on the ipod. I've noticed that the output is much cleaner from the dock port than from the miniplug.

Today I installed a cigarette lighter outlet behind the dash, so I don't have to occupy one of the power outlets in the dash. Very easy install with Radio Shack's outlet. Just tapped into the wire running from the harness to the AAI-NIS and ran ground to the bracket holding the HU. Nice and clean, too.

Did BestBuy do a decent job with your Commander install? I had them install my FM modulator (which is now history), and they did a half-assed job. Scratched the dash and did a cowboy electrician splice into the power cable. Seems like I paid them $40 only to have to undo everything they did. Just curious what your experience was.

The Monster ICarCharger also has a miniplug in the dock port but it does not have an amplifier as does the Belkin adapter. The sound quality is much better from the miniplug at the top of the ipod as compared to the miniplug on the dock port of the Monster adapter.

As for Best Buy's install, I didn't even look to see how they wired the Commander. I'm assuming everything is velvet though. The installer did however, leave a few scratches on the left side of the 4WD knob. Nothing a little Armor All couldn't take care of.

On an aside, I've actually taken out my visor CD holder as well as all of my CDs from my truck. Between my ipod and XM radio, I'll never run out of good tunes.

Ditto on the CD removal. No point in wasting space keeping CDs around.

Will the PAC AAI-NIS unit work on an 05 Xterra that does not have the Rockford Fosgate system or sat radio. All I want it to do is make my Ipod work thru the head unit without having to use an FM transmitter and provide a charge to the Ipod.

I'm pretty sure the unit won't work with a non RF unit since it plugs directly into the satellite output. I can't speak much about alternatives other than an FM modulator but check out Crutchfield.com for alternatives.

I called Crutchfield and they said they do not carry anything that will work for the X with the base stereo system.
Guess I'm back to square 1.
I read somewhere that Denison had something, anyone have any experience using their products?

A HUGE thanks to Gerver, I ordered the part and was just notified that it was in. One thing I have been toying with is building in a dock station that I can just drop the IPOD into. Can anyone steer me in the right directionof what parts to get, if it is possible at all?.

I just added the Pac Aai-nis Auxillary input tonight and am really glad that I did. I am now able to plug in my Ipod and XM directly and enjoy great sound from both. Had a hell-of-a time getting into the dash even with instructions from the site, but once i got it apart, it went smoothly. Made a sweet ride even sweeter. I ordered the part from www.beachaudio.com and that is mainly why I am posting. Never heard of them before, but took a chance and got great service. Ordered the part on 9/6/05 and recieved it on 9/9/05 with the standard shipping. Paid 75.99 for the part and 8 bucks for shipping. A little pricy, but way better than FM modulator.

The MyFi sounded much better using the tuner rather than the PAC. Maybe the Myfi's output just sucks for this application?

Hello all, I'm a new owner of a 2005 Xterra. Using the info from this post, I ordered the PAC AAI-NIS adapter. I'm going to use it to listen to my Sirius Starbase and iPod. I have two questions regarding 12v power sources.

Does the PAC unit require its own 12v power source? Is there switched 12v and constant 12v power easily accessible, like from the two dash cigarette lighters?

Thanks.

Hey does anyone know how maverick made out with his 04 Rf unit? Did the pac work with it? Or is this only 05 and up?

I found the answer to my question. One of the two cigarette lighters in the dash is switched, the other is constant. Power problem solved.

I've just bought an Xterra 2003. It's pretty sweet and am really looking forward to some long road trips. I've got an ipod and have been trying to follow along with the install of the Pac II unit thing. I got everything out and had no where to plug in the fm plug. Am I doing something wrong?

are you using the car cradle or the headphone out jack? i have my MyFi in the cradle running into the PAC, and it sounds great. i was using the delphia FM direct, and there was lots of static and hissing. none of that w/ the PAC.

I'm would like to use the head phone jack. I figure with the sound system that the Xterra comes with, it would somewhat of a waste to simply use the fm modulator. The back of the rockford fosgate 6 disk changer has no aux input or open slots (inputs). I got the t conector hooked up (which I assume is for the power), but the main connector from the PAC unit has no where to go. Of course I could just be stupid.

The PAC unit uses the Sat Radio input on the '05+ Rockford Fosgate units, the '00-'04 RF units did not have Sat Radio as an option from the factory. This is why there is no where to plug the PAC unit into...not having looked @ the back side of a first gen RF unit, I can't say what other options you might have for an aux input, but all I've heard about so far is the in-line FM modulator mentioned already in this thread.

Thanks for the info ChefTyler. I don't suppose anyone knows if there's a different head unit I could buy that still makes the stereo look clean as well as still be able to use the steering wheel controls. Probably alot to ask.

