Stock head unit problems / questions

[Curse The Sky]

The stock 6-disc head unit on my 2001 Job 1 Sport Trac is giving me trouble. First, the volume knob doesn't always work properly. When turning the volume down, it'll sometimes go up instead. NOT fun. Second, the radio reception is horrible. I can get one or two local stations, but not much else. There's one station that's ~30-50 miles away that I can get in my Fusion just fine, but it's mostly static in my Sport Trac. Any ideas?

If the fixes for these issues are fairly difficult or expensive, I may just replace the head unit altogether (aux input / USB for the win). If I do, will any standard double DIN unit fit? Thinking of something like the Clarion CX501. Are there any harnesses that I can buy so that I don't need to chop into the existing wires?

Thank you.

 

[Joe Dirt]

If you go to crutchfield.com and enter your vehicle info, they will give you the info on harnesses, and I think include them free over a certain dollar amount if you get the head unit, etc from them. I think it used to be $130.

I would replace it- the CD-6's are problematic anyhow.

 

[ZombieHunter]

There are some very detailed threads here on how to install a double-DIN receiver in your Trac. It does require some minor trimming.

 

[bdmaash]

I was reaching back to turn down the volume from the rear passenger controls, then eventually changed out the deck.
Since the rear controls worked, it would mean the volume control on the headunit was bad. Good luck trying to find a replacement control.

 

[Curse The Sky]

Too bad, I was hoping that I wouldn't have to do any trimming. I'm afraid that I'm going to get half way through this and find out that the new head unit won't work or something, and then the old one won't fit back in. Oh well, no guts no glory.

Anywhere other than junk yards that I can pick up a new radio bezel if I screw mine up?

 

[Joe Dirt]

Probably not, jy is the best bet but you can use some of them from any gen II Ex also... They're just paintedsilver.

 

[interscope8]

the 6 disc units are great until 1 thing starts going wrong, then it all starts to fall apart. Mine eventually froze whenever i turned the truck on so I couldnt play any of my CDs. I recommend Crutchfield too. I got most of my stuff from there. My head unit was on sale for $119 and it came with all the install stuff I needed, and instructions.

 

[Curse The Sky]

Hmm, I didn't think about going Single DIN. Is there something simple that I could use to convert the space from the size that it is to accept a single DIN head unit? I may consider going that route if it is easier and looks nice.

 

[interscope8]

Hmm, I didn't think about going Single DIN. Is there something simple that I could use to convert the space from the size that it is to accept a single DIN head unit? I may consider going that route if it is easier and looks nice.

If u buy from crutchfield they give you that too. Mine came with a nice black adapter piece and the empty space was a little storage compartment. I keep my iPhone n there while I Drive. I'll put my pics up when I'm not on my phone.

 

[tobeybj]

Car audio dash installation kits and wiring harness adapters have been around a long time. Crutchfield 20+ years specializing in car audio upgrades. Check out their sight. I guarantee all your questions have been answered over there.