Replacing Stock Radio on my 2007 Explorer

[maxboi0807]

Hi,

My mom recently surprised me by buying the new Ford Edge and giving me her 2007 Ford Explorer, 4L V8. I couldn't be happier as I have learned/driven the car since I got my permit two years ago, and at 93,000 miles it runs like new.

There is one thing I have been looking into but can't completely find the answer to:

My Explorer came with the stock radio (AM/FM, CD, Satellite Radio, etc.) but the LED screen is fading and sometimes doesn't work at all. I am interested in possibly taking out the entire unit and replacing it with a touch screen unit. I have been looking around and found a few units (including the touch screen with GPS from the 2006 model) and various others that, supposedly, work with my 2007 model. I was wondering if this is something my Ford Dealer could replace for me? Or would I have to take it to an aftermarket dealer or do it myself? Could I install any unit or does it have to be a unit specifically for Ford Explorers? Also, my car does not have Bluetooth but all these units do; would there be any additional equipment (i.e. mics for phone calls) I'd need to install?

If anyone has done this before and can recommend a unit, I'd be very appreciative.

Thanks!

That's my current setup.

 

[NineFootNails]

I just did a stereo install in my '05. I put a Pioneer DEX6600BT single DIN in. It is fairly straightforward to install any aftermarket stereo when you also purchase the proper adapter to plug into the factory harness and the correct mounting kit. If you have steering wheel controls you may need an additional adapter to keep that functionality. My stereo did come with a mic for the Bluetooth phone feature which I ran discreetly to the dash near the steering column. Watch some vids on yt and save some cash by doing it yourself.

 

[maxboi0807]

Do you know if this will void the warranty?

 

[Bratmanxj]

Do you know if this will void the warranty?

So long as you get adapter harnesses and don't cut into the factory harness I don't see how you would void the warranty for other rest of the vehicle. Obviously an aftermarket radio would not be covered by the warranty; but I question on a 2007 if you have a power train (that wouldn't be affected) or bumper to bumper (that would cover electrical) warranty.

 

[maxboi0807]

So long as you get adapter harnesses and don't cut into the factory harness I don't see how you would void the warranty for other rest of the vehicle. Obviously an aftermarket radio would not be covered by the warranty; but I question on a 2007 if you have a power train (that wouldn't be affected) or bumper to bumper (that would cover electrical) warranty.

I'm thinking of buying a unit that says it will fit the 2007 Explorer without any cutting. I don't know where it says the power output though, but if it's built to fit the 2007 Explorer, I'd imagine it'll be fine, right?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00H8...s=Square+S&dpPl=1&dpID=51ZRNdBWgnL&ref=plSrch

 

[Bratmanxj]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00H8...s=Square+S&dpPl=1&dpID=51ZRNdBWgnL&ref=plSrch

Reviews on Amazon are not looking very promising on that head unit. It does appear to be "plug & play" but the build quality by the reviews seems pretty poor. I personally would go aftermarket like Jenson or Pioneer that usually stand behind their product and the necessary harness adapters & mounting brackets.

 

[maxboi0807]

So I just visited my local Ford Dealership and inquired about replacing the radio and they said it's not possible. Later, I called a different dealership and said they couldn't do it because my car did not initially come with navigation, but he implied that I could do it myself but it would definitely void my warranty. I don't believe this and I don't think he was really paying attention because I can't imagine replacing my radio would void my ENTIRE warranty, but I could be wrong (if anyone knows this information, please let me know).

Anyway, I found (what looks to be) the Ford stock GPS Navigation unit on the OEM Auto Parts Co website. I would much rather buy this unit (even though it doesn't come with Bluetooth) because it's made specifically for the car so I can safely assume it's reputable.

http://www.oemautopartsco.com/products/2006-2008-ford-explorer-gps-navigation-radio

So does anyone know if this would work on my car, which didn't previously come with navigation? Also, if I wanted to buy this part used (because $900 is a lot), does anyone know where I can buy it used? I found a few on Ebay, but maybe from somewhere else. Lastly, does anyone know if I'll need additional adapters to attach this unit to my car?

 

[NineFootNails]

I'll step back in and +1 my own previous recommendation for an aftermarket unit. Search for touchscreen with apple or Google auto. I'm assuming you have a smartphone that already has GPS. Just get a head unit that will display it from your phone. There are many available from pioneer, Kenwood, etc. And again, are easy to install yourself. I got my stuff from crutchfield dot com and they gave me the wiring adapter and mount kit for free. PLUS INSTRUCTIONS. Also free. You can do it. You can. Watch a couple vids before you tear into it, its easy.

 

[maxboi0807]

I'll step back in and +1 my own previous recommendation for an aftermarket unit. Search for touchscreen with apple or Google auto. I'm assuming you have a smartphone that already has GPS. Just get a head unit that will display it from your phone. There are many available from pioneer, Kenwood, etc. And again, are easy to install yourself. I got my stuff from crutchfield dot com and they gave me the wiring adapter and mount kit for free. PLUS INSTRUCTIONS. Also free. You can do it. You can. Watch a couple vids before you tear into it, its easy.

Thanks dude that's a big help. I'm probably going to do that.

 

[NineFootNails]

You're welcome, best of luck!

 

[BrianDye]

Stay away from OEM units, they are very very very basic, have a poor interface, and are 10x more than a better aftermarket unit.

