Mazda CX-7 iPod, Stereo, Sirius, AUX

wjbushsrwjbushsr Member Posts: 135
After doing a service run to the local dealership today, I always make it a point to bring back the latest news for the 7 crowd.

This time news ain't so good...

The new Ipod connector for the CX-7 will NOT work if you have Sirius or NAVIGATION installed!

From the latest bulletin to the dealerships from Mazda:
The new iPod connection will:
Provide easy hook up to any iPod with the docking connector on the bottom {Gen 3,4,5, Mini, Nano, Photo}
Transfer control of the iPod to the vehicle radio or steering wheel controls {if so equipped}
Charge the iPod battery!

IMPORTANT NOTES

1. If vehicle is equipped with Sirius Satellite Kit or PhatNoise Accessories, the Ipod Integration Module CANNOT be installed as well. {Sat Kit or PhatNoise already using Head unit Connector}
2. For the 2007 My Mazda3, equiped with a standard "Auxiliary Jack", an additional "Switch Box" P/N TD13-79-CFZ is required, to allow both features to function.
3. The Auxillary Jack is NOT an available acc. for retrofit in older Mazdas.
CANNOT BE BE INSTALLED ON A CX-7 WITH FACTORY NAVIGATION OPTION


Sucks to be us, but better to find out now than to order it from Mazda Online and then find out!
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Comments

  • honakerhonaker Member Posts: 74
    I remember reading that with the nav system, there are AUX inputs on the system. AUX1 was audio and AUX2 was video. Can anyone find where in the manual it says this? or any other info about it? I'd like to get an aux port installed so I can just get an ipod and charger and keep it in the center console, instead of messing around with a bunch of CDs.

    Anyone have any suggestions or info?

    Thanks.
  • zoom49zoom49 Member Posts: 76
    I'd like to get an aux port installed so I can just get an ipod
    There are two AXU input devices on the market for the Mazda radios that I am aware of. One just adds AUX input with no ability to change chanels on steering wheel (only volume) Other device is designed for ipod with built in charger and full function including display on dash LED screen. Hope these can work for the CX-7
    AuxMod
    Audio Link
  • honakerhonaker Member Posts: 74
    Hope these can work for the CX-7

    Thanks, I just sent them both inquiries about compatability. Either one would do me, but if I'm going to go to the trouble, seems like I might as well get the iPod connector one if it would work. :)
  • honakerhonaker Member Posts: 74
    Hope these can work for the CX-7

    AuxMod -- They sent a response saying it would probably work with the CX-7. However, just looking at the pictures (it's a little circuit board), I don't see how they could be confident about it without having seen the CX-7 head unit.

    Audio Link -- these guys also responded. However, they said given how different the unit in the CX-7 looks from what Mazda has been using, they're not comfortable saying they think it'll work. They asked for the model # (on top of the unit) or a pic of the connections in the back, but I'm not a car stereo do it yourselfer, so I'm not about to start trying to take apart the dash. I'll just wait for the CX-7s to penetrate the market a little and see what iPod solutions surface.

    Thanks for the recommendations, though. :)
  • absolutboy20absolutboy20 Member Posts: 24
    I have seen the base model CX-7 at my local dealership but I haven't been able to sit in a fully loaded version with Tech package, so I have a few questions to ask for the current owners or for other people who have seen a fully loaded CX-7.

    To start the ignition for the models with keyless start/entry, is there a ignition start/stop button simiilar to the Toyota's and Infiniti?

    And I also wanted to confirm that AUX inputs are not avaialble for and portable music device?

    I am debating between this crossover and the RDX, it just seems as though a fully loaded Acura is going to be around $37k with availability in late August. I would like to see the dark blue in person but I can't seem to find anything in the bay area. The only biggest "concern" I have is purchasing a first year vehicle. My current car is a Honda which has been trouble free, and Mazda's have been less reliable. Thus I'm considering leasing this vehicle, but I've only seen one quote that has been posted on this site.
  • honakerhonaker Member Posts: 74
    To start the ignition for the models with keyless start/entry, is there a ignition start/stop button simiilar to the Toyota's and Infiniti?

