Introduction: Adding an Auxilary Input Into a Ford Stereo
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17 Discussions
5 years ago
Like the post, I have a 2003 F150 stereo that no printed L R or GND on the circuit board.
Any thoughts?
Reply 5 years ago
Unfortunately not. If it weren't for the labels on my radio circuit board I would have never figured it out!
Reply 5 years ago
OK, thanks for the quick reply.
6 years ago on Introduction
Looks like you spend a lot of time doing this, and I'm sure it works ok , stopping the audio from the FM tuner when you insert the jack but are you aware that you can just purchase the auxiliary interface, and it will work on most Ford radios with a CD button from 1998 to 2014 ? that way there is no need to take the radio apart
this is the aux adapter
http://www.oemautosound.com/p-48-ford-auxiliary-fr...
Reply 6 years ago on Introduction
I'm not sure that these were available for my model year truck when I did this project. Regardless, I had fun doing it so I don't feel like my time was wasted :)
8 years ago on Introduction
Hi nice instructable. Could you tell me what the purpose of the input switch is for? I've got a FORD F-550 that I spend many hours in and would love to add an input for my iPhone. Are you adding the switch because of the exposed male jack that your mp3 player sets on?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
When in operation, the truck stereo is set to using the radio as an input. The mp3 player jack is connected to the L/R output of the radio tuner, which is before the stereo amplifier circuit. With the mp3 player connected and powered on, it provides a stronger signal than the radio so only the mp3 player is heard through the stereo.
If you had the mp3 player input direct without a switch, you would have to unplug or turn off your mp3 player if you wanted to hear the radio. I added the switch so I could toggle between the two without having to do any unplugging.
As far as I know, there isn't any harm with having the male jack exposed. If I toggle the switch with no mp3 player connected and the radio on, nothing happens to the sound coming from the radio.
Reply 6 years ago on Introduction
I'm having trouble envisioning how the mp3 player is connected to the L/R output of the radio. I think my problem is that I can't see how the 1/8" mp3 jack cable and the 1/4" jack cable that goes back to the radio are connected to the selector switch. What I keep seeing in my head is that the mp3 jack cable is connected only to the switch; I don't see in the pictures how it is getting to the radio. I know I'm missing something; can you elaborate?
Thanks, a bunch. I like what you did.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for the response. I'm going to give it a try!
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
No joy! Great instructable but unfortunately my radio is way different than yours. Could probably get it done but would have to deconstruct the entire radio to get to the pin outs. Pulled the housing off, removed the CD/Tape assembly only to find the receiver module encased in a tin shroud that was soldiered to the amp board. Don't have the tools for that much work here. Maybe I'll try it when I'm home again with my tools. Oh well nothing ventured nothing gained.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Well that's a bummer. Hopefully you can figure something else out!
6 years ago on Introduction
This is awesome!! It works Great. I found if I turn my iPod all the way down and turn the radio up I can still hear the broadcast.
8 years ago on Introduction
nice info and very clear pictures, how long did it take you to figure this out and make it work, also instead of sending the signal to the tuner preamp can we wire it to the tape or CD player ?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Thanks, I think it took me about a day to figure out the right points to tie in to.
I think it should work wiring to the tape or cd player; I didn't use the CD player input because in my truck there needs to be a CD in the player for it to be active.
8 years ago on Introduction
Will this work with a 1999 ford f150 cd player?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Probably. As long as the L/R output is labeled on the radio tuner it should be fine.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
didn't find it :(