AUX Input on Radio

[TBurd42]

I have a 2005 T-Bird which has a CD\AUX button on the factory installed radio. Is there is an input for AUX to plug in an iPhone output somewhere on the radio or console. I looked in the Ford Owner's manual with no explanation for AUX. Can anyone clarify this issue? Thanks

[Sealy]

Re: AUX Input on Radio

Ford put that button there, just like the Phone button, to drive you crazy. And to save money. Same radio in many cars in many countries. All of them with different features operated by the same buttons. Whether or not you have that function does not matter. They saved money by not having to reprint to a label that makes sense.
CD/Aux is for your remote CD changer. The AUX can also be SAT, as I recall. There in no easy way to tap into these ports for reasonable use. There are, however, adapters on the market that give you some flexibility. Do a search here or poke around the TB Garage section and you'll find some solutions. Also, Google will lead you to aftermarket information.
Good luck & welcome - -
P.S. I'm one of several that just chucked the radio and went aftermarket upgrade.

[steelblue5505]

Re: AUX Input on Radio

Actually the AUX/CD button does have a use and so does the SAT button on the Audiophile Stereo system installed in the 2005s. They operate and work perfectly when the additional equipment is correctly added. On the rear of the unit are the necessary plugs to accept the harness(s) when adding satellite radio. Not certain about a IPod.

Call Crutchfield's and ask 800 319-8264 or go to http://www.crutchfield.com/

They can help you.

PS Removing the radio is very easy to do, quick and nothing gets damaged.

[bronzebird]

Re: AUX Input on Radio

Actually the AUX/CD button does have a use and so does the SAT button on the Audiophile Stereo system installed in the 2005s. They operate and work perfectly when the additional equipment is correctly added. On the rear of the unit are the necessary plugs to accept the harness(s) when adding satellite radio. Not certain about a IPod.

Call Crutchfield's and ask 800 319-8264 or go to http://www.crutchfield.com/

They can help you.

PS Removing the radio is very easy to do, quick and nothing gets damaged.

The system is set up so that the SAT button will handle either a Satellite radio or an I-Pod but not both. I have the I-Pod device for sale right now that fits into the '03-05 Thunderbird. I replaced my factory system with a Clarion complete Nav/Sound system that has the I-Pod connection built in so I no longer need the stuff to plug into the factory outlet.

If anyone wants it for $100 PM me.

Bronzebird

[Sealy]

Re: AUX Input on Radio

The question was iPod. I went the adapter route and it lasted less than a week before it drove me up the wall. It does work as advertised, just cumbersome as all get out. Also, the display on the factory radio is not all that readable when used to display all the needed information.
Check it out here - - -http://www.mp3carpros.com/product_info.php?products_id=118

[bronzebird]

Re: AUX Input on Radio

Sealy:

I didn't find any problem with the I Pod connection when I had it hooked to the factory radio. The read out only provided about ten characters on the radio but that was usually enough to tell which song was playing.

What did you find cumbersome?

Bronzebird

[Bird03]

Re: AUX Input on Radio

I seem to remember that someone went this route before and they said that they couldn't fully control the iPod from the radio buttons. I think it was you could navigate the playlists, but not scroll through the list of songs in each playlist. Maybe things have gotten better with the interface.

[vsardine]

Re: AUX Input on Radio

I seem to remember that someone went this route before and they said that they couldn't fully control the iPod from the radio buttons. I think it was you could navigate the playlists, but not scroll through the list of songs in each playlist. Maybe things have gotten better with the interface.

Thats what happened hear. Can't really control iPod classic through radio controls. Easier to unplug,pick something and plug it back in. But it's better than nuttin'.

[Sealy]

Re: AUX Input on Radio

I've put it all behind me, but . . . the play list thing was at the heart of it, as I recall. Anytime you modify something to work in a way it's not intended to, it gets complicated. It's a CD changer, so we'll just set it up like playlists are CDs, then you have to remember what's on each pretend CD, then . . . well, it's down hill from there. Added to the fact you're going 50mph on bad roads with a display that doesn't tell the whole story. I'm way to old for that.