Neo Car Audio

Instruction Manual

Sales Office

Neo Car Audio

9235 Trade Place Suite H

San Diego, CA 92126 www.neocaraudio.com

Phone/Fax 858-689-4141



Neo Car Audio v.1.6.A All Rights Reserved

Table of Contents

C H A P T E R 1

Installation Preparation (All Vehicles)

Dip-Switch Overview (REQUIRED)

1

2

C H A P T E R 2

Acura

Audi

Ford (Ford, Lincoln, Mercury)

3

4

5-6

GM (Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, GMC,

Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn) 7-9

Chrysler (Jeep, Dodge, Plymouth, Eagle) 10

Honda

Toyota

Volkswagen

11

11

12

C H A P T E R 3

Troubleshooting

Warranty/Warnings

FCC and Legal Information

C H A P T E R 4

Ford Appendix

Corvette Appendix

13

14

15

16

17

D E S I G N C U S T O M I Z A T I O N Chapter

1

Installation Preparation

This chapter provides information

required

for the installation of the Neo iON, it must be read by all users.

Thank you for purchasing the Neo iON. Since the Neo iON works in many different vehicles the following steps must be taken to ensure the iON is set up correctly for the vehicle it is being installed in.

Before Installation

To prevent damage to your vehicle and the iON take the following precautions.

1.

Turn off the ignition and remove the negative (-) battery cable prior to installation.

NOTE:

If the vehicle is equipped with an on-board drive or navigation computer, do not disconnect the battery cable. If the battery cable is disconnected, the computer memory may be lost. Under these conditions, use extra caution to avoid causing a short circuit during installation.

If your radio has a security code make sure you know the code and how to enter it prior to removing the battery cable. The radio will require this code to operate when the battery terminal is reconnected.

2.

Do not install the unit in the following locations:

A.

Locations exposed to direct sunlight

B.

Locations where hot air flows from the cars heater

1

I N S T A L L A T I O N P R E P A R A T I O N

First Step (For All Vehicles)

The first and most important step in using the Neo iON is setting the dip-switches on the black box; this makes the iON compatible with the vehicle it is being installed in.

The iON

will not work

if this step is not followed correctly.

The dip switches can be found on the side of the black plastic box which connects to the iON. Switches are in the

“ON”

position when they are switched

down

. Black box settings for each vehicle can be found on the vehicles installation page. Refer to the index to find the page number within this manual that covers your vehicle.

Dip-Switch Overview

The dip switches can be found on the side of the black plastic box that connects to the iON. Switches are in the

“ON”

position when they are switched

DOWN

. Black box settings for each vehicle can be found on the vehicles installation page. Refer to the index to find the page number that covers your vehicle.

Acura

1

ON

2

OFF

3

OFF

4

ON

5

OFF

6 7

OFF OFF

Audi / VW

ON

OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF

Ford

Ford Focus

OFF

ON

OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF

ON ON

OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF

GM old

Chrysler old /

OFF OFF

ON

OFF OFF OFF OFF

GM Class 2

GM XM

ON

OFF

ON

OFF OFF OFF OFF

OFF

ON ON

OFF OFF OFF OFF

Chrysler new

OFF OFF OFF

ON

OFF OFF OFF

ON

OFF OFF

ON

OFF OFF OFF

Honda

Toyota

ON ON

OFF

ON

OFF OFF OFF

8

ON

ON

ON

ON

ON

ON

ON

ON

ON

ON

2

V E H I C L E I N S T A L L A T I O N

S E T T I N G S

F O R A L L

A C U R A S

O P E R A T I O N

Chapter

2

Vehicle Installation

In this chapter you will learn how to install the Neo iON in specific vehicles.

Acura

Before connecting any cables to the black box you must set the dip switch to the

Chrysler New / Honda / Acura position. If you set the dip-switches after you have connected cables to the box, you must disconnect and reconnect them for the iON to operate.

1

ON

2

OFF

3

OFF

4

ON

5

OFF

6

OFF

7

OFF

8

ON

§

All Models (1992-2001) –

Connector behind the radio, use the “Chrysler

New” cable and the black box settings above.

§

Acura NSX, SLX, and MDX (1996 and Up) –

Not Compatible.

§

Acura’s with navigation are not compatible.

The radios display may not show the proper disc number after disc six. You can use all 10 discs in the magazine, but the readout will be wrong. This is not a technical problem; the car stereo was designed for no more than six discs.

Plug an iPod into the iON’s connector

Switch to the Neo iON by pressing the

CD

button on the radio.

