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2005 Cadillac CTS 3.6L
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19 Posts
Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I have a 2005 3.6L cts. I have the base sound system. No XM, No 6disc. I have the basic 1 disc player. It still sounds decent too.

My question is how do I get an auxiliary port into my car? Do I need to buy a part?

I want my itouch to be able to work in my car. The FM transmitters sound like shit. And how will it work with the onboard computer?

HELP!!
 

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'04 CTS
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130 Posts
I would think you can do it with a PAC Audio adapter featured in this howto

http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/answers/auxaud/index.html

but since you don't have XM, you may wish to download the user guide from PAC Audio and check out their original intended application. Are you okay with pulling apart your dash and cutting wires? If not, you may be better off just buying a new head unit (which, btw, also requires a PAC Audio unit to retain the DIC functionality).

This simpler approach permanently replaces the XM audio at the feedpoint into the head unit.

http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/answers/auxaud-noswitch/index.html

When you say "no XM", do you mean "no XM module" or "not subscribed to XM"? I'm guessing no XM module. Finally, you mentioned that FM transmitters sound horrible (which they do), but you didn't say anything about FM modulators. Its nitpicking, but modulators reduce the loss incurred by the wireless transmission of the signal. It doesn't eliminate the compression experienced by shoving your sound through an FM radio bandpass filter. Its a very clean install, and at least (in theory) you won't have to find new radio stations whenever you drive through new areas. On the upside, 87.7 is now available across the country!!!

http://pac-audio.com/productDetails.aspx?ProductId=388&CategoryID=4

Without some sort of digital audio input into your head unit, you are just going to have to deal with lower quality sound one way or another.
 

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Cadillac CTS 05' 3.6L MANUAL
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8 Posts
I bought a cheap harmon and kardon ipod interface for 20 bucks at tjmaxx. AWESOME BUY!!! it comes with a display and a control knob. i used self adhesive tape and found a great spot to mount. This interface has a separate headphone input, so any mp3 player and or satelite radio will work. the only down side was that i had to pay circuit city 80 bucks to have the fm transmitter with all adaptors hard wired to stereo rear. It a real simple procedure. I chose this so i can blame someone if it was done incorrectly. (warrenty covered installation) no permenant visual changes only one line to ignition. This method eliminates almost all buzzing that a normal wireless transmitter would make. On occasion I need to set a new FM station for less buzzing, but this is very rare. All I did was pre-program, preset#6 on my stock head unit to match the custom settings on my interface. If you have an ipod, this is the best for you. The ipod flat plug, and screen is designed for ipod's. You will see all of your playlists, artists, songs etc...that you would see on your ipod on the screen. i keep my ipod in the center storage and use the knob to control it remotely. Best, most efficient, and nicest method I found yet. I will post photos as soon as i can, of my install. If you use a buy a new head unit you will loose all the computer functions, like oil life, range, and ability to program steering wheel buttons.
 

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37,654 Posts
with the base sound system, I would think the FM modulator will sound ok.

The other option is the new Parrot music kit http://www.parrot.com/usa/products/bluetooth-hands-free-car-kits
It is a much trickier install, but the audio quality is superb, since it lines directly into the amp. Plus you get a speakerphone as well. Search this forum for Parrot and you will find my write up on how to install.
 

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2006 CTS 3.6l
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30 Posts
i have NO IDEA what the guy who owned my car before me did but when I bought the car it already had the AUX cable installed. The wire comes up from my arm rest in the middle console. No wires showing, VERY CLEAN! I dont know exactly what he did but I believe the wire travels under the carpet to the back of the factory radio. Im sure he had it installed directly to the factory radio. I dont know too much but I wanted you to know its possible.
 

· Registered
2005 CTS
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4 Posts
guys im sorry to be a newb and beat a dead horse.
Obviously the famous no Aux question.

I have seen countless posts tapping into the XM or using the PA15-Vette Module but all of these options require XM.
My 05 CTS does not come with XM radio. I went through the bands and only AM/FM

Ive been searching for 4 days now and im at a dead end, flame me all you want but I need the answer in my damn face. I cant read anymore

Thanks

----------

guys im sorry to be a newb and beat a dead horse.
Obviously the famous no Aux question.

I have seen countless posts tapping into the XM or using the PA15-Vette Module but all of these options require XM.
My 05 CTS does not come with XM radio. I went through the bands FMand only AM/

Ive been searching for 4 days now and im at a dead end, flame me all you want but I need the answer in my damn face. I cant read anymore

Thanks

----------

and I double posted, what a moron
 

· Registered
2003 CTS Base model
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182 Posts
Unless you want to go the FM modulator route, you're basically beat because nobody makes a unit that taps into the factory audio on these old non XM units. I questioned the folks at Crutchfield and got the bad news myself last week.
Most anything I read online said that sound quality and phone call handling was less than stellar for FM modulators. So I just did away with it and installed a new Pioneer double DIN head unit. You'll lose your DIC but will gain Bluetooth for telephone conversation, auxiliary input for mp3 or other USB devices. I use an iPhone that has all the same music on it as my iPod Nano, so that plays wirelessly over this new head unit also. The microphone is a wired external unit, but I popped the grille for the old OnStar mic out, unplugged the OnStar harnesses and zip tied the mic into that. Folks on the other end of the phone conversation say that they can hear me just fine.
 

· Registered
2003 CTS Base model
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182 Posts
damn thanks for the reply, that was my other problem with using a double din and keeping the DIC, I guess its a lose either way.
Yup, there's no aftermarket head unit that will give you DIC. But like josney says, you won't miss it after a short while. Mines only been in 3 days and I don't really miss DIC. Sound quality & new touch screen features are worth it. DIC was becoming a distraction to me because I was always pushing buttons and looking at stuff that I really didn't need to know about at that moment anyway.
 
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