Well, here's phase one of my research...

To remove the dash console:

Here's the original dash I have on the STX:



To remove, pry from the top corner using a plastic "boner" and work your way slowly to the sides.

 

Now that the radio console is open, I continued fooling with the stereo.

 

I removed the 4 screws that hold the radio to the dash and pulled the radio out; unplugged and released the radio.

 

There is an unused plug that goes nowhere. (Anybody know where this goes to (I think it's for the DVD controller module).



I opened the radio and tried to see if I can find some logic...

 

Rigged up a test equipment on my workbench and here is the verdict:

AUX option - dependent on proprietary FORD equipment (i.e., DVD player, etc) and uses proprietary FORD signals to trigger the logic circuit on the head unit to keep the AUX funtion enabled.

I firmly believe that the line level signal inputs are still present but the logic switch prevents the radio from keeping the AUX mode. So, I still have to find out how I can overcome that logic switch.

Phase 2 coming up...

 

In a perfect world you could call up the radio manufacturer and get a schematic.

This is not a perfect world however.

 

The radio is made in Mexico and it does not have a manufacturer name - private labeled as FORD.

Even with the schematic, I will need a module that will talk or handshake with the logic circuit on the head unit to keep the AUX mode on.

 

It's probably as simple as jumpering one of the chip's pins to ground or Vcc.

Somewhere on the board someone mentioned the name of the actualy manufacturer, I can't find it now though.

In a unbelievably perfect world, the manufacturer would tell you which pin to jumper

 

Ah ha, found the thread: https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...ght=audiophile

 

You might give these guys a call or an e-mail....

http://www.videoservicestop.com/pages/1/index.htm

If they can't tell you what you want to know,m they may at least can give you some leads on tracking down the schematics.

 

I have just put in a call to Visteon, the company who makes the Audiophile system. If they call me back. like the message said they would, I will pump them for information about the AUX input.

 

Thanks for the research, I sure would like to see this work, I have an mp3 player as well and a direct link would rock.

The rf link things suck.

 

Has anyone seen the patch cable from the factory for the DVD unit?

 

How about access to the F150's EPC (Electronic Parts Catalog) or the factory wiring diagram?

'come on guys! don't you want the ability to hardwire your MP3 player???

 

Ha-ha, you said `Plastic Boner`!