Can I just say that this makes me so mad. I paid over $43,000 for the most top of the line brand new limited Explorer and I have to settle for an FM transmitter that only gives at best tape deck sound quality because all factory Ipod interfaces out there are not compatible with the headunit navigation or rear dvd entertainment.
The new 07's as I understand it come with a built in audio aux jack in the arm rest compartment. I tried to see if I could get that part and install it in mine. Service department gave me the number of the manufacturer that makes the headunit. HR something? None the less, they said even though the nav. headunit looks exactly the same in the 07 compared to the 06, they are not and the part would not fit with mine. Of course.
I was so frustrated I went and bought a Peripheral Electronics Ipod2car interface anyway determined to make it work. When connected to the headunit and the ignition turned to accessories, the SR (satellite radio) button appeared on the touch screen and when pushed, played the audio but did not offer the ability to control the ipod from the radio. Not only that, but "DVD Error" flashed every once in a while. Didn't care...I never use the rear DVD entertainment anyway.
I was willing to settle with the amazing sound quality, control from the ipod, and no dvd so I put everything back together. But then when I turned the car on, the SR option started flashing and disconnecting from the Ipod. wft? Took everything back apart thinking a wire came loose trying to stuff the HU back into the hole with all the wires. Started working again. With the car on and ipod playing in the HU, i began reconnecting all the wires for the electronics on the center console (info buttons, 4x4 buttons, ect). Plugged in the automatic climate control and as soon as the compressor kicks on, the headunit dropped the ipod. Someone explain that one! The headunit will only play the Ipod if the compressor doesn't turn on. Doesn’t make sense at all how the two would be related.
Of course the easiest thing to do is just replace the headunit, but I really don't want to do that...so I guess I'll keep *****ing until someone makes something compatible.