Input jack on Ranger CD player

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Aug 14, 2006 | 07:39 PM

Seronac

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From: Orem, Utah, USA

Input jack on Ranger CD player

I've been wondering about some way to install an input jack in my Ranger so that I can plug in an MP3 player.

Both of my vehicles (2000 Ranger XLT and 2000 Windstar) had the option of a CD changer. I was thinking that if I could figure out the correct layout of the CD changer input, then I could mount a input jack on the dash and run it to the appropriate connectors on the CD changer input. I can't see why it wouldn't work, but I need to find the connector schematics and my shop manual (on CD) doesn't go into that detail.

Any tips/ideas/suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Aug 14, 2006 | 07:44 PM

Alan D.

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From: Slatington PA

Well, i wanted to do what you are trying to do. i got parts leftover. i oretty much when out and bought this. Sony CDX-GT300. it looks great, sounds great, and ha this cool jack that you can plug a cord ino. perfect for your mp3 play, in my case a palmpilot.

Aug 14, 2006 | 07:47 PM

Alan D.

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From: Slatington PA

it was 139.99 and came with everything needed. i actually like it betyter than the OEM system, better sound quality. but i have 4 amps installed, with an eight-speaker bose system.

Aug 14, 2006 | 08:11 PM

FTE Trigger

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From: Greenvile, SC

USA Spec has one that uses the Aux. connection spot for the CD changer. I their set-up takes into account the variations in some of the volume levels that a add-on Mp3 player type item may otherwise have a problem with when being routed into a OE Radio ...
This was the only link I could find at the moment... http://www.crutchfield.com/S-41wKu0x...450&I=581DFF20

Edit: After looking around more, I suppose if you did get your hands on the Pin-out sheets- this could be very feasible. I just don't know what kind of quality of sound you'll get right off the MP3 player being washed into the back of the radio HU

Last edited by FTE Trigger; Aug 14, 2006 at 08:30 PM.

Aug 14, 2006 | 08:23 PM

Seronac

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From: Orem, Utah, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan D.

That's about what I wanted to do; it's for my palmOne LifeDrive. But I'm not interested in spending lots of money on it. I spent about $20 on an FM transmitter that connects to the headphone jack on my handheld. It works OK, except for occasional interference, typical for radio. If I can't do this for less than $30-$40 then I probably won't bother. But it would be sweet.

Thanks for the responses, guys.

Any more comments/tips/suggestions would still be welcome.

Aug 14, 2006 | 08:25 PM

Seronac

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From: Orem, Utah, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99Trigger3_0

USA Spec has one that uses the Aux. connection spot for the CD changer. I their set-up takes into account the variations in Hi-Lo frequencies/volume levels that a add-on Mp3 player type item may otherwise have a problem with when being routed into a OE Radio ...
This was the only link I could find at the moment... http://www.crutchfield.com/S-41wKu0x...450&I=581DFF20

That one's a possibility, but I'd have to really want it to spend that kind of cash on it.