Radio swap question.

[Fairfield Mike]

Hi All. I'm the owner of a 2002 Explorer Eddie Bauer with the Mach 6 CD Radio & factory Subwoofer. After all of these years, the CD player is starting to skip, not eject properly, etc. I've cleaned it as much as possible, but it's time to replace with something with iPod/MP3 capabilities and potentially a Nav unit.

The question I have is whether or not I can hook up an aftermarket head unit to the Mach's amplifier. I replaced the speakers with Pioneers a long time ago and really like the sound. I don't want to get "boned" into having to put a new head unit and amplifier in, and would prefer to just hook something into the Ford Factory Mach Amp to try to save as much $$ as possible. I'm a 41 year old guy and not someone who plans on entering any contests--just want a good, clean, vibrant amplified sound.

Can this be done? Any suggestions?

Thanks from Fairfield, Ohio!

 

[AboveTheLaw]

This should be in the sound/audio part of the forum for a better response.

 

[BradR]

Welcome to the forum!

And of course it can be done!
You just have to look up the wiring diagram for the harness that goes into the radio, or, even get an adapter harness that you can wire into so that way you don't have to cut your factory harness. But it can most definitely be done.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the audio & navigation section. WWW.The12Volt.Com has schematic diagrams.

 

[jrford]

The Amp is part of the radio in '02 so no need to bypass. I just added a Audiophile/Sub woofer combo to mine. Biggest concern in going aftermarket would be the steering wheel controls and do you have a rear DVD? You can keep both but i would require and extra interface module to do so.

cheapest if you like the sound now is to fix the CD unit for like $100 or so. I'd be careful about buying used, if its shipped without the shipping bracket and in ship mode it will not arrive working, there is nothing hold the trays in line except for a little spring (been there done that).

If you keep stock and don't have the rear DVD then they make a module (PIE) to plug into the 20pin harness and allows you to add a iPod or Sat.