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iPhone Adapter for Premium 6 Monsoon stereo??

17K views 35 replies 14 participants last post by  Paradox2003  
#1 ·
Hello Friends,

I have a 2009 V6 Treg with a Premium 6 Monsoon stereo (see pic). I'm looking for a solution to hard wire my iPhone 4 to the stereo. I do not have any factory installed cables or outlets in the car. Ideally, I would like to have the wire go from the stereo, through the outlet in the center console (nothing there now) and plug into the dock connector on my iPhone. I called my VW dealer and the only solution they offered was to connect through the glove box which is not good for me because I want to be able to still use my phone while driving. In addition the solution the dealer offered was over $500.

Any and all recommended solutions would be greatly appreciated!
 

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#2 ·
You can still use the VW adapter and instead of routing the cable through the glovebox, route it to where you want it to go. The cable is pretty long, actually.

I have the iPod adapter from my old stereo, I am not sure it'll fit but I can send you pics of the connectors so you can see if the wires on your end match. Looks like it's the same as the stereo that came on my 05.
 
#3 ·
Check with Spockcat (member in good standing :)). I think he has something.
 
#5 ·
Just wondering if anyone else has looked at, or purchased and installed, the iPod adapter from NeoCarAudio Neo Car Audio :: The leader in OEM integration.

I had one of these in my Accord and was very pleased with it. This is for the Premium 6 standard radio (non-navi unit) on the 2010 Touareg (I'm assuming its the same as the 2009 MY standard radio).
Cheers.
 
#7 ·
The MDI doesn't work with that stereo - only RCD 310, RCD 510 and RNS 510. The monsoon has no "media in" button, so there is no way for the radio to recognize the iPod. It will power the ipod and the ipod will say "accessory attached" but you won't be able to play the ipod through the stereo. I just wired the MDI to that radio and this is the result, so I am looking for an RCD 310 if anyone has one they would like to sell! Not interested in the NAV unit, as you have to remove the seats, front right fender, console etc to add the nav antenna. So I just want the better CD head unit.
 
#9 ·
I bought the Neo Car Audio iPod interface and tried to install it. I say tried, because it doesn't look like it's going to work based on the instructions sent with the device. The 3 wires that come from the SAT receiver don't match up in location between what I'm reading in their instructions and what is connected to the back of my head unit.

I'm in communication with Neo Car Audio's tech support to see if it's possible to connect the interface to the CD changer plug behind the right panel in the cargo area (where the Sirius receiver is mounted). If they can come up with an adapter that goes from their interface device to the CD changer, then I'm in business. Otherwise I'll probably send the unit back and look at the one from Grom Audio.
 
#10 ·
I bought the Neo Car Audio iPod interface and tried to install it. I say tried, because it doesn't look like it's going to work based on the instructions sent with the device. The 3 wires that come from the SAT receiver don't match up in location between what I'm reading in their instructions and what is connected to the back of my head unit.

I'm in communication with Neo Car Audio's tech support to see if it's possible to connect the interface to the CD changer plug behind the right panel in the cargo area (where the Sirius receiver is mounted). If they can come up with an adapter that goes from their interface device to the CD changer, then I'm in business. Otherwise I'll probably send the unit back and look at the one from Grom Audio.
So how did this go? I'm looking at this unit as well as the Blitzsafe...but I really want something that will display track/playlist info, with steering wheel controls, and doesn't require me to yank out the stereo head unit to install it. I've searched the entire forum, and I can't seem to get a definitive answer on what works and what doesn't.
 
#11 ·
Neo Car Audio iPod Adapter Installed....Finally!

Sorry for the long delay, but I hadn't had time to do the install until today. Also, since my last post, Neo Car Audio swapped out the original harness they sent with the adapter (that plugs into the back of the head unit) with one that plugs into the CD Changer plug located in the right rear compartment, along with a 12' extension cable.

