Aux Audio Inputs in Renault Espace

[Capcomms]

Where are the Auxiliary Audio inputs in a current ('04) model Renault Espace Priviledge? My dealer doesn't know!!! Many thanks DJXL

[Potatoman]

They are to plug things like minidisk players, cd's and mp3 players into. Try plugging a personal stereo in (at low volume to start with) and select 'Aux' as the source.

[tomd]

What model code is the radio, and does it not say in the manual? Not all radios are equipped with aux input, but you can buy an adaptor cheaply that looks like, (well, to be fair it is) a tape with a wire coming out of it.

[Capcomms]

Potatoman: I know what they are, but I don't know *where* they are. tomd: It is the Auditorium model and thats part of the problem - it is integrated into the car, with no visible head unit and no tape slot - I have a tape adapter , but nowhere to put it! Both the stereos manual and the menu system all list the aux inputs, but I can't locate the physical pugs to connect anything to it.

[paulrmc]

Guys,

I have your answer! Yes, it is possible and the result is spectacular! After months of research and pondering, I've connected my trusty (2nd gen.) iPod to the Cabasse Auditorium in my Grand Espace (4) Initiale 3.0dCi two days ago.

In all fairness, I found the original information here: http://www.espace-freunde.de/forum/messages/55426.htm

Let  me shortly describe:

1. this will (very probably;-) work for all integrated Espace 4 tuner-amplifiers as the units seem to be identical; the high end auditorium adds and amplifier and a dashboard-based CD Changer.

2. it connects via the AUX input on the system which DOES exist and HAS input pins on the tuner-amp even though Renault docs (I have a copy) on this say "not connected"! The AUX input can be selected if you activate it via the EXPERT button. Set it to AUX=ON, not AUX=AUTO

3. the AUX input pins are located on the tuner/amp unit in the rear left wing of the car (even in the UK, I presume ;-) . There is a large red 30-pin (2x15 pins) connector that has a counterplug on just one side. The pins we want are on the non-connected side. Yes, we had to solder them on but I imagine with some effort you could do something more elegant.

4. The pins you want are: 27 and 29 are ground, should be soldered together to the shield of a shielded stereo cable running (presumably) to the console where you want to locate your MP3 PLayer or whatever. Pins 28 and 30 are audio signal for Right and Left. Unplug the power before soldering! Have your radio anti-theft code ready befor unplugging!

(continued in next post)

[paulrmc]

(continued from previous post)

5. That's it! Switch to AUX using the Source switch near the steering wheel, switch on you audio source and enjoy! I hope your morning commute traffic jams are long enough!
6. Mechanical mounts for your device are an issue of concern, too. I've used a Belkin TuneDok (http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=201526&pcount=&Product_Id=159479) which works like a charm in the Espace's cup holders on the console.
7. Let me know how you did with your own install!
I'm paul dot carpentier at gmail dot com. (Belgium)

Success!

[Capcomms]

Paul - thank you very much for your response!  I'll try this out when I return from my business trip over the next week and will report back with details of how I get on.

DJXL

[Nappygrease]

I see there is an answer to this question for the Espace 2004 model which indicates it applies to all Espace iv models. I can tell you from experience that certainly from 2007 Renault changed things and put the amp under the front dash rather than in the boot. Removing the dash is a tricky business probably best left to the dealer so expensive!
The good news is that there is an alternative!
The Car Audio centre sells a device called the Connects 2 CTRNX001 for about £35 which can be fitted behind the head unit which is easily removed and replaced. It provides an input suitable for an Ipod or other MP3 player.

Best of luck.

Nappygrease