2003 Explorer radio change...HELP

[Bobby820]

I am trying to take out my factory radio and put in a pioneer radio in. Does anyone know how or know where i can find a diagram or directions on how to do it the RIGHT way? Also... I have the radio controls on my steering wheel. Am I gonna still be able to use them after installing the new radio?

 

[muzzymaniac]

This is about as easy as modifications go. You need a dash kit and the proper wiring harness for your truck. Do some searching, you'll find the answers.

 

[Donner]

Miami, FL!

Nice to hear from you out there! Oye, let's see if there is a link you can following being that this is your first posting. I'll look around a bit and edit this post with a link regarding the process... that is if no one beats me to it!


Alright, this link should lead you to what is likely the most comprehensive build available... Unbelievable step by step instructions. All credits to the young man that put the thread together...

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199896

And again, nice to have you here, enjoy!

Fellow poster...

 

[DMacLennan14]

as far as the steering wheel buttons, you will need to get a module made by PAC. it is the SWI-JACK. here is a link to it.
http://www.pac-audio.com/products/productsCatagory.asp?mmSearch=Steering Wheel Interface

 

[68Restoman]

I just did a similar install of a Kenwood receiver in my '02. If you have the factory subwoofer then I recommend you get the harness from Crutchfield as it has the RCA connector for the sub output. You'll also need to wire in a 5 volt regulator into the turn-on circuit or the factory sub will pop when you turn your receiver on.

If you don't have the factory sub then the '98 up Ford adapter harnesses you can find at Autozone, Walmart, BestBuy etc should work. The adapter harness should have the standard color codes so it's a simple matter or crimping or soldering the matching wires from the adapter harness to your receivers harness. I found the Scosche dash mounting kit at WalMart for $10 which fits pretty well. I did have to open up the rear bracket a little to get it to slide on the track better and open up one of the front mounting peg holes some to get it to sit flush.

Note that if you have a Pioneer that has wired wheel control capability you'll probably need the SWI-PS not the SWI-JACK as I believe that one is for Alpines not Pioneer. If your Pioneer doesn't have wired wheel control capability you still may be able to use the SWI-X which emulates the IR remote. I found a new SWI-X on Ebay for $25 shipped so if your patient and do Ebay you can save some money there as they cost about $60-70 retail...

68Restoman

 

[Scott2008]

I just put in an eclipse deck. The heater controls still work. In order to get the steering wheel controls to work, get the SWI-X... it's cheaper than the swi-jack and will work with most deck that use an IR remote. I was going to get the jack, but it clearly calls out in the manual it doesn't work with Eclipse decks. After putting the deck in and realizing I only lost the audio controls, I'm glad I didn't make the investiment in the more expensive model.