How to bypass the factory amp

[Quick]

How do I bypass the factory amp. I have the harness (I think it's the right one).

I went to the back and unplugged all 3 connectors going to the amp but only one fit in the bypass harness.

I have 2 on the left side, and one on the top.

Thanks..

 

[cjyoung77]

Same question

I have the same problem. I have even gone back to the shop where I bought it and gotten another that didn't work. Both spec. for a 95 Explorer with premium sound, but the plugs just do not match up. I guess I'll just have to cut and splice as per the Explorer bypass link on 4x4central.com ( I even tried to use the MetraWire homepage, useless)

 

[Brian's98XLT]

There are a couple of Explorer systems out there that nobody makes a bypass kit for. If I remeber it is some of the 95-96 Explorers. You can tell these systems by the fact that there is no antenna plugged into the back of the radio.

 

[jimbo74]

but quick(marK) has a 93....

 

[Quick]

Some one has to know.. I really would like to do this to see if it improves the sound.. thanks

 

[leenjen]

where did you get your harness? are you sure it's the right one? it should just plug and play.

 

[JamminG4Jim]

Factory Amp Location

I looked inside my explorer when I got home last nite. I didn't see any access panel or anything right behind the passenger side rear seat.

Is it supposed to be farther back, next to the rear hatch?

How big IS the amp, anyway?

Any help = many thanks

Jim

 

[leenjen]

there is no access panel. you have to remove the whole plastic panel on the passenger side of the cargo area. well, you dont have to totally remove it. you could just take out the clips and pull it back. you'll see the amp.

 

[Quick]

What I did was take out the side compartment and access it through there..

It is easy once you get that piece out..

 

[cjyoung77]

More Info

From what I gather there are about three different systems that ford might have used, maybe more. One has an input into the amplifier system from the antenna, hence no antenna on the back of the radio. Another is the JBL or Mach 460 type systems that use a floating ground. Another name for these systems should be "real frigin pain in the ass stereos" by Ford. I had an SHO with the JBL system which was fine when new, but eventually sucked, ended up rewiring the whole system. I might add that this was the easiest method. This System has multiple amps. The "Premium Sound System" ,or at least ford thinks it's premium, just doesn't have a bypass harness available that just plugs in. I figure somebody has to make it, but after speaking with METRAwires tech assistance, they said to use the half of the harness that fits and cut the other end and wire the corresponding wires. I say it's six or half-dozen either way, you still have to do some cutting. This is just what I've found personally from installing stereos in 2 SHOs, a Mustang , and now an Explorer. May not be 100% accurate.

 

[RIERA1]

CALL CRUTCHFIELD

WHEN I WAS INSTALLING MY SYSTEM WE WERE WORKING ON MY CAR FOR ABOUT 12 HOURS TRYING TO CUT AND SPLICE WIRES. FINALLY I JUST CALLED CRUTCHFIELD AND THEY SENT ME THE WIRE HARNESSES AND THE WIRING DIAGRAMS I FELT LIKE AN IDIOT AFTER THAT ITS SO EASY THAT WAY I HAVE A 95 WITH THE SUB AND AMP IN THE REAR GOOD LUCK

 

[leenjen]

when you keep it on caps lock, people get the impression that you are yelling.

 

[cjyoung77]

Same Here

Caps=yelling, thanks leejen

I had that same thing going on. I spent a whole day trying to figure out the wiring diagram myself. Eventually gave upand put regular system back in. Found the wiring diagram on the 4x4central page and took about a total of 1.5 hours to install the head unit and bypass the amp. This includes running wires and installing the dash kit. Once you've got it in you'll think to yourself,"am I an idiot and why did this take me so log?" turns out it really isn't very hard to just cut and splice, with all the information, of course.
Good luck