Installation of an iPod into a 2006 Nissan Altima

I recently installed my iPod into my 2006 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE. This wonderful machine has the Bose stereo in it with built-in XM satellite. But for some disappointing reason, the Nissan/Bose engineers did not put in any phono inputs in the radio. Before January of this year, it was not easy, or even possible, to install input jacks to connect auxiliary equipment like an iPod in Nissans with satellite installed. However, with introduction of the PAC AAI-NIS2 adapter, it is now easy to add two sets of phono jacks for connection to accessories like an iPod. The original AAI-NIS adapter did not support satellite radio installations, but this version does. You can find the instructions on their web site above.

I used the dock that came with my 60GB iPod and used a 3-ft mini to RCA adapter cable to connect mini jack the back of the dock directly to the AAI-NIS2 adapter. The iPod fits snugly into the hinge area and the dock provides considerable stability. The down side to my choice of location is that the compartment will not close when the iPod is in position. I have no problem seeing the iPod display from the driver's seat. I connected the iPod directly to the adapter instead of using the phono plugs on cables that connect through thin wire to the adapter connector. That was too many connections for me, so I used a quality cable direct from the iPod dock to the adapter. Does it make a sonic difference? Who knows, but it made me feel better...

Installation is fairly simple and took me about an hour. The trick is getting the radio out. You can get a complete set of removal instructions here, but if you get the first step, the rest is straight forward. To get started, open the flip door below the A/C controls, close it slightly and stick you hand above the door and grab the panel and pull toward you. Then remove the A/C controls and then the radio.

I punched a 1/2 hole on the side of the upper compartment and use a grommet to keep the mini-to-RCA cable from rubbing or slipping back behind the compartment. You can barely see the black cable.