Need OEM Radio/Cassette/CD Controls

[Robb]

I have a cassette/CD control HU out of a 97 X. Model# F57F-19B165-CG. It is in excellent condition. I really need to get $50+shipping out of it tho, so if interested, let me know.

Robb

 

[BlueDogBandit]

I pretty sure that unit will work. The base numbers are the same. When did you take it out of your X, and was it in perfect condition when you pulled it out? Also, does anyone know what the other numbers mean? Is it a power rating? Where are you located...how much are you thinking for shipping to San Diego. I was looking at spending $50, but that was after shipping. I'll give Alec another day to find his, but I am definately interested in this unit.

 

[Alec]

Robb's looks like it's in better shape then mine. If y'all can work something out, go for it.

 

[BlueDogBandit]

Thanx Alec. Hey, can you answer my question about what the other numbers mean? Did these numbers vary based on the vehicle they came out of, or do they have they different features? Everything looks the same. Also, is there anything special the unit needs to work with the factory sub?

 

[Texplorer]

I have a tape deck without CD changer controls, the part # is F57F-19B165-AG. If any of these other radio deals dont go through I will sell you mine.

 

[BlueDogBandit]

Thanks, but I really need the changer controls. That part number confuses me. Yours is a AG, doesn't have controls, his is a CG, and does, and mine is a BD and does. Can you figure out that code?

 

[Robb]

Yea, I wouldn't do a thing til cobrajeff drops his opinion on this. He seems to be very knowledgable on this topic.

About mine. I purchased it off another member and only used it for about 5 minutes when I swapped it into my 96 to help diagnose a phone problem I had in it. It worked fine (didn't run any CDs off it) and physically it is in mint condition (that pic is bad). I am in Richmond, VA 23228 and haven't check shipping to CA (have no idea what it weighs). I really need to clear 50 on it.

Robb

 

[BlueDogBandit]

Sounds like you have a deal, as long as I can confirm that I am not losing any options in the differant part number. Do you have a paypal account?

 

[cobrajeff]

The F57F-19B165-CG radio should work in your Expedition. The prefix "F57F" means the original application for the radio was for Ranger/Explorer vehicle line. The base "19B165" means it is a "Premium Cassette" model radio. The suffix "CG" defines the "change level" of the radio; models in the "C" series are for North American market, WITH CD Changer controls ("A" series suffix, for 5F7F radios, are North American market WITHOUT CD Changer controls).

You will find that there is a slight difference in the bezel between the "F65F" Expedition radio and the "F57F" Explorer radio - the Expedition radio has a SLIGHTLY larger flange (can't remember exactly, it's only a mm or two). Your choices would be 1) live with the slight gap (my recommendation); or 2) have a competent radio repair shop swap the radio bezels. I would just use a little black foam tape around the bezel edge to keep any light leakage from behind the I/P to a minmum.


You also want to be sure to try and find the source of the water ingress into your vehicle - that is what fried your radio the first time (reading your post about corrosion at the rear of the chassis). Check your windshield seal for integrity, and the cable routing of your antenna cable. Sometimes if the windshield seal is compromised, water will wick down the antenna cable and into the radio chassis - where it will eventually cause corrosion and problems.

Good luck!

Regards,

cobrajeff

 

[BlueDogBandit]

Thanx Jeff, that helps a lot. I think I found the source....two little boys, with a fountain pop and a straw. When I pulled the radio out, there was a substance dripping out the back that looked like soda. Anyway, I can't be sure that is what happened, because my five and six year olds won't fess up, but I will check to make sure that there isn't another source. Also, when you refer to bezel, do you mean the facelplate? Could I take the faceplate off my unit it put it on the new one? The dash trim also covers the edges of the radio, so I think it will look fine. Thanks for the help.

 

[cobrajeff]

The part I refer to as the bezel is the same part you refer to as the faceplate.

If you are careful, you can probably change it yourself. There should be a couple small screws along the edge of the bezel that will have to be removed. I think you also have to pull-off the volume control knob, as the light pipe runs behind it. Do the bad radio first, so you find all of the screws & clips that may be holding it on, and the electrical connections for the front board, which is part of the bezel assembly. Then just reverse the procedure to swap it onto the other unit.

regards,

Jeff

 

[BlueDogBandit]

Jeff, you're right. The faceplate was actually really simple to remove. There were two torques head screws on each side. I removed the volume knob, then disconnected one small ribbon connector. I actually have just the faceplate in the truck right now, so I don't have to drive arround with a large whole in my dash. Heres another question for you. My vehicle is also equipped with a remote volume and tuner, with headphone jacks on the rear of the center console. Do you think the F57F version will be compatible with it?

 

[Alec]

My truck has (had) the rear controls. Let me know if I still need to dig out that HU.

 

[cobrajeff]

The F57F-19B165-CG and the F65F-19B165-BD radios both have CD/DJ control and RSC (Rear Seat Control) compatibility. Your RSC should function normally with this head unit.

regards,

Jeff

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Guys, I'm sorry for hi-jacking the thread but I need to ask Jeff a question.

Jeff, while we're on the subject on factory audio. How many ohms are the factory subwoofers rated? Is it 8 Ohms or 4? I sent you a PM a while ago but never got a reply. Thanks.

 

[cobrajeff]

Billy -

Sorry I missed your PM.

I think most of our Subwoofer drivers are 8 Ohm. It should be ink-stamped on the back of the magnet.

regards,

Jeff

 

[BlueDogBandit]

Jeff, one last question. Should there be any concern in reguards to the AMP and the SUB? I would assume that the Explorers with that head unit also had a sub?

 

[cobrajeff]

No problem with the amp & sub

You will not have any problems with the amplifier or subwoofer amp in this swap.

In the Ford Expedition, the same head unit can be used with "Premium Sound" and "Audiophile Sound" (JBL). For most model years, Expeditions had Premium Sound standard on Base models, and "Audiophile" Sound (with SW) standard on EB.

Unfortunately, the bean counters got in there, and didn't want to pay the premiums for "JBL" licensing, so instead of "Premium Sound" and "Ford/JBL", we have "Premium Sound" and "PREMIUM Premium Sound" (sorry, it never made sense to me, either, but we couldn't get it fixed). The system in the EB is basically a Ford/JBL system without the logos (and includes a SW).

The head unit sends a line-level signal to a remote amp. There are two diiferent amps - a 4 channel for PS, and a 5 channel (4 EQ'd + a line-out for the SW amp) for JBL. So the same head unit will work in either a Premium Sound or a Ford/JBL type system.

This is different from a 1995-1997 Explorer, which uses a unique "distributed architecture" in it's Ford/JBL system. These units, using an -18C852- HU, are very complicated, and cannot be easily upgraded.


Regards,

Jeff

 

[BlueDogBandit]

Thanks Jeff, I bought the head unit. I'll let you know how the install goes.

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Thanks Jeff for the info.