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USA SPEC iPod® Interface for Ford

Connects your iPod to select Ford factory radios

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Item# 581PA11F1 offer details

Item# 581PA11F1

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USA Spec

Our take on the USA SPEC iPod® Interface for Ford

You can take it with you. Just because you've got a factory radio in your Ford, doesn't mean you have to leave your iPod (and the hours and hours of music it contains) at home. Just install USA SPEC's iPod interface — it not only allows you to listen to all your favorite tunes through your car's speakers, it even lets you control song and playlist selections right from your radio. And with your iPhone® connected, you can even stream music from popular Internet services like PANDORA®, Livio Radio, iHeartRadio, and more.

Just mount the compact interface box in a hidden location in your vehicle, and connect the adapter cable to the CD changer input on your compatible Ford factory radio. Plug your iPod into the interface — you can control volume, source, song selection, and up to five different play lists right from the radio. And the interface charges your iPod while it's connected.

Please enter your vehicle information or call an Advisor at 1-888-955-6000 to find out if this adapter is compatible with your vehicle. As the iPod interface uses the CD changer port, any existing changer that you have must be disconnected.

Compatibility Note: Be sure to check "Hands-on Research" for specific iPod model compatibility with this iPod adapter.

Get more info on this product

Highlights:

  • iPod connection adapter for select Ford factory stereos
  • manage the iPod via your radio's CD changer controls
  • adjust volume, track up/down, fast forward/rewind
  • use up to five playlists (select five favorites, or Auto Playlist will let you choose from the first five on your iPod)
  • when iPhone is connected, you can stream tunes from popular Internet services like PANDORA®, Livo Radio, and iHeartRadio
  • Dual Mode allows you to control everything via the iPod itself, giving you access to all playlists
  • compatible with all iPod and iPod mini models equipped with a dock connector and iPod software update 2004-04-28, or higher
  • warranty: 1 year
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee
 

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and Specs

Features and Specs
General
Adapter Type
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iPod audio in w/ iPod control
Vehicle Specific
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Ford,Niss,Linc,Merc,Mazd
Brand Specific
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No
Parts Warranty
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1 Year
Labor Warranty
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1 Year
iPod Compatibility
Full-Size
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Classic/5Gen/4Gen
Nano
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Nano6/Nano5/Nano4/Nano3/Nano2/
Touch
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Touch4/Touch3/Touch2/Touch1
Mini
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Mini2/Mini1
iPhone
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Phone4S/Phone4/Phone3GS/Phone3

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • iPod-Ford1 adapter
  • 49" iPod interface cable (CB-PA14)
  • 46" Adapter to Ford radio interface (CAS-F12)
  • 7.75" Adapter cable needed for certain Fords (CAS-F20)
  • 6.625" Adapter cable needed for certain other Fords (CAS-F10)
  • 4 Self-tapping screws
  • Owner's manual
  • Limited warranty registration card

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features

Overview: This adapter allows a compatible iPod with a dock connector to be connected to and controlled by the factory radio in select Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, and Nissan vehicles.

Note: Please consult the Crutchfield Car Selector to see if your vehicle is compatible.

iPod Compatibility: The PA11-FORD1 is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features when connected to a compatible Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury factory radio (as of October 2011):

iPod/iPhone Model Generation Tested Version Media Type Control Type Display Type Charge
Audio Video Head Unit iPod/iPhone Song/Artist Text Track Info
dock connector 3rd N/A N N N N N N N
clickwheel
color
4th 3.1.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
mini 1st 1.4.1 Y N Y N Y Y Y
2nd 1.4.1 Y N Y N Y Y Y
video 5th 1.3 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
classic 80GB 1.1.2 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
120GB 2.0.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
160GB 2.0.4 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
nano 1st 1.3.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
2nd 1.1.3 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
3rd 1.1.3 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
4th 1.0.4 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
5th 1.0.2 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
6th 1.1 PC Y N Y Y Y Y Y
touch 1st 2.2.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
2nd 4.2.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
3rd 4.3.5 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
4th 4.3.5 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
iPhone 2G 3.1.3 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
3G 4.2.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
3GS 4.3.5 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
4 4.2.7 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
4S 5.0 Y N Y Y Y Y Y

Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may need to reset the head unit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to revert to the older software version or wait until a newer software update is available.

