If you own a late-model vehicle, (probably 2001 to current), you can use a "PIE" adapter to connect an Ipod or other digital music player to your stereo, and control the volume via the factory volume knob. Note, many new (2006 and up) factory stereos come with line-in jacks on the face of the stereo - if you have this then you don't need the mod described here as you can just use a mini-jack cable.
1. First, you need to make sure your stereo can accept this mod. If your factory stereo has this "AUX" button then you can do this. Ford's after 2001 came with this, and Ford uses it to control all sorts of things, from satellite receivers to remote CD changers.
2. You need to obtain a PIE CAN-BUS auxiliary adapter kit. This little box and harness connects to a jack on the back of the factory stereo and allows auxiliary input via a stereo mini-jack. The PIE adapters range from $60 to $100, depending on whether you want a standards auxiliary input or a dedicated Ipod input that will charge your ipod as you drive. Shown is FRD004-AUX, which is a standard auxillary adapter.
3. Gently pry the face plate off the dash to access behind the factory stereo. I'm doing this on a 2006 F150, but most late-model Ford vehicles have the same procedure for pulling off the trim faceplate.
4. Next, attach the red end of the supplied PIE harness to the open spot in the back of the factory deck. You can feel around for the slot, it is dead bottom center on these Ford decks. Otherwise you can remove the four torx screws and pull the deck out to gain visibility to the back side.
5. Use the supplied wire splice connectors to tap into the factory cigarette lighter as a 12V source. Connect the two free leads from the PIE harness as shown.
6. Connect the other end of the harness to the PIE module as shown. Note, there is a third connector on the harness which is not used (the PIE instructions indicate conditions when this could be used, so be sure to read them.)
7. The PIE box has two standard RCA jacks. Connect the RCA to 3.5mm stereo mini jack cable and route to your desired location. These cables are available from Radio Shack for $5 and in various lengths.
8. After you route the RCA cable so the mini-jack is in your desired location, use the supplied double-faced tape to stick the PIE box securely under the dash. It is light weight, we just stuck it under the stereo.
9. We ran the RCA cable under the dash and up through the center console cup-holder. This way we can plug the ipod or other device in and see it while driving. There are a number of mounting options for holding the ipod, including suction cup brackets which mount line-of-sight on the windshield.
Remember, the auxillary PIE adapter we are using only enables volume control via the factory stereo volume knob. To change tracks you still use the ipod's controls. There are PIE adapters that are ipod specific which will charge the ipod and possible let you control it via the factory stereo controls.
10. Once you attach your device via the mini-jack, turn the stereo on and press the "AUX" Button. The display will show "Crystal Line" and you are in business. Review the video above to sample how nice this sounds through the factory Ford F150 stereo.
Re: Play your IPOD through your factory Ford stereo
Dearborn_Chic
Very simple, just go to radio shack or wherever and get a minijack to minijack cable (also called a male double mini jack cable), about $7:
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