2000 -- New Headunit for a Stock System

[mounty71]

I apologize in advance because i have tried searching, and this has probably been covered somewhere, but i am not finding all the answers to the questions i have, and i don't understand 95% of what people are talking about when it comes to wiring and audio. I read the sticky that deals with this on a '98, but the OP didn't specify any installation kits, and i want to make certain i buy the right one. So please keep things as simple as possible.

I have a 2000 Mountaineer with the Mach stereo system; dual screen, 6CD changer, 8" sub, steering wheel controls, and rear controls. I am wanting to replace the headunit because the screen went out and i haven't had any luck in fixing it. I want to keep the rest of the system stock. I would like to keep the steering wheel controls if at all possible, as well. The rear controls i don't care about, and i'm planning to take the 6CD changer out anyway.

So first of all, what wiring harness kit do i need to get that will allow me to use the stock sub and amp? Anything besides a wiring harness that i need to buy? Will there need to be any splicing of wires, or is it basically plug and play? Any factory plugs that won't be used? Do i need to run wires from the dash to the back of the truck? I read that there is an amp in the stock stereo, so by replacing it do i need to get another amp? Will the steering wheel controls still be functional? What about the 6CD changer, can i just pull it out without it affecting anything else?

I'm having a friend do the install for me, and he understands this stuff fairly well, but still please be as clear and simple in your explanation as possible. Pictures help too. Thank you.

 

[mounty71]

bump

 

[KC90]

I know some Pioneer decks support steeringwheel control. Look around for a new deck but make sure it has the support, you most likely will have to buy the steeringwheel control addon for the deck like this one for Pioneers and Sonys http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_18027_PAC+SWI-PSv1+-New+Version+of+SWI-PS-.html

Not sure on the Mach system, My Ex didn't have anything fancy except rear controls. You might have to find and splice through the stock amp wires in your dash or a harness might be able to prevent that. My harness had 2 extra conections that had no use in my Ex, that might be your Mach connections.

The CD changer. I see no reason why taking it out would affect anything. Aftermarket decks cant use stock changers anyway.

 

[Faster Life]

I have a Mach system in my truck, and here is what I understand about installing a new HU to it: It's hard! Apparently to get all the components working is difficult. Right now, I'm replacing my HU because I want to increase performance (the display is blank too). From what I understand, I won't be able to use the disc changer with the new HU, and setting up the steering wheel controls requires purchasing some additional equipment.

To make a long story short, it's probably worth just dealing with the display not working, rather then trying to setup a new HU. Unless you want to add more components to your stereo, it's probably best to just leave it alone...

 

[Faster Life]

Oh BTW, I'm pretty much replacing everything except the door speakers. New amp, HU, and wiring kits will be installed this weekend. I look forward to tossing the stock HU in the trash...

 

[Faster Life]

And I forgot this... Joe did a good step-by-step guide to installing a HU, if you're interested.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=274434

 

[Joe Dirt]

That was for a non-JBL/MACH system though...

 

[Faster Life]

It seems the Mach system is pretty dependent upon itself. Obviously speaker replacement is easy, but other then that it seems it's an uphill battle...

In addition, I believe there is actually 3 amps in the Mach system. The nice thing is that the HU's power should be similar to the 2 amps powering the door speakers. The sub's amp is another story. Don't quote me on this, but I'm sure it would be a bit of work to get that amp working with the new HU. However, another $50 gets you a much better amp the then stock amp. I WARN YOU NOW!!!: This is the gateway to ripping everything out of the truck. I blew my stock sub, replaced it with a decent one, now I need more power for it, and the stock HU is holding everything back, plus... You get the picture...

 

[mounty71]

Oh BTW, I'm pretty much replacing everything except the door speakers. New amp, HU, and wiring kits will be installed this weekend. I look forward to tossing the stock HU in the trash...

Don't actually throw it in the trash! Recycle it!

And thanks for the help everyone. If it's going to be that big of an ordeal, then i might just keep the stock headunit. I'm just so tired of not knowing what radio station i'm on.

 

[Faster Life]

It's a pain with no display!!! Where ever I toss it, it will hit the bottom violently!!! Check EBay for refurbished stock HUs. I'm not sure of it's price, but I know somebody solved the display issue...

 

[mounty71]

It's a pain with no display!!! Where ever I toss it, it will hit the bottom violently!!! Check EBay for refurbished stock HUs. I'm not sure of it's price, but I know somebody solved the display issue...

Well you need to bring it to an electronics recycling center. Best Buy might actually take it.

But anyway, there was a fix posted on here that i tried, but i had no luck.

 

[Faster Life]

It will end up in the right place, it always does...

 

[mounty71]

Another question. Using the stock MACH headunit, is it possible to hook up an ipod connector to play the ipod? I've been using one of those cassette tape adapters for years, and i hate it.

 

[mounty71]

Another question. Using the stock MACH headunit, is it possible to hook up an ipod connector to play the ipod? I've been using one of those cassette tape adapters for years, and i hate it.

Anyone know?

 

[mic98xlt]

This adapter might work depending on whether your factory radio has the ability to control an external source such as a cd changer. There's a lot of confusion over this feature so be sure to read the fine print on this one before making an decision.
http://replacementradios.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_259_354&products_id=836

You might want to review this thread also about a newer radio with factory equipment. I will be adding more to it soon and you may find in useful.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=281583

 

[Faster Life]

Well, you could always get one that tunes your ipod into the radio. I don't think there is anyway to hook your ipod up directly to the HU...

 

[Joe Dirt]

Some guys have altered the tape deck to wire to a 3.5mm stereo jack. Then you can plug it into your headphone jack on your iPod. There would be a "dummy tape" that you put in, it won't play any sound, becasue the input wires would have bneen patched from the deck to the stereo jack, allowing it to accept the signal from your iPod.

It was guys on the TCCA.org forum.

With all of that hassle, I'd just get a replacement deck...

 

[mounty71]

With all of that hassle, I'd just get a replacement deck...

Hah, which brings me back to the original problem.

 

[Joe Dirt]

It's really a matter of ease vs. cost.

If you just rewire the speakers from the new deck and maybe splice to some clean power sources, you can toss out all of the JBL/MACH crap and have a clean install, and get something that will control your iPod. You'll spend a day doing a nice install. If you don't want to do all that, which basically means rewiring speakers to the doors, etc..., you can buy the harnesses, etc, fight with Eddie Bauer, and not have capability to run your iPod in a socially acceptable manner (i.e. the tape thing) in the year 2010.