Radio compatibility?
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Radio compatibility?
'97 E150
The volume pot on my factory radio/cassette has some dead spots, so I'm looking to replace it. I''m seeing a Ford unit from a later model on eBay. It looks identical and also has Cd and cassette. The label says it's a 2003. What are the chances that the connection plugs are the same? Indeed, what are the chances that the wire colors are the same?
If not, what are the chances that the volume pot in my unit is not some proprietary piece that can't be replaced?
The volume pot on my factory radio/cassette has some dead spots, so I'm looking to replace it. I''m seeing a Ford unit from a later model on eBay. It looks identical and also has Cd and cassette. The label says it's a 2003. What are the chances that the connection plugs are the same? Indeed, what are the chances that the wire colors are the same?
If not, what are the chances that the volume pot in my unit is not some proprietary piece that can't be replaced?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
The wiring connectors will not be compatible so you're best advised to scour eBay for a refurbished radio for your year and chassis. If you find a unit that's not working look for someone who repairs those older radios. I would bet they're less than $100 newly refurbished.
For a few dollars more you can shop Crutchfield.com for something fitting your chassis AND they'll have wiring adapters that'll properly connect to your chassis wiring.
For a few dollars more you can shop Crutchfield.com for something fitting your chassis AND they'll have wiring adapters that'll properly connect to your chassis wiring.
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Just as I suspected. For some reason all manufacturers can adopt the DIN standard for mounting the units. If only we could get all audio gear to use DIN connectors universally.
So far I've found one unit from a 1997 E150 on eBay. No mention of refurbishing, but I would assume that they at least bench test the unit. I get the idea that '97 was a transition year, with a few parts which only fit that year. I guess I should remove the one in the van to be certain the model numbers match.
I had a look at Crutchfield. Most of them don't even have a CD player, much less a cassette. Blue Tooth? Yeah like I'm gonna try to change playlists on my phone while I'm driving! And, they all look like something out of the Starship Enterprise.
So far I've found one unit from a 1997 E150 on eBay. No mention of refurbishing, but I would assume that they at least bench test the unit. I get the idea that '97 was a transition year, with a few parts which only fit that year. I guess I should remove the one in the van to be certain the model numbers match.
I had a look at Crutchfield. Most of them don't even have a CD player, much less a cassette. Blue Tooth? Yeah like I'm gonna try to change playlists on my phone while I'm driving! And, they all look like something out of the Starship Enterprise.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2009
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I went through this on my 2000E350. Look on your existing unit. There should be a paper label with the model number. You need to purchase the EXACT unit.Some of these DO NOT INTERCHANGE. You need to get the wiring diagram for your radio from the ford wiring diagram and match it to the pin locations on what you want to use.Been there/done that. When I did this ,it took 3 units to work correctly.
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I checked the number on the side of my unit. It's a different model from the one offered on eBay. However, my van has a CD changer in the back. It can no longer read discs, so that's not an issue.
In any case, it appears that there is an adapter attached between the original harness and the one connected to my radio. I would hope that the first connector is the one which connects to the original radio, with no changer attached. HOWEVER, the colors of the wires to these connectors DO NOT match the colors to either C212 or C213 in the EVTM. Maybe these aren't the mults which actually connect to the radio?
There's another mult connected to the head unit with a bunch of tiny wires? I suppose those are control wires for the CD changer?
This thing is difficult to figure out. The van is an Explorer conversion, and their tech support is non-existent. I still can't figure out why there's no sound from the radio unless cabin fuse 17 is plugged in. Ford says this fuse is "not used." But having that fuse in creates a phantom current draw.
In any case, it appears that there is an adapter attached between the original harness and the one connected to my radio. I would hope that the first connector is the one which connects to the original radio, with no changer attached. HOWEVER, the colors of the wires to these connectors DO NOT match the colors to either C212 or C213 in the EVTM. Maybe these aren't the mults which actually connect to the radio?
There's another mult connected to the head unit with a bunch of tiny wires? I suppose those are control wires for the CD changer?
This thing is difficult to figure out. The van is an Explorer conversion, and their tech support is non-existent. I still can't figure out why there's no sound from the radio unless cabin fuse 17 is plugged in. Ford says this fuse is "not used." But having that fuse in creates a phantom current draw.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Had you mentioned these radio issues were with an Explorer converted van that might have helped. Whatever this intermediary connector is under the dash could be an issue---if you post a photo of the radio chassis and the connectors you're working with that might be helpful.
Post a photo of these connectors and of your radio chassis as well---that might give us a better idea what you're dealing with. I'm guessing Explorer has monkeyed with the original wiring causing some of your capability issues. My '97 & '98 EVTM's show wire colors and C212 & C213 but no face view/pin out drawings---bummer there.
Post a photo of these connectors and of your radio chassis as well---that might give us a better idea what you're dealing with. I'm guessing Explorer has monkeyed with the original wiring causing some of your capability issues. My '97 & '98 EVTM's show wire colors and C212 & C213 but no face view/pin out drawings---bummer there.
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First adapter from radio
Front of radio
Model
Adapter from other connector on radio. The black cable below goes to the CD changer in back.
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I also found where Explorer hid the external power amp. It's behind the fuse box in the back. Works for the radio and the entertainment system in the back. That must be what's connected to cabin fuse #17. Probably a stuck relay is causing it to be powered at all times.
I just remove that fuse if the van is going to sit for long.
I just remove that fuse if the van is going to sit for long.
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