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A FM modulator just give you a place to send a audio signal to the radio, it won't provide any control, you just turn the radio to the channel it transmits on and listen to whatever you have connected to it. I've had a few of these over the years and have been disappointed with the volume and quality of the sound and the local stations butting in when I'm on a road trip. There are some that connect to the antenna lead, I haven't tried one of those, maybe they sound better.
The steering wheel controls are monitored by the CAN bus and the signal tells different modules to turn stuff on and off. I don't think if you install the steering wheel the buttons will work without some software changes or even adding a module. It may be possible to add the controls but I believe there more to it than just the switches.
On my 2006, I added a line in plug and USB charger port. That wasn't too much trouble. There are a couple different radios but if yours has an "AUX" button on the right side of the display there is a relatively inexpensive interface that plugs into the back of the radio with an adjustable line in. The USB charger port I just tagged on to the back of the power port plug.
I know this doesn't help with the steering wheel controls but looking for an easy way to bring my trucks radio into the new millennium, this is what I found.
I got all the parts from OEMautosound.com in Kissimmee Fl. I think the adapter works with two different model of factory radios but it does have to be one that has the AUX button on the front. The aux adapter said it was for model year 2004-2008 F250's not sure why it didn't specify 2003. Item number FRD04-AUX, and cost $69. The 3.5mm audio jack came with the necessary cables to hook it into the adapter and a pretty nice cable for the phone, item number IS335, and cost $16. The charging port was item number IS43 and cost $15. So the whole deal is right at $100 and maybe an hour to install.
I'm wanting to know if the column wiring harness has the connectors/wiring to plug into the steering wheel with the volume controls...I think the 2003 Expedition/Excursion came with steering wheel controls, don't know if all the harnesses where the same.
Second, if so...then could I plug a modulator into the wires coming out of the column to then control the radio?
I know my radio allows for use with a modulator...just have to get the signal from the steering wheel to it first...
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
