which radio do i have.

[djmunster]

hello all ,new member just got a 96 xlt and i wanna upgrade my stero how do i tell the differences between which radio i have so i know what im up aganst when i replace it all , i think its the lowest model (i hope so)
thanks

 

[fixt]

Look through this thread for help

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25999

To be certain you can slide the radio out using the two holes on either side of the the radio using the two U shaped Ford removal tool, about 6-8 bucks.
The part number is on the side.
If you do this, take a picture or look at the rear plugs so you can be certain of replacement. They are different depending on model.

While the link above will help you identify what you have, interchangeability is slightly different from what is listed because of the rear plug configurations.
That's the reason you need to look at it.

 

[djmunster]

i was never so confused with a car stereo(wow)
as far as i know i have the base system ,ill have to remove the radio to find out ,i dont have a subwoofer because i have the storage compartment but ????do i have an amp?
im really confused

 

[fixt]

Now you've narrowed it down to two models.
It's not the uber audiophile JBL model or whatever it's called.
So it's base or premium model.

It's easy to pull out, that's what I ended up doing.
You notice that in that link there's only vague mention of 96, apparently rear plug style changed in 98. There's the P100 harness consisting of two plugs for the 1.5 DIN radio/cassette. It's full size (double DIN) in the front and thin in the back (single DIN) means you have an amp (probably, maybe). The harness is one long 8 pin plug and one squarish pin.

In 98 at least some of the radio head units had the amp built in and can be used with an adapter kit that bypasses the amp in the cargo space.
There's a statement that 95-01 units will fit. Well, ok they might physically fit in the opening, but there's more to it than that.
The aftermarket units are better depending on what you want, but then there's adapter plates and all that to fill the rest of the opening. Unless you put in a double DIN GPS/DVD/Dishwasher/stereo thingy

Ford used a lot of sound engineers to make it so confusing.