I have an old ipod video. I am connecting it to my car with a usb adapter due to the fact that the battery won't hold a charge. It however keeps saying "ok to disconnect" on the screen even though it will play music. I have to unplug it to see the display and change the song. Is there any way to plug it into the car and be able to still see the music list?
What happens if you do a Reset while it is connected?
Learn how to reset your iPod - Apple Support
If you are connecting it to a USB port on a car audio system, you may want to connect it to the power outlet (or "cigarette lighter") using the appropriate adapter. If the connection is purely a power connection, I don't think you'll get the OK to disconnect message. It would be like connecting the iPod to a USB power adapter at home.
That caused it to freeze. I had to bring it inside and plug it into my computer in order to get it to unfreeze. The problem with charging it through the power outlet is then I can not play the music through my car, which is the purpose of having it there in the first place. It is weird because it will play music while it says ok to disconnect, and the car stereo will say the name of the song playing, just that you can not change songs manually unless you unplug the device.
I see what you're saying now... Most modern car audio systems simply use the iPod as a storage device for song files, like you are plugging in a USB flash drive. The car audio system is doing the playing of songs, not the iPod. So, you should not have to touch the iPod while it is plugged into the car audio system. The car audio system is in control. It's fine if the iPod says OK to disconnect (because it is OK to disconnect the iPod).
I guess my main concern then is how do I switch between songs or albums. I was hoping to be able to easily go between artists and songs while in my car. Is there a way to change this setting on the ipod?
Whatever control you have for changing songs is probably done using the car audio system's interface. You'll need to consult its user guide. The iPod, while connected, is mostly acting as a storage device for song files.
ipod video car connection question
