Connecting an iPod classic to a 2025 Ford Explorer

Since the iPod Classic doe not have Bluetooth it obviously cannot connect to modern vehicle using Bluetooth.

Look in the vehicle for a USB port. It may be used for charging phones etc. but usually those USB ports can accept audio in from external devices (such as an iPod Classic). If there are any USB ports, look on the vehicle's infotainment system menu to find an input setting for USB. (If there is more than one port, there will probably be a setting on the menu for each port.)

Some vehicles put the USB ports in the glove box or underneath a cover. The manual for the vehicle should help you in this quest.

If there is a suitable USB port, the existing charge/connecting cable for the Classic can use that port between the vehicle and the iPod. Then select that input and off you go.

• • Be aware though, that both the volume control on the iPod and the one on the vehicle system will affect the volume through the vehicle's audio system
  • Note also, that you will not have any of the iPod's controls available to you. When I last used a Classic in my vehicle I would start the iPod playing at the start of a long-enough playlist and let it play throughout my journey
  • One last point: some replacement cables for iPods do not send audio over the cable. If (as is likely) you have replaced the original cable, that replacement needs to be capable of sending audio

If the USB port option is not a viable solution for you, there are two other ways (I can think of):

One: use an FM transmitter - but only if the vehicle's radio system has the FM radio receiver option. An FM transmitter either plugs into the iPod's 30-pin dock connector or into the iPod's headphone socket and turns the audio into a low power radio signal, which can be picked up on a nearby FM receiver tuned to the transmitter's frequency.

• • • If you go for this option, make sure to buy an FM transmitter that plugs into the dock connector or the headphone port. (There are versions that plug into non-iPod devices or even into the later lightning connector)
    • The sound quality will not be as good as Bluetooth or cable connection
    • You will not have any of the iPod controls available on the vehicle's system
    • The volume on the iPod may, or may not, control what is heard through the vehicle's system

Two: if your vehicle has a 3.5mm audio socket, use an audio cable with 3.5mm jack plugs on each end to connect between the iPod's headphone socket and the vehicle. Then use the Audio In option on the infotainment menu. The same audio and control limitations apply as with the FM option

If none of these options suit you, it may be time to move on to a more modern, Bluetooth capable device.