QuestionQUESTION: Shawn-
I own a 2003 Ford Explorer Limited which currently has a factory installed radio w/6 CD changer along with a factory installed DVD player above the rear seat. I am able to operate both of these two components at the same time by using "Dual Play". This allows me to listen to music in the front seat while the kids are watching a movie and using headphones in the rear seat. I would like to upgrade the factory car stereo to an aftermarket product from Alpine which would allow me to plug in my iPod. However, I have been told by an "expert" that if I have the new iPod ready system installed that I will no longer be able to use my existing factory DVD player. Is this in fact true or is there a way to hardwire the DVD player so that it can have audio only by using the wireless headphones? Hopefully, I have given you enough information in order to assess the situation and come up with a possible solution or other options for me. However, if you should need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you in advance for any assistance that you can provide!
John"
ANSWER: Hi John,
Great question. First of all, is the factory deck a CD player or cassette?? If it's a CD player and since you are willing to install the Alpine headunit, I assume you are willing to forego the use of the factory 6 CD changer. If that is the case, there is a nifty little adaptor available from Crutchfield that would allow you to interface your Ipod with your existing factory stereo thereby retaining all the factory functions of dual play et al.
Have a look at the following link and let me know if this might be what you're after.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-SJhDUVDjqr9/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?I=541PXDPKF
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QUESTION: Shawn-
Thank you for your speedy reply! I have some additional questions for you though. Based on the Crutchfield adaptor's specifications, it appears as though I will no longer have the use of my Ford factory installed DVD system. In addition, my current stereo system is a combination radio and 6 CD changer(CD changer not working). Please take a look at the specifications that I pasted below and let me know if I am comprehending their specs accurately?
Thanks again, John
What you need to know » Factory radio must have a button labeled "COMP" and another button labeled "SHUFFLE".
» You will need to disconnect the external factory CD changer, if you have one, and connect the new adapter in its place.
» The factory radio must not have a built-in CD changer.
» Adapter plugs into the factory radio.
» If the vehicle has factory Video Entertainment it will no longer work with this adapter.
» The Crutchfield MasterSheet, if available, does not cover OEM integration.
What you need to know » Factory radio must have a button labeled "COMP" and another button labeled "SHUFFLE".
» You will need to disconnect the external factory CD changer, if you have one, and connect the new adapter in its place.
» The factory radio must not have a built-in CD changer.
» Adapter plugs into the factory radio.
» If the vehicle has factory Video Entertainment it will no longer work with this adapter.
» The Crutchfield MasterSheet, if available, does not cover OEM integration.
AnswerHi John,
What the sheets don't say is whether or not the rear video system stays active via the headphones for the rear passengers and that the adaptor just bypasses the Dual Zone feature. That I'm not sure of. I recommend you give the Crutchfield folks a call directly at 1-888-955-6000 and let them know that at the very least you would want the rear passengers to be able to use the headphones.
