CD-6 (In dash 6 changer) fit in 2000 XLT?

[Johnny K]

Hey Gang,

Does anyone know if the new CD-6, 6 disk in-dash, currently being offered by Ford in the 2001 Escape, Explorer Sport, SportTrac, Excursion, Ranger, and others, will fit AND directly wire in to a 2000 XLT? (it's not offered in the 2001 Explorer... maybe have to clear off the shelves of the console changers?)

I know there are a couple diff head units, 80 watt max, Mach unit (probably with 2 external amps for sub and speakers) and probably a lower output one..

I'm looking at one that has 80 watts max, exactly like the stock cd/cassette unit I have in mine now..

Plus will it work with the rear seat controls like the current head unit?

Any thoughts or any links to who else I can ask?

Thanks in advance,

Johnny K

 

[cobrajeff]

YES - The CDX6 6CD in-dash CD Changer radio WILL fit and plug directly into your 2000 Explorer. It would NOT sound right if you had the MACH Audio option - you are on the right track looking for the standard "Premium" (80 Watt) model from a Ranger or Sport Trak.

The ones that will fit in a 1998-2001 Explorer (without MACH) would include the following part numbers:

XU3F-18C815-NB Ford Aftermarket model
YL2F-18C815-AD 2000 Ranger
1L2F-18C815-GD Sport Trac
1C3F-18C815-AB 2001 Ranger and Excursion

The BEST one for you to use is the "1C3F" model - it is the latest version black-bezel, spring-clip mount model. With this model, you will have all of the functionality of your original radio, including the Rear Seat Controls (RSC) AND the "Dual Playback" feature. The other models would all work, and retain RSC compatibility EXCEPT for the Dual Playback feature (only the newer 2001 models have Dual Playback - there wasn't enough code space left to allow putting it in the first models).

Dual Playback lets the people in front listen to a different audio source (AM, FM, Tape, or CD) than what the rear passengers listen to on the headphones AT THE SAME TIME. If you do not have young kids riding in the back of your Explorer, you may not care about that feature anyway.

The Aftermarket, Ranger and Excursion models all feature a black bezel (faceplate). The radios for the Explorer Sport and Sport Trak have a unique color bezel (charcoal for 2000, Titanium for 2001). Do NOT Use one out of a Sport or Sport Trak with the MACH Audio System - it will not sound right, because it is EQ'd to that vehicle, and all the low frequencies are directed to the remote Subwoofer amp.

regards,
cobrajeff

 

[Johnny K]

Cobra Jeff:

Thanks for all the great info! Actually I got a 1c3f-18c815-ab last week and installed it. Works perfectly and sounds great. All the rear controls work, but I haven't tried the dual media yet. I'm selling my other head unit on ebay now since this one swapped out perfectly.


Thanks again for all the great info. I'll be sure to save it in case the question arises again.

All the best,

Johnny K