Removing Clarion stereo for AUX connections?

[deniska]

The stereo is held in by 4 screws. I removed the screws and can pull it out half way, I'm afraid to any pull harder as it might disconnect something in the back of the unit. Need some advise on how I can run a aux cable from there to the bottom pull out cabinet. :huh:

 

[AndreasW]

I am also interested in doing this so I can connect my Ipod to the Clarion. Is the AUX connection behind the stereo?

 

[Groucho]

Before you do that...look around for a factory jack.

Mine was hidden in the closet!:huh:

 

[wish2fish]

after checking advice above.

You don't say what model clarion but I think it is the same for all. The pair of RCA connectors is the Aux IN has red wires.

 

[midtown_towman]

Hello-a Groucho suggested-look for the factory aux jack-mine is on the left side of the "corner" cabinet (it kinda looked like a cig lighter plug at 1st glance). Otherwise, if you are adding a different ipod interface, to get my stereo out I also removed the 4 screws that hold the fresh water level indicator and pulled that out of the way. It allowed enough room to get my arm in behind the stereo and lift the bundled/zip tied wires as I pulled the stereo out. It's a little tiight, but easily done.

I just did some sound system upgrades (thanks to Bud Light and ebay) and the most time consuming part was fishing the wires. Good luck!

 

[carterchapman]

The stereo is held in by 4 screws. I removed the screws and can pull it out half way, I'm afraid to any pull harder as it might disconnect something in the back of the unit. Need some advise on how I can run a aux cable from there to the bottom pull out cabinet. :huh:

Pulled mine out this weekend. It comes out about 2/3s of the way and then a multipin cable popped itself loose from the back and it came all the way out. The aux cables on mine (2005) are a red and white RCA type cable - you can get an iPod interface cable for that for $5. I dropped it behind the electrical panel and I put the iPod in the drawer below (I didn't want to drill a hole in the panel and mount it externally). Getting the multi-pin cable back on the back of the Clarion was a PITA. The next time I have the electrical panel off, I'm going to look at the wire bundle for the Clarion and see if I can find some slack as someone suggested.

 

[Bel_Mar_Pointe]

There is usually a metal strap supporting the rear of the unit. A nut will need to be removed on the unit to release it from the strap.

I just replaced my XMD3 with a CMD5 and it was the same on both. In my case, I removed the DC panel (four screws) and had plenty of room to work.

If you just need access to the aux connectors, remove the easiest adjacent panel and leave the head unit alone.

 

[AndreasW]

Hello-a Groucho suggested-look for the factory aux jack-mine is on the left side of the "corner" cabinet (it kinda looked like a cig lighter plug at 1st glance).

I have to give this a try over the weekend. I also have an '06 320.

 

[deniska]

Hello-a Groucho suggested-look for the factory aux jack-mine is on the left side of the "corner" cabinet (it kinda looked like a cig lighter plug at 1st glance). Otherwise, if you are adding a different ipod interface, to get my stereo out I also removed the 4 screws that hold the fresh water level indicator and pulled that out of the way. It allowed enough room to get my arm in behind the stereo and lift the bundled/zip tied wires as I pulled the stereo out. It's a little tiight, but easily done.

I just did some sound system upgrades (thanks to Bud Light and ebay) and the most time consuming part was fishing the wires. Good luck!

Thanks I have the same plug on mine. No need to remove the radio. Is there any way to have the TV audio hooked up to the sound system?

 

[cgraft]

Did mine last weekend cut and pasted this from my post in the official 280 section

Just wanted to pass along how easy this was and seems to be in demand. Over the weekend I installed the cable that plugs in your AUX port on the clairon radio. Sounds awesome no need for Sirrus radio now as you can use your iphone Pandora radio or itunes.

Part required
stereo adapter cord from iphone store 27.00

Tools Required

phillips screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver

time from start to finish 10 min.

2004 280da
Attached Thumbnails

 

[AndreasW]

Thanks I have the same plug on mine. No need to remove the radio. Is there any way to have the TV audio hooked up to the sound system?

I can't get to my boat until the weekend. Is that "hidden" plug just like a regular headphone plug?

 

[Groucho]

Yes, The plug looks like a headphone plug. Radio Shack or WalMart will have the cord needed. Buy a long one.