03 expo adding an aux port

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mike holmes

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So, I’m sure this question has been asked but when I searched I couldn’t find a clear answer. What I want to do is add an auxiliary audio port to play my iPhone through the factory radio. I have seen several aftermarket interfaces but they all talk about plugging into the CD changer port. I have the CD player with the built-in six disk changer. I also have the factory DVD and headphones system as well as steering wheel controls that I do not want to lose by putting in an aftermarket head unit. I have included a photo of the radio that I have in case there are any questions about it.

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ManUpOrShutUp

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I did a little Googling and it looks like there are no ports of any kind on the back of your stereo, so I think adding capability by getting a device to transmit via FM would be the cheapest option. Alternately, it looks like there was a premium factory unit with an Aux input on some Fords during that time period, though I don't know their compatibility w/ your steering wheel controls offhand. FWIW, I would just replace the entire headunit with an aftermarket. You should be able to retain the steering wheel controls with no problem on an older vehicle. I had an aftermarket unit (JVC) in my 2000 Mountaineer and still had steering wheel controls. Take a look around on Crutchfield to find models that would allow you to do that.
 

Hamfisted

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You can usually connect your steering wheel control feature to almost any aftermarket head unit. The stock head unit usually breaks within a few years anyway. I'm surprised if your CD changer still works, unless someone has already paid to have it repaired. There have been tremendous advances in head units since that one was produced over 15 years ago. You can upgrade to a NAV unit too.

-Mike
 
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mike holmes

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Thanks for the info, the CD changer option is broken by the way. I think I’ll just get an aftermarket head unit then. It’s a shame, the factory unit has good sound quality. Any recommendations on a low cost but good sound quality replacement? I’m not looking for studio quality sound but I’m looking for something decent.
 

Hamfisted

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I would start out by looking over Crutchfield's website. What fits your truck (double din ...). What head unit you want (stereo, NAV, etc ....), and what your budget will allow.

https://www.crutchfield.com/m_266150/Car-Stereos.html

If you can afford it I would get a NAV unit ( HD Radio, plus rear view camera...). You can mount the GPS puck up under the dash behind the head unit, so it's invisible. It will see up through the plastic dash cover no problem.


-Mike



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Bain64

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ManUpOrShutUp

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Thanks for the info, the CD changer option is broken by the way. I think I’ll just get an aftermarket head unit then. It’s a shame, the factory unit has good sound quality. Any recommendations on a low cost but good sound quality replacement? I’m not looking for studio quality sound but I’m looking for something decent.

Any of the major brands will be as good as the stock unit in that regard. If FM radio is important to you, be sure to look at the specs as there can be a significant difference in the signal-to-noise ratio between units. My old JVC was feature-packed, inexpensive, and performed well. I ended up with one largely because they were one of the first to offer an in-dash USB port, which I considered a must (now I have a USB port in my console on the '11). I haven't looked at their newer stuff though.
 

Habbibie

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Thanks for the info, the CD changer option is broken by the way. I think I’ll just get an aftermarket head unit then. It’s a shame, the factory unit has good sound quality. Any recommendations on a low cost but good sound quality replacement? I’m not looking for studio quality sound but I’m looking for something decent.

Mine has the tape deck player too, I use the cassette adapter to play from my phone. Possibly this is the cheapest and most factory looking option you have, XLT's are littered with cassette players you can pick one from the local junk yard for a few lousy bucks and you know it'll fit and wire in perfectly!!!
 
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