2004 XLS Dash removal ?????

[BigKid]

Hello everyone,
I just purchased a 2004 Explorer XLS with a small problem, some fool robbed the stereo. The thief just ripped it out of the dash and broke all of the wires. So now I go to install a new stereo and realize pretty quickly that I am missing a number of wires. It seems like they are broken so far back in the wiring harness, I think the only way to fix them is going to involve removing the dash.
Has anyone had to remove their dash? I could sure use your advice. I have the two rear speaker wires and the chassis ground. I need the power wires. Maybe it is possible and easier to run wires to the fuse block? But I have no idea how to connect them. I appreciate any and all help, thanks.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Do you have a wiring diagram? Check Autozone's website before opening everything up.

 

[91exploreron37]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome and that sux bout ur radio being stolen

 

[BigKid]

Thank you! Yes, I do have a wiring diagram for the stereo that I found on-line and I also have a color code chart that Crutchfield sent to me.

 

[BigKid]

Thanks, it sure does stink big time.

 

[Dopler174]

I would trace what wires you have back to a sealed wire loom. They should all come from that. Then I would try to get some slack from the loomed harness and splice some longer wires to it. Tuck it back away and your all set. It will save you about 10-12 hours of work.

 

[jrford]

That stinks.
In looking to upgrade my stereo I discovered, there are two types of harnesses in ’04 Radio side is black or grey connectors and I found Pig tails that plug into the stock radio that you could splice on fleabay.

Otherwise you may have to check the junkyards for a replacements wire.If I’m not mistaken the Radio Harness from the radio runs along the top of the dash then plugs into a connector by the passenger lower right kick panel, Its about 3 feet long 2 or 3 connetors on radio side and one big one. You might be able to splice in there.

 

[Donner]

The poster also asked how to remove the dash - I don't think it's necessary, but can it be done? I can access that area from either the bezel area or in the fuse box area (It can be seen)

 

[BWilliams]

Are you asking just about removing the radio surround bezel? Or the entire dash? As far as the bezel itself, I believe that it just pulls off (I'd wait for confirmation from someone on that.)

If you need to remove the entire dash (i.e, to get the whole harness out and replace it if it's too badly mangled), it depends which side you're working on. I can't speak for the passenger side, but on the driver's side, you have to remove the lower panel, which just comes off with a good pull. Then, there are two metric bolts right under the panel you just removed. 4-5 more bolts around the instrument cluster, then something holding it in from the radio area (I never broke it down this far, but I couldn't take the whole panel off since something was holding it in by the radio).

 

[Donner]

The bezel is easily removable... I was wondering if the poster was aware that the bezel could be removed, and if he was trying to access everything through the damaged opening instead, you know? Sounds like it...

 

[BrooklynBay]

Maybe the crook broke the bezel in his attempt to remove the radio? I know somebody that had to junk his car after it was broken into. The guy used an axe!

 

[Donner]

An axe??? Yah, that would trash a car... good thing nobody was in the car, Lord!

 

[BrooklynBay]

The worst part of that story is that this guy just moved to NY, was out of work for many months, then found a job in NJ, and needed a vehicle to get to work. He didn't have much money, and managed to save about $2,500 for a car. He just bought it, and started his new job, then this happened less than a month after he bought the car. This guy didn't want to lose his new job, and obviously didn't have enough money to buy another car, so he had to move to NJ close to where he worked. I haven't seen or heard from him since.

 

[BigKid]

Thanks, I have been at this a few hours now. I removed the cover at the top of the dask, near the windshield. I can see the harness from outside. I removed the glove box and was able to cut the loom open and I managed to locate the right front speaker wires.
So far I have the right side speakers and the left rear speakers. The passenger side seemed like a walk in the park compared to the drivers side. Just my luck, most of the wires go toward the drivers side.

Back to it.

 

[BigKid]

Thanks,
I dont think that I will need to replace the harness. I'll check out the passenger side to see if I can tap in there.

 

[Donner]

Sounds like you got the bezel off the dash... and damage to it?

 

[BigKid]

Yes I have the bezel off, no damage to it. The frame that the stereo mounts to was broken. Who ever took the stereo just ripped it out of the dash.

 

[BrooklynBay]

At least they didn't use an axe.