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1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis Econolines. E150, E250, E350, E450 and E550

'97 E150 Explorer conversion, amplifier?

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Old Dec 26, 2019 | 06:35 PM
  #1  
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DriverD
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'97 E150 Explorer conversion, amplifier?

Recently my battery went down just from sitting too long. Jump started and all is fine, but since then no sound from the radio. It's the stock Ford radio, it turns on and shows volume on the bar, but no sound.
I assume that this conversion came with a separate power amp, but I have no idea where it is located. The sound from the TV works.
I've checked all fuses in the cab and those in the separate box in back.
The only manual I have been able to find at Explorer is for a later model. Anybody know where they hid the power amp?
 
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Old Dec 27, 2019 | 05:20 AM
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Mine was under the bottom of seat. Would never know was there. But got new seats and found amps on each seat.



Originally Posted by DriverD
Recently my battery went down just from sitting too long. Jump started and all is fine, but since then no sound from the radio. It's the stock Ford radio, it turns on and shows volume on the bar, but no sound.
I assume that this conversion came with a separate power amp, but I have no idea where it is located. The sound from the TV works.
I've checked all fuses in the cab and those in the separate box in back.
The only manual I have been able to find at Explorer is for a later model. Anybody know where they hid the power amp?
 
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Old Dec 29, 2019 | 07:44 PM
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Nothing under my seats. I'm guessing that it's behind the fuse panel in the rear, the same panel with the rear radio and CD changer. Don't know why it works with the TV but not the dash radio.
I hate to pull the radio out of the dash, and I only have one DIN tool.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2019 | 04:27 AM
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I'm wondering if Explorer even went to the trouble and expense of adding external power amps to the stock Ford radio? Does the TV have its own internal speakers? Is Explorer still in business?
 
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Old Dec 31, 2019 | 11:36 AM
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Not sure about Explorer either, but there is a site selling replacement parts.
The TV has external speakers in the ceiling. There is a switch on the panel by the rear seat to select speaker or headphone sound for the TV. I don't know if that amp has anything to do with the dash radio.
I just wonder why the radio turns on and shows volume on the bar meter on the front but no sound is heard. Do these radios have some sort of reset code after being without power?
 
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Old Dec 31, 2019 | 04:51 PM
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Wheelnon
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Originally Posted by DriverD
Not sure about Explorer either, but there is a site selling replacement parts.
The TV has external speakers in the ceiling. There is a switch on the panel by the rear seat to select speaker or headphone sound for the TV. I don't know if that amp has anything to do with the dash radio.
I just wonder why the radio turns on and shows volume on the bar meter on the front but no sound is heard. Do these radios have some sort of reset code after being without power?
yes explore is still a round. Here there web side. Sorry my help did not help https://www.explorervan.com/
 
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Old Jan 1, 2020 | 04:40 AM
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Originally Posted by DriverD
I just wonder why the radio turns on and shows volume on the bar meter on the front but no sound is heard. Do these radios have some sort of reset code after being without power?
Your radio is comprised of at least three different sub-sections which are all housed in the single chassis. You have the AM/FM receiver, an audio pre-amplifier and an audio power amp---if any one of those fails the result is no sound.

The existing radio is 22 years old and has lived a good life. There are plenty of options both aftermarket and used original style so maybe consider replacing it? Crutchfield is my go-to source for all things in the vehicle radio/infotainment systems---they're pretty amazing with everything they provide most importantly the customer support offered. Even neophytes can successfully install something with their guides and help.

Hope this helps and good luck with your project.
 
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