I ran the extension cable under the trim along the passenger side of the car, and placed the Neo Car Audio adapter box under the passenger seat area right under the heater duct which is just to the right of the bluetooth box. I then ran the Neo adapter end of the iPod cable from the center console storage box down to the Neo adapter under the passenger seat plugging it in to the Neo adapter. All of the cables are pretty well hidden except about a 2" section that runs from under the passenger side B pillar to under the passenger seat. But it's only visible if the passenger seat is pulled forward quite a bit. The iPod sits in my center console storage box, and from there I can pull it out and control it directly (for playlist, artist, or song / podcast selection).

The steering wheel controls still work: volume up/down buttons of course, and the thumb-wheel roll up/down takes me to previous track, next track. The sound is crisp, clear digital since the Neo Car Audio adapter emulates a CD Changer. Overall, it took me about an hour and a half to complete.

I'll post pictures later...
Cheers,
Peter
 
#14 ·
I'm not sure if the 2008 was pre-wired for the rear mount CD Changer like my 2010 is (and yes, mine only has the single CD in the head unit and Sat radio). It's real easy to tell, however. Remove the right rear panel and you should see the Sat receiver. Just below it, attached to a vehicle panel via plastic fastener, you should see a connector covered with a plastic attachment. See photo below. If you have that, you should be set. If you order the Neo Car Audio adapter, you might want to call them and tell them that you want to connect it to the CD Changer input at the rear of the car, rather than connect it directly to the head unit. IMO, its just a heck of a lot easier than pulling individual wires out of the factory harness and hoping that you rewire it correctly ;).



Cheers,
Peter
 
#13 ·
The plug on the back of the car is identical to the plug on the back of the HU. What I'm saying is, the iPod connects to the same harness the CD changer connects to.

The only difference is that if you have the CD changer harness on the back panel you don't have to remove the HU, hence the long wire. You can install an iPod adapter straight into the back of the stereo (by disconnecting the CD changer), or into the CD changer harness on the back of the car.

I still have my iPod adapter, btw. If anyone wants it, it's collecting dust.
 
#17 ·
Got it. so you technically have a wire running from the front of radio into the glove compartment? wouldnt that be kinda ugly? i was hoping to run from the back of the radio? would that work? ?

natureblessing, there is enough space between the top and left panels in the glove compartment for your wires to (tightly) fit through. No drilling required. You don't even need to remove the glovebox! This car is easier than you think to disassemble and work on.[/QUOTE]
 
#18 ·
From the back of the radio, yes. The glovebox is a U shapped box attached to the frame of the car panel at the top. Since the plastic is flexible the wire fits through the gap between the glove box and the rest of the panel. That's how the OEM wire is routed. Wire comes out the back of the stereo, goes up behind the vents(not as complicated as it sounds) and into the glove box. All you see is the iPod plug laying on the glove box when it's all said and done. I can take a picture tomorrow if you want to see how it looks like.
 
#20 ·
Pics of Install (completed)

Here are a few pics of the finished install.
This first picture shows the 1 foot cable that plugs into the CD Changer plug in the cargo area and into the 12' extension:



Top down view showing that the cable routes between the insulated wheel hump and the plastic part that holds the bottom of the compartment cover:



I removed the cargo compartment floor by removing all 4 tie down loops. Then ran the cable along the corner between the floor and side so that it comes out right behind the rear passenger side seat and feeds under the hinge rod that the seat back pivots on (Note, the second photo below was taken with the passenger side rear seat back pivoted forward):




With the rear passenger side seat bottom forward, I tucked the 12' cable underneath the trim (did not have to remove any trim pieces). Using my fingers to squish the carpet down enough where the trim meets the carpet, I was able to tuck the cable in all along under the trim to the passenger side B pillar where it is exposed for about 2 inches to make a left turn towards the front passenger seat rail. At the seat rail, I again tucked the cable under the plastic trim looping it around the back side of the seat rail under the trim to exit under the seat:





I placed the Neo adapter under the heater duct and loosely coiled the rest of the 12' length of cable in that area so it was out of the way:




