Hey everyone,

I had some questions for all the current Music Link owners. I recently got my Music Link installed and I'm kind of new to using it.

The only thing that I've been able to do it is have songs play at random. Even when I press disc up and down on the touch screen, nothing seems to happen and the current song keeps on playing.

I went to the dealer and they said that installing the TTS software would enable me to search for songs as they display on the screen and give me steering wheel/voice activation control of the iPod.

I went ahead and did this and I got the same result. Is there something I'm doing wrong here?

Also, if all the current Music Link owners could give me some helpful tips on how to operate and use the Music Link to its' full potential, that'd be awesome.

Thanks everyone!

 

Your dealer has no clue how the unit works, there will never be any information displayed on the screen and the TTS software, in my opinion, is a joke.

I had my Musiclink removed by the dealer and my money refunded. At best with the TTS software you will get some robotic voice prompts leading you toward the music you want. I tried it for about a week and decided it was a total joke and found a better solution.

I'm using the USA Spec - PA11 HON2 which actually allows me to find the music I want without running into a light pole. I had a professional installation done with the cable coming out into my cup holder. I can actually get to the iPod without reaching across to the glove box and use the iPod controls the same way I do outside the car.

It's not perfect either but there is no way you will ever see iPod information on your nav screen and if the dealer is telling you that he needs to be educated.

 

I'm thinking of doing the same thing. Where can I get more information on the USA Spec - PA11 HON2?

 

I actually don't mind using the Music link. Make sure when you set your IPOD to a manual update. After this its a matter of getting used to. When you select between disc 1-6 you have to then hold the seek button to activate it on your IPOD. If you don't hold the hold the seek button, your IPOD will continue to play songs as if you never changed the disc number.

Now selecting an artist, album, genre takes a bit of practice. The pattern that works for me is to hold the seek for about 1/2 a sec followed by holding it again for 1 second. You should then hear the voice recognition read through the mode you've selected. When you hear what you want tap the seek button.

You'll never get the artist or song to appear on your screen.

 

meh i wired my cord to the armrest compartment, stick the ipod in and use it like a big jukebox

 

I am with Aggie2000 on this one. I had the USA Spec PA11 adapter in my 04 TSX before I traded it in. I liked the USA Spec adapter alot. I also have an Ipod adapter in my BMW, which is similar in that it uses the playlists on the Ipod as if they were CD's in a CD changer. I think the USA Spec sounds better than the BMW adapter. Also, I had my USA Spec working with a Pioneer Airware portable XM unit...since the 04's didn't have standard XM available. I recently traded the TSX in for a TL and got the MusicLink installed. It does take a little time to get used to it, but after 15 minutes or so I was whipping through artists, playlists, albums, etc. without any problems. I find it easy to use. I would recommend adding the voice tags. You definitly have to have your music tagged so that the TTS software can read through the ID3 tags on the music files.

If anyone is interested, I am selling my USA Spec PA11 with Navigation wiring harness on ebay soon. PM me if you are interested in buying it before I list it. I had it professionally installed and uninstalled so all wires are in perfect shape. I also have the packaging and instructions.

 

My iPod setup:



Costs less than $40 and sounds fine.

 

Will the USA Spec - PA11 HON2 work with a 05 TL w/ navi?

 

Check out the thread for the USA Spec PA11-HON2 titled THE alternative to the MusicLink is here .