I have an 06 Mountaineer with the touch screen navigation system and stereo. Do any of you have a suggestion for the best way to hook up an Ipod?

 

The "best way" depends on what you want and how much you want to spend. If you're cheap like me, then get an FM modulator. This is an inexpensive device that allows an iPod (or similar device) to play through your existing stereo. It isn't CD quality, but it's close.

BTW, this is similar to the RF (radio frequency) modulators that transmit a signal to your stereo. I had one of those and hated it. The signal was so weak that it would fade in and out, even though it was all of three feet from the antenna. On long trips, radio stations would interfere with the signal, so I had to change the frequency a lot. An FM modulator does the same job, but instead of transmitting a radio signal, it connects inline between your antenna and the stereo. I paid $20 for mine at Fry's.

When I put one of these in my '96 Ex, I had to get a set of adaptor cables because the Ford antenna plug and jack are not standard (Motorola) connectors. This cost $15, also at Fry's. The modulator's output uses RCA jacks and the iPod uses a 3.5 mm subminiature jack, so you'll have to pick up the appropriate cable. It cost me about five bucks. So for $40 if you do the work yourself, you'll have an aux input for the iPod. Less, if you don't need the adaptor cables. I don't know if an '06 Mountie would need them or not.

There are more expensive solutions. Some devices will charge your iPod. (I have a car charger for my iPod; cost me $15 at, you guessed it, Fry's). Some can show song titles using the OEM stereo's display. Like I said, it depends on how much you want to spend, and I'm cheap.

I bought this modulator: http://shop3.outpost.com/product/488...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG . It turns on when it detects the audio from your iPod and shuts off after 15 seconds of silence or low output, so it might shut itself off if you're listening to classical music and there is a silent or quiet part playing. Other modulators have an on/off switch that you mount in a convenient place. The antenna adaptor set I used is a Metra 40-FD30, available pretty much anywhere that sells and installs car stereos.

Have fun!