"Aux" button 2005 Explorer

[frankjc]

I have a 2005 Explorer with the 6 disc in dash. There is an "aux" button, all I can find in the manual is "this button is not operational". What is it there for?

 

[Donner]

You'd probably have to flip the stereo around to see what's back there... an auxiliary plug for some attachable device... maybe it's an mp3/ipod connector.

 

[Maniak]

If it is the same head unit that is in the new mustangs the Aux was there for DVD system type thing. In the mustang I had to buy a PIE adapter (thats the company name). The Pie adapter converts the funky plug on the back of the unit to a regular 1/8 stereo plug. Its not just a matter of converting plug styles.. On the mustang it has to send special signals to the head unit so it knows its there (it even sends what it is.. ours says "PIE" when we hit the aux button).

~Mark

 

[frankjc]

Interesting. Do you have a pic or a link to this connector?

 

[Infinity08]

If it is the same head unit that is in the new mustangs the Aux was there for DVD system type thing. In the mustang I had to buy a PIE adapter (thats the company name). The Pie adapter converts the funky plug on the back of the unit to a regular 1/8 stereo plug. Its not just a matter of converting plug styles.. On the mustang it has to send special signals to the head unit so it knows its there (it even sends what it is.. ours says "PIE" when we hit the aux button).

~Mark

It was also not very consistent and there were lots of problems with the interface. Mine kept eating discs, so it got parked in the basement.

 

[Maniak]

Interesting. Do you have a pic or a link to this connector?

I'm not sure which model you would need but here are the Ford options for vehicles w/out an external DVD/CD changer on the Aux input..

http://www.pie.net/pie_store/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=118&cat=Ford


Here is the unit I use on our '06 Mustang (same for the 05). The mustang uses a CAN system which makes things more complicated.. I don't think the explorer had that in 05 (not positive though)

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=50900&i=469FRDRAUX&tp=422h



~Mark