Does anyone here have any wiring information for a 2003 Taurus with the rear control unit for the radio. I want to run a small system using the factory radio/ cd changer. I've found out that the radio in the dash is nothing more than a "keypad", the actual radio is in the trunk. I should be able to find the speaker wires myself, but if anyone knows if there is a "turn on lead" at this rear unit, that would be most helpful.
Thank,
F.B.
I added amplification on all four speakers, as well as a subwoofer, to a '98 Taurus. I know the radios are shaped differently, but the wiring is the same.
The best thing, if you can, is to get hold of the $80 kit for installing an aftermarket radio. Take the plug from the kit, and temporarily attach it to the appropriate plug that would normally go into the tuner pack in the trunk.
The adapter plug uses standard wiring colors, which are also noted on its instructions. Get a note pad, and compare the color on the adapter, versus the color on the factory plug. With this method, you'll be able to discover which wire does what. But I haven't seen a replacement male Ford harness for sale----you'll probably have to cut apart the factory harness to make your connections.
Note that I'm not suggesting that you buy the replacement kit from a store and then return it after...although that might be your easiest option. Some stores won't accept a return if the package has been opened, so ask first. Maybe if you buy a friendly installer some lunch, he'll let you play with the kit out in the parking lot for a few minutes to take your notes.
I don't think there's any turn-on wire available on this system, and even if there was one, Ford usually uses about 7 volts---it's not enough to trigger aftermarket amps. I just used the car's regular accessory wire, which I found in the radio harness, as a remote turn-on. It's not ideal, but it worked well and made no odd noises. Also, many companies like PAC www.go2pac.com sell products that sense an audio signal on the speaker wires, and then create their own turn-on signal for you.
Also, are you replacing the speakers too? If you are, then finding the colors shouldn't be so hard........
Get a small battery and test of the factory speakers so that you can determine which side is positive and which is negative. Then, look at the factory wires going to the speaker and make a note of them. Repeat this for the other three speakers. All eight of these wires should still be the same color and polarity back at the tuner pack.