    You still "crank" the ignition. They have a removable cap that goes on top and turns it into a little knob. If you remove the knob, then you still have the keyhole, which you might need to use if the batteries in your keyless creditcard thingy are dead. Oh, and yes, the ignition is illuminated so you don't need to fumble around in the dark. :)

    And I also wanted to confirm that AUX inputs are not avaialble for and portable music device?

    There's no place to plug in AUX devices. There is a Device button on the controls, and a Satellite button. It seems like I read there are AUX1 (audio) and AUX2 (video) inputs on the back, but I'm not brave enough to take apart the dash or handy enough to do anything with the ports even if I could get to them.

    When someone figures out an iPod interface that's compatible, then I'll probably buy one of those and have it installed.
  • wjbushsrwjbushsr Member Posts: 135
    There's no place to plug in AUX devices. There is a Device button on the controls, and a Satellite button. It seems like I read there are AUX1 (audio) and AUX2 (video) inputs on the back, but I'm not brave enough to take apart the dash or handy enough to do anything with the ports even if I could get to them

    If you look at the back of the owner's manual; you'll see that the button for the Media input is not available since it's an option. According to the aftermarket rep that sold me my Sirius unit; that option is for markets OUTSIDE of the U.S. :(

    I picked up my CX-7 on the 7th of this month and I'm geeked about it!
    Heads are turning on almost every street I hit, and the pick up on lane changes is phenomenal!
    FWD Copper Red w/ Black Interior and the Tech package.
    Killer...
  • thom_ythom_y Member Posts: 6
    I have just ordered a CX-7 (GT, AWD, with AM/FM/CD Bose stereo with NAV package (Canada)) and eagerly awaiting delivery. Meanwhile, I am desperately trying to find an aftermarket iPod integration kit that will allow me to hardwire my iPod into the stereo system to use as an AUX input. Ideally, I would like to be able to control my iPod through the car radio (e.g. select Artists/Albums/Songs directly), but this is not essential. I have contacted a number of aftermarket manufacturers who say their kit is not compatible with the CX-7. Some of the local car stereo dealers are similarly not able to find a compatible solution. I don't want to consider a FM modulator connection, as I have been rather unimpressed with both wireless and wired FM systems. Thanks for your help. How can we get Mazda interested in partnering with Apple for a dealer installed kit ??
  • vbbuiltvbbuilt Member Posts: 498
    There have been posts in the past concerning this topic. Put in the key word "aux" or "iPOD" into the search engine in this forum.

    One of guys came up with http://www.therpmstore.com/product_info.php?cPath=57_58&products_id=142

    Apparently they have kits that work with other Mazda models, but couldn't guarantee their product would work with the CX7

    Vince.
  • honakerhonaker Member Posts: 74
    I also looked around for an iPod integration kit for the CX-7, and kept being told "not yet, it's too new." I'll probably wait a few months and look again.

    Meanwhile, the CX-7 with nav will play mp3 CDS, so that's 40-50 albums without needing to switch out CDs.

    If you find the iPod integration solution, please post it. :)

    James
  • wjbushsrwjbushsr Member Posts: 135
    Here's a weird thing I found online while looking for reviews of the CX-7.
    It seems the Australian version of the CX-7's Tech package will NOT have the rear camera, but instead will offer backup sensors.

    If this is true, then the MEDIA button on the dash may well be for adding DVD or another audio source. {Kind of like it says in the handout that came on the shifter when you pick the car up...}

    Remember; this option IS not available to the U.S. market!

    The ONLY other way that I've seen to get the Ipod intergrated is to sub the Ipod in place of the Sirius unit by way of an aftermarket conversion like the Harmon Kardon D1.

    Me, I'm waiting til some ambitous geek comes up with an idea that'll make him a ton of money so I can have my 'Pod with my Tech Package. :shades:
  • masonlmasonl Member Posts: 1
    I just picked up a Mazda CX-7 with the Technology package which includes the upgraded Bose 9 speaker Surround Sound with Audio-Pilot. My question is: does anyone know if this radio has RDS which shows the Song Title and Artist on the display for a radio station? I don't see any reference to this feature in the owner's manual but I can't believe that a sophisticated sound system like this doesn't have it when my Dodge Caravan does.

