Joe Dirt
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- October 4, 2007
- Messages
- 13,325
- Reaction score
- 28
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 07 Camry
Ok, a lot has been discussed regarding the installation of an aftermarket deck into a 1995-1997 Ford Explorer before they went to dual media decks. If you're installing one, maybe this'll help you out.
If you have a deck like this:
Or this:
With these type of plugs on the back:
This is your thread...
HARNESS
You need the 70-5600 harness kit from METRA. Tip- if you go to Best Buy, they do not hang it on the customer displays. More likely than not (and every time I've needed one) I have to get one of the installers to get me one from the audio install garage wall.
The Scosche FD012 kit pictured below WILL NOT WORK. Even thought it says "Premium Sound" which is what you have (with or without CD changer, but no subwoofer) the speaker connection harness is wrong.
This is your speaker harness:
I was installing a Pioneer DEH-1100MP into my truck. I have switched the dash lights to the '98+ green, and the Pioneer green lighted decks match colors perfectly, which is why I like them, but the decks are great as well!
Here is the link to the DEH-1100MP if you're interested, I paid $85 for it at Best Buy on sale.
I didn't take a pic of the wires, since that's straightforward- hook the wires on the harness for the deck to the corresponding wires on the METRA harness.
IMPORTANT- if you have read this far and can't figure out why your truck as power to your aftermarket deck but no sound read on- but if you're installing at this point- In order to get the remote amp to turn on, and thus power your speakers, you need to hook the "Remote Amp Turn-On" wire on the METRA kit to the power antenna wire on your aftermarket HU harness (or remote amp turn on if they have such a wire, some do...)
Remote/PA Blue wires:
Why? The double-DIN '95-'97 deck does not have an amp on the radio, which can be eyed in this pic- the double-DIN Ford radio is only single DIN thick at the back, because there is no amp onboard, it is remotely located at the passenger rear of the truck.
DASH KITS
If you are looking for a dash kit to use, I have tried a couple.
First kit was the Scosche kit from WalMart.
The other was the METRA 99-5802 (Labeled DYNEX) which I got at Best Buy.
The Wal-Mart Scosche kit covered a LOT of vehicles. It was full of parts, and honestly, I didn't like the way it looked. The METRA / DYNEX kit from Best Buy was a better looking unit when installed, and only covered the double-DIN Ford vehicles, so it was super easy to install.
Here they are side by side:
The METRA/DYNEX on the right, Scosche on the left.
Here was my main problem:
The Pioneer deck comes with a small remote. The storage cubby holds the remote perfectly in the METRA/DYNEX kit, but the opening wasn't deep enough in the Scosche kit, as you can see here as they are pictured from the side:
So, I used the METRA/DYNEX kit. Just my .02 if it is helpful to decide... I do not know what kit Crutchfield sends out with their units, maybe someone can chime in.
When installed, this is how your deck will look from the rear, and how it is affixed to the dash kit for support.
So when you're done, you'll have this:
If you have a deck like this:
Or this:
With these type of plugs on the back:
This is your thread...
HARNESS
You need the 70-5600 harness kit from METRA. Tip- if you go to Best Buy, they do not hang it on the customer displays. More likely than not (and every time I've needed one) I have to get one of the installers to get me one from the audio install garage wall.
The Scosche FD012 kit pictured below WILL NOT WORK. Even thought it says "Premium Sound" which is what you have (with or without CD changer, but no subwoofer) the speaker connection harness is wrong.
This is your speaker harness:
I was installing a Pioneer DEH-1100MP into my truck. I have switched the dash lights to the '98+ green, and the Pioneer green lighted decks match colors perfectly, which is why I like them, but the decks are great as well!
Here is the link to the DEH-1100MP if you're interested, I paid $85 for it at Best Buy on sale.
I didn't take a pic of the wires, since that's straightforward- hook the wires on the harness for the deck to the corresponding wires on the METRA harness.
IMPORTANT- if you have read this far and can't figure out why your truck as power to your aftermarket deck but no sound read on- but if you're installing at this point- In order to get the remote amp to turn on, and thus power your speakers, you need to hook the "Remote Amp Turn-On" wire on the METRA kit to the power antenna wire on your aftermarket HU harness (or remote amp turn on if they have such a wire, some do...)
Remote/PA Blue wires:
Why? The double-DIN '95-'97 deck does not have an amp on the radio, which can be eyed in this pic- the double-DIN Ford radio is only single DIN thick at the back, because there is no amp onboard, it is remotely located at the passenger rear of the truck.
DASH KITS
If you are looking for a dash kit to use, I have tried a couple.
First kit was the Scosche kit from WalMart.
The other was the METRA 99-5802 (Labeled DYNEX) which I got at Best Buy.
The Wal-Mart Scosche kit covered a LOT of vehicles. It was full of parts, and honestly, I didn't like the way it looked. The METRA / DYNEX kit from Best Buy was a better looking unit when installed, and only covered the double-DIN Ford vehicles, so it was super easy to install.
Here they are side by side:
The METRA/DYNEX on the right, Scosche on the left.
Here was my main problem:
The Pioneer deck comes with a small remote. The storage cubby holds the remote perfectly in the METRA/DYNEX kit, but the opening wasn't deep enough in the Scosche kit, as you can see here as they are pictured from the side:
So, I used the METRA/DYNEX kit. Just my .02 if it is helpful to decide... I do not know what kit Crutchfield sends out with their units, maybe someone can chime in.
When installed, this is how your deck will look from the rear, and how it is affixed to the dash kit for support.
So when you're done, you'll have this: