2003 Explorer Limited

[03WIExplorerLtd]

I want to add Ipod capability to my Explorer, and have some questions upon researching this on the internet.

Cutting to the chase, due to the lack of an Aux/satellite button, I am supposedly out of luck. I did see an post where a PIE adapter did work.

My question is this: Since it connected to the steering wheel controls, are those disable as a result ??

I don't want to get an aftermarket radio, so if I can't get the steering wheel controls to work along with the adapter, its either get some "decent" FM modulator, or just deal without it.

Any thoughts?

 

[HiImBrian]

I want to add Ipod capability to my Explorer, and have some questions upon researching this on the internet.

Cutting to the chase, due to the lack of an Aux/satellite button, I am supposedly out of luck. I did see an post where a PIE adapter did work.

My question is this: Since it connected to the steering wheel controls, are those disable as a result ??

I don't want to get an aftermarket radio, so if I can't get the steering wheel controls to work along with the adapter, its either get some "decent" FM modulator, or just deal without it.

Any thoughts?

I used a Monster FM Transmitter for a while and it worked really well. I know there are some aftermarket radios out there that will allow you to keep your steering wheel controls. Just have to be willing to spend the money on one.

 

[roush9799]

About $30-$40 you can make almost any aftermarket radio work with the steering wheel buttons. There are some great deals on radios with usb and aux inputs that will contol the ipod from the radio. I'm getting a JVC for Christmas.

 

[tower]

What radio do you have? No need for a FM modulator you can add an aux to the factory HU, how depends on what radio you have.

I had the 6 disk HU without the aux button and used a "PIE" adaptor, you hit the cd button once for cd and twice for aux (even says aux on display). There are other options but that is the one I used. I don't have it any more I went with after market radios but the "PIE" adaptor did work fine.

 

[03WIExplorerLtd]

What radio do you have? No need for a FM modulator you can add an aux to the factory HU, how depends on what radio you have.

I had the 6 disk HU without the aux button and used a "PIE" adaptor, you hit the cd button once for cd and twice for aux (even says aux on display). There are other options but that is the one I used. I don't have it any more I went with after market radios but the "PIE" adaptor did work fine.

---------------
Thanks - can you still use the steering wheel controls? How do I check which model radio I have? I have the radio w/o the aux button as well......

 

[tower]

Yes the steering wheel controls work the same as before, sounds like you have the same radio I had. I forget the model of the pie adaptor but I found about on this site so I am sure a search here or in the radio section will turn up what the model is.

I will tell you in the end I got an aftermarket radio that integrates "stuff" much, much better, now they have inexpensive radios that have great features. Yes my steering wheel controls still work fine.

 

[03WIExplorerLtd]

Great thanks. I am very pleased with the sound quality of the factory system, and enjoy the factory look.....

 

[derocheda]

IPOD for 03 Explorer

I have been looking into this for awhile I have a 03 XLT with the 6 Disc Radio but no steering wheel controls. This product from Crutchfield is supposed to work. I haven't ordered it yet since I am also thinking about changing out my Radio with a aftermarket one.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_581PA11F1/USA-SPEC-iPod-Interface-for-Ford.html?tp=120

 

[derocheda]

IPOD for Explorer

I finally purchased my USA SPEC iPod® Interface for Ford
Item# 581PA11F1 from Crutchfield. It took about 45 mintutes to install and it works flawlessly. No issues switching between Cd's, Radio and the IPOD. Only issues I ran into was rerouting the radio wires after you install the adaptor cables its a pretty tight fit. I placed the controller in my glove box and secured it with velcro tape. I ran the Ipod connector cable out of the plastic fill-in on the right side of bezel where the trip computer or 4 x 4 buttons would be if I had an Eddie Bauer or Limited.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_581PA11...rd.html?tp=120


03 Explorer XLT with Factory 6 disc Cd Player no subwoofer or steering wheel controls