Installing a USB Port?

MentalMinnie

Just bought a 09 plate Mondeo titanium X, but it doesn't have the USB connectivity. I want to be able to play my music from my iPod through the car. Is it possible to get someone to install one? In the newer model the port is hidden in the central arm rest thing, so I'd like something similar. Any ideas on cost if its do-able? Thanks.

Alexd52

The easiest way is to fit a new stereo system that has USB connectivity built in. There are numerous for sale at most, if not all, car stereo dealers etc. Not sure whether USB connectivity can be retro-fitted to an existing unit.

rxbren

try autoleads or halfords there maybe a connection on back of exisitng radio to add a usb lead
if no way to add it on your choices are
buy the newer spec radio with the usb connection
buy a new aftermarket radio with usb on the facia or connection lead
or fm transmitter with usb like this http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/42257210/755281696/Car-Audio-Radio-Mp3-Wireless-Fm-Transmitter-Modulator-Usb-Sd-Mmc-Lcd-Remote/ListingDetails.html?_$ja=tsid:13315|cat:42257210|prd:42257210&$$ja=cgid:7111954737|tsid:48121|cid:130773177|lid:54119200257|nw:g|crid:22715959977|rnd:9338216722046470632|dvc:c|adp:1o1

pogofish

If you can't get USB added, getting one of those little transmitters that plug into your iPod's headphone socket and tuning a radio is another way - there are a wide range of price/quality options but IME, you don't need to pay more than a tenner for an adequate one and some systems can have a simple audio cable added so you can just plug it in.

YorkshireBoy

MentalMinnie wrote: »

In the newer model the port is hidden in the central arm rest thing

I have an 11 plate Titanium X and mine's in the glove box, along with an MP3/iPod port.

Have you tried a Ford Mondeo forum? Maybe browse the topics here?...

http://www.talkford.com/forum/596-ford-mondeo-forum/

penthouse89

My Mondeo had a 3.5mm jack in the back of the glove box - as good as a USB port.

See if it's there first. Mine was only and LX - so I would imagine a Titanium would have this!

londonTiger

usb ports on stereos are hit and miss, they can be redundant with the times as they need to be compatible with the software of the handset, e.g. many radios work with iphones and ipods (but only the ones tht were around when the stero was made). if you use an android, then good luck!

Audio jack is widely available on stereos.

wba31

Alexd52 wrote: »

The easiest way is to fit a new stereo system that has USB connectivity built in. There are numerous for sale at most, if not all, car stereo dealers etc. Not sure whether USB connectivity can be retro-fitted to an existing unit.

no it isnt, the easiest way is to install a device that plugs into the back of your existing Ford stereo and enables you to plug a device in and play it through the 6 disc changer channel, a device like this http://www.ipodcarkitdirect.co.uk/iPod_Car_Kit/For_Factory_Fitted_Radios/Ford_iPod_Car_Kit

almillar

My Mondeo had a 3.5mm jack in the back of the glove box - as good as a USB port.

Nope - if you use USB you can control tracks from the head unit, and possibly also display track names, and technically, possibly, better sound quality too.

londonTiger

almillar wrote: »

Nope - if you use USB you can control tracks from the head unit, and possibly also display track names, and technically, possibly, better sound quality too.

this is heavily dependant on your setup. If you're happy to splash out on the latest head unit and a matching gadget then that's fine. There is no universal standard for steros communicating with smartphones via USB. So if you upgrade a handset it might not work with your stereo so you have to splash out on an upgrade to work with your handset.. There are tonnes of steros being sold on ebay that work with iphones up to 3gs, they dont work with iphone 4/4s or 5.

Likewise Android - I think there's just a handful of head units that work with Android phones. I think the 35mm audio jack with a bluetooth control is the best option.

If you're happy to sacrifice audio quality than a parrot system is pretty useful.

Lum

I've never been happy with the quality of bluetooth audio, though if you don't listen to bass heavy tracks you should be ok with it. Forget about bluetooth if you listen to DnB or dubstep however. Also unless the Titanium has a different radio to my less posh Mondeo, it can only do bluetooth phone calls, not bluetooth music, anyway.

That generation of Mondeo has an audio port in the glovebox, it's grey and located at the top right. You can pick up a suitable lead for a few quid from pretty much anywhere, I got mine from Tesco. Add some kind of dashboard or windscreen mount to make it easier to change tracks.