Stock Radio Compatibility

[grizzlyxjim]

I have a 2000 explorer xls with the single cd. It works but no longer displays. I was looking to just grab an OEM one with a cassette player (since you can use those cassette AUX tapes) I like the look of stock and want to just plug and play but I have no idea if it is the Mach system or the base, or premium and I read that there can be compatibility issues. I looked at the audio sticky but I can't seem to figure it out. Audio and electrical are not my forte.

 

[fast_dave]

I have a 2000 explorer xls with the single cd. It works but no longer displays. I was looking to just grab an OEM one with a cassette player (since you can use those cassette AUX tapes) I like the look of stock and want to just plug and play but I have no idea if it is the Mach system or the base, or premium and I read that there can be compatibility issues. I looked at the audio sticky but I can't seem to figure it out. Audio and electrical are not my forte.

@grizzlyxjim

Audio isn't my forte either - so I'll tell you what worked for me

BUT first - start "easy" - make sure your cabin dimmer switch is operating correctly - as that "dial rheostat" controls the light display output on your radio If your cabin switch is bad (or going bad) one of the first things you notice is a dim radio display AND/OR dash gauge display. I have a write up on how to rebuild the dimmer switch it in the sticky section of this forum and you can save $60+ dollars on buying one.

If your cabin dimmer switch is OK, all you need to remove your radio/head unit is the (2) U Tools - buy on Amazon or Ebay for around $5 or so.

Super easy, insert the 2 tools, remove head unit - takes all of 1 minute.

When removed, take a couple of pictures, for your reference, of the audio connector blocks (and their pin pattern) AND ALSO a couple of pictures OF WHERE they plug into your head unit. This is important - read on why.

Peruse Ebay, and find a head unit that has the features you're looking for AND matches up/accepts your connector blocks.

These "Double Din" size format radios were used in almost every offering Ford/Lincoln/Merc from the beginning through the end of the 90's.

Most all Ebay offerings will show you a photo of the back of the unit being offered for sale. Make sure that the areas on the unit you're looking at HAVE PIN CONNECTORS in the area where your connectors attach! To clarify, if the connecting block area is there WITHOUT connecting pins - it's a no-go!

I was able to upgrade my '98 factory Ford head unit from an AM/FM Cassette w/ 4 speakers to a Factory Ford Mach 3 CD/MP3 - it does everything I need it to do for an initial investment of around $60. My purchase was advertised as coming out of a Mustang. After 5 or 6 years it wennt south, and I purchased the same unit, this time advertised as coming out of a Ranger.

It plays AM & FM, Plays CD's, and plays CD's recorded in MP3 Format...

Hope that helps -

 

[grizzlyxjim]

Yeah, when I had my mounty I replaced the radio with an in-dash GPS radio unit. So I know the basics and I have to tear my dash apart to replace the odometer and parking shift cable. Was trying to get all the parts at once so I can do it in one go. I guess I will just wait till I have it all apart and do as you suggest. Thanks for the information.

 

[fast_dave]

Yeah, when I had my mounty I replaced the radio with an in-dash GPS radio unit. So I know the basics and I have to tear my dash apart to replace the odometer and parking shift cable. Was trying to get all the parts at once so I can do it in one go. I guess I will just wait till I have it all apart and do as you suggest. Thanks for the information.

@grizzlyxjim

No prob - glad I could help.

In closing, I will say this though - the prices for these radios are all over the place, since FORD went over to custom/integrated units for most of their product line.

If I were you, I'd establish the condition of the dimmer switch, and if it's working properly, then take literally a minute to out the radio.

Take the pictures I suggested, and start looking now for a replacement every Sunday (the BIG Ebay posting day) as opposed to waiting to the last minute and having to pay top dollar.

In my experience & observation, the top dollar units stay on Ebay a LOOOOOONG time.

It's the ones that are in good shape/guaranteed/returns accepted for a low price that are bought within a few hours of the initial posting.