Select a playlist and press play on the iPod

To change tracks simply press “

Seek <

” or “

Seek >

”

To FF/RW simply hold “

Seek <

” or “

Seek >

”

3


S E T T I N G S

F O R A L L

A U D I S

O P E R A T I O N

Audi

Make sure you have your radio’s theft protection code before you attempt installation.

When you reconnect power to the battery, you will need to enter this code.

Information about the theft protection code can be found in your vehicle’s audio operation manual.

Before connecting any cables to the black box you must set the dip switch to the Audi position. If you set the dip-switches after you have connected cables to the box, you must disconnect and reconnect them for the iON to operate.

1

ON

2

OFF

3

OFF

4

OFF

5

OFF

6

OFF

7

OFF

8

ON

§

All Models (1998-2004) –

Pre-wired 13-pin CD iON cable in the left-rear trunk of all Audi vehicles.

§

Audi A8 (2003-2004) –

Not Compatible.

§

Audi A6 (2004) –

Not Compatible.

Once you connect the Neo iON, turn on your radio. A CD icon will appear on the display of your radio showing that the Neo iON is ready to use.

This step may take up to three minutes and could require the iPod be connected.



CD/Mode




Seek <

” or “

Seek >

”


Seek <

” or “

Seek >

”

4


S E T T I N G S

F O R F O R D

F O C U S &

C O U G A R

S E T T I N G S

F O R A L L

O T H E R S

O P E R A T I O N

Ford (Ford, Lincoln, Mercury)

Before connecting any cables to the black box you must set the dip switch to the

“Ford 1” position. If you set the dip-switches after you have connected cables to the box, you must disconnect and reconnect them for the iON to operate.

1

ON

2

ON

3

OFF

4

OFF

5

OFF

6

OFF

7

OFF

8

ON

1

OFF

2

ON

3

OFF

4

OFF

5

OFF

6

OFF

7

OFF

8

ON

See the next page for a full list of vehicles as well as plug location in each.

See

Ford Appendix

on

page 15

of this manual if you plan to install the iON in a

2004 Town Car, 2004 Grand Marquis, 2004 Murauder, 2004 LS, or 2004 Ford

Crown Victoria.



CD




Seek <

” or “

Seek >

”


Seek <

” or “

Seek >

”

INSTALLATION WARNING

If you use Ford 16-pin, Ford 20-pin, or Ford RCU cables make sure you connect the yellow cable to constant 12v and black to ground. We recommend connecting these cables to the same power source going to the radio to avoid a ground loop.

5


Ford

Model

Crown Victoria

Crown Victoria

Crown Victoria

Escape

Econoline

Econoline

Escort

Excursion

Expedition

Expedition

Explorer

Explorer

Explorer

F-150 Pick-Up

Year(s) Changer Location and Notes

16-Pin connector at headunit.

1995-1997

Premium Audio System

RCU (Rear Control Unit) in the trunk.

1995-1997


1998-2003 20-Pin connector at headunit.


1997







1997-1998




1995-1997



1995-1997




1997


F-Series Pick-Up

Focus

HN80 Heavy Truck

Mustang

Ranger

Ranger

Sport Trac

Taurus

Thunderbird

Windstar

Lincoln

Continental



2000-2003

6 Disc Changer only


1996-1997




1995-1997




1996-2004




1995-1997



Continental 1995-1997



Model

Continental

LS

Mark VIII

Navigator

Navigator

Town Car

Town Car

Town Car

Mercury

Cougar

Grand Marquis

Grand Marquis

Grand Marquis

Mountaineer

Mountaineer

Mountaineer

Sable

Tracer

Villager

Villager

6

Year(s) Changer Location and notes

20-Pin connector at headunit. 1998-2004

2000-2003

1995-1998




1997-1998

1999-2003

1995-1997

1995-1997








1999-2004

6 Disc changer only


1995-1997



1995-1997



1997

RCU (Rear Control Unit) in rear passenger side panel.


1997

1998-2004



1996-2005

RCU (Rear Control Unit) in trunk/rear.

1995-2004

1997-1998

1999-2002








GM (Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, GMC, Pontiac, Saturn)

*PLEASE READ*

*1995-1999 Radios with built in CD player (Except Corvette) are NOT compatible with the Neo ION.

*2000-2004 Radios with built in CD player ARE compatible.

Separate OEM CD (1995-2004) or OEM Cassette (2000-2004) must be disconnected to use the Neo ION.

2003 – 2005: If XM mode is used you cannot use the GM factory XM tuner. If installed you must unplug it for the

Neo iON to work.

