Antenna in Back, FM Modulator in Front

[JedK1]

I just bought a new 2004 Sienna, and it seemed to me that I can do better buying the DVD system after market, than getting it from the dealer.

An installer in my neighborhood put in a LCD screen, a player in the glove compartment, and somewhere deep behind the glove compartment a FM Modulator.

The problem is the system sounds like Sh*t. I have to put the volume way up, almost full blast to hear the DVD player, and it's really muffled. The installer tells me that's the way it is with FM Modulators. I just don't believe it. With the volume at full, I get a clicking sound in the background too.

I suggested to the professional installer that the antenna is in the back, and the FM modulator probably can't be buried deep in the front. Toyota put the antenna in the rear right window next to the third row seats.

QUESTION PART:

Do you think that is the problem?

The installer says he's going to try a different brand FM Modulator, because I think at this point he doesn't want to take the time to run the FM Modulator all the way to the back of the van.

I'm going back there on Tuesday (4 days from this post). I need to go in there with something to say. The guy did a really neat job, but it has to sound good.

Thanks,

JedK

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[Slody4Futbol 10+ year member]

almost all fm modulators i've installed you have to turn the volume WAY up on the radio to be able to hear the dvd... unless you can find one with an adjustable line level out or something... that would be great

 

[JedK1]

that stinks.

But how about the part where the Antenna is so far from the FM Modulator?

And the clicking noise.

 

[JedK1]

almost all fm modulators i've installed you have to turn the volume WAY up on the radio to be able to hear the dvd... unless you can find one with an adjustable line level out or something... that would be great

I spoke to the my installer today, and I told him what you said. He says that is true, but mine is worse than most. I asked him if it's possible to hardwire the thing into my factory installed radio. He said he can get a RF Modulator instead of an FM Modulator, with a couple of adapters.

So, I said I will look into this.

My other option is to put the FM Modulator in the glove compartment with the DVD Player, and have the ability to Unplug it when I want, and plug one of those wired cassettes that plug into my cassette player.

So what do you think?

Thanks,

JedK

 

[jdp72]

Hey is there any update to this thread??? I have an '04 MPV and the FM Modulator on my aftermarket mobile DVD unit sounds like crap when I play it through the stock radio.

 

[JedK1]

I did some research and the only way to get better sound is to hardwire.

There were two ways to do this that I found.

The RF Modulator didn't work.

What worked for me was I cut into the wire that connects to the FM Modulator, and put in a 1/8" female plug. So, now the kids can plug headphones directly into it (with a splitter). and I can plug a casette player adapter into it and then it plays clearly through the entire car speaker system. The FM Modulator is still there as a backup.

The second way, (I didn't do this) is to hook up to the CD Changer connector in the back of the radio. They sell adapters for this, so that you can hook up a DVD Player. This is a good option, but a little more money. I didn't do this because I didn't have the time to get it together, and I didn't want to take apart my dashboard to do it.

I hope this helps.

JedK