Learn how to make a MP3 input on Ford OEM radio, for only $5.00 or less.

Step 1: First Find a Schematic for Your Paticular Radio.

The radio I have is a notorious Ford Taurus OEM radio. Because of it's shape and because the radio is actually in the trunk, it makes it difficult to find any cheap solution. We spent too much money buying a Ipod FM transmitter. It didn't like it. {LAME} The sound sucked, volume was too low. Too much static.

The first thing is to remove your radio from the car. In my case, there are two holes on each side of the radio. You have to put a stiff wire, like a coat hanger in the two holes on one side, push hard to release. Then release the other side. There is no good way to get a hold of the radio. I just stuck my fingers in the cassette opening and pulled.

This is the hardest part of the whole project.

Then I made a simple drawing of the wires on the car side of the plug going into the radio. (Sorry for the fuzzy pics I didn't have my good camera.)

Step 2: Taking It Apart.

You will need a torx bit to take this thing apart. They are fairly cheap at hobby stores. If you don't have them maybe one of your friends will. Friends are great aren't they. I think there are six or seven of them. Then the screws, I think there are five of these.

Next there is a screw with a 3/16th head you have to remove. Twist this switch and it comes right out. Then pull off this metal cover.

Step 3: Step3

Take off all three knobs. Then lift off the plastic cover. Be careful because there is still a ribbon cable attached. You will have to finagle it over the aluminum heat sink. The heat sink is the silver tall piece of metal. There are two more torx screws to get out the tape deck. Pull it out , it comes out easy. Almost there!!! On top of the circiut board there are three black plastic heads holding the boards together. All you do is take a pair of needle nose pliers and pinch them together and pull the boards apart.

Step 4: Finding the Solder Point.

Take a look at the wiring diagram and find your speaker + and - solder points for the cassette player.

Take a pair of headphones and cut them close to the earbud end. Any old pair will work.
I had these just lying around. Just strip it back, take the wire ends and solder one to the positive and one to the negative on the back of the circuit board.

Step 5: Do It All in Reverse.

Thats it !!!!! Put it all back together. Put the plugs in the back of the radio when you install it back in the dash.
Plug in your Ipod,or other Mp3 player, CD player, or anything else with a headphone jack.
Pop in a tape. I used an old weight loss tape. You won't be able to hear the tape unless you turn the volume way down. I suggest turning up you Ipod no more than 2/3 of the way, and then use your car stereo to do everything else.
You can adjust your volume, fader, balance, bass, treble on the radio itself. If you want to go back to your radio all you have to do is leave the tape in and push the FM button. It's that simple.