Hello all,

My ST has the stock fitted MP3 connection which is a little socket near the gear lever. So, I plug in my mp3 player, press AUX on the console and away I go...but its super quiet. I turn the volume up to max and it is still super quiet, and only playing out of the right speaker. I check my mp3 player and the volume is turned up pretty high...even tried it on Max, no difference. So I think well what a disappointment and start to drive off. As I shift into first suddenly the music comes blazing through both speakers at full volume...scaring me half to death. I turn the volume down and its functioning as normal now, both speakers at the correct volume levels. Then I move off and shift into 2nd...and it makes a loud distorting noise (the speakers) and goes all quiet and to one speaker again. So basically the gear stick is knocking something causing connection problems, I think. Every time I move the stick it disrupts the connection.

Anyone ever come across this or anyone have any idea how to fix this? I have no idea how to get under the plastic to see the wires and such. Pretty annoying as I was really looking forward to using my mp3 player rather than having to carry around 40 cd's in a case.

sounds to me like you need to pull the side of the panel off and check to make sure the mp3 connection is still connected - sounds like its come loose over time.

Dal

Dont take the side panel off.Look under the gearstick first
Unclip the plastic bit at the bottom of the gaitor then unscrew the gear knob and you should be able to see the connection through the hole. If not just unclip the centre console (where the aux input is attached. Unclip and pull towards you

Got a ford guide at home, will upload it later if I remember

I'd try what burn said first. if you remove the gaitor you'll most probabbly be able to fiddle with the connection. See if the gearstick is pulling any of the AUX wiring at change of gears.

You might also be having some connection problems in your external wiring. I do sometimes experience this but not during change of gears

yeah i'd imagine it's more to do with the wiring under the centre console (next to the gear stick) if gears are interfering with it!

think i threw that guide away the other day "not gonna need this anymore" whoops

Ensure the AUX cable is also zip tied out of the way of the gear cables to save hassle in the future.

No more nails tape? lol
or could remove the stereo and pull the wire back toward you so as to lessen the slack if that makes sense?