    Thanks.

    Larry
  • wjbushsrwjbushsr Member Posts: 135
    No RDS on the CX-7...

    I had it on my Camry XLE, and while it was nice to have at times; I doubt that I'll miss it when I compare it to the Centerpoint sound of the Bose, WOW!

    By the way if you have a CD burner on your computer, {who doesn't, right?} you can download Real Audio's Realplayer and it offers CD Text writing for FREE!

    CD Text writing will allow you to record your CDs AND give them titles, all which show up on the Tech package display screen. Other players/ programs offer this ability, but if you're looking for iTunes, or Windows Media... forget it, they don't!
    Also, you can burn your mp3s to a disc and have the same info, but it looks better on a CD Text disc!
  • suniljmsuniljm Member Posts: 10
    I couldn't find this on another thread, but I couldnt find details on the CX-7 single disc stand CD player. I test drove a CX-7 this weekend (w/o technology package) and the salesman was 99% sure that the standard CD player was NOT MP3 compatible. I was shocked to hear this for a 2007 model car. Can anyone confirm if the basic CD player does in fact play MP3's? I canot afford to spend the extra $4000 for the technology package or to upgrade to the Bose sound package in order to get MP3 capability. Also does anyone know about any after market solutions? TIA
  • vbbuiltvbbuilt Member Posts: 498
    You should be able to play MP3. Here's a link to the owner's manual. Look up the audio section - there's several pages devoted to MP3.

    http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/pdf/manuals/2007CX7OM.pdf

    Vince
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    The standard CD player is not MP3 compatible. Mazda does sell an optional 6-cd/mp3 changer for $525. It's certainly not cheap but you don't have to buy the Tech package to get it.
  • suniljmsuniljm Member Posts: 10
    The manual doesn't seem to indicate MP3 capability for the single-disc standard CD player. Are you sure you are interpreting this correctly?

    >>>>
    Replying to: suniljm (Jul 05, 2006 4:37 am)

    You should be able to play MP3. Here's a link to the owner's manual. Look up the audio section - there's several pages devoted to MP3.

    http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/pdf/manuals/2007CX7OM.pdf

    Vince
  • vbbuiltvbbuilt Member Posts: 498
    Here's a question for all of you experts: Where are the 9 speakers? I count only 7: Three speaker grills in the dash, and one each of the 4 doors. I'm going nuts trying to figure this out.

    In the trunk, there's the amp...where are the woofers?

    Not a clue in any of the owners manual nor is it explained in the Mazda website.

    Vince.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    I think they are behind the trunk side trim.
  • wjbushsrwjbushsr Member Posts: 135
    Three on the front dash, two woofers on the front doors, two woofers on the rear passenger doors, and two mid/ tweets on the rear pillars on the back where the hatch is.

    The three in the front are mid/ tweets as well.

    Bose usually doesn't use sub-woofers, {although I have heard of some units that actually do... go figure} But each speaker has its own amplifier.
    Tip to those who might want to go aftermarket on your systems... Don't! :cry:
    It'll cost you more than you think to rip out the setup and rewire the vehicle for it. If by chance you have a Bose speaker go out; off the shelf aftermarkets {Pioneer, Sony,etc.} won't work either. Go back to the dealership or contact Bose for an authorized service center. ;)
  • SylviaSylvia Member Posts: 1,636
    Audio, Stereo questions on the Mazda CX-7 (iPod, Speakers, AUX, etc.)
  • vbbuiltvbbuilt Member Posts: 498
    Your comment about the speakers having their own amp...

    Pardon this dumb question, but I'm not much of a stereo expert: If each speaker has an amp, then why is there a separate amp in the trunk, mounted next to the tire jack?

    Vince.
  • wjbushsrwjbushsr Member Posts: 135
    If that's an amp, it would have to be the funkiest looking amp around!

