2005 Ex MP3 solution?
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2005 Ex MP3 solution?
Wondering if anyone has found a decent solution to this problem.
Have a 2005 Ex, Ltd edition, with the rear DVD player. Want to add provision for my iPod and don't want to use a little FM modulator in the cigarette lighter. Crutchfield says there isn't an easy answer, and the solution they offer is an inline FM modulator that connects to the antenna input directly. Then I would run from the headphone output of the iPod into this unit.
I would prefer a solution that is "integrated", and doesn't have a bunch of cheesy wires hanging out all over, hopefully charging the iPod at the same time.
I would even be willing to replace the head unit but apparently Ford used some sort of proprietary setup interface with the DVD that makes that impossible unless I replace the DVD player also. I like the way the DVD system interfaces now, as the kids can watch a movie while the wife and I listen to something else.
Anyone cracked this nut?
Have a 2005 Ex, Ltd edition, with the rear DVD player. Want to add provision for my iPod and don't want to use a little FM modulator in the cigarette lighter. Crutchfield says there isn't an easy answer, and the solution they offer is an inline FM modulator that connects to the antenna input directly. Then I would run from the headphone output of the iPod into this unit.
I would prefer a solution that is "integrated", and doesn't have a bunch of cheesy wires hanging out all over, hopefully charging the iPod at the same time.
I would even be willing to replace the head unit but apparently Ford used some sort of proprietary setup interface with the DVD that makes that impossible unless I replace the DVD player also. I like the way the DVD system interfaces now, as the kids can watch a movie while the wife and I listen to something else.
Anyone cracked this nut?
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There's another thread on this site https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...-din-size.html and there are others as well. Search for F-250 or Excursion and Double DIN install in Google, that's how I've found it. As discussed in the other thread, Crutchfield is correct, a double-din won't fit ... but trim about 1/4 inch around the opening and it will. I've also read that the back needs a support and have seen kits. I don't have the links handy, and haven't done it yet myself but wanted to share at least that much since no one else has posted yet. Good luck and please come back and post results for us!
Last edited by CJ8 Puller; Jan 2, 2010 at 07:31 PM. Reason: Added amplifying info
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From: Vero Beach, FL
I did the FM Modulator from Crutchfield over a year ago. Here's a link to my post on a longer thread on this subject:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/2...ml#post7002743
I've also installed a newer version of the modulator in my wife's Subaru. I ended up using the power switch on that one (put a better looking and functioning switch in though) because she had problems picking up her FM stations when the modulator was on.
I guess it all comes down to whether or not you want to keep your factory head unit, or if you want to do a major project to replace the head unit and DVD player.
I'm cheap...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/2...ml#post7002743
I've also installed a newer version of the modulator in my wife's Subaru. I ended up using the power switch on that one (put a better looking and functioning switch in though) because she had problems picking up her FM stations when the modulator was on.
I guess it all comes down to whether or not you want to keep your factory head unit, or if you want to do a major project to replace the head unit and DVD player.
I'm cheap...
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Thanks for the input guys,
From what I've been able to gather, the 05 model is different from 04 and earlier. I have yet to read an account of an 05 EX or SuperDuty owner managing to do anything more than put in a modulator, or replacing the whole business, including the front end unit and DVD. If the FEU didn't have the fancy proprietary hookup to the DVD, this would be simple enough.
Looks like I have to consign myself to the modulator.
Husky44, I lived in Eagle river from 84 to 90. Was a different place then!
From what I've been able to gather, the 05 model is different from 04 and earlier. I have yet to read an account of an 05 EX or SuperDuty owner managing to do anything more than put in a modulator, or replacing the whole business, including the front end unit and DVD. If the FEU didn't have the fancy proprietary hookup to the DVD, this would be simple enough.
Looks like I have to consign myself to the modulator.
Husky44, I lived in Eagle river from 84 to 90. Was a different place then!
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From: Vero Beach, FL
Thanks for the input guys,
From what I've been able to gather, the 05 model is different from 04 and earlier. I have yet to read an account of an 05 EX or SuperDuty owner managing to do anything more than put in a modulator, or replacing the whole business, including the front end unit and DVD. If the FEU didn't have the fancy proprietary hookup to the DVD, this would be simple enough.
Looks like I have to consign myself to the modulator.
Husky44, I lived in Eagle river from 84 to 90. Was a different place then!
From what I've been able to gather, the 05 model is different from 04 and earlier. I have yet to read an account of an 05 EX or SuperDuty owner managing to do anything more than put in a modulator, or replacing the whole business, including the front end unit and DVD. If the FEU didn't have the fancy proprietary hookup to the DVD, this would be simple enough.
Looks like I have to consign myself to the modulator.
Husky44, I lived in Eagle river from 84 to 90. Was a different place then!
As far as the original post goes, I'm pretty happy with the modulator I put in, and the new generation one in my wife's car is even better. It has a port you can install in the dash, so you don't have a permanently installed cable. You won't get the ability to control your iPod from your head unit, but that wasn't a big problem for me since my MP3 is not an iPod.
Not sure if you have the steering wheel controls, but that's another function that I'm not sure would carry over if you installed a new head unit.
The other good thing about the modulator is it's inexpensive, and easy to pull if you decide you don't like it.
A big plug for Crutchfields too! If you haven't ordered from them in a while, their customer service, instructions, etc, are second-to-none. They even helped me find a hot wire in my harness to pull power from-over the phone, while I was sitting in the car (hint--it's not the red one!).
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I used an interface from PIE electronics. It interfaces with the factory h/u thru the dvd harness. It has 3 rca inputs and a selectable switch. I use it for my ipod and xm radio. PIE Precision Interface Electronics Online Store - TRIPLE INPUT AUXILIARY INTERFACE
You also need the Ford harness for it. PIE Precision Interface Electronics Online Store - TRIPLE INPUT AUXILIARY INTERFACE FORD
Mine is an 04, 05 should be the same. I know the 04-05 superdutys are different since Ford went to a can-bus wiring architecture in 05, but the Excursions stayed the same because they knew they were going to axe us
The only drawback I have found is on long trips when the kids want to watch a movie I can't use my xm or ipod since the interface uses the dvd input to the h/u. And my pos cd changer in the h/u is broken.
Hope this helps.
You also need the Ford harness for it. PIE Precision Interface Electronics Online Store - TRIPLE INPUT AUXILIARY INTERFACE FORD
Mine is an 04, 05 should be the same. I know the 04-05 superdutys are different since Ford went to a can-bus wiring architecture in 05, but the Excursions stayed the same because they knew they were going to axe us
The only drawback I have found is on long trips when the kids want to watch a movie I can't use my xm or ipod since the interface uses the dvd input to the h/u. And my pos cd changer in the h/u is broken. Hope this helps.
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I also use the PIE adapter for my 2000. It has a really good sound quality compared to a modulator or casette adapter.
However, on the 2005s you can either use a pie adapter or tap right into the DVD input.
However, on the 2005s you can either use a pie adapter or tap right into the DVD input.
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