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iceLink RX-8 iPod

RX-8 iPod with IceLink

What is IceLink?

IceLink is a hardware connectivity device that connects your Apple iPod mp3 player to your car stereo with full steering wheel control functionality. IceLink is developed by Dension and is now available for the Mazda RX-8.

iPod in my RX-8

You have two options for car stereo in the Mazda RX-8, a six-disc CD changer or a single disc MP3 CD player. I originally was going to swap out the six discs for the mp3 player but realized I buy a lot of CDs and would really miss the ability to switch so I decided that hooking up a iPod to the car stereo was a better solution.

Mazda RX-8 IceLink nicely, neatly and perfectly integrates your iPod music to your RX-8 and the installation doesn.t require any soldering. Once the stereo unit is pulled out plugging in one chord is simple however they still recommend professional installation. With this guide you should be able to install the IceLink system yourself without issues however I do not warrant this information to be correct for your car however it was for mine. (The standard if it screws up not my fault, should have had a professional do it type blurb.)

RX-8 iPod IceLink Installation Guide

The IceLink iPod RX-8 kit comes with everything needed to connect your iPod to your RX-8. Because there are different models and versions of the iPod such as the 1st Generation originals and now the Mini iPod you will want to ensure you have the proper kit for your iPod.

The kit comes with the follow components:

  • iPod cradle for mounting
  • IceLink System

    The IceLink system is all connected, this unit connects to the back of the RX-8 stereo and plugs into the docking cable. The IceLink system not only allows you to play music but it also charges the iPod so that it will always keep a full battery level for when you take the iPod out of your car.

    To get to the back of the RX-8 car stereo you must first follow these procedures. Pictures have been provided to help assist with the processes. Any changes, or errors please notify me so that I can revise this article.

    Step 0. DISCONNECT BATTERY BEFORE STARTING

    Step 1. Pull the Emergency brake in full brake position to secure the car so that it does not roll away. The car should be parked on a flat surface.

    Step 2. Remove Shift Knob by unscrewing it following the rules of "Righty Tighty - Lefty Loosy" in this case to take off the shift knob turn to the left.

    Figure 1Step 3. Slide the center console back revealing the cup holders. In the front most position upper right corner you will see a small piece of plastic as detailed in figure 1. Pull this out and place the piece in a safe location. This piece may require a little bit of wiggle or even pressing out with a tool if never been removed before.

    Figure 2Step 4. Placing your finger in the hole left by the piece of plastic removed in Step 3 lift the paneling up safely. This will allow for you to pop-up the paneling that is over the shift box any cables attached to it disconnect, all cables will be reconnected during reassembly of the RX-8. Place this panel to the side.

    Step 5. Open ashtray. There are two screws that are revealed by the ashtray that hold the unit into place, these screws are only seen after you finished with step 4. Remove these two screws and remove the ashtray module, set aside. You may need to disconnect the cables attached to it for the lighting and cigarette adapter depending on your workspace.

    Figure 3Figure 4Figure 5

    Step 6. Under the steering wheel remove plastic back panel, it just pulls down to show a metal piece.

    Step 7. Under Steering Column Remove hidden screw holding radio (lock screw) This is a 10mm Bolt, this is the hardest part because a picture could not capture it. There are two bolts in a row, these are not it.

    Figure 6Step 8. Next remove the two screws located just below the stereo one screw on the left and one on the right. Once the screws are removed pull the stereo out from below releasing any clips. You will pull it out slowly as cables are attached.


    Step 9. Unplug all harnesses on radio, including antenna. This will allow you to fully remove the stereo.

    Figure 7Step 10. ice>Link interface will plug into driver's side of radio. Run the cable to wherever the iPod will be located. The glovebox can be dropped down easily by opening and pressing in on both sides to have room to run the wires.

    Reverse above steps to facilitate re-installation.

    RX-8 iPod Using IceLink

    Figure 7

    Alternatives to IceLink for an iPod in your RX-8

    There are two alternative options currently for hooking up the iPod to the RX-8 car stereo. The first isn.t the best; Apple has a FM transmitter that allows your iPod to transmit to a FM station. How this would work is you would turn on your car radio and sync it to the same unused station as the iPod is set on. The sound of course is not high quality, and you also do not have control from the steering wheel or stereo unit. With the FM transmitter you must fondle the iPod while your driving. Not a good or safe solution.

    The second solution is detailed by John Masone on his website. Although it is a great hack you do not have steering wheel or stereo controls to the iPod but you do have higher quality sound. His documentation is well done, and shows how to get to the back of the RX-8 stereo system.

    http://www.whatsmyip.org/ipodrx8/

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