    I called the dealer and asked the parts dept. what the number on the top was listed to, he couldn't tell either. {No part lookup info yet} My guess is its NOT part of the audio system, since its not slapped with BOSE all over it, highly unlikely Bose made it. :confuse:
    The heat sinks all over it tells me it needs circulation for the heat dispersment, but its stuck UNDER the rear cargo area, so who knows what the heck it could be!
    If anyone needs the part number to throw at a Mazda rep, here it goes EG25669B0.
  • wjbushsrwjbushsr Member Posts: 135
    I emailed Mazda and asked about Ipod integration, it took less than a day for Heather toreply. Here is the response:
    Hi Winston!

    Thanks for contacting Mazda.

    Currently there is no iPod integration installed on the Mazda CX-7 and
    there is no modification planned at this time.

    Consumer feedback is always very important to Mazda. Certainly, we
    want to offer exciting vehicles, and comments such as yours help us to
    achieve that goal.

    Rest assured I have documented your suggestion for our corporate
    record. These records are continuously being reviewed by our Product
    Planning Department in an effort to provide only the highest quality
    products to our customers.

    Again, thank you for contacting Mazda. It has been my pleasure to
    assist you. Please feel free to reply to this message with any further
    questions or comments.

    Regards,

    Heather B.
    Specialist, Customer Assistance E-Business

    If you haven't contacted Mazda about Ipod or MP3 portable payers, maybe you should! It couldn't hurt. ;)
  • thom_ythom_y Member Posts: 6
    Calling out to all iPod worshippers !

    HAS ANYONE found an aftermarket solution to integrate your iPod to your CX-7. I don't want to consider FM modulation of any type.
  • wjbushsrwjbushsr Member Posts: 135
    There was a post a few weeks back with a link to a site that sells integrataion for the Mazda/ Bose setup, it involves taking the unit apart and changing out one of the boards inside... I don't know how well the "upgrade" would work, but I'm pretty confident it would void the warranty for the headunit.

    Hopefully something will come through eventually... :(
  • almcg2almcg2 Member Posts: 14
    did you get a cx-7 yet? just picked one up today. fantastic car. love it. i'm also leasing it. i'm in the bay area too.you can get a fully loaded cx-7 for about $30,700before tax, reg, etc. mine was $32,700 with tech package (GT), tax, and all other expenses, including a full tank of gas. (mica red copper and sand leather).
  • bob226bob226 Member Posts: 4
    I heard on NPR this morning that Apple is partnering with Mazda (and another mfg) to offer iPod connections for their vehicles. I called the Mazda Customer Assistance Center and the person confirmed that Mazda will have an iPod accessory that hooks the player to the CX-7 head unit and allows the player to be controlled by the head unit and steering wheel controls, plus displays some information on the center stack, and charges the iPod battery. They said the unit is coming this fall and more info will be available later. Cool.
  • jessterjesster Member Posts: 5
    Has anyone tried to use SIRIUS without the tech package touch screen? Have a GT with the CD/Speaker upgrade and am looking at adding SIRIUS but wondering how easy it is to use with the manual controls.
  • sasairsasair Member Posts: 2
    Mazda has an iPod adapter listed as an accessory for the CX-7. No pricing listed so it may not be available yet, but obviously it will be sometime...

    http://accessories.mazdausa.com/commerce/AccessoriesCatalog?selectedModelId=1225- 1&selectedMajorCategoryId=12252&vehicleCode=CX7#12258

    Randy
  • carlitos92carlitos92 Member Posts: 458
    "Mazda has an iPod adapter listed as an accessory for the CX-7." Sweet!

    I couldn't get the link to work, but I can see it when I'm logged in to Mazda as an owner: Part No. C236-79-CFZ.
    "Taking your iPod along for the ride just became a lot easier. The iPod Adapter integrates your iPod to your Mazda with crystal clear sound and built in battery charger. Works with all 30-pin, dock connector equipped iPods."

