I just completed this project and took a few pics (though not all). I can post if anyone is interested in my solution.

 

Sure, go ahead will definitely help folks with early 2G cars

 

Why didn't you just post the pics rather than post a 'teaser' like this

 

"thoiboi
Why didn't you just post the pics rather than post a 'teaser' like this"

Well, it will take not an insignificant amount of time and effort. If everyone already has a handle on this, no need. I'll work on it a bit though.

 

A. The Platform:

2008 Acura MDX w. Technology package, purchased used and in great shape from a dealer a couple of weeks ago.



B. The Problem:

I use Bluetooth streaming for podcasts and my iphone playlists constantly while driving in my vehicles. I bought this 2008 MDX for a great price in great condition, but as it is well documented… the installed Bluetooth only connects to your phone and not for music and other types of streaming. This is essential for me. Furthermore, I absolutely HATE the way the hands-free link works for Honda/Acura – a simple Bluetooth connection that uses my phone as the head unit is much more preferable and much simpler. I wanted a better solution. Aftermarket units seemed to be in the multi-$$$hundred range, and official Acura solutions were even more expensive with less functionality. Both would require removing the radio and a tie in to the existing radio harness. In some cases, you lose partial functionality of some of your XM channels.

 

A. The Product:

I decided to utilize the AUX in port and a Bluetooth streaming module. I picked a ZUS car audio adapter, available here:


It is capable of hands free calling, can output via an FM channel, or via an aux in adapter. In my case, I did not plan to use the FM transmitter but input into the AUX port. I have also used this adapter from TaoTronics in another vehicle with good success:


Either way, you will need a 1/8” stereo input plug and USB power outlet. For either selection, the price is VERY RIGHT.

 

A. The Problem (revisited):

Now that I had a solution, I had to implement it. One thing that drives me crazy is loose cables stretched everywhere – I drive a ways for work and live in my car for an hour or two every day, so I want to keep it as clean and neat as possible. I really wanted to hide cables as best as possible.

First off was locating the AUX port. In some MDXs, these are located on the rear of the console near the vents. In my case, however, the AUX pot is located inside the console on the front side. There is no USB port inside the console as it was on my 2007 TL. So, solving this was going to include adding a USB port inside the console. I bought one of these:

 

D1. I removed the trim pieces on the side of the console below the armrests – not strictly necessary, but it makes the rear panel easier to remove. Then remove the rear panel gently, starting from the top, using a trim tool. Once loose, disconnect the wires for the rear facing 12v power outlet and AC controls. Set the rear console panel aside.

D2. Drill a 1-1/8” hole in the rear of the console. Make sure you drill the hole in an area (center-low) that will not hit the back of the vent tubing. I guess it would have looked better to go in the front of the console tray but it would have been MUCH more work to get to the rear side to attach the new USB outlet plug. Insert and tighten the rear ring on the USB plug.

D3. Determine the 12V + and – wires for the existing power outlet. It should be black = negative, white = positive. Peel back the wiring harness cover or electrical tape and splice in the new plug wires; I used splice connectors and electrical tape. I wish I had taken more photos in this phase but overall, getting this new USB plug installed only took about 20-25 min of work once I figured out my plan of attack and got my tools ready. It ended up looking like this:

https://i.imgur.com/YNTYdtS.jpg

 

D4. Next, I needed to get the power and audio cable in from the Bluetooth adapter. I wanted to mount this on the center console near the seat heater switch. I drilled a 9/16” hole to the left of the audio port. Using a trim tool, I loosened and tilted out the left drivers side console carpet panel. Then I used a short piece of copper wire to help snake in the power and audio lines.

https://i.imgur.com/BKqCPVb.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DrduYa9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4bEl7EM.jpg

 

D5. Installed a grommet, and used black gaffer’s tape to hold down the wiring inside the console. Pro-tip: Put the wire on the tape before you press it into place. Otherwise, it is like wrestling an octopus inside the bottom of a hole.

https://i.imgur.com/xnqPhsB.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Zynr9pk.jpg

 

D6. Then, reinstalled the side carpet panel and exited the top of the carpet near where I wanted to set the Bluetooth head unit. I used a small piece of double-sticky Velcro about the size of a quarter to place the Bluetooth unit and hold it in place. Overall, very pleased with cleanness and tidiness of wiring. I already had the tools, grommet, tape, and two electrical connectors – if you do not, your budget may swell from less than $30 total to about $40 total. Not bad at all, and it only took about 90 minutes. Works PERFECTLY and just as importantly, INEXPENSIVELY. The bluetooth function enables instantly when I get in my MDX and crank it up, and simply pushed the AUX button on the stereo makes it live for both streaming and phone calls connected directly to my phone. It was a very solid and inexpensive project that works great.

https://i.imgur.com/2xZIWWz.jpg