In the center console storage box, I removed the fuzzy storage box insert by first removing the rectangular blank from the back and pulling up on the insert using the rectangular hole (special thanks to Spockcat's website HOW TO TURN THE SQUARE CUPHOLDER INTO AN IPOD BASE for the tip). There are two metal clips that hold it in place at the bottom of the compartment. I then pushed the blue end of the iPod adapter cable (the end that plugs into the Neo adapter under the seat in one of the pics above) back through the rectangular hole, routing it down (through cutouts in the compartment assembly) the right side between the passenger seat and center console. I then ran the cable under the left side seat rail of the front passenger seat and plugged it into the Neo adapter:



With the passenger seat in a more normal position (i.e. not all the way forward) the short runs of cable that are exposed in the pictures are not visible to passengers.

The iPod resides in my center console storage box.



I might modify the lid just a bit to allow the cable to easily "stick out" so I can place the iPod on my center console. I can currently close the lid to the shut position, but it squeezes the iPod cable a bit. Or I may try to modify it so that I can place the iPod in the upper tray, although that might be a challenge with the weird cantilever hinge system it uses.

I currently have the Neo adapter set to allow full iPod control (optionally set via dip switches), so the head unit only displays "Track 1". I might change the dip switch settings so that the iPod is "locked" to see what level of control I have from the head unit. I'm betting I won't have much other than some playlists that translate to CD 1, CD 2, CD 3...etc. But I prefer full iPod control:



Cheers,
Peter
 
#21 ·
enigma said:
Here are a few pics of the finished install.
This first picture shows the 1 foot cable that plugs into the CD Changer plug in the cargo area and into the 12' extension:

<img src="http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12419"/>

Top down view showing that the cable routes between the insulated wheel hump and the plastic part that holds the bottom of the compartment cover:

<img src="http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12420"/>

I removed the cargo compartment floor by removing all 4 tie down loops. Then ran the cable along the corner between the floor and side so that it comes out right behind the rear passenger side seat and feeds under the hinge rod that the seat back pivots on (Note, the second photo below was taken with the passenger side rear seat back pivoted forward):

<img src="http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12421"/>
<img src="http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12422"/>

With the rear passenger side seat bottom forward, I tucked the 12' cable underneath the trim (did not have to remove any trim pieces). Using my fingers to squish the carpet down enough where the trim meets the carpet, I was able to tuck the cable in all along under the trim to the passenger side B pillar where it is exposed for about 2 inches to make a left turn towards the front passenger seat rail. At the seat rail, I again tucked the cable under the plastic trim looping it around the back side of the seat rail under the trim to exit under the seat:

<img src="http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12423"/>
<img src="http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12424"/>
<img src="http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12425"/>

I placed the Neo adapter under the heater duct and loosely coiled the rest of the 12' length of cable in that area so it was out of the way:

<img src="http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12426"/>
<img src="http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12427"/>

In the center console storage box, I removed the fuzzy storage box insert by first removing the rectangular blank from the back and pulling up on the insert using the rectangular hole (special thanks to Spockcat's website HOW TO TURN THE SQUARE CUPHOLDER INTO AN IPOD BASE for the tip). There are two metal clips that hold it in place at the bottom of the compartment. I then pushed the blue end of the iPod adapter cable (the end that plugs into the Neo adapter under the seat in one of the pics above) back through the rectangular hole, routing it down (through cutouts in the compartment assembly) the right side between the passenger seat and center console. I then ran the cable under the left side seat rail of the front passenger seat and plugged it into the Neo adapter:

<img src="http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12428"/>

With the passenger seat in a more normal position (i.e. not all the way forward) the short runs of cable that are exposed in the pictures are not visible to passengers.

The iPod resides in my center console storage box.

<img src="http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12429"/>

I might modify the lid just a bit to allow the cable to easily "stick out" so I can place the iPod on my center console. I can currently close the lid to the shut position, but it squeezes the iPod cable a bit. Or I may try to modify it so that I can place the iPod in the upper tray, although that might be a challenge with the weird cantilever hinge system it uses.

