OEM Radio Removal

[STrac4me]

I will be upgrading my head unit very soon. I was wondering if there is anything special to do removing the front panel over the radio/AC controls....I have a 2007 Limited with the Carbon Fiber (look-a-like) trim. I had a 1st Generation before this one and removing the radio was sooo easy....hopefully this one will be just as simple.

My plan is to purchase/install a Pioneer AVH-3300BT. I have had good luck with Pioneer products over the years, so I am sticking with the product. I have a Pioneer DEH 700BT Premier that I removed from my first STrac, but it is single DIN....I want to utilize the full double DIN without a kit this time.

Thanks for the help!

 

[STrac4me]

So no one on the forum has ever removed the OEM radio/cd/MP3 player.....I guess I will be the first to change out a head unit.

 

[ncranchero]

Sorry, I haven't been here much this week. Check your mail for instructions.

 

[STrac4me]

Sorry, I haven't been here much this week. Check your mail for instructions.

Thanks Steve......I can count on you.

Rodney

 

[uofesigep]

Hi ncranchero, I'm also trying to locate the instructions with how I can remove my head unit (2008 sport trac) due to my display going black (guessing it's a fuse on the unit). Would you be able to send to me? Thanks for your help!

 

[ncranchero]

Sent.

 

[lancer525]

Might be nice if they were posted in the forum so that the rest of us could have access....

Just a thought.

 

[ncranchero]

There are/were issues with copyrighted items being posted so I don't any more. Be glad to send them to you though. E-mail or PM me for them.

 

[uofesigep]

Steve, thanks so much for your help here, much appreciated!!!

The diagrams were a huge help and based off of what you sent me, I was able to remove most of the center panel (unfortunately, the entire center panel must be removed to get to the head unit). The challenge I am having, however, is that I'm unable to remove some of the electrical connectors (for air control, etc...). Because of this, I'm not able to remove the entire center panel and as a result can't pull out the head unit to check the fuses on the back of the radio.

Also, thought it was odd that I blew a fuse on the back of the head unit...this is what my dealer is saying, however, the unit was working fine when I shut off my explorer and when I turned back on, radio went black. Has anyone else run into this?

Any suggestions/advise?

 

[STrac4me]

I have not had my Sport Trac apart yet.....but I changed out my head unit in my '05 Mustang GT. The A/C unit, traction control etc....had to be unplugged to remove the front panel. It took some time, but was able to unplug them. I would imagine the plugs in the Sport Trac should be close.

Your problem sounds very strange.....there is no such thing as a self healing fuse. Once open....well you know....it is open. If I understood you correctly....your head unit works correctly with the ignition in the acc position, but when the truck is running the unit goes black. If the unit works in acc then how can it be a fuse??? Something sounds fishey here.

Good luck with your problem!

 

[longship]

My wife has a 2007 Explorer and I'm looking to replace the head unit and speakers this weekend. If you could provide instructions on OEM removal I would appreciate it.

Hopefully it is not too daunting a task...

Thanks!

 

[STrac4me]

My wife has a 2007 Explorer and I'm looking to replace the head unit and speakers this weekend. If you could provide instructions on OEM removal I would appreciate it.

Hopefully it is not too daunting a task...

Thanks!

Send a message to ncranchero and he will email you the PDF's for removal.

 

[ncranchero]

Sent to longship

 

[mike07083]

oem radio change

yes,very easy to remove...I did my 2010 ST XLT a few months ago and had no trouble at all...If i may make a suggestion on the head unit...I agree with the pioneer but i went with the full 7" screan avh-p4300dvd....it also has a few other features over the 3300....I also changed over all my speakers as well as added a pioneer 12" 2ohm shallow mount sub in a pioneer shallow mount box behind the passenger rear seat....As for power,i am running 2 ix series kicker amps....the is 1000.1 mono sub amp and the 500.4 4 channel amp....for speakers i am using DLS 3-way 6.5" components in the front and DLS 6.5" 2-way components in the rear...SOUNDS GREAT!!....Hope this helps somewhat

 

[thedep3158]

NCRanchero, would you be kind enough to send the instructions to me too?


Thanks.

Dep

 

[rusty813]

1. open up the console, remove the 2 bolts one on the left and right

Instuctions 2-4 all of these parts are just snap-on and off, but be careful gentle when doing so cause they can break very easily.

2. remove the silver trim that surrounds the shifter by hand no special tool required
3. remove the cupholder by hand no special tool required
4. remove the trim panel by hand no special tool required

5. Once trim panel is removed you can either disconnect the a/c or unscrew if you got a small hand held screwdriver
6. disconnect info button wirings, traction, and 4x4 wirings if equiped with the vehicle
7. Dont Forget to disconnect the airbag light wiring above the radio
8. there are 4 bolts holding the radio in place

here are picture instructions you can follow as well http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=168356

 

[ncranchero]

Excellent write-up. Probably better than the Ford manual!

 

[rusty813]

oh yea i forgot to mention make sure the gear is in park but it down to 1 or 2nd gear and make sure you have e-brakes set as well or you wont be able to remove the radio trim out

 

[1sOnRaceDay]

Stock radio swap

My 2008 ST is pre-sync :-( If i put a newer radio in it will I have sync? Can I install a radio from a 2010 ST? if so, where can I get one w/ backup camera and all?

 

[rusty813]

yes you can install a radio from a 2010 to a 2008 explorer, i just installe 2010 explorer navigation my 2006 and works perfectly...just make sure ur get one that meant for a explorer or your speed sensor will be off and have to spend money to get it re-programmed...their are a few for sale on ebay, but none of them came out of an explorer so you have to get it programmed