Adding Aux input to a Ford Ranger without spending $60

[Pete 10+ year member]

Hello again all, been really busy with work, but I'm back again!

I know there has to be a way to add an aux input to a 2001 Ford Ranger without spending all the money for a changer interface, right?

My thinking is there are probably 4 pins that create the audio input feed (since all the changers that connect to it use analog 2 channel RCA's) and another 2 or 3 pins that need voltage applied to them or a resistance across them to make the HU think a changer is connected so it will switch over to the changer input.

This is so I can use my MP3 player in my work truck without having to waste much money (I drive alot though, so I suppose I could justify the money somewhat).

Any thoughts would be great,

Thanks,

Pete

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[Pete 10+ year member]

Anyone?

How about a hidden website like the one for Unilink, but for Ford??

 

[aa21830 10+ year member]

I wanted to do the same thing with my radio, so I tried a Soundgate AUXGM in my Chevy Blazer. It required power, which I presume was to create a signal to make the radio recognize the auxiliary input. To make something similar, you would need to start with getting a harness to fit the back of your radio (try Parts Express) and would need to know which pins control what functions. Seems like it could be done. The problem I had with the AUXGM was that my stock head unit never would recognize the auxiliary source. After discussions with Soundgate tech support, we decided it might be that since my radio didn't come with any factory installed external audio devices (satellite radio, remote cassette, etc.), the radio must have had the auxiliary input disabled at the factory. I ended up putting in an aftermarket head unit with its own auxiliary inputs.