QuestionI have a 2004 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer with an Audiophile sterio, with an unused SAT button. I want to be able to listen to music from an MP3 player, with by a standard jack or via Bluetooth. How can I do this?
AnswerHi Doug,
A company called Precision Interface Electronics (PIE) makes an adapter interface that should work for your vehicle. The model number is FRDN-AUX/S and it's sold by various online vendors. Here's a link to the manufacturer's web site:
http://www.pie.net/pie_store/shopexd.asp?id=10&bc=no
This adapter is used for vehicles that have a 20-pin plug at the back of the head unit. Some have a 16-pin or 24-pin plug. Unfortunately, it appears that there's no way to tell which type you have except for pulling the factory radio out and counting the pins. If you have the 16-pin or 24-pin version, a different adapter is available:
http://www.pie.net/pie_store/shopexd.asp?id=15&bc=no
You may be able to get more information from PIE's customer support department. Their number is 800-526-8590.
It's a little more difficult to remove the factory radio in your vehicle than in many Fords. The entire front dash panel needs to be removed before you can get to the screws that secure the radio unit. This document (PDF) from Metra Electronics includes dash disassembly instructions for your Expedition:
http://documents.victorytechnologies.com//documents/product/9523.pdf
A word of caution: Ford in-dash CD changers are notoriously sensitive to rough handling. Be sure to remove all the CDs before you start working on it. Don't turn the unit upside-down, and be extra careful not to drop it.
The PIE adapter isn't compatible with vehicles that have the Rear Seat Entertainment option installed (ie, an overhead DVD player).
Good luck with your project!
Brian
