I'm looking for the simplest way to play my iPhone (iPod, MP3, whatever) in my truck. It's a 2004 F250, so it doesn't have any integrated options that I'm aware of. Single CD, single cassette (but the cassette player broke a while back). I've tried the FM transmitters, but they never seem to work very well. Is there any way to integrate with the current stereo, or is it pretty much replacing the system at this point? I would love to avoid that, and do this on the cheap if I can.
I wish I had better info for you, but my brother ran a hard-wired iPhone type cable into the factory system in my wife's Pilot so she could do exactly what you are looking to do. It's basically a cable that goes into her stock system and has an 1/8" plug in for the phone at the other end.
I've done that too, forget what it was called. I've found the easiest and long term cheapest way is to just go ahead and put a new head unit in there. Lots of cheap ones have iphone/ipod/mp3 player control capabilities.
Stock head unit basically has no inputs. Single CD, single cassette that no longer works. Other than that it gets AM/FM, so it's pretty "dumb." There are no auxiliary inputs, unless there's something in the back that I'm unaware of.
I'm not opposed to this, if it would be easy to wire. I'm just not sure what I would need to connect that to in order for the head unit to accept the signal as the input.
They're all different but at some point in that era of Ford trucks I had something that tapped into the stock harness (not joking here, think it was PIE or something like that) - used it for sat radio but same idea, just adds the input. Still think a new head unit is cheaper and easier
Wire Harness - No cutting of wires http://www.amazon.com/Stereo-Harness-F-250-wiring-installation/dp/B006FKF1JY Double Din Kit for new radio - http://www.amazon.com/Metra-95-5812...422_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1BSPQJR494AF096ZSZPZ Cheap Double Din Radio - no experience with this but hey it's got good reviews http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MRYHOQU?psc=1 I'm usually an Alpine head unit guy
This may not be the cheapest option but just to give you an idea. http://www.amazon.com/PAC-AAI-FD4-Auxiliary-Adapter-Lincoln/dp/B00GP4GS0Q I have to agree with Sean though. Itll probably be easier and possibly cheaper to just get a new headunit.
Just to prove to y'all I wasn't talking about pecan pie - http://www.oemautosound.com/c-18-ford-auxiliary-adapters.aspx
Get a head unit with the proper input from Crutchfield. There are cheaper sources, but their big selling point is you get nice vehicle specific instructions (for not only the head unit but all speaker locations should you want to replace those in the future) and a wiring harness/adaptor to plug into the stock crap.
This all day long. Comes with vehicle specific harness and mounting kit. I did this to my 02 suburban about 4-5 years ago, spent about $130 at crutchfield, and installed myself, no sweat.
I had this same issue with my 2002 F150. I got a Pioneer double din head unit and wired it myself. Some of the best money I've ever spent.
This is the exact unit I have: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-dpOtep2aeUH/p_130X2600BT/Pioneer-AVH-X2600BT.html. My F150 required some cutting behind where the OEM head unit was to fit the double din, but definitely worth it.
I added on an AUX input to the stock unit in my 2004 Tundra with a USA Spec product from Crutchfield.
I have the chevy version of this. Works fine, but everyone who is telling you to get a head unit from crutchfield with a usb input is 100% spot on. Do that and be done with it.
This is nice to have as well if you like to jump around your music... http://www.bestbuy.com/site/isimple...lack/7142666.p?id=1219251894142&skuId=7142666
I appreciate that Crutchfield makes it easy, but for fucks sake, for the prices they charge, they had better give you the red carpet treatment. "FREE vehicle wiring kit!" Shit is like $12 on Amazon. Does not excuse the $100 mark up on the head unit. Aftermarket head units are dirt cheap, and well worth the money.
Call me dumb, but I got a double din alpine head unit with erythang for about $130, accomplished everything you are looking for, and I never looked back.