the-carbon-comet

....by god that damn silver piece was the biggest PITA ever. it took me like 2 hours to get the adapter installed. In the end it works and I got a little bit of skipping but its something that I can live with. Many thanks to ttribe for his walkthrough. I kept coming back to the computer to see what i was doing wrong when I was installing the USA Spec. Funny enough it was easier to connect the Y cable to the back of the head unit than it was to remove that damn silver trim. Anyone who wants to take a crack at it, go ahead it is not that difficult and the adapter works wonderfully.

ttribe

Congrats on the install! I agree that the silver trim was the hardest part...man, I was afraid I was going to ruin it. Anyway, enjoy!

the-carbon-comet

it was hot as hell today too, but the end result pays off

Stew4HD

I can relate to the heat! I torn down my car in preparation for the new install. I will need to give the interior a real good cleaning when I am done to get all the sweat off out of it!.. and a bit of blood here and there

csmeance

what you guys talking about? It took me 10 minutes to get everything off, the silver trim was about the easiest thing... All you have to do is start at the back near the armrest where it ends and slowly pull up.

ttribe

Wish you had been at my house when I was doing my install then.

csmeance

If anyone needs help, and I have posted it before, PM me and i'll help you out. I helped out a few members already. Also if your local or near me, I can help you out too in person!

the-carbon-comet

to me the problem was the 3 tabs at the top, the rest was easy, i was trying to figure the way in which people say they install without taking apart the dash. I found it impossible.

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

You know, I think it takes that long when we are very careful. When I had Marcus @ Heeltoe do my Comptech S/S, he didn't use anything to get the trim off. He used his bare hands, and the trim was off in less than 2 minutes! When I put my DICE iPod Adapter in, that experience came in very handy.

csmeance

Doing by hand is better and plus less scratches. On day when I have time, I'll have to do a proper DIY for removing the center console....

VmtSquad

iTrader: (1)

Removing center console takes about 5 big minutes, the only thing that slow me down is the screws.... I did this with all my previous cars and I like it . I like it to know how things are made are assembled.

Im waiting for my USA spec, will install it as soon as it gets home :P will probably do a good VIDEO DIY if I have the time....

Vmt

the-carbon-comet

Screws are no prob in the TL, they are pretty much all visible, how are you guys not having any trouble with the 3 clips at the top, any special tool

VmtSquad

iTrader: (1)

^^Yes, my hands !!

The top vent was the one causing PTA....now It takes 1 sec lol :P

lembowski

iTrader: (1)

I've taken mine out soo many times I'm comfortable just ripping them off now.........

evnash

guys, everyone needs one of these:

lembowski

iTrader: (1)

Why would you need that to take the dash out? I have one for else where on the car, but this would be worthless for this application

rranga

hi csmenace: can u please send me the instructions on how to install iPod integration kit on Acura TL? thanks.

Stew4HD

The biggest problem I had was with that damn front part of th econsole around trhe shifter. That part of the console will not easily clear the part that has the gear indication on it (silver rectangular piece not the silver trim on top)... man, that kicked my butt. I had to take that piece loose first and if holds the little light that lights up the gear you are in. The main silver trim pieces, glove box.. all easy in comparison

TLToronto

Came across this recently which includes pics and a video of a USASpec + TL -- hopefully it is not a repost.

http://www.ipodforautos.ca/

The video references a Honda play list. I am assuming that is something the owner would have created within the iPod. Is there another option not requiring the specific play lists where you could play all songs in order or randomly?

23109VC

what is the benefit of this adaptor, vs just plugging your ipod in via the little aux plug in the center console? does it sound better?

i have plugged one in that way and found it sounded fine, only the volume seemed toolow and I had to turn it up higher.

but you can't charge / use steering wheel controls i Know... do you get all that stuff to work by using this adaptor? is that all it does? can you see track / articst info on the nav screen with this mod?

ttribe

Regarding using the USA Spec adapter - you get the functionality of being able to use the steering wheel controls, etc. to control the iPod. Additionally, there is no "fumbling" with the volume between the iPod and the head unit as it is a direct connection.

You DO NOT get the text for tracks, etc. to show on the screen from the USA Spec. If you want that, you'll need to look at the DICE or Peripheral units, but be prepared for some compromises. For example, with the DICE unit, you can only have text from the iPod OR from XM, but not both.

Overall, I am very happy that I installed the device. Makes the iPod an extension of the sound system, rather than just a "plug-in".

blkaspec

its fricken awesome!!! and it didnt really take me too long at all. the hardest part for me was hooking the connection back up to the back of the radio. my favorite part is now i have stereo sound for my TomTom whenever i decide to watch movies on it (its connected to the aux input)