98 Explorer XLT HU Replacement ?

[clemson77on]

I'm trying to install a new aftermarket HU in my 98. The factory CD player is F87F-18C815-CA. I've tried getting a harness for it, but they never are correct. So I just cut the wires on the smaller square plug and directly wired it. My problem is there are 9 wires on this plug instead of 8. And I cant get sound from any combination. What gives? Thanks!

 

[Mbrooks420]

Welcome to the site. Is the HU installed correctly other than the speaker leads? To find which leads are which speaker use a AA battery and touch a wire to the +, and -. When you get a matched pair that speaker will make a buzzing, fuzzy sound. If you are concerned with the speakers being in phase you will have to pull the door panels to see if the speaker moves out, and not in.

 

[Gator Jeff]

Only 9 wires? Hmmmm. :scratch: You should have more than that. 2 wires for each speaker = 8, Constant 12V (memory) = 9, Ignition 12V =10, a dimmer wire = 11, and a ground = 12. Then, you may also have an additional wire for a power antenna.

 

[clemson77on]

MBrooks420- I isolated the speaker wires by actually brushing the wires with my finger. It makes a static at that particular speaker. Thats a good idea on the battery though. I also started looking at different wiring diagrams on the12volt.com other than the 98 Explorer which didn't go with what I have. I found a diagram for a 98 (i believe) Expidition that matched the color codes. It seems to go with what I found.

Gator Jeff- There are 2 wiring harnesses that plug into the back of my factory unit. One is rectangular and has all the ignition, memory, ground wires. I have a harness that fits this one and my unit powers up and works. On the other plug is where my problem is I believe. It is square and has 16 spots, which 9 are used. That would be 8 for the speakers, and from what I gathered there is 1 black or very dark brown wire left over.