Adding Bluetooth Module to a Car

[Septimus]

Since this could go in several categories, I just stuck it in General. 

 

Short Version

My car doesn't have Bluetooth, can I add a Bluetooth module to it by disconnecting the speaker wires from the board in the car and plugging them into the Bluetooth module? 

 

Long Version

I bought a Bluetooth module a while back that would allow me to connect to regular speakers without Bluetooth connectivity wirelessly. Since I'm inheriting my dad's old car, and it doesn't have Bluetooth, I've been wondering if I would be able to add that module to it. My idea is to disassemble the center console with the electronics in it, find the audio controller, and simply unplug or cut off the wires where they connect to the board. From there, depending on whether or not the cables had connectors I could preserve, I could plug them into the Bluetooth module and have Bluetooth connectivity. However, if I am unable to preserve the connectors, would cutting the speaker cables and soldering another cable with a connector onto it work? Is this idea plausible at all? 

From what I've read, cutting and soldering speaker wires doesn't result in reduced quality provided that a quality solder is used. 

 

Bluetooth module: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06X3TRNG6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 

[scighera2]

3 minutes ago, Septimus said:

Since this could go in several categories, I just stuck it in General. 

 

Short Version

My car doesn't have Bluetooth, can I add a Bluetooth module to it by disconnecting the speaker wires from the board in the car and plugging them into the Bluetooth module? 

 

Long Version

I bought a Bluetooth module a while back that would allow me to connect to regular speakers without Bluetooth connectivity wirelessly. Since I'm inheriting my dad's old car, and it doesn't have Bluetooth, I've been wondering if I would be able to add that module to it. My idea is to disassemble the center console with the electronics in it, find the audio controller, and simply unplug or cut off the wires where they connect to the board. From there, depending on whether or not the cables had connectors I could preserve, I could plug them into the Bluetooth module and have Bluetooth connectivity. However, if I am unable to preserve the connectors, would cutting the speaker cables and soldering another cable with a connector onto it work? Is this idea plausible at all? 

 

Bluetooth module: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06X3TRNG6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 

This might not be the answer you are looking for. But I added Bluetooth to my car when I installed a new stereo system, which was connected to my old speakers. 
So the answer that I can give is "maybe." Sorry if this isn't that helpful.

[Septimus]

2 minutes ago, scighera2 said:

This might not be the answer you are looking for. But I added Bluetooth to my car when I installed a new stereo system, which was connected to my old speakers. 
So the answer that I can give is "maybe." Sorry if this isn't that helpful.

If I understand correctly, you just replaced the entire stereo with something like this: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113BT268U/Kenwood-KDC-BT268U.html 

 

[scighera2]

2 minutes ago, Septimus said:

If I understand correctly, you just replaced the entire stereo with something like this: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113BT268U/Kenwood-KDC-BT268U.html 

 

Yes

[ZimFreak]

I would recommend against splicing a bluetooth module into the wiring. The problem is that you need an amplifier between the source (your phone) and the speakers. If you just plug your phone or the bluetooth module directly into the speakers, it won't have enough power to drive the speakers at any decent volume. The stereo in the dash also amplifies the sound signal before sending it to the speakers.  If the car has an aux jack, just get a bluetooth adapter that will plug in there. If not, I would get a whole new stereo. You can find decent bluetooth stereos in the $50-100 range easily. Or try googling "[year make and model of car] add aux jack" and see if adding an aux would be easier, then you could hook up bluetooth to the aux with something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-SoundSync-Bluetooth-Streaming-Multi-Point/dp/B0176G5TRO
 

[Septimus]

1 minute ago, ZimFreak said:

I would recommend against splicing a bluetooth module into the wiring. The problem is that you need an amplifier between the source (your phone) and the speakers. If you just plug your phone or the bluetooth module directly into the speakers, it won't have enough power to drive the speakers at any decent volume. The stereo in the dash also amplifies the sound signal before sending it to the speakers.  If the car has an aux jack, just get a bluetooth adapter that will plug in there. If not, I would get a whole new stereo. 

Yeah, I've been reading up on it in the past few hours and that was the issue I was combating. I think I'm just going to go with a whole new stereo if I do it. 

