mach radio install

[NR92]

hey guys i own a 99 cougar and im trying to figure out how to wire up a mach radio (one with a a single cd and tape deck) out of a 99 explorer to my car, i got the radio and i got a bezel that goes around it that will work in my car now all i have left to figure out is the wiring and i need help
first off the 01-02 mercury cougars had a stock radio very much like the mach radio so i got the wiring from a 01 cougar and also go the wiring for a 99 explorer and i found that on the two plugs the wires were colored differently even though they may have gone into the same spot on the plug

[scucci]

get the mach system schematic here:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=286858

[NR92]

sweet!! that helps alot! one more question
can you plug a mach radio into a explorer that has the base sound system and it work without any modification to the wires

[scucci]

Yes, providing that they use the same wire harness. The Mach system has a built in eq that prevents low frequencies from going to the door speakers. So a Mach head unit without the sub would have very little bass.
More information(wire plug info,radio info.etc) at these links:
http://oem-auto-accessory.com/factory_ford_radios.html
http://oem-auto-accessory.com/photo_page.html
http://oem-auto-accessory.com/ford_phase_2_plugs.html
http://oem-auto-accessory.com/explorer.html

[NR92]

the model number for my headunit is xl2f-18c868-ca
and your saying with out a sub this wouldn't work right?
what about a premium radio

[scucci]

The premium radio has full frequency going to the door speakers and would have the proper bass and high frequencies without a sub woofer. The Mach system is designed to use a sub woofer and the premium system is not.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...ad.php?t=25999

[NR92]

ok i understand now, now i have to sell this one on ebay and get a premium radio, does the premium have rds?

[scucci]

The true premium has rds.

[NR92]

ok, is there a place other then ebay and junk yards that i can find one and also whats the model number for one

[snickstx]

try car-parts.com to find the part number and do a national jy search. Once you have the pn, google will be your friend.

[scucci]

The premium from my 2 door sport is: F87F-18C868-C0
Even the premium radio is equalized for the specific vehicle - 2 door or 4 door. However there is very little difference between 2 door and 4 door. The link given in the above post explains the Ford part numbering system. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...ad.php?t=25999
18C868 is a premium radio. The premium will have the RDS button, if the radio does not have that it is not premium. Also the Mach unit has RDS button, make sure you don't get a MACH.
The links given above to factory ford radios would be one dealer to get a radio-call them.
Ebay is also a good place to get it. You may have to wait until one shows up on ebay. Also check the for sale area on this forum, or ask in a thread. Many members may have one collecting dust and be willing to part with it.

[NR92]

what does the last two digits ie: co in F87F-18C868-co mean

[scucci]

I don't know for sure, it may be the eq curve or just an assembly line revision code. I lean towards eq curve for 2 door or four door.

[jrford]

Originally Posted by NR92

what does the last two digits ie: co in F87F-18C868-co mean

If i remember correctly the First set is the Make/Year, Second is the type of radio 6CD or CD/Cass, Last two is the Level of radio/options. First C=Base, B=Prem, A=Audiophile.
Never found a document on the last two but they seems to be Options like Rear Control, DVD etc . . .

[Drives]

Yes I have a F87F-18C868-A? <-- cant read the last letter. It's in a 98 Eddie Bauer with the mach system. It has the steering wheel control, rear controls, subwoofer, 6 disk changer maybe this has something to do with the last two letters??
Currently the display is dead and I'm looking for a replacement. Bought directions how to fix the power board awhile back but it didn't work this time around. Does anyone know if the power board out of a base or premium would work in a mack system?

[scucci]

power board from a premium will work. Used to be able to purchase the boards new from the following people:
http://www.speedometerservice.com/

[Drives]

Thanks scucci, I just emailed them.

[harley75]

Originally Posted by scucci

power board from a premium will work. Used to be able to purchase the boards new from the following people:
http://www.speedometerservice.com/

what is the RDS in these radios mine has it but can't find out what it does or means