There's a couple people here that have used an aftermarket HU with the stereo controls.
But, the stereo must have an IR remote and you need to buy a kit that runs from the steering wheel controls to an IR transmitter that you have to mount in a location that is within reach of the IR receiver on the HU...I don't know exactly what it's called or how much, but there are a couple threads in this forum that detail it.

As for the HU itself, I suggest this unit that I put in my wife's car. It's a double Din so you won't need a fitment kit for it, and it's ready for either XM or Sirius, plays MP3s, AAC, and WMAs...

I posted this in another thread regarding hacking the stock CD changer input for an Aux input.. This is for 2000-04 with the 14 pin cd changer, not the 8 pin round Din.. Those can be bought from this site too I believe, otherwise you can solder your own connector.
Aux-Niss 2000-04 Aux input

Here's another quick link towards the install of one of the Pac-audio units in a maxima. Same stuff.
maxima boards

Thanks 01SalsaXterra. Have you installed the AUX-NISS? If so, and you have the time, could you walk me through it. I'm pretty good at this stuff normally, but since I've only had my Xterra for two weeks, I'm still pretty anal about it. The other thing is that I already bought the PAC unit and it didn't work for my stereo. I'm hoping to get some feed back on this install before I open the dash up again. Cuz that was so much fun.

On a side note, has anyone tried to hard wire a cell phone into their xterra? Or is that a ridiculous question that would get me beat up by the bike racks after school.

I havent purchased the Aux-Niss unit yet. I am still looking for alternatives to the $99 price tag just for a black box with soldered connections. If you goto
informative Thread regarding hacking the Aux-input
I have been documenting the progress and frustrations..
I just read on the Maxima board that I posted above that people were getting noise with the Aux-Niss box that was due to poor grounding.. So its more reason for me to look for an alternative.
Good luck if you buy it... The instructions should be straight forward. Just plug it into the CD changer port on the back of ther radio, and use the splice connectors provided to tap into a 12 volt positive and a switched 12 volt positive.

I think we might have a bit of miscommunication. The Rockford Fosgate Heady Unit that I have has a built in 6 disc changer. There is no plug in on the back of it for any external plugs. I remember this because the Alpine I had in my old Pathfinder did have the round plug in. I'm starting to think this isn't going to work. Ironic how burning music on CD's is now considered old school. Thanks for the help though. This site is pretty great.

The thread starts out with the 8 Pin DIN connection, then by page 2 or so moves onto the 14 Pin rectangle connection.
If you dont have an external CD changer or SAT input you are unfortunately out of luck..
You could always get a FM direct line in that you plug into your radio antenna port, and it provides a direct connection to your FM on a certain station.. or an FM modulator..
Aside from that you're out of luck..
Sorry

Does anyone know if the PAC aux input will work with the 05 SE that has the satellite radio already installed? I installed the Sirius tuner and antenna kits, but still want to use an aux in for my iPod.

Thanks for any help.

I finally installed my PAC unit---works great! I tested with my mp3 player (I have the Creative Zen unit), and I got very clean sound...very pleased.

However, I did have to unplug (and leave unplugged) a wire assembly that was already plugged in to the head unit in order to plug in the PAC unit. Does anyone know what that was, or where those wires go???

That's probably part of the satellite pre-wiring that comes from the factory. The other end of that wire assembly, by the drivers kick panel, must be what goes into the back of the Sirius tuner. This also means that I can't install the PAC into my truck and keep the factory sat. radio.

no. there is no through-put. it's either/or.

Is it possible to replace the 2003 Rockford Fosgate I have with a 2005, that's compatible with an ipod?

Kappster,

I am interested in buying and installing a PAC AAI-NIS also, and looked on the Beachaudio website to get the dashboard disassembly instructions that you mentioned. I could not find them. Could you point me in the right direction? I want to see what taking the dash apart involves before I get into it.

Thanks.

Try this

http://www.xterraownersclub.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=38;t=002411#000000

Thanks! After seeing the pics, I am ready to do it.

i've already ordered this unit for my Xterra, but I haven't gotten it yet. There seems to be some confusion. Here's what sjgreatdeals.com says about the unit:

-Comes with a 3-position switch between 2 auxiliary inputs & the factory slave unit
-In order to work, slave unit must continuously be playing or XM Satellite Radio® or DVD, must be on

So is their website wrong, or what? Just curious.

So after doing a bunch of research (off and on), depending on my level of procrastination of other things, I found a discussion saying that Nissan is now offering an Ipod hook up for the Xterra 05-06 models. I'm not sure whether it'll work for previous models (like my 03), but I'm definately going to call tomorrow to find out. Apparently you'll be able to use steering wheel controls to change songs and playlists. Hopefully this isn't a really big conspiracy to mess with my mind.

not sure if this will help your X but you could always try worked on my 03 sexterra

http://www.xterraownersclub.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=675594#Post675594