Replacing Microphone in 2012 Explorer XLT

[Rpm8150]

Hi, the microphone in my Explorer was deemed bad by my local Ford dealer. I was able to buy the microphone directly from Ford myself, but wanted to check on the proper way to get access to the microphones electrical connection. I pop the microphone out of the headliner and there is zero slack to get to the connector.

I'm thinking I would have to go through the sunglass holder/overhead lights console to get access to it. Just wanted to check before I went any further.

Thanks


2012 Explorer XLT with MyFord Touch
2015 Fusion SE with MyFord Touch

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum Rpm8150.:wavey:
I don't believe this has been attempted before. Please document and post pictures of what your procedure will be.

Peter

 

[jmr061]

From the Taurus service manual (no longer have access to the explorer manual but they should be the same).

Removal

NOTE: If the microphone is removed from the headliner, a new microphone must be installed.

Pry the microphone bezel from the headliner metal mounting bracket and remove the microphone from the headliner by grasping the microphone pigtail.
Disconnect the electrical connector.

Installation

Connect the microphone electrical connector.
Wrap the connection with anti-rattle tape.
Feed the microphone pigtail into the headliner through the microphone hole.
Verify the microphone pigtail points towards the front of the vehicle.
Snap the microphone into the headliner mounting bracket.
Verify the mounting bracket and microphone are snug to the headliner.

Doesn't say anything about needing to drop the headliner or access the plug in any other manner, probably need itty bitty fingers to get up in there I bet!!

 

[peterk9]

I think the OP's issue is that he can't get at the connector.
As per the instructions, I find it unusual that it says that if the microphone is removed from the headliner that a new one must be installed. Seems to suggest that you can't just pop the OEM one back in. Strange.:scratch:

Peter

 

[Rpm8150]

That's correct Peter, I can pop the microphone out of the headliner, but there is no play in the pigtail to get to the connector. It's extremely taught and I just don't want to pull that hard on it...

I can get a picture tomorrow.

Thanks

 

[Rpm8150]

Sorry it took a few days. Here are the pictures. The microphone won't move past what is shown.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/eym39ruleddt7zw/2015-03-28 14.38.35.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gcyzos5aqhb6uus/2015-03-28%2014.38.45.jpg?dl=0

 

[Augmentin875]

I would assume that the wire is attached to the actual roof itself with those christmas tree pins. You probably need to remove the headliner itself to get at the connection.

 

[Rpm8150]

That's what I was hoping to avoid. Can't believe Ford is making the microphone so hard to replace.

 

[peterk9]

This is what Fordparts.com shows. Looks like there is a short 'pigtail' of some sort attached to the mic.

Peter

 

[Rpm8150]

Done

Had to remove both visor locks from the headliner. Then snuck my hand in from the front to get the connector off of the headliner. It was glued on.

Then that freed up the microphone and was able to swap it with the new one.

 

[peterk9]

Had to remove both visor locks from the headliner. Then snuck my hand in from the front to get the connector off of the headliner. It was glued on.

Then that freed up the microphone and was able to swap it with the new one.

Thanks for reporting back. I believe this is the first replacement of that part. I hope after all that work that the microphone works.

Peter