Replacing Car Stereo - Can I Maintain Cd Controls on Steering Wheel?

Grayditch

Hi, I've replaced a car stereo, before, but this time I've to factor in the Ford Focus' Cd controller on the steering wheel. I can buy the fascia replacement and the adapter, but I'm just wondering is there any way to still be able to use the controller.

Is it for that Cd player only, or is there some stereos that will accept / work with the controller? I'd really like a cd player that played MP3 Cd's, but it seems a shame to have a controller on the steering that's useless.

Thanks.

Armin_Tamzarian

I'm not sure about the Focus, but with most other cars with built in controls you can buy adaptors for some head units that will allow you to continue using the controls with the new unit.

Just google the adaptors and check what units they will work with before buying.

Check out sites like this.

Grayditch

Adapters for the controls, yeah, I never thought of that. I'll have a look for one for the Focus. That's great, thanks.

Armin_Tamzarian

Grayditch wrote: »

Adapters for the controls, yeah, I never thought of that. I'll have a look for one for the Focus. That's great, thanks.

I've fitted them before, if you're capable of installing the new stereo you'll probably be able to install it no bother.

Grayditch

I'll obviously need to choose a stereo that allows controls, right. That's the other concern.

Armin_Tamzarian

Grayditch wrote: »

I'll obviously need to choose a stereo that allows controls, right. That's the other concern.

If you check out the adaptors available for your car, they will list what head units they support, you will then have a list of head units to choose from.
You should be able to get one that meets all your requirements.

Grayditch

Excellent, at least I know what I'm looking for now, cheers.

Armin_Tamzarian

No bother.
There are plenty of head units out there that can play MP3 CDs.
Depends on your preference I guess but what I find to be much better are the head units you can plug an iPod into.
I previously had one that you slid your iPod inside but the iPod tended to get very warm.
I replaced it with a Kenwood one that has a USB port on the front.
You can plug an iPod into it and fully control the iPod through the stereo, track information, playlists, etc. all get displayed on the screen of the head unit.
I ran the iPod cable round the back of the dash and into the glove box and I just leave an iPod in there and forget about it.
They're not the expensive either.

Grayditch

Yeah, since last night I've done a bit of searching. You're right about the iPod being a good route, I used to plug my phone into my last one via the aux, and stream music from Music Unlimited (I get free data with Three, so no worries there), or just use the tracks on the phone, but it's dangerous and annoying to change tracks from the device itself.

I think I've found a decent one in Halfords that I might just use a USB drive with: http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_869073_langId_-1_categoryId_212600

This fella here should connect it to the Steering controls
http://www.amazon.com/Metra-ASWC-Universal-Steering-Interface/dp/B0039H2W66

And I think I should be able to tidy it all up with this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-Focus-2005-Stereo-Fascia-Fitting-Kit-FP-07-10-/250579987882

I hope

Roddy23

How did you get on with this Grayditch as I'm thinking of going down the same route?