I've searched this for about a month and haven't come across anyone with the same problem. When i plug in my ipod (tried a couple different ipods)the sound plays through the ipod speakers and not through the car speakers. The problem started a few months back when the male end of the plug land in some liquid. The ipod would play on and off through the car speakers but it just quit one day. I recently installed the d3 in my fj cruiser and purchased a pioneer ipod cable and to my surprise it played through the car speakers but it quit on me and now only plays through the ipod again. I can controll the ipod through the unit but no sound in the vehicle. any help would be greatly appreciated.

Where did you buy the cable?

Amazon. The previous cable was pioneer as well and I have the same issue with both

It is likely a cheap Chinese knock off which often cause problems. Go to Best Buy and buy the authentic cable and see if the problem goes away.

I also came across some people saying to make sure the av1 is set to iPod but the only options I have are video and ext

Well that indicates the unit thinks there is not iPod cable connected. Buy the cable as I instructed and see what happens.

I will give it a shot. The cable i purchased was labled and packaged in "pioneer" packageing. here's the link to the cable, let me know what you think.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LYAZ4G/ref=oss_product

Like i mentioned previously, the odd part is that i have full control of the ipod (changing songs, playlists, etc.) through the avic d3. it just wont play music through the car speakers only through the ipod speakers.

A counterfeit cable will show te Pioneer packaging and that is the typical garbage coming out of China which is what you will likey find on Amazon and eBay.