f150 to 99 explorer radio/cd swap

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=107475
Printed Date: May 12, 2025 at 5:50 AM

Topic: f150 to 99 explorer radio/cd swap

Posted By: neoemoz
Subject: f150 to 99 explorer radio/cd swap
Date Posted: September 15, 2008 at 7:30 PM

I was given a radio/6stack in dash CD player from an F150, not sure which year but probably around 04 - 06 and want to put it in my 99 Explorer. I have checked the wiring behind and they are different. My explorer has a flat plug with 8 pins and a rectangular 16 pin plug that goes through the amplifier then to the speakers. Does anyone have or know the pin assignment for the F150 Radio/CD which has 1 rectanglar 16 pin socket and a square 20 pin socket? See pic. posted_image

Replies:

Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: September 15, 2008 at 8:28 PM

You only need to use the plug on the right of the picture you posted. I can tell you where the constant and switched wires are on the radio. The plug nearest the edge of the radio is the one you need to be concerned about. It has 2 rows of pins on it. One row has the outer pins that are offset a bit. The offset pin and the pin next to it (on the edge of the plug that is at the edge of the radio) are switched and constant power. If you ground the chassis of the radio and apply power to those 2 pins, the radio will come on.

Metra does make a harness that will plug into most factory radios. You should check and see if they make one for that deck. metraonline.com

Posted By: neoemoz
Date Posted: September 15, 2008 at 10:22 PM

Ok, thanks for that info. Will have a play and see if I can get it to power up. Had a look at metraonline and couldnt see anything that would adapt my wiring to the new unit. Here's a diagram of the existing radio cassette sockets which were also connected to a 12 stacker CD under the rear seat. The speakers go through an amp as well. Looks like I'm going to have to make something up to suit. posted_image

Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: September 15, 2008 at 11:35 PM

Metra 71-1771
posted_image

Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: September 15, 2008 at 11:42 PM

You may have to bypass the amp in the Explorer. I do not know if the F-150 radio has pre-amp level output.

Posted By: neoemoz
Date Posted: September 16, 2008 at 1:20 AM

Thanks, will pick up a harness tomorrow and work the speakers out from there.

Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: September 16, 2008 at 6:46 AM

Most shops do not keep that harness in stock. I have no idea if there is a stocking distributor Down Under. It might take them a few days to get you one.

Posted By: neoemoz
Date Posted: September 16, 2008 at 8:12 AM

yes there is a stockist here, I've emailed for a price and availability. I powered up the unit using the info you gave me and popped in a CD then found the 8 speaker pins using a small speaker, all sounds good. Just need to test wether its going to work through my amp or not.