I'm purchasing a 2002 Escape. It has a 6 CD changer, but that's all I know about the system. Has anyone wired their iPod to their Ford? If so, what cable do I need? I purchased a cable for my fiance's Pioneer that worked great. Switch to AUX and the RCA cables to the 1/8 adapter to iPod.

thanks in advance.

I have a 1999 Ford Explorer and I ordered a Blitzsafe Aux Interface Module. It works great! Are you using the stock stereo? And are you prepared to do the installation yourself? If so you may need Ford Radio Removal Tools. Here is the link to Blitzsafe's Ford Part site:

http://www.blitzsafe.com/blitz_catal...litz_ford.html

Check it out and post me a reply if you have more questions. I have the 3G 15GB iPod installed in my Ford. Here is a pic of that:






b-storm

Wow. That rocks. Did you order it online? If so, where and the cost? Did you do the install? How much are the Ford Removal tools? That's a sweet iPod holder. Where did you get that?

Sorry for the all questions. You've the exact setup I'm looking for. I can't wait to get my new Escape and get my iPod rockin'.

Thanks in advance.
Chris

No worries dude. Here is what i did:

BREAKDOWN OF INSTALLATION:

I ordered the Aux Interface module from my local stereo shop. Once I received it I had to buy some Ford Radio Removal tools in order to remove my stock stereo. I got those from MatcoTools. Then I installed the module behind the deck to keep it concealed. Out of the module comes an RCA to 3.5mini cable, which goes into my Belkin Auto Charger, which happens to behind the dash also. Then the one cable from the charger (carrying audio and power) is run out of my dash into the bottom of my 3G iPod. The iPod lives in the RadioShack universal cell phone mount and is stuck on a PanaVise Bracket. I think the installation came out great because it is only one wire instead of two individual wires and the charger is concealed behind the dash. I wish I took pictures while doing the installation so I could show you but unfortunately all I have to share is the finished product.


So here are some links of the products i order:

Blitzsafe Aux Interface

Ford Radio Removal Tool, Matco Tools

Belkin Auto Charger for 3G iPods

Radio Shack Universal Cell Phone Cradel

PanaVise Ford Brackets


I definatly recommend doing the install yourself, its worth it and its fun, also you save money that way. Do get the Belkin Auto Charger, its way worth it! Hit me up with any other questions.

b-storm

I forgot to mention that this was a little bit of an investment. To break it down for you, the iPod was $399, the Aux Interface was $119, the Radio Removal tools were $10, the Belkin 12V charger was $39, the RadioShack Cell Phone Mount was $20, and the PanaVise bracket was $20. All of those prices don?t include tax and shipping so I probably spent close to $650 for the whole installation. Was it worth it? Hell yah! I couldn?t be happier with the way it turned out. I am very happy. I sleep way better at night knowing that my iPod looks tight in my Ford. Any one have any more questions need help with anything, drop me a reply or just give me props on the install! Good luck to anyone who attempts to replicate my installation.

b-storm

b-storm,
Thanks for posting your custom installation. It looks very nice. I have a 98 F150 andI am going to use your install. I have already ordered the aux interface. I have a couple of questions though if you don't mind.
The Belkin car charger docking connector carries the audio signal as well as the power to the bottom of the ipod?
How in the world do you provide current to the charger from behind the power outlet?
Does the ipod end up using the small amp in the Belkin, the amp in the head unit, or the ipod amp?
Do you leave the Belkin gain knob wide open?
This installation permanently disables the CD changer doesn't it? I assume there is no way to toggle back and forth.
Thanks in advance for your help.

rt297-

In response to your questions, the Belkin car charger does carry audio and power in one cable with the apple dock connector port on the other end. I don't know if i understand your second question correctly but I have unscrewed the side 12V power outlet from the passenger's side dash panel and hid it under the two-cubby dash piece. Check out this image for a better idea:



Once you connect the iPod to some source of audio through the dock connector, you are no longer using the amp on the iPod. So to answer your question, I am using the amp on the Belkin as well as the amp in my deck/head unit. Do I leave the Belkin gain knob wide open? Yes. I have that maxed out and just control the volume for my speakers from the deck. Yes the installation permanently disables the CD changer in my explorer, but you must keep it installed! I unplugged the changer and it didn?t work at first, then I plugged it in and it still didn?t work. Then I had to put a CD in the changer and play that in order to hear the iPod. It's kinda tricky but it ain't no big deal anymore because the iPod will play un-interrupted from now on even if the CD finishes.

Hope that answers your questions, if not drop me another reply.

b-storm

Thanks b-storm. That's pretty much how I figured it would work, and yes that answers my question about how the charger gets juice-you just unscrew the power outlet, and put it behinfd the dash. I'm not sure I understand about the CD scenario. Each time you power up the ipod, you have to press the "CD" button on your head unit, and let it play a CD without sound?
Thanks for getting back to me with all the info. I appreciate it.

rt297:

Sorry it took me so long to reply but here is how the CD changer setup will work. If you have the iPod plugged in, you will need to leave the changer plugged in. Press the CD button once on the deck to hear the in-dash single CD and press the CD button twice to hear the Changer (iPod). The head unit thinks the CD changer is playing, and in fact it is, but the audio is muted or something and all you can hear is the audio coming out of the iPod. It sounds perfect and you cannot hear any music from the changer. If you turn off the car while listening to the iPod, then the next time you turn on your car it will be ready to play without having to press the CD button. I hope that answers your question and if not please write back again. Also let me know if you have ordering any parts yet and how much they are costing you. Also take a picture so I can see how it looks!!!!

b-storm

I would recommend buying some sort of mount for your iPod, rather than trying to nail it to the dashboard. I've read reports that suggest that this can adversely affect the overall sound quality, and can also bugger up the casing.