Corvette: Please see GM-Corvette appendix, page 16

Before connecting any cables to the black box you must set the dip switch box to the position listed for your vehicle. If you set the dip-switches after you have connected cables to the box, you must disconnect and reconnect them for the iON to operate.

GM’s use one of three cables (GM-A, GM-B, GM-C); use the cable that fits, and follow

GM table connection guide

GM has 3 protocols, please determine your car’s protocol using the guide (see next page), and set the black box accordingly.

S E T T I N G S

F O R C L A S S 2

S E T T I N G S

F O R X M

1

ON

2

OFF

3

ON

4

OFF

5

OFF

6

OFF

7

OFF

8

ON

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

OFF

ON ON

OFF OFF you must unplug it for the Neo iON to work.

OFF OFF

ON

2003 – 2005: If XM mode is used you cannot use the GM factory XM tuner. If installed

S E T T I N G S

F O R E & C

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

OFF OFF

ON

OFF OFF OFF OFF

ON

7

Model

Pontiac


Year(s)

Changer Location and

Notes

Oldsmobile

Requires GM factory data cable Part # 12344003 if not pre-wired in trunk.

Aztek 2003-2005

GM-C Cable behind Headunit

Protocol: XM

Achieva 1996-1998

GM-B Cable in trunk.

Protocol: E&C

Bonneville 1996-1999 GM-A Cable behind Headunit

Protocol: E&C

Alero 1999-2000


Protocol: E&C

Bonneville 2000-2005 GM-B Cable in trunk.

Protocol: Class 2

Alero 2003-2004


Protocol: XM

Firebird 1996-2002

GM-A Cable behind Headunit

Protocol: E&C

Aurora 1995-1999


Protocol: E&C

Grand Am 2003-2005 GM-C Cable behind Headunit

Protocol: XM

Aurora 2001-2004


Protocol: Class 2

Grand Am 1996-2000 GM-A Cable behind Headunit

Protocol: E&C

Bravada 1997-2001


Protocol: E&C

Montana 2004-2005


Protocol: XM

Bravada 2004


Protocol: XM

Montana 1999-2000


Protocol: E&C

Cutlass 1997-1999


Protocol: E&C

Sunfire 1996-1999


Protocol: E&C

Cutlass Supreme 1995-1997


Protocol: E&C

Sunfire 2003-2005


Protocol: XM

Eighty-Eight 1996-1999


Protocol: E&C

TransSport 1996-1998


Protocol: E&C

Intrigue 1998-2001


Protocol: E&C

Vibe 2004-2005


Protocol: XM

LSS 1996-1999


Protocol: E&C

Saturn

All Models

O P E R A T I O N

1995-1999

F O R C L A S S 2

O P E R A T I O N

F O R X M

O P E R A T I O N

F O R E & C


Protocol: E&C

2. If not prewired, you must

Regency

Silhouette

1997-1998

2004


Protocol: E&C


Protocol: XM

GM-A Cable behind Headunit use two Saturn cables:

Protocol: E&C

GM Part# 21023550 & 21023253

Silhouette


1996-1999

Radio must be AM/FM/CASS with 'TAPE/AUX" button.


AUX

or

SOURCE




Seek <

” or “

Seek >

”


Seek <

” or “

Seek >

”



BAND

buttons until you see XM1.



Seek <

” or “

Seek >

”


Seek <

” or “

Seek >

”



AUX

or

SOURCE

buttons on the radio.



Seek <

” or “

Seek >

”


Seek <

” or “

Seek >

”

9


Chrysler (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Plymouth, Eagle)

Make sure the Neo iON is compatible with your vehicle, Check for “Disc ^” printed on preset button “1”. If you see it, it means that your radio can control the Neo iON.

Before connecting any cables you must set the dip switch box to the position listed for your vehicle. If you set the dip-switches after you have connected cables to the box, you must disconnect and reconnect them for the iON to operate.

Chrysler’s use one of three cables (Old Din, New Din, New 10-pin). Remove the radio to see which cable fits your vehicle, and then refer to settings below.

Do not force cables in.

Use the “

Chrysler Old

” cable with vehicles 1995-1999/2000.

RADIOS WITH SQUARE SHAPE

Use the “

Chrysler New

10


S E T T I N G S

F O R H O N D A

O P E R A T I O N

S E T T I N G S

F O R T O Y O T A

O P E R A T I O N

Honda

Before connecting any cables you must set the dip switch box to the position listed for your vehicle. If you set the dip-switches after you have connected cables to the box, you must disconnect and reconnect them for the iON to operate.

