how do i get the dash off?

[deamon3]

In a 1994 explorer to change the radio. There no screws anywhere.

Also , my current radio doesn't play any music. Its the stock one. It turns on and changes stations and so on but just no sound. Will a new radio fix it?

 

[James909]

First slide the ashtray/cigarette lighter out and there are 2 screws that hold the ashtray mount in place. Remove these and pull the whole ashtray assembly out, there is a plug in the back that needs to be unplugged after you remove the ashtray. Those are the only screws that have to be removed. The dash trim is mostly held in place with metal clips that just pop out. The way I did it was I slid a putty knife around behind the dash trim until I felt a clip. Then I lightly pried and carefully tugged on the trim and the clips come right out. Just do it slowly and one section at a time so you don't break the plastic. Now that the trim is off unplug the 4x4 connection (if 4x4) and if the trucks an auto shift it into 1st and just lift the trim out of the way.

I don't know for sure that a new headunit will fix your problem but I think it probably would.

Edit: Just thought I should add that you need a special tool to remove the radio. It's just like 2 U-shaped tools that release the clips that hold the radio in place. I was able to get the radio out using clothes hangers but looking back it would have been easier to just buy the tools.

 

[deamon3]

Ah ok thanks for your help , I try a few tools when I get to that part before buying some.

 

[JTX]

Your truck may have a factory amp. Check all your fuses twice before you bother.

 

[deamon3]

yea its got the jbl system in it. I check the fuses as soon as i can , its dark and rainy right now lol

 

[deamon3]

The fuse for the factory amp looks good.

 

[deamon3]

Do i need the factory amp to be working or will a new stereo work w/o it.

 

[H munster]

I put a new head unit in my 84 ex and it wouldnt work with the factory amp. They sell an amp bypass harness you can get on ebay for around $8.
Let me know if you need the part # I may still have it.

 

[deamon3]

well i guess i need it

 

[deamon3]

is this it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/FORD-EXPLORER-9...ryZ85806QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

or do i still need more?

 

[Champcar_Fan]

I just did this on my 93 Explorer with the JBL system. The head unit seemed to be fine but all I heard was ticking noises when I tried changing the volume. Luckily it was the head unit and not the amp that was the problem. You can use the factory wire harness with no splicing but you’ll need an adapter harness. I used the Metra Part# 70-5514 which all BestBuy’s carry. Took 10 minutes and I had music again. If your replacement head unit doesn’t have an Amp turn-on lead, use the power antenna lead to the amp turn-on of the Metra harness (Blue/white) or else you won’t get any sound since the factory amps won’t turn on.

Here is what it looks like:

http://www.metraonline.com/products.aspx?s=70-5514

Here are the instructions:

http://documents.victorytechnologies.com//documents/product/9547.pdf

If you haven’t bought a radio yet, check out Cruthfield, they’ll include the harness free if you spend a certain amount ($120 I think).

 

[deamon3]

how do i buy it there no buying link

 

[Champcar_Fan]

BestBuy sells it. I think Circuit City too.

 

[deamon3]

I got my radio out with alota of just shear pulling. Didn't need the u shaped thing.

So If i get that plug i wont need the factory amp and it can just bypass it in case it doesnt work?

 

[deamon3]

I just looked and it costs 25$. This is getting expensive for an 800$ car .lol

 

[deamon3]

I tried to hotwire the amp and it wnt turn on. any ideas?

 

[Donner]

Don't hotwire the amp Wait until you get more help...