AUX input adapter for 1994-2000 stock Mach 460 radio

[IUP99snake]

Im tired of using the tape adapter to listen to external audio sources such as my old iPod or streaming radio with my iPhone.

I used to work at a car audio shop and we would install these all the time, but tech has come a long way since back before iPods were even popular.

I have a 99 cobra with the Mach 460 system that has two separate single DIN head units. There's a master head unit with the radio and tape player, and a separate slave unit for the CD player on the bottom.

I'm wondering if anyone is using or could recommend an aux input adapter that has either RCA's where I can hook up a 3.5mm jack, or even better, one with an apple 30 pin connector that charges the unit and gets the audio through the 30 pin plug... (I don't expect to be able to control it from the head unit)

I saw some that basically plug in place of the slave CD player, sending audio to it that way.. I'd lose the functionality of the CD player, but I hardly use it anyway..

I also saw some for the double din head units with the cd changer controls where the aux adapter T's inbetween the head unit and cd changer, but I don't think I'd have that kind of luck.

So, what are you using?

I was thinking of just getting an aftermarket head unit that has an aux input and iPod/iPhone controls... But I can never find one that matches the color of the dash lights. Plus, it's just as much of a hassle to interface with the Mach 460 amplified system. I've done it 100 times, sometimes it works best if you use the RCA outputs of the head unit to interface with the amps, and sometimes it works using the speaker level outputs... It all depends on what mood the vehicle is in during that particular day. Plus, I plan on keeping my car for a while, and most head units fail after a few years if they don't go obsolete...

I'll keep checking. Plus, I'd like to keep using both DIN openings rather than having an empty pocket.. I've seen a nice McIntosh head unit that has a separate DIN sized unit with analog VU meters.. One of the best looking head units I've ever seen.. It matches the dash light colors, and as a matter of fact, it was actually the factory head unit used in most Ford GT Supercars if you take a close look.

What are your thoughts? What are you using to pipe in external sources?

Homer

 

[shurur]

I just put in a new head unit (sony) with ipod ready front aux connector.
I removed the old cd player and made a cd/cubby out of it.

Got all the stuff (console double din/wire connectors..etc) at crutchfield..including wiring diagrams and phone/forum tech help...

I even installed the sony remote hd radio unit under the passenger seat myself..the newer units all come with the digital signal radio in the head unit itself now..

I've kept everything else on the Mach 460 system but the head/cd unit..so far..

Crutchfield: Car Stereo, Speakers, Home Theater, LCD TV, Digital Cameras
Just select your vehicle and system and the site will guide you.

And super easy with your background.

Or I'd call crutchfield tech and ask them...

 

[mustangted06]

contract crutchfield.com

 

[DOHCTER]

I used a ford fm modulator in mine. I don't remember the part number but it was only around 30 bux

 

[IUP99snake]

I just found the coolest thing ever!!! It not only solves the aux in problem, but it also solves the issue of wiring... Not that I would have minded.

It's a Bluetooth tape adapter!! The coolest thing since sliced bread!!

Here's a review:

Flexii Bluetooth Cassette Tape Adapter - AskMen

Here's where you can buy it:

Bluetooth Enabled Car Cassette Tape Adapter MP3 Player w/ Car charger & USB connect cable

One other thing to consider is that most new head units have Bluetooth built in, plus an AUX jack, plus a USB port that supports external hard drives, thumb drives, and iPods/iPhones if it doesn't also have a dedicated cable that lets you control said idevices directly from the head unit. But with a2dp Bluetooth, you can control basic functions such as play/pause, and skipping to the next track.

I'm gonna look into this Bluetooth tape deck a little more. The only thing that sucks about it is that it has a battery that constantly needs recharging..

Homer

 

[snakeraper11b]

I used a METRA / AXXESS IPOD Auxiliary input AIP-FD20-ID in my 01 cobra and it works great. Its supposedly compatible with 98-04. Install was easy and straight forward. Took about 30 minutes but its not my first time messing around with this area of a mustang. Just press CD twice and it selects the ipod IIRC ( havent driven it in 4 1/2 months). It has an ipod connection as well but I also purchased a 3.5mm cable, that way if someone has a droid or something, we can still listen to it. I ran it under the center console and drilled a hole just large enough to pass the cable into the arm rest compartment. Looks and works just like a factory option, is perfectly clear, and is one of my favorite comfort mods I've done so far.

 

[luke1333]

I used a METRA / AXXESS IPOD Auxiliary input AIP-FD20-ID in my 01 cobra and it works great. Its supposedly compatible with 98-04. Install was easy and straight forward. Took about 30 minutes but its not my first time messing around with this area of a mustang. Just press CD twice and it selects the ipod IIRC ( havent driven it in 4 1/2 months). It has an ipod connection as well but I also purchased a 3.5mm cable, that way if someone has a droid or something, we can still listen to it. I ran it under the center console and drilled a hole just large enough to pass the cable into the arm rest compartment. Looks and works just like a factory option, is perfectly clear, and is one of my favorite comfort mods I've done so far.

I would love to be able to listen to my droid while driving. And how hard is install?? Pull out dash and console?? And link me to where you bought if you can

Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2

 

[snakeraper11b]

I would love to be able to listen to my droid while driving. And how hard is install?? Pull out dash and console?? And link me to where you bought if you can

Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2

I purchased mine on ebay, then purchased a separate shielded 3.5mm cable.

