REPLACING A JBL SYSTEM......still confused!

[JOFO17]

I have read quite a few theads concerning this and only becom emore confused each time. I have 96 EB. Explorer with the premium JBL system. It is time for it to be replaced the head unit with something with a little more power. I'm not sure weather I need the Metra 70-5600 or the Metra 70-5601? Do I or don't I need to bypass the unit in the right rear back panel? Just when I'm sure I need the 5601........... I read that the 5600 is all I need. HELP!

 

[ribob]

I just finished my install. You need the metra kit 70-5601 with the LONG CABLES and the antenna cable. This will bypass everything in the back. Take off the panel and you will see the plug that matches the metra one. Plug in that to the new cable along with the antenna extension, run the whole thing up front and connect all the speaker wires from the new head to this snake,lol. Then the other plug that comes with the kit will handle all your power wires on the new head which plugs into the plug you took out of the old radio. You should have 2 plugs back there but only 1 fits. I taped up the other one. Your end result should be new radio playing through factory door speakers with no sub in the back. Hope this helps.

 

[JOFO17]

That's kinda what I deducted from the other posts. I'll order the 5601 and see how it goes. While I'm waiting for the 5601 to arrive, I'll put in some new speakers to match the Kenwood head unit I plan to install. Thanks!

 

[ribob]

Thats my next step, new speakers too. Are you gonna take the plunge and install a double din? I did, man what a pain, but the end result was worth it.

 

[617ricky]

Just a little heads up - an aftermarket stereo may not even be more powerful than your current setup.. The stock amps put out 20w RMS per channel, and that's actually better than most aftermarket stereos.. When I upgraded to an aftermarket 45w "peak" per channel deck, I didn't read the fine print til later on - and it's only 16w RMS per channel.. It's not really an issue for me, cuz I also added a separate amp/sub for bass, but I was kinda surprised.. And after looking at specs on other random decks, it seems 16-18w RMS is typical, with maybe 20-22w on something high end.. I actually would rather the stock amp to power my door speakers instead of my deck, but that's not a feasible option.. Upgrading the speakers wouldn't be a bad idea, but if you really want more power than what you got now, you'd want an amp for the speakers.

 

[JOFO17]

Thanks for the advice Rirob. I got the parts in the mail today. I was wondering exactly how you ran the wires from the back to the front? Anyone have any experience or an easy way?

 

[ribob]

No problem. I'm not the neatest wire installer but i tucked that snake of a harness inside the interior trim along the passengers side of the truck, then tucked it under the carpet and the door edges then snaked it under the dash behind the glovebox, which can be unhinged with a little pressure. Once i got it to the radio hole, i wired the plug from the new radio to the snake and BOOM! Music. Then i just gently pulled back the excess wiring to the rear, not much though.

 

[JOFO17]

Well things aren't looking good. I was lazy and decided to take a short cut........what a dumb a$$ I am. I figured it is just a couple quick plug in connections..... no need to remove the ground for something so simple. WRONG! ' Once the new stereo was connected I found out I had no 12v going to it with the key on. 12v memory was just fine. Where did the 12v go? but it gets worse! I put everything back the way it was, and now the origonal JBL
system gets no power! Ohhhhhhh it gets even worse! NOW THE FRONT AND REAR WIPERS WONT WORK! I checked all fuses and and the relays under the hood. Somebody help!

 

[ribob]

Well things aren't looking good. I was lazy and decided to take a short cut........what a dumb a$$ I am. I figured it is just a couple quick plug in connections..... no need to remove the ground for something so simple. WRONG! ' Once the new stereo was connected I found out I had no 12v going to it with the key on. 12v memory was just fine. Where did the 12v go? but it gets worse! I put everything back the way it was, and now the origonal JBL
system gets no power! Ohhhhhhh it gets even worse! NOW THE FRONT AND REAR WIPERS WONT WORK! I checked all fuses and and the relays under the hood. Somebody help!

Whoa! Thats not good. All of your power,ground and 12v wires should have been on the harness that was plugged into the back of the factory radio. There should be 2 harnesses there, 1 that fits and 1 that doesnt. The kit should have come with 2 harnesses, the long one for speakers and antenna and a short 1 for the power harness. The rear wiper connector may have come loose when reinstalling the trim, not sure why the front ones stopped working unless the are connected somehow.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I'm hoping you didn't fry your GEM. Have you checked fuses?

 

[JOFO17]

I checked all the fuses. I'm thinking GEM also. There is a post somewhere in here that details my symptoms exactly, no front and rear wipers, but the rear washer works. Some of the more knowlegable people that responded also suggest the GEM. It's easy to get to, but what is involved in replacing one? Does it have to be from a 96 EB explorer just like mine? Does a new one from the store have to be programed?

 

[JOFO17]

By the way........ besides the wipers not working, the stereo wont work either. Just some more info to narrow down the cause. Thanks

 

[Joe Dirt]

From what I think I know about GEM replacement, they are very specific- so it will have to have an exact matching part number, and I think it either affects your keyless entry or the antitheft, but you don't have a chipped key so you should be ok if that was it, I'm just drawing a blank on that right now- someone needs to chime in on that...

As far as replacement, it's easy- pop the center radio bezel out and its the big black box on the left side behind where the cig lighter is.