Incompatibility between late model cadillacs and iPod line-in solutions

[2k1SLS_HO]

Hi all,

I think there's a problem interfacing iPod line-out products, such as the Neo iOn and PAC AuxPod, with some late-model Cadillacs. I want to get the group's feedback on any problems or successes you have had.

I certainly have a problem in my 2001 SLS (non-Bose), and there is another post on the board describing a 2000 Deville with symptoms almost identical to mine. I also get the impression that tmosher (? i think?), who has an awesome install mechanically in his '99 seville, had some trouble with the line-out devices.

These three cars all share the same interface type. They use the "E&C Protocol" and "GM-B type" cable, according to the iOn's documentation. The Cadillacs that use those are:
- 1997-1999 Catera
- 1995-2001 Deville
- 1995-2002 Eldorado
- 1995-2001 Seville

So I would think all of these cars would behave the same with an iOn (note that late 2001 Devilles use the "Class 2" protocol instead). If they do NOT all have this problem, that would be very interesting to know.

I want to get to the bottom of this problem, so that I can have my iPod in my Caddy, and so we all can. Casette adapter and FM-based solutions are NOT an option for me personally, as my Cadillac is t3h bl1ngz0r

When I plug in my iOn according to the directions (it plugs into the cable inside my center console, where a CD changer would otherwise plug in), I get these symptoms:
- CD changer input appears as an available source on my head unit
- iPod has power and is recharging
- iPod accepts commands from head unit and steering wheel
- Volume level is about right

However, the audio is SEVERELY distorted. It sounds as if the signal is being overdriven and clipped. Also the bass is soft and causes a rattling and crackling type distortion. The song that is playing is always *just* identifiable.

I have spoken at some length with an engineer at Peripheral, the company who actually designed iOn and AuxPod, and after several experiments we still haven't arrived at a solution. We tried running at different power voltages, tried correcting a (suspected bad) audio ground, and checked that all the cables seem good (I have two sets as I received a replacement when a lower-level tech thought I had a bad unit).

This was late Friday. The engineer who actually designed the products wasn't in, but I'm going to speak with him on Monday, and hopefully get to the bottom of this.

Anyway, that's what I know for now. Please let me know if anyone has information that could be useful in figuring this one out. Luckily (for once), making circuit boards work is how I scrape out a living, so I should have this one licked soon.

[tmosher]

Well, you got further than I did. I tried using an Aux Input Adapter from Precision Interface Electronics (P.I.E.) (GM-10AUX I believe) in my '98 STS with Bose.

When I hooked it into my CD Changer plug in the center console, I got varying results. At times the CD Changer icon on the head unit would flash, indicating that something hadn't quite settled out yet. Other times, it would go solid indicating it was ready, but I could never get any audio - only silence. I concluded that even though P.I.E. said it was compatible.

Since then (about 10 months ago) I'd given up on any direct line solution. Now that your post has reinvigorated my interest, I see though that there are a couple more solutions - or at least potential solutions.

The IceLink intrigues me, but from their web site, it does not appear that they have a product that will support pre-'03 GM's even though they said they would have it in July.

Till then, I'm living with my cassette adapter solution that you can see here.