AquaJ

Hi everyone, with some research, trial and error and sweat I finally get this audio work done. As my principle in modifying is to remain everything as original as possible, so I don't want to change the cassette player to a CD player or something, so I did this "hidden" 3.5mm aux in job on my S4 GXL to replace the cassette. It's not a hard work, about 3-4 hours to get it done and you get a MP3 input! Additionally, the audio system in FC is not bad at all.

This is my first post, even first post in English, so please be kind.. And I'm glad to clarify anything if necessary.
And sorry I forgot to take pics.. but I'll post some useful info from service manual.

Things to be prepared:
1 male 3.5mm jack
1 set of audio wire harness(with pins) I used a general motors set and it works great.
it's like this:

solder iron and electric tape, or anything you used to to connect wiring.
If you want a switch to turn it on/off, there is something additional:

First, How to remove audio set:
1. Slice something thin under the cap around the shifter, there's one clip at each corner, you can just pop it up;
2. Remove the grid on the central aircon vent, there are clips around it, all plastic, carfully pop it out.
3. Remove 4 screws fastening the central console outer panel. 2 screws inside the ashtray(remove the ashtray to get hands on), the other 2 are inside the central vent(inside the vent, on top)
4. Remove the outer panel and cigrattee igniter harness at lower right corner, Remove 4 screws attaching the audio unit, disconnect everything and pull is out.

How to do it:
1. take the picture below as a reference, you'll need the pin 2,5,6 in the picture as your aux input.

2. Carefully peel your 3.5mm jack, usually there will be 3-4 colored wires, red, yellow and green. Solder, or connect them to pin connectors. Make sure you can distinguish them. A 30-40cm for the whole length of aux wire is sufficient.
3. Remove the connector from cassette player to equalizer (The lowest long box on the whole audio set), and connect red to input L(+), green to input R(+), and yellow (ones) to signal ground. Make sure the connection is solid and insulation done. It will be a tight fit if the plug is done properly.
If you don't have hifi requirement, that's it. you can tune your radio to somewhere quiet(like 1000kHz plus), plug your mp3 and enjoy. The signal from audio will pass through so there'll be a little noise but not quite noticeable when you tune up your player.
If you want a switch, you'll need some additional work.

AquaJ

What I did was using a switch to ground the antenna(there are 2 of them). basically cutting off the signal of the radio when"Aux In Mode".
Assembly is basically a reverse of disassemble. Make sure the wire behind audio set is properly connected. If your radio scanning won't stop it's highly possible that it's the antenna connectors on the right of the radio set are not in solid connection.
I get my aux line out through the seam of ashtray and basically use the ashtray as my ipod box. It's pretty hidden and barely noticeable.
I'll try to post some pics later for the finish product.
Thanks, and enjoy!

xlktululx

Hey AquaJ,

Came across your thread while I was looking for steps to add an auxiliary line into my stock s4 cassette player. I know it's been a while but if you have some time and still remember what you did, I would really like to hear from you and get some help with this project.

Thanks!

MotoCARR

You could always go with an FM modulator that utilizes your antenna port as an audio "input". I've installed a ton of these and they're easy enough to install for DIY guys.

Essentially you:
-Pull the radio out
-Unplug the antenna
-Plug in the silver box
-Plug in the antenna connector into the silver box
-Connect the red and black wires to ignition/switched power and ground.

Then you can run the aux cable over to the glove box or down in between the seats

The one pictured below is the iSimple IS77 which provides phone charging as well. There's always the IS31 which is basically just the silver box and you would need to pickup a 3.5mm to RCA cable to make everything work.

IS77



IS31

ISMJ214B


Then there is the TranZit BLU which lets you stream via Bluetooth

xlktululx

Thanks for the thorough response Motorcar! I'm going to look into these for sure! I appreciate the help!

MotoCARR

These are called FM modulators and iSimple/PAC audio make quality stuff. Cheaper ones can be found but they may require you to wire in a switch. It's simple but out of the comfort range for some.

Also there's the Scosche FM-MOD02



Resist the urge to go with one that plugs into the cig lighter and work wirelessly. I've yet to have one that works well AND has 1/2 way decent audio.

xlktululx

Thanks again MotoCARR! I agree, I've tried the wireless ones and the quality was just too poor. IS77 might be the one!