Ipod/CD changer wiring

[UnorthodoxCreat]

I have a 97 4Door XLT and I want to be able to play my 40Gig Ipod on it. I want to hardwire it so I dont really lose quality like with a modulator and more importantly I want a clean OEM looking install. My question is can I tap into the console CD changer wires and use them as the input to the stock headunit. I dont want to but a new headunit as this is my daily driver and I'm not modding it, its totally stock. I just want to be able to enjoy all my music. My thinking is that there are audio input wires going from the changer to headunit as well as a power wire and maybe others. Could I tap into those input wire with a audio jack that will fit the Ipod and then have switch that turns the power off to the changer so you dont have both trying to send a signal at once. Can anyone tell me if this is possible or some variation of it? Maybe my thinking is totally off or I'm not describing what I want clearly but let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Adam

 

[shadowplay0918]

Did you look into getting a converter?

http://www.pie.net/

 

[UnorthodoxCreat]

Did you look into getting a converter?

http://www.pie.net/

Maybe I'm missing something or I dont know what I'm looking for but I dont see one for an Explorer. Cost is a concern also but if the product is right I'm willing to pay a fair price.

 

[shadowplay0918]

Maybe I'm missing something or I dont know what I'm looking for but I dont see one for an Explorer. Cost is a concern also but if the product is right I'm willing to pay a fair price.

This may be the 1 you need...

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piefrdfpcpod.html

(they aren't cheap though)

 

[DeathsArrow]

Which factory head unit do you have UnorthodoxCreat?

If it's the Series 868 (tape deck, cd player and cd changer controls) you're in business, but it'll cost you at least $60, with either the PIE adapter or a USASpec adapter.

 

[UnorthodoxCreat]

Which factory head unit do you have UnorthodoxCreat?

If it's the Series 868 (tape deck, cd player and cd changer controls) you're in business, but it'll cost you at least $60, with either the PIE adapter or a USASpec adapter.

I'm not sure how to tell the difference. It has the 6 disc changer in the console, tape player in the headunit. This is the best picture I have for now. http://images.geekazoids.net/headunit.jpg I believe it is the premium soud system but no subwoofer(there was a factory woofer option right?) That first options more than I'm willing to spend. I might be willing to put out $60 for another option if I know mine wont work.

 

[UnorthodoxCreat]

Looking at this it seems like it would work. http://members.shaw.ca/rides/97exp with cd changer.pdf

I could just tap from my ipods output to the left and right, positive and negative wires fo the cd changer. Then I can put a switch in to turn off the power to th cd changer when I want the Ipod to be sending the signal. Am I off in my thinking?

 

[UnorthodoxCreat]

I just got it to work using the method I posted before. The sound quality is excellet. My factory CD changer will still work too. In the end all its going to cost me is $2.XX for a on/off switch and my time which I have more than enough of.I just got it to work using the method I posted before. The sound quality is excellet. My factory CD changer will still work too. In the end all its going to cost me is $2.XX for a on/off switch and my time which I have more than enough of.

 

[TeamEMC]

UnorthodoxCreat,
What wire do you switch? I 'm assuming you can wire this into the plug at the cd changer, but you need to turn off the audio from the cd changer and route in the mp3/aux input? I'd love to do this to my explorer. Any info would be great. Thanks