Mustang iPod Install

This is a write-up on how to hardwire an iPod into a 2001+ Mustang with the Mach 460 option. This hardwire allows you to plug one cable into your iPod from your car to supply power to your iPod as well as providing an output from your iPod to your stock head unit. In order to do this you need a FRDN-AUX Auxiliary input adapter from P.I.E. and a Belkin Auto Kit as well as some other random parts. I chose the FRDN-AUX because I found it to be the cheapest and it works well. There are other auxiliary input adapters on the market, PAC is another brand that is very similar to the P.I.E. unit but PAC also sells something called an AUX-POD. The AUX-POD from PAC allows basically includes a charger in it and it is allows you to control your iPod with your factory head unit controls. The AUX-POD might be worth the almost $200 price tag if your vehicle had stereo controls on the steering wheel. For me it is more convenient for me to reach my iPod in its mount, I'll discuss the mount at the end of this write-up.

This is the car I used to show the install, it is a 2001 Mustang Automatic with the Mach 460 option which includes an In-Dash 6 CD Changer.

These are the items I had when I started:
On the top from the left: P.I.E. FRDN-AUX Auxilary input adapter(Log Jam Electronics ~$70), Cable ties, Wire strippers, Belkin Auto Kit (Don't pay $40, they can be found on eBay for less than half that), Female cigarette lighter plug(Walmart ~$3), and some wire.

On the bottom from the left: Voltmeter, Wire cutter/pliers, Electrical tape, Crush wire connectors, and a Microplug to RCA plug cable(Radio shack)

I commented on where I got the more specific items, the rest of the things on that list can be found at just about any hardware or auto parts store.

This is what the head unit looks like for the Mach 460 w/ six disc changer. Before you start taking apart anything unplug your car's battery. For an automatic the transmission needs to be taken out of park. For a manual the shift knob needs to be unscrewed. Once that is done, to remove the shifter bezel just pry it off, I found it easiest to just pull from where the arrows point to get it started then work down.

Once you pop the bezel off, it will still be connected by the wire going to the 12v. You just have to push the little latch in and pull it off.

After you get the shifter bezel off, remove the bezel that goes around the stereo, A/C controls, and vents. It is just snaps on, if you pull it carefully it will pop off.

After you pop that bezel has been popped off, it'll still be held on by the wires going to the Rear Defrost, Traction Control, and Fog light switches. There is a little tab you have to push in before the plugs will pull off.

With all the trim pieces removed, you now need to remove the 2 screws that hold in the stereo head unit, they are 9/32in.

Now the stereo just pulls out.  
Wiring Diagram


For legend for the diagram:
Red- Means something plugs in
Green- Shows what the label is pointing to

Picture showing all the splicing done.

Next, hook the P.I.E. FRDN-AUX to the Belkin auto kit w/ the microplug to RCA plug cable. Plug the Belkin Auto Kit into the Female cigarette lighter plug that is alread spliced in place. Make sure the volume control on the Belkin Auto Kit is set somewhere between low and midway, so that when you switch from iPod back to radio or CD you won't have to adjust the volume much.

Finish Up
    Now you are almost done, you can start reconnecting stuff and checking connections.
  • Plug the FRDN-AUX cable into the FRDN-AUX box.
  • Plug the J1 connector back into the head unit.
  • Plug the FRDN-AUX cable into the changer port in the back of the head unit, the FRDN-AUX cable has a plug on the end of it if you have a CD Changer. Since you most likely won't have a CD Changer, there will be an empty plug on that cable.
  • Run the iPod plug from the Belkin Auto Kit out where you want. Having it come out by the drivers feet seems to work.
  • There is plenty of room behind the head unit to put the Beklin Auto Kit, FRDN-AUX box, and cables, just place those back behind the head unit then slide the head unit into place.
  • Plug back in the car battery.
  • Plug in iPod. Turn the car on. Turn the Stereo on, press 'CD' button till it says "CD DJ". Now just play a song on the iPod and enjoy.
Other Info and Clarification
  • The stock CD changer will continue to function as normal, in order to switch between regular functionality and aux input, press the 'CD' button.
  • This install has been successfully completed on a 2002 Mustang GT with the Mach 1000 stereo option using all the same parts.
  • This install has been successfully completed on a 2002 Ford Ranger with a CD changer head unit using all the same parts.
In car mount

To hold the iPod in place while driving you can get a cradle from Pro Clip USA and a vehicles specific mount from Pro Fit International. They make the cradles for all generations and sizes of iPods. The vehicles specific mounts are available for many different makes/models.

By Michael Clark - michaelallenclark@mac.com