'95 OEM Radio / CD Player Replacement Options?

[ptadin]

My OEM radio/CD player (F77F-18C815-BB) in my '95 Ford Explorer Sport quit playing CD's when I put in a computer (MP3) created CD. It initially started a popping noise while playing the recording and then doesn't play. I then put in a "regular" CD and it wouldn't play or, at best, just play a couple of minutes and then quit. I then learned that the older CD players were not made to play MP3s. Sounds like I messed up my OEM CD player (radio works fine) as my CD player worked fine prior to this.

My first question is that I would like to replace this radio/CD player with another OEM radio/CD player than can play MP3 created CD's. Is this possible? If not, what other OEM radio/CD player can I put in there to replace it? Do I have any options? My original radio/CD player had great sound.

Thanks!

Peter
Austin, TX
'95 Ford Explorer Sport (standard shift)

 

[CDW6212R]

Contact the radio shops, they will be able to point you to an adapter that will let you plug in most radios that size. I think you can get one that will let you use the later Sport Trac type MP3 HU's, including the six disc units.

The key is the connectors behind your radio. You do not want to cut any wires, ask for plug in adapters, hunt on eBay for the Explorer radios. You will find the name for the connector type needed for those radios, T100 or M100 or something like that. Good luck,

 

[dynamite196]

Get yourself an aftermarket head unit and you wont believe the sound improvement.

 

[b]

For a basic start, Crutchfield is your friend.
Crutchfield

You will need a wiring adapter, a radio bracket adapter, perhaps a removal tool and the new head unit.

 

[00XLS]

I'd skip the removal tool, I used a wire hanger cut up, worked just fine.

 

[Steeda90GT]

Get yourself an aftermarket head unit and you wont believe the sound improvement.

+1 You're going to pay alot for another Ford OEM POS. Do yourself a favor and get a nice aftermarket unit. It will sound way better, look much better, have more options, and will be brand new with a warranty.

If OEM radios sold for like $30-$50 I could see the value in buying another used one, but they usually sell for $100-$200 USED. You can get a pretty damn nice aftermarket unit for $150.

 

[CDW6212R]

For the stock OEM Pioneer radios you have to be patient and know about the needed $60 display repair. With those a vehicle is far less likely to have thieves break in to steal the stereo. Regards,

 

[Steeda90GT]

It's called detachable faces, they've been out since the early 90s lol

 

[CDW6212R]

People(thieves) see stock radios and go on, if they see a non stock radio(no face), then they look harder for amps and other valuables.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I like my stockers- I like aftermarket, sure- I've had a lot of them. But for the factory look and displays- the word "factory" matters. I loved my CD-6 changer in my old F150 that I paid $120.00 for off eBay. I'd never get an aftermarket in-dash changer for that. Not even close. and the Mach system in my 2004 Taurus sounds great to me too- all you need is an amp and some upgraded speakers to make most of us happy. Not everyone needs (2) 12's back there to wake up the neighbors... There isn't anything wrong with a good upgraded factory HU. I hooked up an amped bass tube with a simple line-level on my 2004 F150 work truck, shoved it under the back seat- and it was great sounding music for a long time, until I changed jobs. If I had a choice, I'd actually rather have an in-dash factory unit that will plug and play than either a DIN sized unit with that little tray up top from the mounting adapter, or the giant screened factory sized units that are out- neither looks right in the dash, and they look out of place to me. And I agree with Don- detachable face units just invite people to look harder into what else is in your truck.

I'm also interested in seeing if someone can help with adapters, etc., as I'd like to replace my console mounted changer with an in-dash CD-6 if I can get one that matches the aqua dash lights I have in my '95...

 

[CDW6212R]

Changing to a later in dash 6 CD player is not hard for the 95-01 Explorers. It would just take the right adapter for behind the radio, the 95-97 trucks had a slightly different set of wires. Many members here can point out the adapter needed for that.

Changing the in radio lighting is much harder. I know that Eric(99SportX) has gone into one of his Mach units to experiment with the lights. He spends more time on the Explorer...X site, smaller and easier going. He has the 99 Sport with a V8, AWD and EATC, EE air dam and Mounty front end. He would know how possible the color change is. Good luck,

 

[Steeda90GT]

Who said anything about 2 12" subs? Aftermarket units will always sound better than factory units. I just like the looks/reliability/and more features that go with the aftermarket units.

Seems like a nobrainer to me when you factor in the price..

 

[briwayjones]

I'd skip the removal tool, I used a wire hanger cut up, worked just fine.

I couldn't get a wire hanger to work. Maybe I'm just used to the tools.