06+ Factory Navigation in 03 Mountaineer?

[shadowless127]

Really wanting to install the factory nav unit that comes in the 06+ ex/mounty in my 03 mountaineer that currently has the audiophile system.

Is this possible? If it is, what is needed?

I know I can go the aftermarket route but I like the factory look better.

 

[Cobraguy]

I'm really not a lot of help to you. But I see the late model factory nav units for sale on eBay all the time for around $700. My understanding is these late model units are fully self contained (except for antennas, etc). If that is correct, then it would be a matter of utilizing the correct wiring harnesses and plugs. I don't know if your 03 would plug and play or have to be rewired. That would require investigation on your part.

But I would look at aftermarket too. I have four Pioneer Z series Nav units in my cars and am going to try an F series too. The reason I prefer them over the factory system is flexibility and bypass ability. There is nothing more frustrating than having to stop every time you want to make a change in your routing. With the Pioneer units, my passenger can take care of that while on the move. I don't know why Ford does that as it is NOT illegal in any of the 50 states. Acura allows it from the factory.

My Pioneer's all look factory installed. Don't let that determine what you do.

 

[shadowless127]

I'm really not a lot of help to you. But I see the late model factory nav units for sale on eBay all the time for around $700. My understanding is these late model units are fully self contained (except for antennas, etc). If that is correct, then it would be a matter of utilizing the correct wiring harnesses and plugs. I don't know if your 03 would plug and play or have to be rewired. That would require investigation on your part.

But I would look at aftermarket too. I have four Pioneer Z series Nav units in my cars and am going to try an F series too. The reason I prefer them over the factory system is flexibility and bypass ability. There is nothing more frustrating than having to stop every time you want to make a change in your routing. With the Pioneer units, my passenger can take care of that while on the move. I don't know why Ford does that as it is NOT illegal in any of the 50 states. Acura allows it from the factory.

My Pioneer's all look factory installed. Don't let that determine what you do.

my concern is the factory amp, sub, and my precious steering wheel controls. Not to mention the factory units have the indash 6 CD changer.

 

[Cobraguy]

Sub can be used with the aftermarket stereo. In fact, it will be better as Ford cuts it out in certain situations.

All mine retain the steering wheel controls with the use of a PAC Audio module.

You will lose the in dash 6 CD changer. However, you can buy a separate CD changer that will match the head unit and mount in the console, etc if you need that option.

All in all, the aftermarket is superior to me because I can use it as I see fit...not what Ford determines I should do.

 

[DMacLennan14]

also with aftermarket, you can connect an mp3 player which would more than make up for your 6 disc cd changer

 

[Cobraguy]

Or a USB flash drive. That's what I use a lot.

 

[shadowless127]

That's true, I can hook up my iPod. And also with the Sat tuner already built in i'll probably listen to that more since I would be able to control the presets w/ my steering wheel controls and the sound quality would be much better since it's not using the craptastic FM Modulator.