I can't believe the thing doesn't even have an aux jack  

[ZimFreak]

Just now, Septimus said:

Yeah, I've been reading up on it in the past few hours and that was the issue I was combating. I think I'm just going to go with a whole new stereo if I do it. 

I can't believe the thing doesn't even have an aux jack  

yeah I have a 2003 Elantra and I had to buy a new Boss stereo to get bluetooth and aux. Btw, I just edited my post to add this: "try googling "[year make and model of car] add aux jack" and see if adding an aux would be easier, then you could hook up bluetooth to the aux with something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-SoundSync-Bluetooth-Streaming-Multi-Point/dp/B0176G5TRO"

 

For my car it's not feasible to add aux but some cars it's easier.

[Septimus]

1 minute ago, ZimFreak said:

yeah I have a 2003 Elantra and I had to buy a new Boss stereo to get bluetooth and aux. Btw, I just edited my post to add this: "try googling "[year make and model of car] add aux jack" and see if adding an aux would be easier, then you could hook up bluetooth to the aux with something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-SoundSync-Bluetooth-Streaming-Multi-Point/dp/B0176G5TRO"

 

For my car it's not feasible to add aux but some cars it's easier.

Okay, will do. Right now this is my #1 pick 

[Septimus]

3 minutes ago, ZimFreak said:

 "try googling "[year make and model of car] add aux jack" and see if adding an aux would be easier, then you could hook up bluetooth to the aux with something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-SoundSync-Bluetooth-Streaming-Multi-Point/dp/B0176G5TRO"

 

For my car it's not feasible to add aux but some cars it's easier.

Looked it up and its the same process and I'd still have to buy a new stereo. Oh well, guess I'm getting that Boss stereo or dealing with regular radio channels  

[ZimFreak]

18 minutes ago, Septimus said:

Okay, will do. Right now this is my #1 pick 

~~SNIPPED IMAGE~~

Looks good. Not sure what that item is for $53.79 is but it looks like a basic wiring harness in which case you definitely shouldn't spend that much. Not sure if there's some special case with the 09 trailblazer but I don't think so. Something like this would work for much cheaper: https://www.amazon.com/CHEVROLET-2002-TRAILBLAZER-INSTALL-MOUNTING/dp/B01N3TO3F3/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1505496968&vehicle=2009-47-489-------------0&sr=1-1-fkmr0&ymm=2009%3Achevrolet%3Atrailblazer&keywords=09+trailblazer+stereo+wire+harness

***Edit: Just noticed this- "DOES NOT FIT : Vehicles with Bose or Onstar" which I'm guessing is your problem there.

 

And I'd recommend watching a youtube video on the install process before ordering to make sure it's within your capabilities and you don't need any more tools (wire stripper, soldering iron, heatshrink wire wraps).

 

But you can always do the whole thing with a knife to strip the wires, twisting them together and taping with electrical tape. 

[Septimus]

5 hours ago, ZimFreak said:

Looks good. Not sure what that item is for $53.79 is but it looks like a basic wiring harness in which case you definitely shouldn't spend that much. Not sure if there's some special case with the 09 trailblazer but I don't think so. Something like this would work for much cheaper: https://www.amazon.com/CHEVROLET-2002-TRAILBLAZER-INSTALL-MOUNTING/dp/B01N3TO3F3/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1505496968&vehicle=2009-47-489-------------0&sr=1-1-fkmr0&ymm=2009%3Achevrolet%3Atrailblazer&keywords=09+trailblazer+stereo+wire+harness

***Edit: Just noticed this- "DOES NOT FIT : Vehicles with Bose or Onstar" which I'm guessing is your problem there.

 

And I'd recommend watching a youtube video on the install process before ordering to make sure it's within your capabilities and you don't need any more tools (wire stripper, soldering iron, heatshrink wire wraps).

 

But you can always do the whole thing with a knife to strip the wires, twisting them together and taping with electrical tape. 

Okay, thanks for the recommendation, even though it isn't compatible - I'll look around for something cheaper. I thought that the price on there seemed a bit high. I watched a video earlier and it doesn't seem very difficult.