1

ON

2

OFF

3

OFF

4

ON

5

OFF

6

OFF

7

OFF

8

ON

All 1992-2004 Honda’s are compatible with the Neo iON except the 2003 and

2004 Honda Accord and all Honda Element vehicles.



CD




Seek <

” or “

Seek >

”


Seek <

” or “

Seek >

”

Toyota

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

ON ON

OFF

ON

OFF OFF OFF

ON

Some 2003-2004 Toyota models require a special cable. This cable can be purchased from Toyota dealerships, it is part #08695-00370. Some radio models require pressing “

Seek >

” once to start playing after changing CD or after startup.

Toyota Matrix uses GM-C connector and GM Class 2 black box setting.



CD

button.


Follow the LCD readout instructions to change tracks.

11


Volkswagen

Make sure you have your radio’s theft protection code before you attempt installation.

When you reconnect power to the battery, you will need to enter this code.

Information about the theft protection code can be found in your vehicle’s audio operation manual.

Before connecting any cables to the black box you must set the dip switch to the Audi position. If you set the dip-switches after you have connected cables to the box, you must disconnect and reconnect them for the iON to operate.

S E T T I N G S

F O R A L L V W ’ S

O P E R A T I O N

1

ON

2

OFF

3

OFF

4

OFF

5

OFF

6

OFF

7

OFF

8

ON

There are two different cables for Volkswagen vehicles. One cable is for pre-wired vehicles with the connector in the trunk (VW-TRUNK). The other is for direct connection behind the radio (VW-FRONT). If VW-FRONT is used make sure the black and white cables are connected to ground.

If you experience problem with audio quality when using the trunk connector, disconnect and use VW-FRONT as the trunk connector is not compatible with your vehicle.



CD




Seek <

” or “

Seek >

”


Seek <

” or “

Seek >

”

12

T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G

Symptom

No Power

No Power

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

Alternator noise is heard

(Changes with gas)

TBA

TBA

Radio can’t recognize Neo iON




Neo iON suddenly is not recognized any more

TBA

TBA

Cause

Blown fuse

Bad connection

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

Wrong wiring creates ground loop.

TBA

TBA

Wrong selection on dip switch in the converter box

Bad cables or cables are not connected properly between converter box and car radio

Radio is not communicating with the right CD iON protocol

Yellow and black cables are not connected to Power 12+ and Ground. ( Only on some models)

Bad connector or power discharge

TBA

TBA

Chapter

3

Remedy

Replace fuse with same amp.

Rating. If the fuse blows again, call tech support.

Check cable connection.

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

Call tech support or ask a local car audio shop.

TBA

TBA

Select the right protocol for you car. (See Page 2)

Check connection and cables, push in firmly.

Call support, we can resolve any technical problem you have.

Please read manual and see if your car requires to connect the yellow and black cable to power and ground

Unplug the black converter box from radio and plug again

TBA

TBA

13

Notices, Warnings, and Warranty Info

One Year Limited Warranty

The quality controls used in the manufacture of this product ensure your satisfaction. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser of this product from an authorized dealer.

This warranty covers any supplied or manufactured parts of this product that, upon inspection by NEO CAR AUDIO authorized personnel, is found to have failed in normal use due to defects in material or workmanship. This warranty does not apply to installation expenses. Operating this unit under conditions other than those recommended or voltages other than the voltage indicated on the unit, or attempting to service or modify the unit, will render this WARRANTY VOID. Unless otherwise proscribed by law, NEO CAR AUDIO shall not be liable for any personal injury, property damage or any incidental or consequential damages of any kind (including water damage) resulting from malfunctions, defects, misuse, improper installation or alteration of this product.

All parts of this NEO CAR AUDIO product are guaranteed for a period of 1 year as follows:

Within the first 12 months from date of purchase, subject to the conditions above, NEO

CAR AUDIO will repair or replace the product if it is defective in material or workmanship providing it is returned to NEO CAR AUDIO, with PROOF OF PURCHASE from an authorized dealer.

If you have a problem with this product, please call or write to our Consumer Service Dept.

IMPORTANT Return INSTRUCTIONS: These instructions must be followed if you are returning the unit for warranty repair.

Make sure you have received an RMA number from our service department. Carefully pack the item in its original carton or other suitable box to avoid damage in shipping. Write the

RMA number on the outside the package (All packages received without an RMA number will be refused). Before packing your unit for return ; be sure to enclose y our full name, address, zip code, and telephone number. Also state t he problem you are having with the unit and your RMA number (Enclose in an envelope and tape directly to the unit before the box is sealed).

NEO CAR AUDIO recommends you insure the package (as damage in shipment is not covered by your warranty.).

