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Connecting to the Stereo Using an Auxiliary Audio Cable

If your Garmin DriveSmart™ device is not connected to the vehicle stereo using a Bluetooth® connection, you can send the device audio to the vehicle stereo using a 3.5 mm stereo auxiliary audio cable.

  1. Connect one end of the audio cable to the 3.5 mm audio output jack on the Garmin DriveSmart power cable plug.

    Audio cable connected to power
    TIP: The electrical system in some vehicles may generate background noise in the device audio, such buzzing or squealing, when you connect to the stereo using an auxiliary audio cable. If this occurs in your vehicle, you can connect a ground loop isolator Callout number one (sold separately) between the audio cable and the audio output jack on the power plug. This can help eliminate the electrical background noise.
    Audio cable connected to an isolator with a callout
  2. Connect the other end of the audio cable to the auxiliary input jack for your vehicle stereo.

    This jack may be labeled AUX or Line In. See your vehicle owner's manual for more information.

  3. Set the audio source for your vehicle stereo to the auxiliary input.
  4. Select an option:

    • During the initial Garmin Drive™ app pairing process, select No when the app asks whether you currently use Bluetooth technology to connect your smartphone to your vehicle.

    • After the initial pairing process, from your Garmin DriveSmart device, select Volume > Bluetooth Audio Setup, and verify Garmin Device is selected for each audio type.

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