Stupid radio question

[mhardig]

I have a (new to me) 99 Limited, 5.0 that has the combination tape deck/CD player.

I would like very much to attach my Ipod using one of those fancy-schmancy adapters- the "Peripheral" one is the one that catches my eye.

What I can't find, and the vehicle is new to me so it's confusing, is the connector. The back of my radio (it seems to be a "mach") has three connectors, and a sort of an empty spot where another connector might go, but without pins. Is this "empty spot" the place where the CD changer would ordinarily go, and does this mean I can't use one of those Ipod adapters? I so want to be able to control my Ipod from my car's steering wheel.

I've been looking through the old forums but my searches prove inconclusive, or perhaps I'm a dumbass and can't find what I need though it may well be there.

be gentle, I'm stupid.

 

[scucci]

Get the schematic for the Mach system here:
http://www.fordforumsonline.com/for...ration-1995-96-explorer-audio-schematics.html

CD changer plugs into the 20 pin socket on the head unit and has a 20 pin socket that the wire harness then plugs into.

picture of the cd changer harness:
http://oem-auto-accessory.com/harness_for_cd_changer_sirius_receiver_t100_plug_short.html

 

[mhardig]

AAH! So, one of the plugs that is already in my radio, is the plug for the CD changer, which in my vehicle is not installed- it just has the cable there "in case".

So I just have to unplug that 20 pin, and plug in the new adapter 20 pin. Awesome info, thanks!!

 

[scucci]

It sounds like you got right.
Good luck

 

[kgzak]

Wow! I didn't know they made things like that. I was gonna get a new HU but I think I might try this instead! I like the look of the original better and I get to keep my tape player!

But First How do I know if my HU is CD changer compatible?

 

[mhardig]

But First How do I know if my HU is CD changer compatible?

It looks like the ones with the CD and Tape player have the plug. This is what the back of my radio looks like, I think the squarish plug is the 20 pin you need.

No, that's not my radio, just a picture I found just like it.

 

[apuszczalowski]

Wow! I didn't know they made things like that. I was gonna get a new HU but I think I might try this instead! I like the look of the original better and I get to keep my tape player!But First How do I know if my HU is CD changer compatible?

You still have, and use, Cassette Tapes?!?!?!?!?!

 

[kgzak]

It looks like the ones with the CD and Tape player have the plug. This is what the back of my radio looks like, I think the squarish plug is the 20 pin you need.

No, that's not my radio, just a picture I found just like it.

Ok so I have one, my main problem is the Lights on it don't work so I am thinking about getting a used one somewhere. I also wanted to change out the colors of my dash lights but I'm not to sure yet. Thanks

You still have, and use, Cassette Tapes?!?!?!?!?!

I do have some and I do use them, I prefer digital but I have all my dad's old cassettes and listen to them every once in a while.

 

[mhardig]

Is yours a cassette/CD player? Is it the LED display that won't light up? I found instructions on here to fix that.

 

[kgzak]

Is yours a cassette/CD player? Is it the LED display that won't light up? I found instructions on here to fix that.

Yeah, I think so. I might take a crack at it when I have time. I'll search around and see what I can find.