You will need a few things:

1. Dash kit
2. Wire Harness
3. Antenna adapter
4. Radio of your choice

1. The dash kit is going to make the aftermarket unit fit. There are single din stereos, which are the small, non-touchscreen ones that are half the size of what you have now. There are double dins, which is what you want, with the touchscreen, dvd, nav, bluetooth, etc. Make sure your dash kit is for a double din. Some brands are only for single din, but it will mention that somewhere on the package.

2. The wire harness is the adapter that plugs into your Explorer's wire harness, and has the appropriate matching wires for your headunits wire harness. (You'll have a power, ground, ignition, illumination, and 2 wires for each of the 4 speakers to connect. Simple splice and crimp/electrical tape, etc)

3. The antenna adapter plugs into the stock antenna wire which has a weird style, and converts it into the long pin style that ALL aftermarket radio's take.

4. The radio is up to you. I cant stress enough, you get what you pay for. I would recommend one with nav, bluetooth, 7" screen, DVD, the works. Pioneer is my go-to brand. I paid about $300 for my AVH-X4700BS but there are newer models now. Like mentioned above, look online, and then look at some YouTube videos, to see what they are like, and they'll usually go over pro's and con's of the unit. I would personally stay away from Dual, Jensen, and Boss. They are cheap, and work, but typically don't last, have poor sound quality and adjustments, and have a poor interface. (The menu's look old, outdated and not pleasing to the eyes)

Overall, this job will take you an hour or two, depending on how fast you connect the wiring. Its not hard at all, it is intimidating the first time, but once you do it, you'll be shocked at how easy it is.

With a radio that has bluetooth, you'll most likely have a mic to wire up. This is not necessary unless you want to make phone calls VIA the radio. I ran my mic wire through the dash under it, up the A-Pillar, and tucked it into the headliner, and mounted my mic on top of the mirror, it almost looks OEM. They usually come with clips to just clip onto your visor, or some sticky tape. You could even literally mount it right above or below the radio to save from running the wire far.

I recommend ordering everything online. You'll pay significantly more at a store for the stuff.

 

[maxboi0807]

The radio is up to you. I cant stress enough, you get what you pay for.

I'm thinking of buying this:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_109CP100/JBL-Legend-CP100.html

It seems perfect for me: it works with CarPlay on my iPhone and I don't have to setup a GPS antenna. Also, this website will send me everything I need to install it on my '07 Explorer (adapters, instructions, etc.). Do you think this looks like a good option?

 

[Tech By Trade]

Any double din deck will work. You will also need an adapter because the stereo in the 07 and later runs off the CanBus. Metra makes an adapter kit for around 50 bucks that when soldered to the aftermarket deck wireing harness is plug and play. It also is the only way to maintain all the factory function like delay power down, dimming with dash lights, and any functions involving the parking break or reverse such as video playback and addition of a reverse camera.

 

[maxboi0807]

Any double din deck will work. You will also need an adapter because the stereo in the 07 and later runs off the CanBus. Metra makes an adapter kit for around 50 bucks that when soldered to the aftermarket deck wireing harness is plug and play. It also is the only way to maintain all the factory function like delay power down, dimming with dash lights, and any functions involving the parking break or reverse such as video playback and addition of a reverse camera.

I was talking with a specialist online on the Crutchfield website and he said this is what I need to install this unit. I think that adapter you're referring to is in here...

http://www.crutchfield.com/cart/default.aspx

 

[NineFootNails]

it works with CarPlay on my iPhone and I don't have to setup a GPS antenna.

That looks pretty sweet. I don't know much about JBL head units so be sure and read some reviews. Also note that I believe to use car play you have to attach via USB, bluetooth only does phone and music streaming. To anyone else familiar with apple carplay please correct me if I am wrong. (Android user, personally)

 

[MotorCityFats13]

another member did a full write up on swapping out stock for stock navi touch.... when it was all said and done it cost just under $2k.... going aftermarket 7" navi would have been around $700..... its just not worth it to keep things stock.... I have replaced everything in my 07 and added much more and I am still well under $2k

 

[BrianDye]

I have to disagree with MotorCity on this one, it can be done for WAY under $700.

Your dash kit will be about $25, antenna adapter is $10-$15, my wire harness was $20 and my head unit was about $300. Then $5 in crimps, or electrical tape to connect your wires, and thats all. I can't speak about the canbus adapter, but I did not need one, and I do not have steering wheel controls. If you do, that harness is right around $50, and the steering wheel control adapter will add another $40 or so, from PAC.


Also wanted to add, im an Apple guy, but don't care for CarPlay. Tried it awhile ago when it first came out, wasnt a fan, but it might be better now. I like the simplicity of Pioneer.

 

[MotorCityFats13]

dash kit free... wire harness $5.... antenna adapter $5... my head unit was $300 but another $200 to make it navi.... RAP retention free.... the pac box is only needed if keeping SWC or factory sub.... the $700 figure was a brand specific choice and not being able to do the install your self.... I have close to 2k in my complete audio system built over time between my last 3 cars.... if really on a budget you can get a jensen DD with nav for $300 but it has no bells and whistles like my AVH-x4800bs that can run full active and time alignment .... and this is a feature I currently use because I take my systems pretty serious

 

[beauboy]

Hey max -

Just in case the upgrade doesn't work for you, you can remove the electronics package (front plate) from your current stock radio and re-solder the 4 solder points on the reverse. These points get old which is what causes your screen to fade. There's a video on YouTube that is super-easy to follow, and it'll only take about 15 minutes for the fix.

That is, of course, if you're forced to live with the old unit.