I burned a CD with a few sample mp3 songs in it and tried to play it in my 06 Escape Ltd's Audiophile CD6 unit. It didn't recognize the mp3 files although my laptop plays the same CD.

Am I missing something here? The owner's manual mentions mp3 mode in several sections but after a couple of different CD's with mp3 files, I still couldn't play mp3's in this unit.

Can somebody please explain?

 

Make sure that the disk is "finalized" (i.e., the disk is closed, additional files can't be added, etc.). If it still won't play it, I suspect that your unit cannot play MP3s. Does the unit have MP3 printed on the front face anywhere? The owners manual probably covers every available audio option. The trick is identifying which one you have.

 

If it is MP3 capable, then it should have "MP3" somewhere on the face plate, and should also have folder up and folder down buttons.
I'm not positive, but I don't think that finalizing the disc is required.

 

I didn't see any of the systems described in the manual displaying "MP3" on the plate. As I mentioned above, mine is the Audiophile CD6 unit with the folder up/down buttons and 6-disk changer. Ford Customer Service couldn't help either and pointed to the dealer which was of no help also.

I guess I can always convert to .cda format or just play my original CD's.

 

I'm a little concerned. I bought a Mach 300 CD-6 on ebay that was advertised as an MP3 player. It doesn't have MP3 on the front, and it doesn't have folder buttons. I don't have it in hand yet. Just pic's. The disc/tune button says cat in the second line of text. Rew-FF says text in the second line. The radio is unused, and from an escape. He said 05-06, but the 06 is audiophile right? Must be an 05.

Eric

 

Have you tried different cd media?

Eric

 

I could be mistaken, but I believe the only Audiophile MP3 players are single disk units and not changers.

 

Yes I did try that.

GatorJ,
Mine has Audiophile CD6 on the face plate and it's a 6-disk changer.

etcetera,
I believe '06 models have 3 different audio systems available. The Audiophile CD6 is standard on the Limited model.

 

This is what Fords website says:

Options for the Escape:

1) AM/FM single CD player with clock, 4 speakers (MP3- and satellite capable
2) AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, 4 speaker
3) AM/FM single CD and cassette player, 4 speakers (MP3- and satellite capable)
4) Audiophile (320 watts) 6-disc in-dash CD changer, 7 speakers (satellite- capable). Available as part of the Limited Luxury Comfort Package (includes automatic volume control)

According to this, the Audiophile is not MP3 Capable

 

I saw that on the website after I made my last post. Oh well.

To further confuse it, I emailed everyone selling an 05 or 06 escape on ebay with the audiophile setup, and the only guy to respond told me he plays mp3 discs on his all the time. I'm not sure if he's just saying that to get me to come take a look at it.

I'm not worried anymore, it's still a big upgrade, and if it does by some miracle play them it'll be a bonus, but I'm not holding my breath. My other option is to convert the sat in to an AUX in. According to my wiring diagram there is a DVD input also, that might be controlled byt the cd/aux button on the upper left.

Sorry to hijack the thread like this.

An unfortunate side effect to looking at all these escapes is I want to replace my wife's 01 escape with a newer one.

Eric