What kind of audio system do I really have?

[CJL]

I have a 2000 XLT no CD changer but I have a factory sub.

I have this style radio(borrowed pic off net)

But the PO said he replaced the radio because of radio reception static.

Since I have a factory sub,does that style radio belong to my truck or did I have a mach radio?

I would have a external amp correct?

Anybody fix their static radio problem?

Also how are you suppose to remove the subs trim panel? I tried but the cover started to crack so I gave up.

 

[Joe Dirt]

You have to pull the rear trim panel off entirely and push the tabs from behind. Are you sure that there is a factory sub in there? If there is a sub in there, maybe they used a factory enclosure and mounted one in there...

By the pic, it looks like you have the short console, and I have never seen an Ex with a short series console, no CD, but a factory sub.

 

[CJL]

I have the long console, that was just a pic I found on the net of the same radio I have.

I wonder why Ford made a panel for the sub if you still have to remove the whole cover to pop it off.?

 

[Joe Dirt]

Sorry- I missed the 'borrowed pic' thing in my NyQuil haze...

The cover is removable becasue the non-sub installed vehicles have a storage compartment. If they molded it in, they'd have to make 2 entirely different rear 1/4 trim panels. Much cheaper this way to only have to change the insert.

Pull your radio and see what wiresa are back there. You have to remove 2 bolts above the HVAC controls, then pull the bezel out.

 

[CJL]

Sorry- I missed the 'borrowed pic' thing in my NyQuil haze...

The cover is removable becasue the non-sub installed vehicles have a storage compartment. If they molded it in, they'd have to make 2 entirely different rear 1/4 trim panels. Much cheaper this way to only have to change the insert.

Pull your radio and see what wiresa are back there. You have to remove 2 bolts above the HVAC controls, then pull the bezel out.

Ok that makes sense.

What kinda wires should I be looking for?

I guess I could always post a pic.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I am going to put my radio in my Ex after work today. It's a 2000 with premium sound. I'll post up pics of the harnesses for you...

 

[CJL]

I am going to put my radio in my Ex after work today. It's a 2000 with premium sound. I'll post up pics of the harnesses for you...

Ok sounds good

 

[Joe Dirt]

Ok, here are the 2 harnesses that plug into the back of my dual-media radio in my XLT. (Tape and CD)

One is for the main stereo (right), the other is for the rear seat controls (left). I put in my aftermarket Pioneer, so I only used the main harness on the left.

 

[CJL]

Thanks for the pic Joe. I also have (working)rear controls.

Im going to pick up the tool to remove the radio and report back.

 

[Joe Dirt]

If you pull the 2 bolts out above the HVAC controls, the whole bezel pops out. Then you can just release the radio from behind with a screwdriver or something. Saves a few bucks.

 

[CJL]

Here is the back of my radio,it has 3 plugs.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Do you have a CD changer in the console... or a harness there? Usually the 3rd harness is for a changer.

 

[CJL]

No cd changer and no harness.

Maybe the PO removed it?

 

[larivera1989]

some XLT's had the mach system like the EB and Limited. its most likey you had that and the radio was replaced withe a diffrent one

 

[CJL]

I believe that also. I also read that the MACH system has 2 way (tweeter and midrange)speakers in the front doors,which I have.

Does the MACH radio offer anything special over the one I have now?

 

[mic98xlt]

The 3rd smaller plug connector is for the rear sub woofer. Your present radio radio is really out of an newer model Explorer. If you click on the link below you can match it up with the similar pictures of Ford radios. Ford seemed to mix and match so many radio's it's hard to say exactly which model you have unless you look at the radio connectors or Goggle the radio model number on the radio itself.

http://replacementradios.com/index.php?cPath=21_31_122

 

[mic98xlt]

I don't know if this is technically correct, but it appears yours is an "mach system". I base this on matching the pin out diagram (3 connectors) for the link below for the PDF printout for "98 -01 Mach system"

http://www.fordforumsonline.com/for...ration-1995-96-explorer-audio-schematics.html

 

[Joe Dirt]

Well, if you have the 2-way speakers, then yes, it's a Mach setup. That explains a lot knowing you have those speakers...

Doesn't mean that it's a newer model, that radio was in use from 1996+ just with different connections. I had the same one in my '95 with the flat power connector.

Ford radios are just about the most confusing things in the world...

 

[larivera1989]

I believe that also. I also read that the MACH system has 2 way (tweeter and midrange)speakers in the front doors,which I have.

Does the MACH radio offer anything special over the one I have now?

the top one (premium radio) is similar to one you have now
(mach radio) has the rds feature

 

[CJL]

thanks guys