Play MP3s on a USB flash drive in your car.
Adding a USB port to your car stereo to play MP3 files on USB flash drives can be done in several ways. Professional installation is recommended, but if you do it yourself, follow the directions and safety precautions that accompany the unit. Installation steps will vary by car audio manufacturer and by make, model and year of the car. Want an easier solution? Purchase a wireless FM modulator with a USB port that plugs into the cigarette lighter receptacle and plays the audio through your car's FM radio and speakers.
Instructions
Install a USB Port in My Car to Play My MP3 Files
1. Replace your in-dash stereo system with a new one that has a USB port. Follow the specific instructions that come with the new unit. Disconnect the car battery first and remove the dash trim panel. Disconnect the wiring harness and antenna cable. Remove the old radio from the dash and install the mounting kit for the new stereo, if required. Connect the wiring harness of the new stereo system to the car's factory wiring harness by crimping or soldering the wires together. Plug in the antenna cable and place the new stereo system into the dash opening. Test it by turning on the power and tuning in both AM and FM stations. Play a CD. Put a USB flash drive in the USB port and play a tune. If everything works, complete the installation by securing the radio/CD player in the dash and reinstalling parts of the dash trim panel that you removed earlier.
2. Use a vehicle-specific interface kit to add a USB port to the existing in-dash stereo system. First disconnect the car battery and remove the dash trim panel. Access the back of the radio/CD unit by un-mounting the unit from the dash. Do not disconnect the wiring harness from the radio/CD unit. Locate the CD changer port and attach the vehicle-specific data cable of the USB interface unit to the CD changer port. Test what you've done so far by turning on the car stereo and using the CD/AUX button to switch to CD changer mode. Connect one end of the supplied USB cable to the interface and the other end to a USB flash drive loaded with music. Play a tune and verify that it plays through your car's speakers. If the interface works, complete the installation by securing the USB interface in the dash, allowing enough room for the car stereo unit to fit. Run the USB cable to the inside of the glove box or to an available open space on the dash. Remount the radio/CD unit and reinstall the dash trim panel.
3. Play MP3s on a USB flash drive through your existing car radio and speakers using wireless FM modulator with a USB port. No need to remove the existing stereo system. Insert the 12v adaptor end of the FM modulator into the car's cigarette lighter/auxiliary power receptacle. Insert a USB flash drive with MP3s into the USB port on the modulator. Tune your radio to one of the modulator's preset FM frequencies and use the tuning wheel or button on the modulator to adjust the reception until you get static-free sound. You may need to try several of the preset frequencies to get the best reception and sound clarity. Some FM modulators with USB ports have controls for previous track, play/pause, next track and other features.
Tags: flash drive, stereo system, dash trim, dash trim panel, trim panel, wiring harness