Control Modes: The iPod interface adapter features the following control modes:

  • Playlist Mode: You can create up to 5 favorite mobile playlist then use your radio's CD changer controls to access and control your playlist.
  • Direct Mode: Gives you complete control of your iPod while it is connected to the factory radio. Your iPod is not locked out while connected to the radio and you are able to manually access your complete iPod content. The Radio still can adjust song up/down random or shuffle play but you can manually control your iPod and select any playlist, genre or Artist of your choice.
  • Hybrid Mode: Combines features of Direct Mode and Playlist Mode. You can create and access your favorite mobile playlist or directly access all your iPod content manually on your iPod. Your iPod displays song title information and iPod is not locked, so the iPod can be operated manually at all times.

App Streaming (in Direct Mode): Direct mode also lets you listen to the sound from your iPhone's downloaded music apps (such as Pandora, iHeart Radio, SiriusXM, etc.) through your factory head unit & speakers. You will continue to control your iPhone's apps & view song/artist information from its touchscreen.

Note: Your iPhone will need an active Data Plan account with connection to the Internet via 3G, EDGE, or WiFi. You will also need applicable music service accounts.

Playlist Names: In order for the adapter/factory radio to recognize a playlist, it must be named FORD1... through FORD5... Text can follow the Ford name and number, such as FORD3_Favorites or FORD2-jazz. For a given disc slot (1-5), if there is no playlist named FORD followed by that number, that disc slot will not be available.

Auxiliary Input: In addition to the iPod input on the PA11-FORD1 there is an auxiliary input (RCA) for use with another source, such as a DVD system, satellite radio, etc. The aux input is accessed at disc 6 track 1 using the factory radio controls. This aux input can be used with or without the iPod connected. When using the aux input the Play All mode is moved to the Disc 5 slot and the FORD5 custom playlist is lost. To use the auxiliary input on the interface, dip switch #1 is set to the "Off" position.

Battery Charge: The PA11-FORD1 charges iPod battery when connected.

CD Changer Port: The adapter uses the factory radio's CD Changer port so if the vehicle has an existing outboard CD Changer it must be disconnected.

Pause: When a non iPod source is selected on the radio (AM/FM/Cass/CD) the iPod pauses.

Resume: If the iPod is not disconnected after use, it will resume playing where it left off when you restart the vehicle. If you're listening to a Ford playlist portably and you plug the iPod into the adapter, playback continues from the previous spot.

 

Product Reviews

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1-10 of 54 items >> Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness
 
5 out of 5

Works Great

Written By Ford F250, Montana on Monday, January 30, 2012
 
The USA Spec Ipod interface works great for my Ford pickup. It installed in about 5 minutes with no tools other then the DIN tool Crutchfield sipplied. I would recommend this to product to anyone that does not have an Ipod hook up in their vehicle. For the price you cant put a new stereo in your vehicle. The sound quilty is just like a CD, no more static or constantly changing stations to get the best reception.
Pros:
Price, Sound quality, ease of install, fit and finish
Cons:
None
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
4 out of 5

USA SPEC iPod® Interface for Ford install 2001 Ford F150

Written By JEC, Dallas, TX on Sunday, January 22, 2012
 
Very good product with insufficient instructions in the manual. Despite that, installation was fairly easy in a 2001 Ford F150. The player initially had very low volume which I couldn't figure out until I read the reviews and somebody had noted not to plug the CD player back into the interface harness. I assumed they wanted you to since they had that connection. Once i unplugged it from the interface harness, the sound volume was in line with the AM/FM stereo. That's something that should have been covered in a decently written owners manual/installation instructions. that's the only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5. The product itself seems to work perfectly at playing the IPOD and controlling it from the head. Took about 2 hours to install but that's cause I removed the center console and fished the cable through to the console to hide the IPOD. Without that, it probably would have taken around an hour. Seems like a very good product so far that does what it advertises. Would but it again.
Pros:
Fairly easy install. Good sound. Straightforward hook up.
Cons:
Poorly written owners manual/installation instructions that were written like that were poorly translated from another language.
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

