Question about Swapping Factory Stereo

[Ratchet81]

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some knowledge about swapping factory stereos and programming requirements. I have a 2008 Explorer Eddie Bauer with the stock cd stereo (non touch screen), with XM (separate module..?). I am curious about swapping this unit out with a factory touch screen unit from the same era. I like the factory look, and the aftermarket deck I tried a few years ago was glitchy with the steering wheel controls. The problem is, I have no idea if the standard CD decks and touch screen decks are swappable with the same factory harness connectors, or if I would then need to have the touchscreen unit programmed at the dealer after install.

If this is not an option, are there any aftermarket units that work like factory with the steering wheel controls (no having to press buttons on the unit to hang up a call), and maybe a way to reuse the factory microphone?

 

[I bleed Ford Blue]

I have the factory touch screen with nav in my 2010 and I hate it. With buttons down both sides and across the top and a cd slot what could have been a 7" touchscreen is down to about 5.25 to 5.5" the small screen makes it hard to read and hard to use.

Talk to Critchfield and tell them what you want and what you have and they can set you up with everything you need. The modern steering wheel interfaces are lightyears ahead of what they were just 5 years ago. You can even get an interface to use the original sync system if you want to.

 

[GuinnyIre]

I just put a boss head unit with a 10" screen, wireless android into mine. Not difficult, one or two vids out there with step by step instruction. If you do a rear camera, They have them that tie into the brake light for power. I got one (newest boss) that powers from the head unit and the rear light powering needs to be tapped into up front. Didn't feel confident doing it (identifying the wire) so my mechanic is going to help me with that last step.

 

[Ratchet81]

Hi guys, thanks for your replies. I Bleed…, you have a pretty good point about the screen size with the buttons. And if you say you hate it, then maybe it would end up bothering me, too.

I haven’t talked directly with Crutchfield yet, but I went on their site to look at their options. The Boss unit is the only one that came up under $200 when I looked, but I’ll need to look more and see what works best. I’m not familiar with the Boss brand, so I don’t know if it would be worth trying or if I should go with another brand. Might just need to save up the extra and deal with it if I want a unit that I like.

GuinnyIre, how do the phone controls work with your Boss unit? Can you answer and hang up calls from the button on the wheel?

I had a non-touchscreen Kenwood that would let you answer a call from the wheel, but you had to use the button on the head unit to hang up. Between that, the annoying button beeps, and the Bluetooth connectivity issues, I pulled it back out and went back to the OE deck. Not as good of sound, obviously, but no more frustration in operating the miserable thing. Plus it was nice to get the auto dimming display back when the headlights were on.

 

[GuinnyIre]

So I have the base level, the XLT, and I have no wheel controls. I've done it in the past but it's been some time. If you go aftermarket, just buy it from Crutchfield. Their instructions tend to be good, you can call in, you might be able to find a video on yt that walks you thru the process of your car or an equivalent. I bought mine on a Prime Deal so I didn't go thru Crutchfield and it took a little bit longer. Going to YT, found this video



about a week into searching and its my car but mine is gray.

So back to your question. I'd call Crutchfield, tell them you're thinking about an aftermarket radio but you want to know if the interface will keep all the wheel commands. They'll be straight. But if you're looking at headunits many have the "Call Steve" functions where you can talk to the radio. Good Luck.