After much research on this site, and the internet in general, I finally scored a factory Ford in-dash 6-disc changer that plays MP3s, from ebay. It plugged to my original harness and clipped into the dash just like my single CD unit.

I put up a webpage with a short writeup about this. Most of the info is on this forum somewhere. I pretty much just compiled all of the important points and added some pics.

I would appreciate any feedback to see if there's any info that should be added or removed or any other pics that would be helpful.

2004 F250 Stereo Upgrade

Thanks in advance!
Jason

 

Did you get the one with the CD-DJ? I have a 2002 with the 6disc w/ CD-DJ and I want to add an Ipod interface and two more line output converters, 4 channel amp and some component systems f&r.

 

No, mine doesn't have CD-DJ (I don't think!) although I'm not 100% sure what it is. From my 2 minute google search I gather its for controlling an external CD changer....?

Here's the one I have....

 

Yes, there is a test for it I found on some satellite radio forum. It would allow you have both the internal 6 disc and an external changer or a device that interfaces as an external changer.

That radio doesn't look exactly like mine, I have a am/fm and CD button where you have band and sat. So that might be how the 2003+ radio is laid out.

 

That radio appears to be from a 2007 Escape. If you post the serial number I can tell you for sure. It has the internal 6 CD player (also plays MP3s), sattelite radio and aux functions and supports an external sub-woofer, but it does not have the external cd controller function. It has about 80 watts of power without an external amp. I have installed them in a 2000 Superduty and several 87-93 Mustangs. It is a great upgrade for the Mustang.

 

Interesting story about cd changers...a few years back I bought a used 2001 Supercrew that had a tape deck in the radio. I remember being a little suprised that Ford was so behind on radio equipment as to have a tape deck in an otherwise aptly appointed truck. I took it to Best Buy for a cd changer install. I showed the tech where I wanted it in the center console and left the truck with him. They called a little bit later to ask if I wanted the stock cd changer located behind the rear seat removed even though it worked perfectly. I could see the installers laughing as I pulled away.

 

The unit that has the single cd player and tape drive has the external cd controller (whether the external player is installed or not). The unit that has the internal 6 cd changer does not have the external cd player controller.

 

I think this is the number.... 6L8T-18C815-DD

I say "I think" because I read that off of a picture... if it doesn't turn out to match as the numbers should, I'll pull it and read it better. It would be great to know for sure which vehicle the radio came in. Thanks!

 

6L8T-18C815-DD is listed as 2005-2006.5 MY Escape/Mariner. Features are listed as "Visteon Z series CD6 premium w/MP3 & AVC. Sat Compatible." That model also has the WWC (Worldwide) plug which should be plug compatible through about model year 2003 or 2004 in most Fords. Beginning in either 2004 or 2005 they changed the plug to the one called "phase II". This requires an adapter plug which costs about $30.00 in order to install in the earlier models. The radio that you have should be a direct "plug and play", no adapter required for your truck. All Fords did not change to the newer plug on all radios on the same model year. Also the 2005 and later Super Duty radios will not fit in the earlier model Super Dutys, but the 2007 Escape radio will. It is model # 6L8T-18C815-FD. It is listed as "Visteon CD6 audiophile w/MP3 & AVC. Sat compatible." I like the audiophile model because it has the "high power", RDS, (displays station type, song name, artist name, etc.), lets you scan by song type, etc, etc. As always, it depends on what you like. Both of the radio models listed above look identical from the front, but the plugs on the back are different. The audiophile model supports the external sub-woofer. I am not sure that the other one does.

 

Thanks for that info!! I was able to go to the Ford Fleet website and download the 2006 Escape owner's manual, which has the instructions for using my new radio

It was indeed totally plug & play compatible with my truck so that was awesome.

 

LOL... that's pretty good and a good money saver at the same time!

 

DavidB
I have been toolin around trying to get info on putting a late model ford radio in my 87 mustang and came across your post on this page. Would you be able to forward any suggestion my way? I am trying to put the 6disk type in the factory location. The model mentioned earlier, 6L8T-18C815-FD would reside nicely in my stang.

 

Thanks for the Great advice guys. I think I'm gonna go with the same model radio as you. There are only a couple floating around on E-bay. Does the radio display the station info onscreen? Thanks again!

 

Do any of you know if the harnesses are the same between your trucks and a '99 SD? As in, can I do this?

 

In 2005 ford put CAN (controller area network) into to all of the superduties, I suspect there is a plug change to accommodate the data that transits through the radio. However 99-04 should be pinned the same. 05+ could be the same, but I wouldn't expect it to be and would verify it before trying a newer radio.