USA Spec PA11 03 Mustang With Mach 1000 system

Written By Steve, NY on Friday, January 20, 2012
 
After finally giving up getting decent sound from my Mach1000 system and a Kenwood X794 I put the stock head unit back (sounds GREAT) and bought this USA Spec interface to connect my 80gb iPod Classic. Even though the warnings on this and USA site say it doesn't work with 6 CD in dash Changer model and that you must have a Comp. button (I don't, it's a Mach1000 button on mine which turns on the subs etc), there are enough reports on the net and here saying it works. Install was simple but like others say the plugs are a VERY TIGHT fit. I set both switches on and away it goes.

The sound is FANTASTIC. For those that don't know, the Ford Mustang Mach1000 system sounds great but if you replace the head unit results are marginal because the stock head unit eq's the sound BEFORE it gets to the amps. You can undo this a bit with the equalizer in the aftermarket units but it's never really correct sounding. I got sick of too much bass, too little bass, holes in the mid-range and so forth so I put the stock unit back. I LOVE the way it sounds now, clear, and I don't find myself fiddling at all. It doesn't display song titles etc on my radio but I have the green "old fashioned" style so it doesn't bother me. I can control things from the head unit or the ipod itself. I am very satisfied I have full range sound back. BTW this is a zillion times better than an FM transmitter and is great for those who like the stock head unit.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

2004 F-350 Super Duty (CD6 Lacking Aux Input Capability)

Written By BJ, Detroit, MI on Sunday, December 11, 2011
 
This product is perfect for my 2004 F-350 Super Duty. For years, I suffered through scanning for open stations as I would drive around the Midwest for work. Fort Wayne, IN is particularly difficult for some reason. All I ever wanted was an aux input for my XM Skydock, streaming radio on the smart phone, or laptop. It took 30 minutes to install in my truck, the connectors worked perfectly, the DIN removal tools worked perfectly, and it immediately went to the aux input when I turned on the stereo after installation. Although recommended, I did not even turn off the truck during the install.

Some have mentioned problems with needing to hit CD multiple times to access what you want. This might be true if you use the iPod connector. If you only use the aux input, you hit CD with no CD's in the stereo, and it goes straight to the aux input.

I cannot speak to the iPod control, since I am not using it. But I plugged in the iPod once (to the iPod connector) and it went straight to the music that was queued up on the iPod and sounded great. It seemed confusing switching between the iPod and aux input, but that did not matter for my purposes.
Pros:
Easy to install. Didn't require instructions (although they are included). Works perfectly to provide an aux input.
Cons:
Seemed confusing switching between iPod and aux input (but that is probably Ford's fault for the old stereo technology).
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Adapter for 2003 Mustang Cobra

Written By John, Palmdale, Ca. on Friday, December 09, 2011
 
The PA11-Ford1 model is perfect. It sounds great. The difficult part is removing the factory stereo. After it was out, all the plugs fit perfectly and everything worked great. I chose the direct play option without using the RCA inputs. My Iphone charges, it pauses when you turn the key off and re-starts when turned on. Pandora, SIRIUS, Ipod feature and streaming pod cast all work with my Iphone. No more annoying static and the install looks completely stock which is great for my Cobra. I am very happy with your product and I will purchase again! Thank You!
Pros:
Plug and play. It installed and worked as described.
Cons:
I never knew it existed, I found it by accident after searching YOUTUBE!
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4 out of 5

works and easy to install

Written By T, Sacramento, ca on Tuesday, October 11, 2011
 
This is just what I needed, very easy install (05 Excursion w/6 disk cd) and even has aux input. Light humming when volume is loud and track is changing but 99% of the time cant hear the hum. Sound quality is just about cd quality. Very happy with what i got for the price. Thanks Crutchfield!!
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5 out of 5

Where have you been ???

