MP3 Hookup into my F-150

[85_Ranger4x4]

First off, all the application lists I am finding for the radio I have also list the Ranger, so it should still apply to RBV's.:derisive: I got a MP3 player for Christmas this year (Microsoft Zune30) and I would like to be able to use in both of my trucks. I have done a little research and have found that FM transmitters don't usually work well, and that the best way to do it is to wire it in (which costs about the same as a transmitter anyway). It seems it will pretty much plug in with a converter if you have a CD changer compatable radio. The converter would take it to the standard RCA plugs, then a cheap pigtail from just about anywhere would take to the standard headphone jack. I have been reading in my owners manual to see if it gives any pointers on what I have before I tear it all apart, and it mentions that the "Shuffle feature (if equipped) operates in CD changer mode..." I have a shuffle button my stock CD player, but it is just a CD player with no changer. Did they actually put changer compatable units in trucks without the changer or is it just wishfull thinking on my part? Is there another way to tell what I have without pulling the thing out? I like my stock radio, and really don't care to put a aftermarket unit in it if I don't have to.

I have a aftermarket unit in my Ranger, and I am 99% sure it already has RCA inputs in the back so it should be a cakewalk. For once it shouldn't be the problem child for a project.

What I want to use for my F-150, if it will work:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-F150-2002-Radio-IPod-Zen-iRiver-Mp3-Aux-Input_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118QQcate goryZ38636QQihZ014QQitemZ330189231653QQrdZ1QQsspag enameZWD1V

What my F-150 radio looks like:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-FORD-CD-PLAYER-RADIO-F150-RANGER-ESCAPE-CROWN-VIC_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ38641QQihZ002QQitem Z120203459265QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[regnardrof39]

most likely the rca plugs on your stereo is audio outs for amplifer apps. so the only way to hook up your mp3 player to you stereo is to use the plug made for hooking up cd changers. like i had a older pioneer cd player and i bought a plug that hooked up into the port that had rca's on the end and then used a rca plug with a 1/8 stereo plug to plug into the mp3 player

im not sure what kind of plug u need to hook up to ur player but as long as both plugs have the rca's it will be no prob. to use your zune in each truck

[Original_Ranger84]

What type of stereo do you have in your ranger? might be pre amp cables like regnardrof39 said.

Looks like the F 150 plug thingy will work just fine.

[Ranger SVO]

Peripheral makes an AUX input for the 02 Ford. PAC-Audio also makes an AUX input, its called the AUX Box. You will need it and a vehicle specific harness. Its plug and play other that a power and ground connection.

I am not familiar with the brand that you have posted. However I have had good luck with Peripheral, PAC, American International and Soundgate products.

Nothing that I know of is avalable for an 85 model, other than an FM Modulator.

[85_Ranger4x4]

The Ranger has a Pioneer DEH-1500, I originally got it for my Laser in the fall of 2003 when I was in college, and transplanteded it in my Ranger shortly before I sold the car. I am thinking the RCA ports on the back of it are indeed for an amp, I plugged a walkman into them (so I wouldn't mess up my MP3 player) and it wouldn't do anything related to what the walkman was doing. I can't find any buttons specific to a AUX in so it turns out I may be out of luck on that venture.

I tried Best Buy for the adapter for my '02, they had no clue what I was talking about. I am going to try a couple other places before I resort to ebay.

[Ranger SVO]

The Ranger has a Pioneer DEH-1500,

I tried Best Buy for the adapter for my '02, they had no clue what I was talking about.

The Pioneers that have an Aux in capability will have a P in the model number, example DEH-P7600. An adapter would be required but it has aux in capability.

Try a real car audio specialty store. They can be very helpful in providing you with the item that will best work for you.

[85_Ranger4x4]

I hit Best Buy on the way out of town for the holiday, coming back I noticed a automotive audio store I am going to try when I get time.

DEH-1500 is all the CD player says in my Ranger, I don't drive it enough to justify putting a new CD player in, and really aside from the MP3 deal it works great.

http://incolor.inebraska.com/weisinator/components/cd-players/pioneer/deh-1500.htm

[85_Ranger4x4]

I stopped, they said it is usually about $170 for one, but he didn't even look it up. I think he was wanting to sell a new radio, it really irks me when they try that crap. I have one more place to try but I ain't going to put that kind of money in my stock CD player. I could get a kit, the plug in and a decent aftermarket for that much and still have money left over.

[Ranger SVO]

I stopped, they said it is usually about $170 for one, but he didn't even look it up. I think he was wanting to sell a new radio, it really irks me when they try that crap. I have one more place to try but I ain't going to put that kind of money in my stock CD player. I could get a kit, the plug in and a decent aftermarket for that much and still have money left over.

And you will always run into Car Audio Shops like that. Sorry, they give decent shops a bad name. And they wonder why more and more people use the internet.

Keep shopping around, and if you don't feel your being treated right do just what you did, walk away.

[foxmx217]

look at crutchfield.com, i got a head unit with aux jack in the front, CD player and radio for 70 bucks and it works just as good as a really expensive one, and its got EQ and loudness.