Wanted FRD03 AUX/S for My 2004 THX/NAV LS

[Carsonduke]

I'm new the the forum and all I have to say is WOW!! You guys are amazing!


My car only has the CD option on screen underneath FM2, it also has the built in 6 disc changer, not an external. I've attempted using the FRD03 AUX, I've also attempted this XM-FORD adapter from OEM Sound. Both hooked up, neither worked.

I've read this forum and come to the conclusion that I obviously need the FRD03 AUX/S. These of course have gone the way of the Dodo.

If you have updated your head unit to something other than the stock head and have one around you don't use, I would like to buy it. I like to keep my car as original as possible.

PS, all of the things you have said about coils, plugs, and valve cover gaskets are true!!!

 

[joegr]

If you get the correct PIE and it works, "FM2" gets replaced by "SAT." (After that, "FM1" will cycle to "FM2.")

 

[LS4me]

I'm new the the forum and all I have to say is WOW!! You guys are amazing!


My car only has the CD option on screen underneath FM2, it also has the built in 6 disc changer, not an external. I've attempted using the FRD03 AUX, I've also attempted this XM-FORD adapter from OEM Sound. Both hooked up, neither worked.

I've read this forum and come to the conclusion that I obviously need the FRD03 AUX/S. These of course have gone the way of the Dodo.

If you have updated your head unit to something other than the stock head and have one around you don't use, I would like to buy it. I like to keep my car as original as possible.

PS, all of the things you have said about coils, plugs, and valve cover gaskets are true!!!

Contact Andy Lobsenz at LobsenzA @AncoAuto .com He will know what adapter you need and if it's even available. As PIE is no more, you may not have an option.

For $100 I'll sell the Sirius satellite hardware to you, if you're interested...... It's from an '06 w/NAV....

 

[craigh]

I think I might have one. Let me check tonight and get back to you.

 

[Carsonduke]

Thanks, I'll get in touch with him. I don't really have a need for Sat radio, I'm more of a spotify guy. If this adapter kit you are talking about will allow me to do an Aux input, then I may be game.

 

[Carsonduke]

GREAT, let me know!

 

[craigh]

Mine is different, I have a FRND AUX/S. I thougt this would work with my '00 but it did not. I thought is was the one you needed. Good luck.

 

[jhuegele]

I'm in the same boat! If you find any that work please let me know. I've got an 04 with the 6 disc in dash no navigation. From my understanding, the frd03 aux/s is only one that works.

 

[Carsonduke]

I'm in the same boat! If you find any that work please let me know. I've got an 04 with the 6 disc in dash no navigation. From my understanding, the frd03 aux/s is only one that works.

Here is my solution, stop wasting time with the original deck.

1. The proper cable does not exist anymore (FRD03 AUX/S)
2. The cables that stereo shops online tell you will work, do not work, plus you pay to ship both ways.
3. The update discs for NAV are like $200, or you wait a year just to get outbid on ebay for version 7 because all the version 8 discs are gone.
4. The Head unit itself needs an update which costs about $75 or more. This may be a work around if you have an external Sat Radio box. I personally hate the quality of Sat radio, I prefer Spotify.
5. Having a car stereo shop install the components that do not work, plus an AUX input jack will cost around $100. Again, a total waste of money and car stereo installers always screw something up.
6. Once you have wasted hours/weeks researching this and close to $200 attempting to upgrade/update the original stereo, you could have been $200 closer to a brand new head unit.

Save your money, buy a new head unit, keep your original or sell it. At this point, the technology in my phone far exceeds that of the entire car, and a lot of the Head units out there are very sleek and refined looking, basically looking like an iPad mini in your dash.

 

[Carsonduke]

So it appears even the "Buy a new head unit" solution is not really an option for me. Apparently the THX/NAV system is so integrated in to the car that I would have to gut the speakers, amps, and even the wiring just to use an aftermarket head unit….My GOD!

 

[joegr]

So it appears even the "Buy a new head unit" solution is not really an option for me. Apparently the THX/NAV system is so integrated in to the car that I would have to gut the speakers, amps, and even the wiring just to use an aftermarket head unit….My GOD!

Not true. You just have to make your own harness adaptation. You can keep and use the amps and speakers already in the car. Here's how:

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/forum/showthread.php?92255-THX-navigation-to-aftermarket

 

[Carsonduke]

I've decided to go with a less expensive solution, I'm not modifying a new cable, and I'm not gutting the car. so, for those of you that want to keep the stock unit, can;t find the FRD03aux/s and can't install a new head unit yourself, get this Antenna Aux in box. It is user installable (if you are comfortable pulling your head unit)
http://ancoauto.com/oscommerce/product_info.php?cPath=26_53&products_id=131

When you engage the switch it becomes the only antenna source input and ignores any external radio signal. $68 shipped.

I just bout this and it should ship soon, the saga is not quite over yet.

 

[LS4me]

I've decided to go with a less expensive solution, I'm not modifying a new cable, and I'm not gutting the car. so, for those of you that want to keep the stock unit, can;t find the FRD03aux/s and can't install a new head unit yourself, get this Antenna Aux in box. It is user installable (if you are comfortable pulling your head unit)
http://ancoauto.com/oscommerce/product_info.php?cPath=26_53&products_id=131

When you engage the switch it becomes the only antenna source input and ignores any external radio signal. $68 shipped.

I just bout this and it should ship soon, the saga is not quite over yet.

You do know that the LS, like every Ford product I've owned since 1986, doesn't use a standard antenna cable, yes? The antenna lead is like a plug and plugs into a receptacle in the radio. You'll probably need one of these.....

 

[joegr]

I've decided to go with a less expensive solution, ... this Antenna Aux in box. ...

The catch is that it cuts your MP3/CD quality sound down to FM radio quality.

 

[Carsonduke]

Are you 100% sure I need this for my THX/Nav head unit?

 

[joegr]

You do know that the LS, like every Ford product I've owned since 1986, doesn't use a standard antenna cable, yes? The antenna lead is like a plug and plugs into a receptacle in the radio. You'll probably need one of these.....

Odd, when I put aftermarket headunits into both my 04 (without THX nav) and my 06 (with THX nav), the factory antenna plugged straight into the aftermarket headunits with no problems.

 

[LS4me]

Odd, when I put aftermarket headunits into both my 04 (without THX nav) and my 06 (with THX nav), the factory antenna plugged straight into the aftermarket headunits with no problems.

That would be good news!!!!!

 

[1LoudLS]

You do know that the LS, like every Ford product I've owned since 1986, doesn't use a standard antenna cable, yes? The antenna lead is like a plug and plugs into a receptacle in the radio. You'll probably need one of these.....]

every ford with the tuner upfront inside the radio I ever work on up until when they switched to the new "chrysler" style connector around 06 uses the standard antenna connector (motorola style)

View attachment 828471643

the only time I' have even seen this style connector is when there is a rear mounted radio tuner like 96-07 taurus/sable or town car/grand marquis/crown vics/continentals with the JBL rear tuner option. I definitely have never seen it in an LS.