So I just got a 2005 GT with the Shaker 500 audio system. Obviously, the 2005 doesn't come with an AUX input for an iPod. So I'm thinking of buying a digital media receiver to replace that. Any suggestions? Price isn't too much of a worry as well. If i get a digital media receiver installed that has an AUX input will it work with my ipod? and lastly, i was wondering how I would go about getting it installed? Myself? ford? i'm not into that kinda stuff so hopefully ford could. thanks!!

 

If your this inexperienced I suggest simply going the crutchfield route for the suggestions. You don´t have to replace the Shaker 500 itself if you want Ipod integration. A PAC unit exists to integrate this directly, but will still need to be installed. But you may or may not want a better headunit. The dealership will not do this.

Crutchfield can also recommend a local installer for you should you not know of any place local that you trust already.

 

what exactly is a PAC unit? bit confused how the whole set up would work.

 

The link should explain it really. This is a separate company that offers integration products for most major car manufacturers.

Input your car and options (same thing for crutchfield ¨outfit my car¨) and it will give the available integration units, what they will do and what they come with. The shaker units use some of the can-bus for control and integration, the integration unit that I recall would allow you to directly access the ipod music from the head-unit via the aux button. ISFD571 I think.

Since you have the first gen S197 you might not be able to do that. If all your after is a basic aux input to use for inputting your Ipod audio, then this might be what you're after. You would still need to get a simple RCA to stereo 3.5mm jack adapter, available at your local radio-shack.

Or should you choose to buy one of the more popular after-market units the one head-unit model will allow minimal work to interface with the existing factory harnesses.

All but a few of the after-market units you would still need to separately purchase their Ipod integration units. So it would likely be the cost of the unit, the ipod unit for that manufacturer, the face-plate kit, and the wiring harness you wish to go with. For your early generation, you could easily get away with a $15 metra/scoshe harness instead of the PAC one. However, if you wanted Nav, dvd playback, and such you´d have to either bypass their safety features or tap the Smart Junction Box(SBJ) for the VSS, and somewhere for the e-brake line.

As stated, if your this inexperienced I would seriously recommend Crutchfield. First, look through the more popular units online for what you want, pioneer seems to be the normal ¨Whoo-hoo!¨ flavor for it´s price usually. Then call them directly, tell them what your after, they´ll give you the options for what you want do get. You will get detailed instructions on installation, and give you just about everything aside from a reach-around for the extra few bucks you´ll pay. Since you can call back for help as well, and in a far more reasonable time then most ¨support¨ lines, and usually get a tech that a) speaks english as their native language, and b) actually knows something.