    They also have a picture of the DVD entertainment system I had been interested in (it apparently had "delayed availability"), but it looks pretty low-rent IMHO...
  • swhittakswhittak Member Posts: 1
    I contacted Mazda and here's the Info I got back from them.
    There is iPod integration coming to the Mazda CX-7 and other 2007
    models. This item is going to be an accessory that you can purchase
    from an authorized Mazda dealership and they would need to install it
    for you. Unfortunately, pricing has not been announced yet, but I have
    listed below all the information we have so far on this topic.

    "iPod Connectivity: Mazda will be launching an iPod Integration Module
    for the CX-7 and other ?07 models this fall. This module will connect
    the iPod (placed in the glove box) to the audio head unit.

    This module will

    (a) Transfer iPod controls to the radio controls or to the steering
    wheel controls

    (b) Provide limited display of music info on the information center of
    the dash

    (c) Charge the battery of the iPod

    Customers will be able to purchase the module and have it installed at
    their Mazda dealership.

    More info will be available closer to launch."

    Hope this helps ya!
  • astegmanastegman Member Posts: 171
    OK, all you smarties out there, I need your help. How do you make the CD info show up on the screen, e.g., name of the CD, name of the track, artist's name? I managed to get one CD's info to show up, after accidently selecting the Centerpoint option. However, none of the other 5 CD's are showing the info. What am I doing wrong, or neglecting to do? Also, oddly, when I ejected the one CD whose data did show up, and put in a different CD in its place, no data showed up either. Is it possible that it's something off with all my CD's? :confuse:
  • vbbuiltvbbuilt Member Posts: 498
    What you're inquiring about is a feature called CD Text. Not all commercial music CDs have the data encoded. Look on the lable - that'll reveal if the CD is encoded with text. For more info, goto: http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/~aa571/cdtext.htm

    Vince.
  • leslienationleslienation Member Posts: 41
    Does anyone know the Tech. Package come w/ bluetooth feature??
  • carlitos92carlitos92 Member Posts: 458
    It doesn't.
  • wjbushsrwjbushsr Member Posts: 135
    I put this out on an earlier post, but I can pop it here again. ;)

    You can create your own CD text discs from your computer if you have a CD burner. Go to www.realplayer.com and download their media player, {its a freebie} the instructions are easy to handle, after you've selected your songs to be burned, click on the EDIT OPTIONS tab where you can add cd text and name the disc your way!

    Check it out for yourself! :shades:
  • xopherchinxopherchin Member Posts: 3
    I have made 3 mp3 discs on Imation cd-r's and none of them will play :mad: ... When inserted, the player counts seconds as if track #1 is being played, but no sound comes out. If i try to advance the track, it starts over counting on track #1 again.

    Yes-I read the car manual. Here is what I have tried. Please let me know if you know what I am doing wrong. Also, please let me know what I am missing if you have gotten it to work.

    1st try: iTunes (Mac OS X). mp3 cd.
    2nd try: Roxio Toast Titanium. data disc: ISO 9660.
    3rd try: Roxio Toast Titanium. audio disc: mp3 disc.

    please help!!! thank you.
  • vbbuiltvbbuilt Member Posts: 498
    Hmmm, that doesn't seem right. So, let's try some good ol' troubleshooting techniques. What follows may irk you, but you have to start at the beginning, so bear with me.

    1. Those 3 discs - do they play in other players, in other decks, other vehicles? In your computer? Not a conclusive test, but it may yield clues. If those 3 discs don't play in other players, then it's most likely the discs.

    2. Have you tried playing other MP3 discs, perhaps from a friend, in the CX7 deck?

    3. Does the CX7 deck player play regular CDs, i.e. ones you've bought commercially?

    4. Does the CX7 deck player play standard audio (non-MP3 encoded) discs you've recorded?

    5. As a test, you might try re-recording one of those discs, using a different brand of disc. You MIGHT just have a bad batch of discs.

    6. You didn't mention what MP3 software you're using. It might be an older version. I've the Real Player 10.5 (the premium version), that allows me to record either standard audio (with text) or MP3 with all of the options. The premium version was only $20 downloaded. It's a fabulous piece of software and I've always had luck with it. So, as an additional test, use someone else's computer and their MP3 software, to encode a disc. Will THAT play in the CX7?

