Radio "BAD"
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Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2009
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Radio "BAD"
OK, this is a new one on me. Evidently, my 1994 F-150 radio actually tells me that it crapped out, by displaying BAD on the display. Don't really want to see how much it would be to fix. Doe's anyone have any suggestions on an aftermarket radio/CD player to replace my factory BAD radio/cassette player? Want to find one that will be a low hassle affair (don't want to cut/file/adapt/universal mount).
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I would go to Crutchfield, plug in your info, and see what they have for a plug-n-play installation.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Arcadia, Fla
I went to wally world and got that $88 package(with 4 speakers) at xmas time. It's a Pioneer CD/radio with USB port on front panel. It works really good and I did not have to cut any wires as wally world actily had the radio plug adapters for my 89 truck! I used only the power wire adaptor and ran speaker wires directly from head unit to speakers. Reason I did it that way is sometimes vehicle's use a common speaker gound in the factory harness. Most aftermarket do not like that set up. I used to fix many car audio products due to that.
You probly will have to use a mounting kit to hold the new radio in the dash. I'm not sure on your truck but my 89 I just used the can that came with the new radio and the rear support from the old radio. I still have my factory radio that still works just in case I depart with that truck I can reinstall the old one with no hacked up wires
You probly will have to use a mounting kit to hold the new radio in the dash. I'm not sure on your truck but my 89 I just used the can that came with the new radio and the rear support from the old radio. I still have my factory radio that still works just in case I depart with that truck I can reinstall the old one with no hacked up wires
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 816
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From: Sandy Hook, CT
+1 for the Wally World idea. You can get a very decent head unit for well under 100.00. Very easy to install if you buy the adapter harness (5-7 bucks) and the best thing is no cutting wires. My favorite is Pioneer, but the JVC's are a close second. Pyle or Dual is also good at around 40.00.
Roger
Roger
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,791
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From: Edmonton AB, Canada
You dont need any mounting hardware and shouldn't have to file anything. I tend to like the kenwood cd players but anything you find will work and as suggested you can get the pigtail that will plug into the factory harness in the truck and the ends of the pigtail should be colored the same as the new cdplayer to make the connections easy
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I would rather support a small, locally-owned company such as Crutchfield that provides good customer service rather than a multinational mega-chain store such as Walmart that is focused on stockholder profits. Granted, Walmart is still a family-run business controlled by the Walton family, but it has gotten too big IMHO and pushes too many of the small, mom-and-pop outfits out of business.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,507
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From: Oregon
There is also SonicElectronix.com. Thats where I got all of my stereo equipment. Much like Crutchfield, just slightly lower prices... If you enter your vehicle into their search, it will give you everything that will fit in your truck. And all Headunits from them include everything needed to make it a nearly plug and play setup for free.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Poway, CA
Any aftermarket single-DIN sized stereo (which yours is, and so are a majority of the ones available aftermarket) will require basically the same amount of work to install. I've always been told 92-96/7 F-series don't even need adapter brackets, so that's a plus. As for the wiring, just pick up the adapter harness for your particular vehicle, wire it to the harness that comes with the stereo (universal color coding, so SUPER easy), and then it's plug-and-play and completely reversible as well.
Brand and features are up to you, but I'd spring for a unit that has a means to hook up a MP3 player, like a headphone jack or a USB port. Even the cheapo units have these now, though, so now big deal.
Mike
Brand and features are up to you, but I'd spring for a unit that has a means to hook up a MP3 player, like a headphone jack or a USB port. Even the cheapo units have these now, though, so now big deal.
Mike
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Arcadia, Fla
I would rather support a small, locally-owned company such as Crutchfield that provides good customer service rather than a multinational mega-chain store such as Walmart that is focused on stockholder profits. Granted, Walmart is still a family-run business controlled by the Walton family, but it has gotten too big IMHO and pushes too many of the small, mom-and-pop outfits out of business.
I wished I could goto a mom and pop store, but they all went under years ago. Nowdays the ones left are not the best places to goto. I need a visa and a translater just to enter the places! And they WILL RIP you off too!
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
The two places suggested in this thread qualify and have Web sites & phone numbers. Crutchfield has been around since 1974 (not sure about the other place) and is a well-respected organization.
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Cross-Country
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UPDATE: Ok, here's the deal: I'm getting ready to move 2,000 miles. Part of the move package is that I can have 2 vehicle shipped. I'm having the truck shipped, so I won't need a radio on a long drive, decided to wait until I finish moving before putting in a new radio. A few days ago I pulled the stereo to figure out what I'm up against, and set it on the floor of the truck. Today I needed to use the truck (take stuff to Goodwill for donation--getting rid of extra furniture, etc.). Thought I'd put radio back in dash to get it out of the way. Plugged in the connectors, turned on the ignition, and the clock showed 12:00. Pressed power button, and radio came to life. Must have been a loose or corroded connection that fixed itself by unplugging/replugging the connectors.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Arcadia, Fla
That's a usual electronics fix. Smack it and usually it will work! You be supprized of how many times I smack the item and it starts working with the customer dumbfounded thats all it takes!
Also having power removed could of reset the unit. Hopefully it stays working for you.
Also having power removed could of reset the unit. Hopefully it stays working for you.
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