Suzuki Swift 2005 Built-in Radio

[judin]

I've had my Swift for 9 days, and it's just done 650 miles. I'm proud(!)

There's only one major drawback for me, and that is the built-in radio. I have no problem with it's looks, or how it works - and it doesn't sound bad, either. However, I'm used to having a CD player which plays MP3/WMA discs.

I've had both a Panasonic and most recently a Kenwood, but due to the shape of the dash, I can't put that in. I do understand that the radio is built by 'Panasonic Auto Services' and that you can buy CD changer modules for this. I also know that Suzuki New Zealand are selling an MP3 CD changer, but that's as far as the detail goes.

I've managed to stick a flourescent tube up behind the dashboard, and noticed that there are actually two spaces for radios, one being used by the inbuilt, the other covered by the volume knob and other controls.

So after three weeks of internet browsing, I'm hoping someone here can help. Is there a way to add (for example) an iPod to the radio that's already installed? Does anyone know anything about the New Zealand MP3 changer? Does this display the track titles on the radio display?

Thanks to Halfords, a car-equipment firm in the UK, I've heard about Dension's 'ice>Link FM', which is a product that fits between your car aerial and radio, allowing you to tune your iPod to one of three FM frequencies (this is not technically an FM transmitter, as these are illegal in the UK). Dension also make the ice>Link Pro, which comes in several different flavours. Does anyone know if these will work with my Swift?

Many thanks in advance.

Justin

[judin]

So several days later (and one year older myself!) I've been in touch with Suzuki UK, Panasonic UK. the helpful ProgressiveIce.com, and the very helpful Cellustar Ltd. Let me outline what I've got so far...

According to Suzuki UK, "We do not deal with that kind of enquiry, sir; you will need to speak to your dealership." But my dealer told me to ring you... and they still can't help. Rude bloke, as well.

Panasonic UK were helpful to the extent that, of course, they have no knowledge of this radio (it was worth a shot), but I do have the numbers of Panasonic Automotive Systems Japan (Japanese speaking voicemail system, despite assurance they speak excellent English there). But from my experience, it sounds as if they were closed at the time.

ProgressiveIce.com are the UK importers/distributors for Dension, and specficially, the Ice>Link Plus and the Ice>Link FM.

The Ice>Link Plus is supposed to work with factory-fitted headunits, by fitting into the car radio's CD-changer port. In most setups this even shows the ID3 tag from your iPod on the radio display. Unfortunately for me, they do not have a kit for the Suzuki - and this is apparently the reason why. (The guy I spoke to seemed to know what he was talking about.) The radio is designed from the Vauxhall head unit. Dension actually worked with Vauxhall to try and design the kit, to the point where Dension UK were given a Vauxhall Tigra so they could try and set the kit up. But it just won't work, so Dension have given up.

However, ProgressiveIce did suggest the Ice>Link FM, which fits through your cars FM aerial allowing you to 'tune in' via one of three fixed frequencies. (As this is direct fit, it is legal in the UK).

Finally, Cellustar Ltd (www.cellustar.co.uk) make a 'Radio Mute' and non-destructive mount for the Suzuki Swift 2005. And having spoken to them today, they are not just helpful, but very knowledgable. The mute fits between the connectors on your radio, to a mobile-phone handsfree kit. You will need to make sure you get the proper type of phone holder that allows a seperate audio out and mic input, but this should not be a problem for most people.

Any other finds regarding the car radio?

J

[MINI-98]

So your Swifts are fitted with Panasonic radios, or Clarion like ours?

[LonePhantom]

I've just bought a Swift too and waiting for it to arrive from Japan and I too am a little annoyed at the stereo situation.

My last car (200SX) had an MP3 player installed and now I feel like i'm going back in time by having a conventional CD player again.

Does Suzuki NZ have Clarion head units stock like the AUS delivered ones, and will this MP3 CD changer hook directly up to it? Any ideas?

[Mgal]

I read from another Suzuki forum that some ipod users have installed Clarion EA1251B which is an adaptor that allows the user to plug in his ipod to be played through the head unit. Some limitations through as only can play playlists stored in the ipod. You can read more from the link below. http://www.cardomain.com/item/CLAEA1251B. Hope its useful.

[nilo]

hi.... all, i had almost the same problem, mine was clarion, i want to change the head unit, but the problem i dont know how to fit in a new head unit, i wonder if anyone know about the console part which allow me to fit in the new one replacing the original one


thanks

[LonePhantom]

Yeah there is a different fascia available from Suzuki that gives you the 2 conventional DIN unit spaces. If you go to a new HU though you will loose your steering wheel controls.

Anyone know if the Clarion iPod interface works with iPod Nano? I've heard a few conflicting reports.

[nilo]

thank lone for the response, would u care to share where i could get the fascia ?..... thank before

[LonePhantom]

Your Suzuki dealer should be able to order it in for you as a special order parts. the part numbers (found on http://www.redlinegti.com/forum) are:

The facia - 7382163J10-P4Z
The Bracket - 39321-63J30
The pocket - 3918270E51

This is what it should look like:

[nilo]

thank, so much, i try to call Suzuki and ask about their availability, but i fear they don't had the stock, u know indonesia .....,
but thanks for the info, reallllyy appriciated.

so i can change my HU to Alpine