Question on digital protocol adpter for JBL system with RCU

[thebluesking]

Hello!

I recently purchased a P.I.E. FRDR/PC-KNW adapter that's used to connect a Kenwood CD changer to the rear control unit in Fords/ Lincolns. My car is a '97 TC Signature with JBL system w/sub, and CD controls on the head unit. The directions for the adapter say to disconnect the factory 14 pin connector from the RCU and then connect the adapter 14 pin connector where that factory connector was, and reconnect the factory connector to the mating connector at the other end of the adapter cable. This is all fine, but the next step is to connect the 13 pin flat-type data connector to the 13 pin connector on the RCU. The trouble is that there's already a cable connected to both of the 13 pin connectors on the RCU. The P.I.E tech support guy says I have to remove the existing 13 pin cable and leave it disconnected. This has me very concerned that I'll be removing a necessary connection. I sure don't want to lose any functions or worse; fry the system. Anyone have experience with this installation?:confused:

[pepsi2185]

I doubt you can fry anything on that RCU. The second 13 pin connector is probably the harness going to where the CD changer would be. A lot of time they pre wire the vehicle for options just waiting for the components. I dont have a schematic in front of me, so i would say, track down the 13 pic connector and see if it goes to the other side of the trunk. As a side note, I unplug the headunit from those cars all the time. I highly doubt you can cause any issues with the stock system just by unplugging it. towncars are suprisingly resilient.

[thebluesking]

"The second 13 pin connector is probably the harness going to where the CD changer would be. A lot of time they pre wire the vehicle for options just waiting for the components."

I didn't even think of that! First thing tomorrow I'm gonna trace that cable. That would explain why the P.I.E guy said it would have to be disconnected. I have the service manual on CD and the connector pinouts show one 13 pin connector for the tape player and the other for the CD and cell phone connections. If it's prewired, I may sell my setup and get one of the factory Ford CD players I saw on Ebay. Thanks for the great tip!

[thebluesking]

I didn't even think of that! First thing tomorrow I'm gonna trace that cable.

Sure enough! That cable is a pre-wired harness for both the CD changer and the cell phone- both on the same side of the trunk as the amp. Thanks again for the tip. Oh, one other thing, I installed the adapter, data cable and CD changer-all bought on Ebay- and the darned changer magazine is stuck. It's always something....:(

[pepsi2185]

Glad you got to the bottom of it. Try hitting the reset button if there is one. Its a small pin hole button somewhere on the inside face of the changer just below the doors. Changers usually tend to lock up. They can be quite frustrating. Keep us posted.

[thebluesking]

Glad you got to the bottom of it. Try hitting the reset button if there is one. Its a small pin hole button somewhere on the inside face of the changer just below the doors. Changers usually tend to lock up. They can be quite frustrating. Keep us posted.


Had to buy another changer on Ebay. Got sold that defective unit by another Ebayer. They must have known it was defective as they won't reply to my emails. Pretty screwed up. This other one comes with a 30 day return option if anything should be wrong with it and the guy assured me he tested it just before shipping it. It's scheduled for delivery today. I'll post on the install results.

[thebluesking]

Keep us posted.


Got the new CD changer today and installed it, road tested it over pretty hard bumps and rough roads and I'm glad to say it performed flawlessly. The adapter from P.I.E works exactly as advertised. It's a perfect integration of an aftermarket changer and the factory system (different adapters available for the different CD changer manufacturers). Before finding out about these adapters, I used to go the FM modulator route and I always hated having to tune to a station and have that ugly remote stuck on my dash-that is when it would not be falling off in the heat or cold! Not to mention the sound quality sucked. This is definitely the way to go if you like the factory system in your car, but are lacking and want to add a CD changer in the trunk. Actually they have adapters for all kinds of applications including MP3 players, Serius radio, and Ipod interfaces etc. Here's the link to the site should anyone wish to research this further.

http://www.pie.net/