I currently have the Neo adapter set to allow full iPod control (optionally set via dip switches), so the head unit only displays "Track 1". I might change the dip switch settings so that the iPod is "locked" to see what level of control I have from the head unit. I'm betting I won't have much other than some playlists that translate to CD 1, CD 2, CD 3...etc. But I prefer full iPod control:

<img src="http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12430"/>

Cheers,
Peter
Looks great. Does it show the song data from the iPod like artists and song name? Or does it just say track 1? Are u still able to use your cd player or is that completely gone?
 
#24 · (Edited)
At the moment it only shows "Track 1" when playing the iPod. I'll need to fiddle with the dip switches to see if I can get the track name, etc. I am still able to insert a CD into the head unit and play it. If there is a CD in the HU, then the CD button will toggle play between the CD in the HU and the iPod. If there is no CD in the HU, pressing the CD button will only switch to the iPod.

I purchased the Neo ProLink PODVW812V1.

Cheers,
Peter
 
#23 ·
Hey Enigma
I would like to do the exact same install as you and would be most grateful if you could let me know the part # (from Neo Car of course) of the harness that connects to the back of the CD Changer.
I'd obviously like to order the correct parts once, and get my iphone's music playing thru the stereo.
thx,
 
#26 ·
The harness to connect to the CD Changer plug in the cargo area is:
SKU -------------- Description
V1H-VW03 -------- VW Trunk Harness
V1-DE35EXT401 -- Neo Prolink v1 Extension Cable 12 ft long

Cheers,
Peter
 
#25 ·
This sounds like exactly what I need as well. I look forward to reading about what you find out about displaying the track names in the HU.

To clarify, you ordered the Neo ProLink PODVW812V1. Does that come with the 12' harness or was that ordered separately? Part #?

Thanks for sharing this install!
 
#27 · (Edited)
That is the part I ordered.

When I originally ordered it, I was unaware of the option to get the harness that attached to the CD Changer plug, so mine came with the standard harness to connect it to the back of the HU. After I pulled the HU and looked at the wires and noticed that Neo Car Audio's instructions didn't quite match up with what I was seeing (wire placement in the harness), I called their technical support (talked to Chase Vander Jagt who was very helpful) and described the differences. I mentioned that my Touareg was prewired for a "trunk mount CD changer" and would like to plug the Neo Prolink adapter in there if possible. Chase checked and they had the compatible harness. So he RMA'd the harnesses that originally came with the Neo Prolink. I mailed them back and he sent out the correct harness along with the 12' extension. I only had to pay a couple of bucks to ship the old harness back via US Post, but did not have to pay for the new harness.

If I were you (knowing what I know now), I would call them to place the order and get the correct harness.

Cheers,
Peter
 
#32 ·
You'll need two sets (4) of the Scosche Factory DIN Radio Removal tools for Ford...Audi...VW (among others). I picked them up at a local Walmart in the car audio / repair section. There's a posting somewhere on the forum that shows a picture of the removal tools (maybe on Spockcat's site).
Cheers
 
#35 ·
Thanks for the help Peter! Unfortunately I still had no sound from the iPhone. I could control the tracks on my playlist by changing them on the head unit (could visibly see the tracks changing on iPhone) , but never had audio through the speakers. I ended up calling Neo and troubleshooting with them. They believe it is a bad prolink causing the problem, and I’m in the process of switching it out.
Thanks for your help again!
Nick
 
#36 ·
Stocktonn said:
Thanks for the help Peter! Unfortunately I still had no sound from the iPhone. I could control the tracks on my playlist by changing them on the head unit (could visibly see the tracks changing on iPhone) , but never had audio through the speakers. I ended up calling Neo and troubleshooting with them. They believe it is a bad prolink causing the problem, and I’m in the process of switching it out.
Thanks for your help again!
Nick
I also cannot figure why I have an iPhone connector but it does not allow me to use it when it's plugged in. How can I use this as an iPod? I have a 08 v6 model. Thanks to anyone if u can help!!!!!!