There are several companies that have released iPod converter cables for the Jeep (and other radios). I was about to get one from PIE, but I would loose the factory CD changer. It would give me access to 6 play lists on the iPod just like they were large CDs. Most AUX cables are even more simple and just provide a direct audio (headphone jack) input to the head unit (still better than other methods).
But DaimlerChrysler has relases two iPod kits, one for the new CAN Bus radios (listed as 2006/2007+) and one for the older PCI Bus radios (listed 2005/2006). Since the 2002 Jeep GC uses the PCI Bus radio I was able to install the RB1 released in 2003 and use the PCI Bus iPod kit. Yes, this first generation RB1, but it has the current DVD nav firmware. WKjeeps has a good page listing the new iPod kits for Jeep. Yes, it lists the 2005+ Jeeps, but the kit DOES work. You will need the extension cable (05191195AA) if you have a factory CD changer and are NOT using a new separate satellite artist cable. You have to attach the CD cable to the box in a different location, but the CD cable is part of the radio harness. Note the minimum revsion/part number (82209616AC) for the iPod kit to support the RB1.
Here are some images of the kit: (click for a larger image)
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Extenter cable PN 05191195AA: (or large) |
You'll notice that the adapter kit is more than just a cable, it's a real computer that does a lot of work. It supports voice prompts for some radios (in English and more) and many different factory head units. The circuit board is also sealed for use in a harsh environment.
Install is harder in the Grand Cherokee than others because there are no instructions or examples included...
I looked for several places to install the new box. It won't fit behind the glove box, it won't fit behind the ash tray, it won't fit behind the HVAC controls because there are ducts there, I did not want to stick it in the footwell, it's nuts to remove the whole dash to install it above the air bag....But it DOES fit above the factory radio. There is just enough space above the radio to force it up there and attach the cables.
There are 8 ways it can fit in the small space above the radio (left/right/front/back+up/down). After trying all of them, I ended up using the last one, installing it bottom up with connectors facing out (towards the rear of the Jeep). The cables are then snaked around to the radio and the iPod cable is routed down the side into the glove box. I used a small wood stick (about 1.5x6.5x.2 inches) and wedged it in to keep the new box in place. I wanted to make sure that it was not going to fall out and rattle in the dash each time I hit a bump.
I was able to put the box in the space by inserting it lenghtwise with the connectors facing left and the rotating it counterclockwise as I forced it up there. I did not bend the mounting flange, but you could. There was just enough space left to attach the 3 cables and route them on the side and down to the radio. There was room to the left and right of the radio for the extra cable.
Here are a few images from my install:
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Does it work? YES, it's great. I use it with my "video" iPod (5G iPod 30Gig with Apple firmware version 1.2.1)...ok, there are some bugs and issues but it does work well most of the time. Some times a reboot needs to be done to get things to sync, but then it works again.
The CD/AUX button switches between Internal CD/CD Changer/iPod+AUX (and satellite radio if I had it). If the iPod is not attached it will select the AUX input. This feature can be disabled so it will not select AUX if there is no iPod attached. I left this enabled, at least for now. With a satellite unit attached there would be 4 items on one button.
Here is a link the a jeepsunlimited forum posting about someone else's install.