Warning:

This equipment may be reset by unintentional electrostatic discharge during operation. Exposure to direct sunlight or extreme heat may cause damage or malfunction.

14

Caution

1.

Use of headphones while operating an automobile or moving vehicle is not recommended and is unlawful in some countries and areas.

2.

Be careful and attentive on the road. Stop operation of the Neo ION if you find it disruptive or distracting while driving. The driver of a motor vehicle should not operate the Neo ION while driving.

FCC Class B Radio Frequency Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encourages to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.

Notice 1: The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user authority to operate the equipment.

Notice 2: Shielded interface cables, if any, must be used in order to comply with the emission limits.

Copyrights, warnings, and other information.

The illustrations, technical information, data and descriptions contained in this publication are subject to change without notice. This publication, together with all information contained in it, and all intellectual property rights on this publication remain the property of NEO CAR AUDIO. The user may not pass this publication on to third parties.

No liability will be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions in this publication, although due care has been taken to make it as complete and accurate as possible

15

FORD Appendix

Neo ION Connection

2004 - Town Car, Grand Marquis, Marauder,

LS and Ford Crown Vic.

1. Preparing the Neo Ford-12pin Cable

Take the Neo Ford 12pin cable and cut off the black 12-pin harness. You will use only the cable and big White 22 pin connector (connects to the black box).

2. Connection to the Vehicle

There are two connectors located behind the radio, a 16 pin connector and a 24 pin connector.

We will first work with the 16 pin connector.

16pin Connector:

Neo

Red

to 16pin connectors

Orange/Black

cable (Pin #9)

Neo

Blue

to 16pin connectors

Gray

cable (Pin #10)

Neo

Green

to 16pin connectors

Light Green/Red

cable (Pin #1)

Neo

Pink

to 16pin connectors

Violet

cable (Pin #2)

Neo

Yellow

to 16pin connectors

Light Blue/Pink

cable (Pin #7)

Neo

White

to 16pin connectors

Tan

cable (Pin #8)

Neo

Brown

to 16pin connectors

Light Green/Black

cable (Pin #6)

24pin Connector:

Neo

Gray

to 24pin connectors

Violet/Light Blue

cable (Pin #1)

Neo

Orange

to 24pin connectors

Black/Light Green

cable (Pin #24)

*Important Note:

Some vehicle production runs do not have a cable plugged into the 16pin pin connector on the back of the headunit. If you are installing in this type of vehicle you can use another Neo cable (For example the Honda cable) and shave the plastic off of the white 22pin connector and remove the pins inside. These pins can then be inserted into the holes on the back of the vehicles stereo. Call technical support if you need further assistance with this option.

16

GM – Corvette Appendix

Neo ION Connection to

Chevrolet Corvette

Most Corvettes are pre-wired to the trunk. In case you can’t find the connector in the trunk, please do the following:

1. Preparing the Neo GM-A Cable

Take the Neo GM-A cable and cut off the Black and Red harness, you will then have two cables in your hands. One cable with the big white 22 pin connector and 1 with a small white 9 pin connector. You will use only the cable with the big

White 22 pin connector (connects to the black box).

2. Connection to the Vehicle

There are two connectors located behind the radio, one is black and the other is grey. We will first work with the grey connector.

Grey Connector:

Neo

Blue

to Connector

Brown+White

(Pin 11, the 1 st

pin)

Neo

Red

to Connector

Green+White

(Pin 12, the 2 nd

Neo

Black

to Connector

Black+White

(Pin 13, the 3

pin) rd

pin)

Neo

Yellow

to Connector

Dark Green

(Pin 15, pin 14 is empty)*

Black Connector:

Neo

Orange

to Black Connector thick

Orange

(Pin 10, the last pin, +12v)

Neo

Brown

to Black Connector

Black+White

(Pin 5, the middle, Ground)

17

Neo Car Audio | Car Audio | User manual | Neo iON Instructions

Instruction Manual

Table of Contents

Installation Preparation

This chapter provides information

for the installation of the Neo iON, it must be read by all users.

Before Installation

First Step (For All Vehicles)

Dip-Switch Overview

Vehicle Installation

In this chapter you will learn how to install the Neo iON in specific vehicles.

Acura

Audi

Ford (Ford, Lincoln, Mercury)

GM (Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, GMC, Pontiac, Saturn)

Chrysler (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Plymouth, Eagle)

Honda

Toyota

Volkswagen

Notices, Warnings, and Warranty Info

FORD Appendix

Neo ION Connection

2004 - Town Car, Grand Marquis, Marauder,

LS and Ford Crown Vic.

GM – Corvette Appendix

Neo ION Connection to

Chevrolet Corvette

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