# 2008 Mazda MazdaSpeed Miata MX-5 - What is this cable? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** mazda\ **Created:** [November 14, 2022, 9:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411 "2022-11-14T21:01:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mazdaguy29](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c89c15/32.png) [@Mazdaguy29](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mazdaguy29)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2022, 9:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/1 "2022-11-14T21:01:31Z")
What’s the cable in the glove box with an old ipod connector. How to use? ---
**Author:** ![It\_s-Me](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/it_s-me/32/12660_2.png) [@It\_s-Me](https://community.cartalk.com/u/It_s-Me)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2022, 10:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/2 "2022-11-15T22:34:47Z")
Probably an aftermarket iPod connection that a previous owner installed. ---
**Author:** ![Mazdaguy29](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c89c15/32.png) [@Mazdaguy29](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mazdaguy29)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2022, 1:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/3 "2022-11-16T01:06:50Z")
Only one owner…he did not install… googling it says it’s factory…but vage on how to make it work ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2022, 1:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/4 "2022-11-16T01:41:32Z")
If there are no instuctions in your owners manual maybe someone at the Mazda dealer might now or a Miata Forum . ---
**Author:** ![Mazdaguy29](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c89c15/32.png) [@Mazdaguy29](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mazdaguy29)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2022, 2:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/5 "2022-11-16T02:14:11Z")
I don’t think the Tech at mazda knew what an ipod connector was. Some of the fourms talk about this but they don’t state how to exactly make it work ---
**Author:** ![weekend-warrior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/weekend-warrior/32/26122_2.png) [@weekend-warrior](https://community.cartalk.com/u/weekend-warrior)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2022, 2:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/6 "2022-11-16T02:55:06Z")
I would think you would plug in your iPod, turn it on and go to AUX on your radio. then find your song and will come out the radio speakers. ---
**Author:** ![NYBo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nybo/32/17281_2.png) [@NYBo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/NYBo)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2022, 9:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/7 "2022-11-17T21:09:15Z")
Is it the old 30-poin connector? Pretty useless these days unless one has an ancient iPhone, iPad, or iPod. ---
**Author:** ![Mazdaguy29](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c89c15/32.png) [@Mazdaguy29](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mazdaguy29)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2022, 9:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/8 "2022-11-17T21:40:05Z")
Bought this it plugs into cable and powers up and I can connect phone thru blue tooth…but can’t make it play thru car stereo ![Screenshot_20221117-163819_Chrome.jpg](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/d/9/d94c2e2dc7a7f295f8a45341fdb44d260ca1b554.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![weekend-warrior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/weekend-warrior/32/26122_2.png) [@weekend-warrior](https://community.cartalk.com/u/weekend-warrior)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2022, 9:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/9 "2022-11-17T21:52:33Z")
It is probably because your radio would need to have Bluetooth to communicate with the device. ---
**Author:** ![Mazdaguy29](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c89c15/32.png) [@Mazdaguy29](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mazdaguy29)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2022, 9:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/10 "2022-11-17T21:56:01Z")
Doesn’t the 30 pin ipod cable connect to radio…I’m sure it does… if the radio had bt I wouldn’t need any cables ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2022, 10:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/11 "2022-11-17T22:04:45Z")
That cable might be connected to a module that is connected to the antenna cable. Search the FM stations for selection that is receiving the iPod signal. ---
**Author:** ![weekend-warrior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/weekend-warrior/32/26122_2.png) [@weekend-warrior](https://community.cartalk.com/u/weekend-warrior)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2022, 10:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/12 "2022-11-17T22:06:08Z")
I could be wrong but, the cable is just a cable. it is giving power to the unit you bought but if the radio does not have Bluetooth how would it communicate? it is like if your house has Wi-Fi, and you have an old TV without Wi-Fi. it won’t get a picture. just my thoughts. others here might know better than me so I will step aside. best of luck ---
**Author:** ![weekend-warrior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/weekend-warrior/32/26122_2.png) [@weekend-warrior](https://community.cartalk.com/u/weekend-warrior)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2022, 10:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/13 "2022-11-17T22:23:18Z")
I found this. watch video it might help > **[Connect Phone to Car using iPod 30pin Bluetooth adapter for Mercedes BMW Audi VW](https://www.youcanic.com/connect-phone-car-using-ipod-30pin-bluetooth-adapter-mercedes-bmw-audi-vw/)** > > We hope you find the Connect Phone to Car using iPod 30pin Bluetooth adapter for Mercedes BMW Audi VW guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair ---
**Author:** ![NYBo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nybo/32/17281_2.png) [@NYBo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/NYBo)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2022, 11:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/14 "2022-11-17T23:47:03Z")
Okay, there must be an input setting on the head unit. The cable is clearly connected if it powers up the Bluetooth adapter. Search online for the owner’s manual. ---
**Author:** ![Mazdaguy29](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c89c15/32.png) [@Mazdaguy29](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mazdaguy29)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2022, 11:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/15 "2022-11-17T23:51:25Z")
Scoured the owners manual and online. Got some vague info online. Was hoping someone here could help… ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2022, 11:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/16 "2022-11-17T23:52:08Z")
Sounds like it is time to let a good auto sound shop solve this problem. They might even bring it up to current standards for a reasonable fee. ---
**Author:** ![Mazdaguy29](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c89c15/32.png) [@Mazdaguy29](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mazdaguy29)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2022, 11:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/17 "2022-11-17T23:53:55Z")
One shop recommended a new system for $900 ---
**Author:** ![NYBo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nybo/32/17281_2.png) [@NYBo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/NYBo)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2022, 1:09am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/18 "2022-11-18T01:09:43Z")
If you are at all handy and decide to replace the head unit, go to [Crutchfield.com](http://Crutchfield.com) for alternatives. They have everything you need to do a relatively easy installation. ---
**Author:** ![NYBo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nybo/32/17281_2.png) [@NYBo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/NYBo)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2022, 1:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/19 "2022-11-18T01:18:05Z")
Is there a button labeled “MEDIA”? That would appear to be the selection to use. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2022, 1:28am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411/20 "2022-11-18T01:28:35Z")
> [@Mazdaguy29](#): > > One shop recommended a new system for $900 What else did they say ? Such as the system is out of date or just not working . [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-mazda-mazdaspeed-miata-mx-5-what-is-this-cable/187411.md?page=2)