How to play music from your phone connecting to the Focus' radio

Most economical solution (which I haven't tested) for the soldering iron fanatics out there: take appart the original unit and attach the three wires of an audio cable (connecting a jack or Bluetooth receiver which can be powered by the cigarette lighter connection near the steering wheel) to the internal board of the radio. The wire can then run to the ashtray or glovebox. It would likely be necessary to play an audio CD with a silent track to activate the amplifier.

Solution currently used in my Focus where I installed a Pioneer unit (without Bluetooth capability) as soon as I bought the car: it requires one or two afFordable wires: one cable that connects to the twelve-pin accessory input behind the unit, with a mini-jack plug on the other end and a second (optional) mini-jack cable with a microphone-remote (like some headsets/earbuds) with a female plug (for the previously mentioned wire connected to the unit) and a male for the phone. We're staying wired but still discreet by running the cable from the ashtray to the driver's cupholder 😉 and the remote allows pausing or skipping a song and even take hands-free calls hearing your caller through the car speakers 😎

I am cheap and don't like to enable Bluetooth on my phone but it remains possible to use a Pioneer-Bluetooth interface which can be powered by the cigarette lighter connector near the wheel. The gain is relative because with a smartphone connected, no "hands-free" usability (no mic) or playback control without handling the phone.

Another alternative (the most expensive one) for fans of the original unit (which comes equipped with a "CD changer" input plug in the back): an interface (self-powered, this time) which simulates the presence of the aforementioned CD changer and offers the user to connect a memory card, USB flash drive or any device equipped with a jack output. A Bluetooth extension option is even available. These options also exist for Pioneer units and other car makes and models.

 

Thank you for your visit and don't forget: if you care about your car, drive wisely 😉

Using your turn signal is not 'giving information to the enemy'. 😅

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