This is a pretty good deal, theyre hard to find now.
AIP-FD20-ID iPod AUXILARY Interface radio Ford Escape Escort F-150 Explorer | eBay

Install was incredibly straight forward. Just a few splices and youre done. No one will ever know you changed anything, it looks completely stock, especially if you run the cable under the console. You can put your device in the center compartment while it plays so it doesn't go flying around during spirited driving as well. Wish I was near my car or id snap some pics for you. Im stationed in NY and its at my parents in CA haha.

 

[IUP99snake]

I used a METRA / AXXESS IPOD Auxiliary input AIP-FD20-ID in my 01 cobra and it works great. Its supposedly compatible with 98-04. Install was easy and straight forward. Took about 30 minutes but its not my first time messing around with this area of a mustang. Just press CD twice and it selects the ipod IIRC ( havent driven it in 4 1/2 months). It has an ipod connection as well but I also purchased a 3.5mm cable, that way if someone has a droid or something, we can still listen to it. I ran it under the center console and drilled a hole just large enough to pass the cable into the arm rest compartment. Looks and works just like a factory option, is perfectly clear, and is one of my favorite comfort mods I've done so far.

I saw that description and got a glimmer of hope thinking it would work with my car. While it is compatible with 98-04 ford vehicles such as explorers, town cars, f150's etc that use the double din radios with the changer, but it is not compatible with mustangs before 2001 because they still had the early style radios until 2000. Lucky for you! Bummer for me.

 

[luke1333]

I used a METRA / AXXESS IPOD Auxiliary input AIP-FD20-ID in my 01 cobra and it works great. Its supposedly compatible with 98-04. Install was easy and straight forward. Took about 30 minutes but its not my first time messing around with this area of a mustang. Just press CD twice and it selects the ipod IIRC ( havent driven it in 4 1/2 months). It has an ipod connection as well but I also purchased a 3.5mm cable, that way if someone has a droid or something, we can still listen to it. I ran it under the center console and drilled a hole just large enough to pass the cable into the arm rest compartment. Looks and works just like a factory option, is perfectly clear, and is one of my favorite comfort mods I've done so far.

Does your radio have an aux button in the cd button or is that just how it's setup? Cause I have the mach 460 in my 02 and says just cd on it no aux

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[snakeraper11b]

Does your radio have an aux button in the cd button or is that just how it's setup? Cause I have the mach 460 in my 02 and says just cd on it no aux

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You just press the CD button and then select the cd player which is odds 1-7 or the ipod which is evens 2-8.

 

[luke1333]

You just press the CD button and then select the cd player which is odds 1-7 or the ipod which is evens 2-8.

what about 1-7 and 2-8!??! lol

 

[luke1333]

also if you do this kit you lose functions of the cd changer??

 

[snakeraper11b]

also if you do this kit you lose functions of the cd changer??

You press the cd button, then you have the option to select track with the up and down buttons. Numbers 1,3,5,7 will play the cd player though the speakers. Numbers 2,4,6,8 will play your iPod through the speakers. It doesnt matter which number you chose it plays the same audio. The cd player works just like stock.

 

[luke1333]

You press the cd button, then you have the option to select track with the up and down buttons. Numbers 1,3,5,7 will play the cd player though the speakers. Numbers 2,4,6,8 will play your iPod through the speakers. It doesnt matter which number you chose it plays the same audio. The cd player works just like stock.

So I can only change through 3 cds instead of 6?

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[wals9331]

Buy a new head unit. I just put one in and ran the usb cable to my arm rest. Such a nice feature to have...

 

[luke1333]

Buy a new head unit. I just put one in and ran the usb cable to my arm rest. Such a nice feature to have...

I want mine to stay stock looking. I'm not a fan of any aftermarket headunits. Wanted to put a nav from 08/09 mustang in it but they don't fit. So mach 460 is it for me lol just need my droid to play on it haha

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[snakeraper11b]

So I can only change through 3 cds instead of 6?

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No, maybe its scrolling with the select buttons? I don't remember, like I said, haven't seen my car in almost 5 months. You lose ZERO functionality of the cd player. Everything remains completely stock. If I were to sell my cobra to someone who didn't know they don't come with that option, they would never be able to tell. Its a sweet ass set up, trust me.

 

[luke1333]

No, maybe its scrolling with the select buttons? I don't remember, like I said, haven't seen my car in almost 5 months. You lose ZERO functionality of the cd player. Everything remains completely stock. If I were to sell my cobra to someone who didn't know they don't come with that option, they would never be able to tell. Its a sweet ass set up, trust me.

Ah I see. But it's only 1-6 no 7/8 right?? And I'm about to get one if its a sweet setup.

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[snakeraper11b]

Its 1-8 if I remember correctly, then it restarts at 1. When you turn on the car and hit cd, it defaults to the aux connection, just press the select up once and youre on the cd changer. Couldnt be any easier to use. Well worth the 40 bucks or so. Dont forget to purchase a 3.5mm cable to go with it. I spent about 10 bucks on a really nice thick shielded cable that was compatable with phone cases. They just taper the sheath to fit down inside the case so you dont have to remove your player or phone from its case. Go with the 5 or 6 foot cable, worked perfectly to run the cable up to the center console.