CD changer question

[Rodeo Joe]

I tried searching but really didn't find what I needed. Will a 6 disk changer from a 99 work in my 97? Anyone here know or have used different year changers in their X? LMK, I have one I'd like to buy but just want to be certain. My HU has the CD button already. Thanks.

Joe

 

[MattStarr]

It should work with no problems... 95-01's are the same

 

[section525]

Actually.. I don't think it'll work. The 95-97 are one type, while 98-01 are another. With some custom wiring you might get them to work.

 

[MattStarr]

Do you have a premium stock sound system? Or is it just the basic?

 

[Blee1099]

95-97 had a different wiring harness compared to the 98-01 Explorers. You need to buy a CD changer from a similar Explorer. You'll probably also need to get the wiring harness if the CD changer doesn't come with it.

 

[Rodeo Joe]

Originally posted by MattStarr
Do you have a premium stock sound system? Or is it just the basic?

To be honest with you, I'm not sure. Is there a way to tell other than pulling the rear quarter panel to see if there's an amp there? Will this make any difference?

Joe

 

[MattStarr]

I think up to 97 they have an external amp. In 98 and up that integrated it into the head unit.

 

[Blee1099]

Check out the forsale forum. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=95292 There's a CD changer out of a 95-97 Explorer for $50.

 

[BGN]

I need to ask what might seem like an ignorant
question--if Iwas to purchase a remote changer for my 97 factory cassette unit with the CD button--what is involved in hooking it up? Can I use any changer or does it have be factory and are those Clarion units? One of the kids where I work said the non-factory kind would have to be modulated via FM radio and that it would sound the same--is this true? I guess I'm really clueless here--thanks in advance to anyone who is willing to clue me in

Barry

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Barry, you can definitely buy an OEM head unit with changer controls. It's a direct plug-in so no wires need to be ran.

BUT...

If you go that route, you can buy a changer with OEM adapters. I went that route a few years ago. I bought an OEM head unit with changer controls off of Ebay and bought a Kenwood changer with adapter from Crutchfield. Installastion wasn't extremely difficult. You need to take the rear quarter panel off in order to get to the amp so you can plug in the adapter and also run the changer cable from the back to the front console (that's where I put my changer). The whole installation took about an hour max and swapping HU took 5 minutes if you have the radio removal tools or a coat hanger.

BTW, if you are buying an OEM head unit off of Ebay, remember to look for the one that is for a '95-'97 Explorer. The radio will look almost identical to yours but it has changer controls. Don't buy the Ford/JBL HU if your truck isn't equipped with the JBL system. Good luck!!!

 

[Blee1099]

Originally posted by BGN
I need to ask what might seem like an ignorant
question--if Iwas to purchase a remote changer for my 97 factory cassette unit with the CD button--what is involved in hooking it up? Can I use any changer or does it have be factory and are those Clarion units? One of the kids where I work said the non-factory kind would have to be modulated via FM radio and that it would sound the same--is this true? I guess I'm really clueless here--thanks in advance to anyone who is willing to clue me in

Barry

You'll need to get either a FM modulated CD changer which in my opinion has poor sound quality or you can find a used OEM CD changer on ebay or on here. Depending on what style Explorer you have, you might have to get a wiring harness for the CD changer. It can be bought at Ford or at any reputable radio installation center or online. It plugs into the rear of the radio and runs underneath the console to the center console location of the CD changer.

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Originally posted by Blee1099
You'll need to get either a FM modulated CD changer which in my opinion has poor sound quality or you can find a used OEM CD changer on ebay or on here. Depending on what style Explorer you have, you might have to get a wiring harness for the CD changer. It can be bought at Ford or at any reputable radio installation center or online. It plugs into the rear of the radio and runs underneath the console to the center console location of the CD changer.

Read my thread above yours. You can get an aftermarket changer with an adapter. If you go that route, like I did, you won't lose any sound quality at all. But like what Ben said, don't get the FM modulated changers.