02 swap from standard to audiophile stero/cd - possible?

[wdhendrick]

Ok, I have a quick question.... I just picked up an '02 Explorer and it has just a basic AM/FM cassette. I'd like a CD, but more importantly, I would really like RDS. From what I can tell, there are 2 steros from Ford (that year) that had RDS - the premium and the audiophile system. The look nearly identical from the front. It also appears that the audiophile system has a sub-out connector on the back. Does the premium system as well? I don't have a sub, so can I still use this stero as it is?

Thanks in advance!

 

[cobrajeff]

You can use the Premium version - it does not have a subwoofer output, and will work fine in your truck. You do not want to use the Audiophile version - it will not sound right in your system. The Audiophile version has the low frequencies directed to the subwoofer, and, if you don't have that subwoofer, the unit will not have any bass response, and sound terrible.

regards,

Jeff

 

[wdhendrick]

Thanks for the quick reply Jeff! Do you happen to know the part number or part numbers of the radios I could use? To look at them from the front, I think I can tell the one I need as it would NOT have the DSP button in the upper right hand corner, right?

Thanks again, you just saved me from getting the wrong radio!

 

[Zelatio]

I have a 02 6-CD changer that I may be willing to sell.

 

[wdhendrick]

Does it have RDS and only 2 plugs in the back... i.e. NOT the 3rd plug for the factory sub / amp? How much?

 

[wdhendrick]

Do you know if either of the base systems, such as the CD only, or the CD and cassette, if either of them have RDS, or do I need the premium system to get RDS? Also, I NEED to have the monting tabs on the bottom, in addition to the plastic sleeve thing in the back that the radio slides on to hold in place, right? I've seen some that say they are for 02 Explorers, but they have the standard Ford 2 prong release thingys on either side... I don't think those will work, right?

 

[fast]

so the 6cd indash has same connections as my single cd?

thanks all

 

[Zelatio]

Does it have RDS and only 2 plugs in the back... i.e. NOT the 3rd plug for the factory sub / amp? How much?

Not sure what this RDS is you are talking about. And it only had two connections on the back.

 

[cobrajeff]

Hardmount Radios

For your '02 Explorer, you need a "hardmount" radio instead of a "springclip" version radio. Explorer/Mountaineer, Mustang, and Expedition/Navigator used "hardmount" style radios in 2002.

You want a radio that has an "RDS" button, but NOT a "DSP" button (the DSP is only in the "Audiophile" radios).

Here are part numbers for "hardmount" Dual Media radios (Cassette and CD, with base part number -18C86 that should work: 2L2T-DA/EA; 3L2T-CC/DC; 2L1F-AA; 3L1T-AA.

Here are part numbers for "hardmount" CDX6 radios (6 Disc Changer radio with base part number -18C815-) that should work: 1L2F-AE; 2L2T-EA; 2L1F-AC.

The following part numbers are for "Audiophile" hardmount CDX6 type radios (with base part number -18C815-) that you would want to avoid (they won't sound right in a system without a subwoofer): 1L2F-BD; 2L1F-CD; 2L2T-FA; 3L2T-FA; 4L2T-CA.

Hope this helps.

 

[fast]

I work for a salvage yard
hollander shows 6CD non-audiophile interchange as 1L2F-AC/AD/AE
just to expand a little on cobrajeff's advice

 

[wdhendrick]

Not sure what this RDS is you are talking about. And it only had two connections on the back.

RDS is where it displays the artist and title of a song. You turned that feature on through the menu button.

How much do you want, shipped to zip 60451?

 

[wdhendrick]

For your '02 Explorer, you need a "hardmount" radio instead of a "springclip" version radio. Explorer/Mountaineer, Mustang, and Expedition/Navigator used "hardmount" style radios in 2002.

You want a radio that has an "RDS" button, but NOT a "DSP" button (the DSP is only in the "Audiophile" radios).

Here are part numbers for "hardmount" Dual Media radios (Cassette and CD, with base part number -18C86 that should work: 2L2T-DA/EA; 3L2T-CC/DC; 2L1F-AA; 3L1T-AA.

Here are part numbers for "hardmount" CDX6 radios (6 Disc Changer radio with base part number -18C815-) that should work: 1L2F-AE; 2L2T-EA; 2L1F-AC.

The following part numbers are for "Audiophile" hardmount CDX6 type radios (with base part number -18C815-) that you would want to avoid (they won't sound right in a system without a subwoofer): 1L2F-BD; 2L1F-CD; 2L2T-FA; 3L2T-FA; 4L2T-CA.

Hope this helps.

Excellent information, thanks! I've been searching eBay and some used parts sites with this info, thanks!

 

[Zelatio]

RDS is where it displays the artist and title of a song. You turned that feature on through the menu button.

How much do you want, shipped to zip 60451?

I believe mine had that. I gave it a little more thought and would like to keep it actually to help the resale value. I know the explorer won't be truckin forever. It will be an exploder soon. Sorry, hopefully you can find one on ebay. I have seen them there before.

 

[lisfan]

does anyone have one to sell ?