CD Player to Aux input

[Salt16]

After only 14 years and 185,000 miles; my CD player decided to give up on my 2001 Expedition. It still plays, but jumps around. I've researched the web for an answer with a routine finding of "it costs money". Specifically, is there a way I can disconnect the CD changer and rewire with an Aux input? It seems to me there should be a way that doesn't cost $50 to $75 dollars. I'm thinking more like a few wires and a soldering gun.

Looking for input.

Thanks,

 

[98RedExp]

The best thing you could do is just replace the headunit. I bought this Pioneer model 2 years ago and it has gone into my Expedition from my Explorer. Its STUPID easy to wiring a new radio. Its so easy even a MORON can do it. You just match the colors.

Amazon.com: Pioneer DEH-X6500BT Mobile Single Din In Dash CD/MP3 Receiver with Bluetooth, MIXTRAX and Pandora: Car Electronics

You will accomplish a few things. One you get rid of the HORRIBLE audio quality of the stock headunit. You get Aux Input AND Bluetooth Capabilities. (When I get in my truck, my phone automatically syncs and starts playing Spotify from where I last left off) AND it supports phone calls as well(comes with a mic you can place in the cabin)

BUT, essentially you would just need to do this.

Diy aux input on a factory radio - PerformanceTrucks.net Forums

Find the CD channel outputs on the stock headunit's board via diagram and solder on some wires that connect to a 3.5mm female plug BUT it certainly won't be reliable nor will the headunit regulate that audio properly as it would be regulating directly from the device/ipod/phone rather than what its designed for (to regulate through the board on the headunit)

 

[Salt16]

I appreciate the feedback. Replacement of the radio, though about $100 more than I want to spend, probably makes the most sense.

UPDATE: Ordered and en route. Thanks again.

 

[splintrcel]

if you have a tape deck you can run a tape converter and it produces really good sound quality. i would rate its quality higher then radio but lower then the CD player.

 

[98RedExp]

You'll need the right metra harness & install kit as well, so head over to their site for that. your local pro audio install warehouse will more than likely stock the kit. Installing a radio in these trucks requires snipping of that metal bracket inside the dash.

 

[Salt16]

I ordered the new radio (the recommended model) from Crutchfield. It comes with "everything" needed to install and the shipping was free. Net, net, it was about $20 bucks more than Amazon. Should be here in a couple of days. We'll see what it looks like. Fingers crossed.

 

[Salt16]

The new radio went in today. Fantastic. It took a little longer than I had planned, but it looks good and does everything, plus. I can now dial my phone and listen to my iTunes with voice-command. I don't know what else you could ask for. It was a great recommendation 98RedExp.

The only downside: now my wife wants one in her car. So much for the cheap route.

 

[TheMightyThor]

I put a pioneer double din unit in mine, PC. Richards did it for free, they had to do some cutting in the sub dash but well worth it, the unit looks great and all the features you could want.. was $204 installed... no complaints !

 

[murmaider2]

The new radio went in today. Fantastic. It took a little longer than I had planned, but it looks good and does everything, plus. I can now dial my phone and listen to my iTunes with voice-command. I don't know what else you could ask for. It was a great recommendation 98RedExp.

The only downside: now my wife wants one in her car. So much for the cheap route.

you could give the wife your radio. Heres the solution you wanted,
Ford Lincoln Mercury Nissan Factory Radio Adapter Interface Aux Input iPod MP3 | eBay

 

[Salt16]

Thanks for the link. No regrets on my part. I'm very happy with the new radio and install.

 

[jlo82585]

I was wondering about this actually, my Eddie Bauer has the mach system which is nice but I was thinking about putting in an aftermarket radio. will the recommended pioneer unit with the proper harness allow me to keep the stock amp and sub?

 

[vigman]

i just put am after market unit in my EB with Mach... it was a bit of a PITA...
The head unit ( factory ) is pre out.. but not in RCA's
The 4 channel amp for the door speakers is under the dash below the AC / HTR controller.
( that was not fun to get out ) The lines to the speakers and the lines to the sub live down there. You have to adapt the sub amp connector to take an RCA a triggered hot and a ground... I direct wired to the harness.. I had a whole write up on it... but tossed it.

 

[Salt16]

I was wondering about this actually, my Eddie Bauer has the mach system which is nice but I was thinking about putting in an aftermarket radio. will the recommended pioneer unit with the proper harness allow me to keep the stock amp and sub?

I bought my unit from Clutchfield. I would call them on your question (and buy from them). They're very helpful.

 

[98RedExp]

i just put am after market unit in my EB with Mach... it was a bit of a PITA...
The head unit ( factory ) is pre out.. but not in RCA's
The 4 channel amp for the door speakers is under the dash below the AC / HTR controller.
( that was not fun to get out ) The lines to the speakers and the lines to the sub live down there. You have to adapt the sub amp connector to take an RCA a triggered hot and a ground... I direct wired to the harness.. I had a whole write up on it... but tossed it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LU8N1C/ref=oh_details_o02_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thats what I used. Just plugged it into the harness @ the bottom near gas pedal and fished the lines up to my headunit, then matched the colors. LOL.

 

[ibd2328]

You can solder a aux code to your cd player/tape output for 3 bucks if you want to do that.

 

[z168]

you could give the wife your radio. Heres the solution you wanted,
Ford Lincoln Mercury Nissan Factory Radio Adapter Interface Aux Input iPod MP3 | eBay

wow good find - thanks for the link. A bit overpriced IMO.

Speaking of retrofits, I have a DICE retrofit in my other car (for more $$ of course) but it integrates into your stereo (thru the same CD changer harness) but gives you bluetooth streaming, phone answering (even SIRI) and works with the steering wheel controls too. The song titles even show up on the screen.

 

[z168]

just wanted to add:

I wont argue with the audio aficionados but I thought this worked well in my expe.

got this for $40 from amazon



I use my iphone to stream music or pandora. only downside is you cant answer phone calls with it

 

[98RedExp]

That is amazing.

 

[z168]

That is amazing.

it is, but it could have improvements.

PROS
1. battery lasts about a week with average use (say about 2hours per day)

CONS
1. BT doesnt reconnect once you enter the car. you have to reconnect (not re-sync, not that hard, but a hassle from today's standards of BT reconnection).
2. wish the unit would power on once the tape reel starts spinning instead of ejecting, power on, then slide it back in

 

[jbanks]

While we are adding. Here is how I did my AUX input and disabled the CD Changer. Though I saw a thread somewhere about putting in a multi conductor switch to be able to switch back and forth. I don't use the CD Changer anyway.

http://www.expeditionforum.com/f42/aux-auxillary-input-1998-navigator-expedition-3-5mm-20358/

I am thinking about adding in a bluetooth receiver, wired in the same way.