How much will it cost to install an aux cable in the car? If you are asking this question, chances are that your car does not come with an aux cable. This means that you cannot play music from an mp3 player, phone, or other devices via the car audio system. Most modern types do come with this option. However, replacing the existing unit with a newer unit is a costly option, and this is why you are searching for a more affordable option.
What you want is to be able to play your favorite tunes stored in the phone, tablet, and other devices in a more convenient manner. Not to break the bank account or burn holes in the pocket by swapping the system. To know how much it would cost, it’s important to answer the following questions: Before you read further also check our article on How Do Aux Cables Work?
How Much To Install Aux Cable In Car?
Who is doing it?
One thing is that parts will need to be bought and some work will be done on the car. The panel cover will need to be removed in order to access the XM module and the back of the facial or panel. You will need to buy an aux jack, wires, soldering gun/ iron, solder wire, and much more. But who is going to do the job? If you are competent and confident in your skills, you can do it yourself. This s will save you the labor cost as well as time. All you need to worry about purchasing the parts.
However, if you take it to a repair shop, then be prepared to spend some money. In fact, you will be surprised that labor might cost more than the parts. Buying the parts yourself is usually cheaper. However, some shops always insist that they buy the accessories themselves, of course, to make a margin from it. The cost of labor may range from $50-100 deepening on the installer and the region.
Before settling for any specific service provider, it pays to look around and compare prices. Always deal with a competent and reputable company.
Make sure to read our article on Best Aux Cables. I am sure you will love to read it.
Do you have the necessary tools?
To carry out the installation, you need to have certain tools. These most notable are wire strippers for stripping the ends of the wires, a soldering iron or gun for joining the wires together, the solder which acts as the binding agent, hot glue gun for applying a sealant or protectant to the joined parts/ ends. You will also need a drill and a drill bit to bore a hole on the panel. If you have the tools, then the cost will be only the parts, which are the aux jack and the wires (optional if you have wires lying around).
However, if you lack the tools, then expect the cost to go higher since you will need to purchase them. And as you may know, quality types do cost a pretty penny. In such a situation, you may find it more economical to just take the car to an installer.
What type of car?
The type of car influences the cost of installation. This is because the location of parts including the XM module, design of the panel or facial will vary. Some cars will have constricted spaces, which make accessing the parts harder. Others will have expensive panels, which require more care when dealing with. For instance, working on plastic is much easier than on wood. You can easily remove a scratch on plastic in comparison to wood. In addition, the piece needs to be carefully fitted on some materials or else it may ruin the overall appeal of the front panel.
It is a known fact that high-end cars seem to attract a higher price tag. This may be because of the expensive parts or the common notion that the owner has more money to spend. As earlier stated, if you are relying on an installer, you should do some market research and comparison, and settle for the most affordable. Nevertheless, ensure it is a trustworthy firm. You don’t want a $100 dollar job to cost you damage in 100s or 1000s of dollars, do you?
What type of system?
Usually, fitting the aux cable in the car is similar. It is just a matter of getting an aux jack and connecting it to the XM module, which is found inside the car. The jack will have three parts, two for the signal or audio (left and right speaker) and the third one is the ground. The same parts will also be found in the module. It will feature a removable connector on the side or rear. Using a wire, solder and soldering gun, you connect one wire between one signal point and the designated point on the module and do the same to the other. The ground will go to the car’s chassis or ground.
However, you will find some types with complicated or weird looking modules. This means the installation may be a little complicated. This may be experienced especially with modern vehicles which are very technical. Rather than trying it yourself, you may find it a better option to let the professionals handle it.
Conclusion
Installing an aux cable isn’t that challenging if you have some bit of skills. In fact, it should take you less than 30 minutes. You nevertheless need the proper tools to undertake the activity. Time and patience are also important because it may take you a while to remove the panels and locate the XM module. Soldering the wire to the unit can be a bit challenging if the space available is too small or tight.
Also important is making certain that the soldering and sealing are done professionally. You don’t want to leave exposed or naked wires hanging. Not only does this cause interference, which affects the signal but can also cause a short circuit. If you are not very confident or competent, its better you let the professionals do it. In summary, the cost of installing an aux cable in a car is very varied. It will depend on a number of things as indicated above.
