| bigmattyh |
I just installed a Dension Ice-Link Plus in my 2004 MDX Touring. It's the regular head unit with the LCD compass and mileage computer -- no NAV/RES/DVD. The Ice-Link is the I-HONDA-R2 model with the blue connector, and it's plugged into the port just to the left of the main port in the back of the head unit.
When I start the car, the ipod gets power and starts charging, and the Dension screens appear. So apparently, it looks as if it's connected correctly. But no matter what, I can't get the head unit to switch over to the ipod input. It's my understanding that I should just have to press the CD button, but this isn't working.
Is there anything else I have to do to get the head unit to acknowledge the ipod input? Thanks in advance for the help! |
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| mbmarsh |
Did you ever solve this? I've got pretty much the same problem. The iceLink will play a song on my iPod, but I can't control the iPod from the radio or the iPod itself. My CD Changer just keeps flashing "4".
Thanks in advance! |
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| bigmattyh |
| Yup, my solution was to shell out the ~$120 for the USA-SPEC ipod controller. :) I installed it and I love it. It was worth the extra cost just to not have to sit there and wonder what the heck was wrong. |
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| mbmarsh |
Dang - that's what I was afraid of. I've been screwing with the iceLink for three days now, can't get it to update firmware, nothing. I just didn't want to spend the $$$$$.
Who did you buy the USA Spec from? Is the install as easy as the iceLink? I was on the USA Spec site, and it says that the 02-04 adapter won't work with the 6 CD changer??!!! Am I looking at the wrong one? |
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| bigmattyh |
Three days was about all I had patience for, myself. I actually bought two of the Dension adapters on eBay -- the first one had the wrong adapter, and the second one, I think was just broken. $40 and about 5-6 hours of my life down the drain.
I got the USA-SPEC adapter on eBay too. It was about $120 including shipping, which was maybe $10 cheaper than what I could get it for locally, including taxes. The installation is a bit more complicated, because the controller box is much bigger than the Dension adapter and doesn't just fit nicely behind the radio. I did the quick install method that someone posted about on the forums here, where you use a stubby screwdriver to unscrew the 5-6 screws underneath the radio. Plugging the adapter into the back of the radio is pretty easy, but finding a place for the box was a little more challenging. I wanted to run wires into my center console, so I ended up installing the box in the space under my gear shift on the passenger side. I used mini-bungee cords instead of screws, which has actually worked great. The wires, I ran through the cupholder area, and I drilled a small hole through the console tray, using another method that someone suggested here on the forums. I can post pictures this weekend if you're interested.
So, long story short: no, not as easy to install as the IceLink, but I like the features so much better with the USA-SPEC one that it's definitely worth the time and money. I can control my ipod from the ipod itself, or my radio controls, or the steering wheel. And, the way I installed it, I can keep my ipod in the center console if I need to, either in the tray or in the bigger compartment, and it's easy to use while driving. I don't know which model of the box I have specifically, but I'll look it up and let you know. My MDX is a 2004, in-dash 6-CD changer, no nav, no RES, no DVD. |
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| mbmarsh |
| OK - so I think I have exactly the same MDX as you - I've wasted about 10 hours with this damn thing. So I give up - which USA Spec controller did you buy? The only thing is - I really wanted the cradle to charge the iPod and everything, which was what I like so much about the iceLink. Did you find anything similar? |
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| bigmattyh |
The USA-SPEC adapter I got was the PA11-HON2y model, like the one here:
http://item.express.ebay.com/Consum...cmdZExpressItem
I have a 2004 MDX with the touring package.
The USA-SPEC works great -- it charges the ipod when it is plugged in, and lets me control the ipod either from the ipod controls or with the head unit and steering wheel controls. I highly recommend it. |
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| mbmarsh |
So why the pa11-hon2y instead of the pa11-hon? It seems some of the websites are recommending the pa11-hon for the 2004 MDX. Am I missing something?
http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_...URA_MDX_01.html
But then, if you have the 2004 MDX Touring, I have the same vehicle, so one would think it would work the same.....
Even the eBay link says the product is for MDX 2005 or above. Am I just smoking it?
Sorry to be so high maintenance, but after this crap with the iceLink, I'm very afraid of getting the wrong thing again. |
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| bigmattyh |
It may have been the HON, not the HON2y. I don't have the documentation handy. :)
The only difference is in the adapter for the back of the head unit -- and yeah, you need the one that specifically is supported on your car. |
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| slackass |
| Hey mbmarsh, I have a USA Spec HON2y for sale if you are interested. I just got it about a month ago and decided once again to go fully aftermarket so I do not have a need for it. I can make you a good deal on it. Let me know if you are interested. c-c-machine@hotmail.com |
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