    If your troubleshooting reveals that your discs and encoding software work well in other players and the CX7 doesn't seem to play properly, then visit your Mazda dealer for service.

    Vince.
  • carlitos92carlitos92 Member Posts: 458
    Maybe more importantly, does your CD changer have an "MP3" logo off on the left side? Not all the Bose changers play MP3s.

    I have a GT w/o Tech, but with the Bose/sunroof option, and I was disappointed to find that it will not play MP3s. No one ever promised me it would play them, but since the manual has to cover all flavors of CX-7, it could make a person assume they have capabilities they don't... Good luck.
  • vbbuiltvbbuilt Member Posts: 498
    Good catch! I hadn't thought of that angle!

    Vince.
  • xopherchinxopherchin Member Posts: 3
    (in response to all posts)

    1. the discs did work in my computer. i haven't tried them in another car player yet. also haven't tried other mp3 discs in my player.

    2. i haven't tried any commercial cd's but i did burn a few in audio file (non-mp3) mode. these work fine.

    3. i have the latest iTunes and Roxio Toast 6.0.7 (2004). the audio cd's i made that work are each from these, so i think there's no problem with the program themselves or the discs i used.

    4. anyway, i do not remember seeing the mp3 logo on the unit i have (Touring with moonroof/BOSE package). i guess it won't work afterall.

    5. yes, the manual is confusing. it starts simply "This unit can play mp3 files..." it does a good job defining what an mp3 is, but perhaps it would have been more helpful to define what "This unit" is! :mad: :P It does not qualify that at all. :confuse:

    It seems my quest has ended... should I check with my dealership first?

    It is a little upsetting that a 2007 model with an additional sound package will not even play mp3's. Alas, I still LOVE this car! ;)

    thanks for your help. :shades:
  • sssgoundersssgounder Member Posts: 7
    Hi ,

    Any body know how to turn on the Auto locak function.......

    And another question. After the 1 CD it is not skipping to the next CD.. It still goes back to song 1 in the first CD.. any idea.. how to change the setting??

    I really appreciate your help.

    Thanks.

    SSS
  • vbbuiltvbbuilt Member Posts: 498
    Autolock is strictly a dealer action. You can't do it yourself.

    As for the CD problem...not a clue.

    Vince.
  • wjbushsrwjbushsr Member Posts: 135
    Check to see if the "Repeat" button has been pushed on the disc player.
    Also, it really depends on which system you have in your car, remember the CX-7 has three units available; standard unit, the Bose unit w/o the Nav system, and the Nav system Bose.
  • vbbuiltvbbuilt Member Posts: 498
    Thanks for digging out the details!

    Vince.
  • joeygejoeyge Member Posts: 4
    Hi,
    So it will work, if you don't have factory installed Sirius?
    How much is the iPod connection and what does it entail? My dealer doesn't even know it exists.
    Could I alternate and plug my Sirius Sporster unit (which I already have) in it also? It would work if there was a 1/8 pin connector rather than a iPod dock connector.
    Any options to switch?
  • vbbuiltvbbuilt Member Posts: 498
    For anyone experience disruptions with their Sirius service, Sirius has posted a notice on their websites, for numerous Mazda models, including the CX7.

    I never noticed any disruption, but I'm gratified that Mazda and Sirius have gone to extraordinary lengths to notify their customers. I received an automated call from Sirius and they've posted this notice on their website:

    http://www.sirius.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Sirius/Page&c=FlexContent&c- - id=1160165279694

    Vince.
  • thom_ythom_y Member Posts: 6
    So for us early adopters who rushed to put the Navigation option on our CX-7, how can we hook up our iPods. I don't like FM modulation kits. Are there any third party solutions for the Navigation head unit ??
  • wjbushsrwjbushsr Member Posts: 135
    Currently there are no aftermarket connectors that are anything other than FM modulators.
    We DO have the Media button on our units but its inoperable in the U.S. markets. :(
    There are a few questionable items online that you can add to the head unit, but I'm worried that they will void the warranty.

    Hang in there... They're bound to figure out something for us Techies!
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