fju2112

yes, i searched the forum first...

I wanted to know where i can get a set of cheap radio keys? Here's the issue...

I bought a tape adapter for my ipod. I'm not 100% satisfied with the sound but compared to some of the alternatives with higher cost, it'll do for now. I tried using a hot exacto knife to melt some of the plastic inside the tape drawer to feed the tape adapter wire out, but didn't want to go so far as to affect the outside of it & potentially have an LED screen with a little chunk taken out of the plastic border. So I kind of chickened out there...but...if I could get a set of radio keys, I"m wondering if anyone has tried taking hte radio out, putting the tape adapter in beforehand, and feeding the wire through the tape player and out the back.

Then what i'd like to do is drill a small hole in the back of the drawer below the audio deck, feed the wire through there, and plug my ipod in that way. I am not looking for the cleanest solution obviously, all i'm concerned with is getting that wire through and being able to plug the stereo jack into my ipod - all the display stuff can come later.

has anyone done this, or can someone steer me away if feeding the wire out of the back of the tape player will not work?

jimmydagreek

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/REMOV...QQcmdZViewItem

fju2112

thanks!

still need help on whether or not the above plan will work once the radio is out?

jimmydagreek

Haven't heard of this but it wouldn't hurt experimenting and posting your results here for others to read. That's what it's usually all about, one person experimenting and many people benefitting...Good luck!

ohlord

Schucks/kraggens has radio key universal sets cheap in the stereo section,A buddy used one on his mb and it worked,I can't verify but it 's worth a try.
Why don't you go the fm transmitter route,costco has them, they work,no drilling etc. and you wont have that annoying tape drive hum intermingled with your "five for fighting".
ohlord

fju2112

i put the radio keys in, but (and please keep in mind I've never taken out a radio on ANY car) i can't find where they're supposed to latch onto something for me to take the stock unit out??

raymond g-

feeding the adaptor wiring out the back has been done. I've seen description
and photos on MBWorld some time ago.....maybe Benzworld.

fju2112

thank you raymond...if at all possible to find that thread, I have looked and have come up empty.

JerryCurl

Do a search under mp3 or ipod, ZAM2000 was the author of the thread.

I just did this too, except didn't notch the cassette door, only filed a small "V" in the trim so the wire can be tucked over and back behind the unit. Keep in mind, you will need some slack to be able to eject your tape adapter.

And whatever you do - do not cut the wire. It's not old fashioned wire that cannot be soldered/re-connected. If yiu cut that wire leading to the audio jack (to maybe clean up the wiring), you will need to buy a new adapter. Same as the Sirius antenna's - you cutty, no worky.

fju2112

hm, zam hasn't responded to me and i still can't find the thread so if you have it, let me know the link?

raymond g-

search "Zam2000" and "cassette" = this

meooem1

just did the cassette thing last weekend to connect my sirius/ipod. easy to do. i took out the ashtray and the storage tray below the radio. i then reached up and put some foward pressure on the back of the radio and stuck a little pen knife in the slots and it released. before i released the 2 harnesses off the back i opened the tape door. i then removed the radio. i then removed the top shell of the radio so i could see inside the radio. i ran the tape wire through the tape mechanism and out of the back of the radio. i then used electrical tape and taped the wire to the top of the cassette. i inserted the tape and then pulled the slack out the back of the radio. put the shell back on the top of the radio. connect back up and now you have your accessory hook up. it sound complicated, but it is easy.....pm me for more info

fju2112

thanks for the link raymond...all that really does, however, is explain the logic behind doing exactly what i intended, i was more interested in a real DIY thread with pictures. if no one has this, no biggie, i can tackle it, but would have helped. i will have to go to the dealer to get my radio codes though, at least the thread reminded me of that! as i understand the radio code is on any dealer invoice?

fju2112

anyone have an update on this. i have the radio keys i bought on ebay, i put them in the slots, can't get them to hook onto anything to take the radio out. i don't want to start taking out my ashtray, etc., i figured that's what these keys were here to avoid?

jimmydagreek

From what I remember the keys don't really hook onto anything for pulling the HU out; the keys are for pushing down and releasing the locks. Once you have the keys all the way in and in place you must carefully pull on the HU from either the sides or the top and bottom. If you can't get in there use a small screw driver with a rubber tip or a rag over the tip and carefully try prying out each side, CAREFULLY, until you have enough exposed to grab onto and pull it out. HA, this sounds a little porno but that's the best I can explain from memory, lol...

fju2112

thanks jimmy. just a common sense check here...i'm assuming these keys got into the slots on the HEAD UNIT; these shouldn't be forced between the wood trim and head unit correct? of course i've only been pushing them into the holes in the plastic on the head unit itself. i'll try this tomorrow and see wehre i land with the tape adapter.

raymond g-

you've oriented the removal keys properly, yes? the curved edges should
be facing the centerline of the radio....the straight edge closest to the
edge of the radio.





as you insert the keys, it forces tab within the radio to unlatch (you'll feel
and hear a small click) thereby allowing the radio to be withdrawn.

fju2112

Yes, I tried that, but it didn't seem to do anything. Didn't hear a click or feel any pressure. I'll try to simultaneously pry the thing out with my fingers or a rubber wedge/flathead screwdriver w/ cloth over it. Thanks for the diagram though, just to confirm for me a couple things...I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow.

fju2112

as i did mine

raymond g-

it's locked at the chassis, so if you pry at the faceplate, it may not do the job.
so work gently and be ready to recognize when to give up be fore you hear a
crack sound. try jiggling the keys? try pushing in the radio firmly to seat it
better? try jiggling and pushing? try having a babe do this and you watch...?