2014 Explorer Sport... Where are the RCA inputs?

[Riley]

As I mentioned above, I consulted the engineers and the RCA video connections were discontinued for 2014 because the feedback from customer focus groups was that they were never used.

Now you get a mini stereo input jack in the Media Control/Connection Module along with a "powered" USB port(s)

I don't have my 14 yet so I cant test but I would be interested to know if you can push video through the USB ports now.

Are you able to test?

The USB ports on all are powered now, the problem is the iPads require more voltage to charge than a phone or iPod does which the in-car USB ports do not provide. Sounds like the '14 models will now provide the necessary voltage to charge iPads.

 

[CreativeAVtech]

As I mentioned above, I consulted the engineers and the RCA video connections were discontinued for 2014 because the feedback from customer focus groups was that they were never used.

Now you get a mini stereo input jack in the Media Control/Connection Module along with a "powered" USB port(s)

I don't have my 14 yet so I cant test but I would be interested to know if you can push video through the USB ports now.

Are you able to test?

There is adapter cables for stereo mini ports that include video connection via a 3rd ring on the 1/8 inch headphone style plug. These are typically found in camcorder applications. Now I have very strong doubts that Ford kept the video capabilities through a plug like this but it may be something to look into just in case.

 

[Sgt1411]

You mean like this?

 

[anonymous]

^ yes, that would accomplish the same thing as the RCA jack and is what I was asking Rebecca about above, to which she responded it doesn't have that capability.

 

[CreativeAVtech]

Yup... although I don't imagine ford built in that connection to replace the functionality of the rca plug but reduce the space used. And I guess that is what anonymous was referring too

 

[Exploradoora]

I got a 2014 in August 2013, finally spent the time today to update Sync and put pictures for Wallpaper. Spent hours today looking for the RCA jacks referenced in the manual so my daughter could watch while parked. There is a mini jack labeled "Line In" where the manual shows RCA jacks next to SD and USBs. Looked in console, passenger side, rear console -- no RCA jacks. Line In is for audio. Ford support said can't play video, but I asked "can you play DVD?" Anyway, for sure no DVD through MFT, and I believe no way any video. Tried some things, no video. I can live with it, but I feel snookered.

 

[peterk9]

I got a 2014 in August 2013, finally spent the time today to update Sync and put pictures for Wallpaper. Spent hours today looking for the RCA jacks referenced in the manual so my daughter could watch while parked. There is a mini jack labeled "Line In" where the manual shows RCA jacks next to SD and USBs. Looked in console, passenger side, rear console -- no RCA jacks. Line In is for audio. Ford support said can't play video, but I asked "can you play DVD?" Anyway, for sure no DVD through MFT, and I believe no way any video. Tried some things, no video. I can live with it, but I feel snookered.

Welcome to the 2011 - 2014 Explorer Forum :wavey:.
Now all you have to do is update your profile to show 2014 Explorer + model (XLT or Limited) so we all know what you have.

Peter

 

[MustangJim1]

I have a 2014 explorer limited with 302a package. I can confirm that no input plays video, tried them all with avi mov mpeg and h264.

Have 2 questions.

1 is their still a video input on back of Touch module? That I can tap into and maybe add a/v input in center console.

2 does anyone know if the dual headrest dvd system by Invision play video on the Touch screen? I know the audio can be played through sound system.

 

[Sgt1411]

I have a 2014 explorer limited with 302a package. I can confirm that no input plays video, tried them all with avi mov mpeg and h264.

Have 2 questions.

1 is their still a video input on back of Touch module? That I can tap into and maybe add a/v input in center console.

2 does anyone know if the dual headrest dvd system by Invision play video on the Touch screen? I know the audio can be played through sound system.

I have the OEM Invision LT Dual Headrest DVD and can confirm NO DVD signal from either DVD player will be viewed on the MFT screen.

Not to say it cant be done just that it isn't configured that way as OEM.

I will attach a picture of the back of the APIM showing one of the inputs not used but no clue what its for.

 

[Sgt1411]

 

[Sgt1411]

 

[13Sport]

I will attach a picture of the back of the APIM showing one of the inputs not used but no clue what its for.

I believe it's just a second USB port. It may have been intended for "future expansion", but it's likely originally intended for doing maint/upgrades w/out unplugging the media hub.

 

[dfrosted]

I have a 2014 explorer limited with 302a package. I can confirm that no input plays video, tried them all with avi mov mpeg and h264.

Have 2 questions.

1 is their still a video input on back of Touch module? That I can tap into and maybe add a/v input in center console.

2 does anyone know if the dual headrest dvd system by Invision play video on the Touch screen? I know the audio can be played through sound system.

This -----> http://www.coastaletech.com/mytouch2.htm

Adds video inputs and allows to enter navigation destinations while moving. I can personally say it works great, but I do have a '13 with RCA's too. It has it's own RCA video inputs in the lockpick.

 

[MustangJim1]

Can someone with a 2013 explorer find out where the a/v ports plug into? Ex: wiring harness or back of MFT. Thanks

 

[peterk9]

Can someone with a 2013 explorer find out where the a/v ports plug into? Ex: wiring harness or back of MFT. Thanks

If you are looking to use the MFT for playing video, I don't think that can be done and likely for a good reason.

Peter

 

[13Sport]

Can someone with a 2013 explorer find out where the a/v ports plug into? Ex: wiring harness or back of MFT. Thanks

The video ports are part of the usb media hub. The hub plugs into the usb port on the back of the apim.

 

[peterk9]

Although it was mentioned that the likely reason for removing the A/V RCA inputs is that they weren't being used, I can confirm that the 2014 MKT still has them.:scratch:

Peter

 

[Sgt1411]

Although it was mentioned that the likely reason for removing the A/V RCA inputs is that they weren't being used, I can confirm that the 2014 MKT still has them.:scratch:

Peter

Interesting that customer feedback was that Explorer owners didn't use them but Lincoln owners still did.......hhhhmmmmmm.....I smell something.

 

[buck91]

I've noticed that our Explorer Sport with the FMT and Sony sound system doesn't have the video input plugs in the center pocket like the regular units do. It still has the USB inputs and whatnot. Is this normal- and if so, are these inputs still present in the wiring harness and just hidden?

 

[peterk9]

I've noticed that our Explorer Sport with the FMT and Sony sound system doesn't have the video input plugs in the center pocket like the regular units do. It still has the USB inputs and whatnot. Is this normal- and if so, are these inputs still present in the wiring harness and just hidden?

I'm guessing you meant MFT. Using the 'Search' (upper right) feature helps. I found this thread and merged yours with it. The RCA inputs were no longer installed in any of the 2014 Explorers.

Peter