I’m pondering installing an empeg into my fiance’s 1999 Mazda Familia LS Sedan, it is a Jap Import.

It still has the OEM factory sound system in it, with an available spare DIN below the factory stereo. I noticed on the OEM stereo there is a AUX button, when pressed the unit shows "No", then shows "CD", but there is no changer in the car.

The sound system sounds quite good, so I want to install the empeg without modification to the existing OEM install, by plugging into the AUX input somehow. Plus it means less mucking about if I can get it to work.

I haven't dismantled anything yet cause I want to know if this will be possible, can someone please help identify the OEM stereo?

I have attached a couple of pics. Anyone know how to go from the "AUX" RCA's of the empeg to the "AUX IN" of the unit?

thanks
Jaidev

Here is a close up of the OEM stereo.

Any advice appreciated.

Doesn't look like there's much out there for Mazda. These guys do it for many other makes but not for Mazda

http://www.blitzsafe.com/blitz_catalog/blitz_aux/blitz_aux_list/blitz_mazda/blitz_mazda.html

You could try emailing BlitzSafe and see what they say at least. Asking costs nothing so why not.

The other thing to try is to find out who actually makes the stereo. You might be able to use another automotive brands auxiliary input adapter if they use the same OEM or just get Pioneer/Alpine/Kenwood etc generic adapter.

Can you get the stereo out to have a look at the connection for the changer? Someone might recognise it as a particular brand.

Have you asked on any Mazda boards? What you're after is a fairly common item so it's probably been done (or attempted) before. Basically you're after an "Auxiliary Input Adapter" - most should understand that.

Worst case might be try to get a CD changer and just use it to fool the head unit. Pretty expensive and clunky way though.

See if one of the two items at www.rcainput.com will work for that stereo?

Hmmm ok, I have pulled the unit out now. Had a look at a few forums the newer cars with the Bose system require the adapter. But I got lucky and found this site which has the same brand stereo I have just a slightly different model. I have the same 16pin connector!...

He has +12V constant power, ACC power labelled but not ground (earth)
There is a connector on the chassis of the unit which a thicker black wire with connector plugs onto (not the antenna connector which is round) am right to assume this is the ground (earth) connection?




You can see it clearly in this pic, it's that little metal spade piece on the left of the top white connector, that is where the thicker black wire connects to..

Odds are, that spade is a chassis ground connection, yes. Was that your question?

I agree with Tony.

For a sanity check, if you have a multimeter check for continuity between the spade terminal and the metal case. If they are connected (case should be grounded for a number of reasons) then it's definitely a ground.

Looks like that website you found has all you need.

Good luck.

ok cool however on this page of the site he has identified Pin12 as P-GND Power Ground. Maybe I should use that one.

Probably either would be OK.

sweet I have got it working, attached a crappy cellphone pic

Not pushed into the dash just yet. Currently I have a wire looped from pin14(ACC 12V) to pin 4 As can be seen from this page , he has a push button for this.

I'm going to put a push button or switch in, I'm just concerned about what amp rating switch I should get, would something like this do the job? considering the ACC +12v is connected to it.

3A is heaps - The linked page shows a 1k resistor to limit the current. 1k at 12V is only 12mA. If it really draws 3A, something is wrong. By the same token if one of those switches lasts at 3A I'd be surprised.

However the switch you linked to is momentary. It would only work as long as you held the switch. You would want a push on/push off switch I think.

Ok all wiring done!

But during installation of the sled I noticed the sled is one of those that has not had the top lip bent.. Crap! I tested it this way, the empeg does make connection to the docking connector, but it's not secure, also due to the factory unit's facia being slightly bigger than DIN size..

Hmmm guess I'll wait for three weeks thats if Rob does have sleds?

I had a feeling that even with the sleds without the fold, the unfolded part simply protruded into empty space in the fascia. I know I didn't ever have any problems with the unfolded version I originally had - I didn't use it for that long though and when I got around to putting it in the car, I had the replacement sled.