Written By Grandpa, Las Vegas on Sunday, October 02, 2011
 
Where have you been ?? This is a great upgrade to your vehicle. Installed in our 2002 Excursion Limited 7.3L Diesel 4WD with factory 6 CD Disc Radio. Music is very clear and sharp with all stearing wheel controls that work music selection or by passenger assist for music selection on the go. Cables are long enough for easy install and mobility of the IPOD. I have been waiting for this upgrade for a long time and must have missed it when it first was available. If a 68+ year old Grandpa can install this unit, so can you. Enjoy
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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1 out of 5

A Frustrating and Ultimately Disappointing Product.

Written By RCL, Caddo Valley, AR on Sunday, July 03, 2011
 
I bought this about two and a half years ago as I wanted to be able to play my iPod in my 1999 Ford Taurus (which at the time only had its original cassette player/radio), and as I have very little knowledge in terms of installing car electronics, I decided to have it professionally installed. After its installation, I realized rather quickly that this was not the product I had hoped it to be. Every time I was going for a drive, I'd hold my breath and hope that it would work, but more often than not, I ended up being very frustrated and disappointed. Even when it would work, it took several attempts before it would randomly decide to work. And now, after having spent two and half very frustrating years with this product, I cannot get it to work at all. I placed my order today with Crutchfield for a new CD receiver as well as the Ford faceplate integration kit (because of the ridiculous oval-shaped faceplate featured in my car - Thanks a lot Ford!). I wish I had done ordered the receiver from Crutchfield before buying the USA SPEC iPod® Interface, simply because I want to install my new receiver myself, but I am not sure how complicated that would be now that I have the iPod interface already in there. I guess I will find out.

In short: the USA SPEC iPod® Interface is an unreliable piece of junk which will ultimately disappoint and is definitely not worth the money.
3 out of 5 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

USA SPEC iPod® Interface

Written By Steve, Long Beach, CA on Sunday, March 27, 2011
 
My Ford has the factory radio with single CD. I installed this unit in under 30
minutes. I used 2 sided tape to mount the unit behind the fuse panel cover and
ran the iPod cable through a hole in the dash pocket below the radio. I can
feed all the excess cord into the dash and pull it out when I hook up the iPod.
This way, there is not a lot of cord hanging out of the dash. Make sure dip
switch 1 is set to ON and 2 is set to OFF. Once the iPod is connected with the
radio on, you push the CD button and the display will show DJ-01(?) and the iPod
will start playing. Pressing the seek forward button will advance to the next
song. If you press CD with a CD in the player, the CD will start. Pressing CD
again will go back to the iPod. Volume is controlled by the radio volume. You
only look at the iPod to see what is playing. And a great feature is the iPod
gets charged by this unit.

I am very satisfied. This is much better than the FM modulator I had installed
previously (before this unit was available). No more hissing and volume issue!
I highly reccomend this unit.
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2 out of 5

Not so great

Written By Brad C, Goddard, KS on Wednesday, March 23, 2011
 
Really about 1 1/2 stars.
Hooked this up to my Mercury Sable to replace a failed CD changer in the trunk.

The first one I got did not work correctly. Sometimes could get it to read the Ipod, then it wouldn't. Crutchfield sent a replacement which did work, but now I find it drains the car battery if I leave the box plugged in. So, now I have to unplug it from the rear amp or it will drain the battery overnight.

Also, has a lot of electronic background noise... especially when changing tracks.

With hindsight, I would have been better off just purchasing a replacement deck for the factory unit. I would have had better sound and a lot less frustration. Not impressed... I would stay clear of this and just replace the factory deck. Crutchfield was excellent... the product not so much so.
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1-10 of 54 items >>

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For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the USA SPEC iPod® Interface for Ford, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/ISEO-rccbcspd/p_581PA11F1/USA-SPEC-iPod-Interface-for-Ford.html ).

USA SPEC iPod® Interface for Ford