Audio swap

[Jarmo]

Hi All

The audio on my Exlorer has finally given up the ghost it is the Ford 7000 RDS system, does anyone know if the 6000 RDS unit fits and if the wiring and harnesses are the same, that is unless anyone has a working 7000 RDS for sale?

I'd also be interested in any comments from anyone who has put in a single DIN unit and fascia plate, any problems, did the ariel power up ok etc.

All help and comments greatly appreciated

kindest regards
Ian

 

[Howard]

I put a single din Kenwood unit in with the iso adapter lead and it all works very well. Yes the ariel does too, along with the light dimming. Time to go DVD with sat nav?

 

[Jarmo]

I put a single din Kenwood unit in with the iso adapter lead and it all works very well. Yes the ariel does too, along with the light dimming. Time to go DVD with sat nav?

mmmmmmmmm theres a thought!

 

[Howard]

That is what I did. Check sig. Never look back movies and mp3's and not getting lost all in one package, oh and a clock lol.

 

[Ilikemice]

You guys have power aerials? Dimming stereo?

I guess for the '98 model they updated more than just the tailgate! I put a simple aftermarket single din into my '97 without any trouble.

 

[Jarmo]

That is what I did. Check sig. Never look back movies and mp3's and not getting lost all in one package, oh and a clock lol.

Thanks Howard thats a nice looking install, what type of fascia plate did you use as I've seen various types does it blank or is it the pocket type.

Thanks for all the help

 

[chrisquelch]

center consul

hi i can supply the older style center consul with single din radio hole and a clock.cheers chris

 

[Howard]

Being a cheapskate I just used the solid plate from Halfords for a Mondeo, as they too had the RDS7000 radio fitted. But then I installed the leds for my backup radar into it.

 

[Jarmo]

hi i can supply the older style center consul with single din radio hole and a clock.cheers chris

Chris does that fit the Gen 2 Explorer? Mine is a 1998 with exactly the same dash as Howards, I'm not right familiar with anything before that so unsure what will fit and what wont.

 

[Dayo56]

I have 2 options for you - I have just updated my RDS 7000 which is the double Din radio cassette in my 98 model with a RDS 6000 single slot double Din CD player.
There are 3 connections on the back but only 2 fit the plugs in the Explorer. Everything works including the arial except the rear passenger controls - but not really sure if they worked before anyway as I have never sat in the back LOL.

I was told that the 3rd slot was for steering wheel controls (which I obviously don,t have) but the rear controls might work off the 3rd slot if you can get a plug from another ford (mondeo, fiesta etc from a scrappies) and splice it in if you do want the rear controls working - assuming yours has that facility.

Therefore you can either buy an RDS 6000 Cd off ebay for about £45/£50 or I have a perfect working order RDS 7000 if you prefer - I am open to offers if you want.

 

[chrisquelch]

center consul

yes the older pre mid 98 center consul will fit 98 onward you have to run wiring for the digital clock. cheers chris

 

[wetdog]

That is what I did. Check sig. Never look back movies and mp3's and not getting lost all in one package, oh and a clock lol.

ooooohhh a clock[envious], now thats just showin off

mick.

 

[JonC]

Being a cheapskate I just used the solid plate from Halfords for a Mondeo, as they too had the RDS7000 radio fitted. But then I installed the leds for my backup radar into it.

Howard, got my attention once again! Backup radar - can I ask what system it is and is it in the bumper? I've been dithering over this for a while as I can't decide between rear and front/rear then it's 2 front, 4 back or 4 each. Then I wonder if it's ok in our heavy metal bumpers as thet all seem to be made for plastic.

I'd appreciate the benefit of your experience please. Ever since I got the truck I've been petrified of inflicting crippling damage to some unfortunate bean can that I didn't feel!

Cheers,

Jon

 

[Howard]

Ha well. I got the cheapest system I could 5 LEDs and two stick on sensors. Took the unit apart and extended the LEDs and beeper to up front behind the radio, using some cat5 cable. Hid the box in the rear compartment near the jack and stuck the sensors to the body work just above the bumper either side of the hatch. Seems to work pretty good. I took the power feed off the reversing lights so it comes on automatically. For the front I use my eyes...lol.

 

[Jarmo]

Well after a lot of thought and discussion with SWMBO, we've decided to do a Howard fit a fascia plate to accept a single din unit and then fit the combined DVD SAT Nav got a sweet deal on a Kenwood unit not too dissimilar to Howards.

I'd just like to thank everybody for their help and advice, offers of parts etc. Just goes to show what a great bunch you all are.

Once again Cheers
Ian