Ok, I am trying to decide how I want to hook my iPod up to the truck (2004 F150 Screw). First let me start by saying, I DO NOT WANT TO CHANGE THE HU. What I would like to be able to do is this:

1) Hook the ipod up to the factory radio.
2) Use the actual ipod to control switching playlists, artists, etc.
3) Charge the ipod.
4) *Bonus (but would like) to be able to switch songs (only songs) using the factory radio controls.

Does anyone know of a device that will do the above mentioned things? Really what I want is something like the brandmotion adapter that will also allow me to control the music using the ipod itself, not just the radio controls. I have searched and searched and done my research, I just cannot figure this out... TIA for any and all help!

 

Not sure about the brandmotion, but a PIE let's you control it strictly by the ipod(easiest IMHO) and for 5 bucks you can buy a usb port replicator to plug into the cig lighter and charge it that way...70 bucks total

 

Yeah, I saw the PIE adapters and if I cannot find something different that is probably what I will end up going with. I would like to be able to change songs, in shuffle mode, using the radio/steering wheel controls though (I think changing anything more than songs is just to cumbersome)

 

I hear ya if I had steering wheel controls I would be more prone to changing it via the radio, I just keep the ipod in my console and its easy to access

 

Does your HU have the AUX button? If not you're gonna have to change out the HU.

 

Yeah, I was already aware of that. Yes it does have the AUX button... I think this is the route I may go.

PIE adapter behind the dash. Connected to this cable which will run through the flow through console. and at the very back of the console connect to one of these cables which will then run into the back of the center flip up console. I will use a multimeter and find the power/ground of the PIE adapter and splice that cable into there. Then to solve the problem of the ipod touches not charging over 12v firewire, use one of these convertors. This is what I have had planned for a WHILE (considering I really wont own the truck until next week ), but I would really like to be able to change songs through the steering wheel controls. Anyone have any other ideas/adapters/converters I don't know about?

 

I believe that is all there is.

 

You need more than an aux button, your factory HU also needs to have MP3 printed on the front of it by the CD slot. 04 decks don't have that and are not capable of playing ipods. If you want ipod capability, then you need to switch out your HU for an 05 or newer one, unless it has already been done.

 

Not nessecarily true...pie will work even with no MP3 on the deck

 

Yeah. The PIE adapter will work with any factory HU that has an AUX button on the front. Almost positive that the MP3 on the front of the HU imeans that it will play MP3 cd's

 

My 05 single cd HU doesn't have MP3 on it.

 

I've been kickin' around one of these to accomplish what you are trying to.

Brand Motion iPod Direct Connect Adapter

 

correct

 

Even though it's for 2006-2008 F150's?

 

Didn't notice that. How much difference is there between these model year HU. I wouldn't think much, if any. I guess I better contact them before I buy anything.