CALLING ALL SPARK CHASERS!!!!

I have the factory AM/FM CD with the amp. (At least it has to have one....thumps pretty good for a factory system.)

I also have the Sirius sat radio system that currently is using FM Modulation transmitting to the head unit. Now on the sat system, there is a jack that is an output so it can be wired direct to the head unit. On the factory head unit I have, is there a place for this to connect to? Is there a way "wire" it in or should I just go and get a good aftermarket head unit? If I do go aftermarket, is the factory amp internal to the head unit, (2 Dins tall), or is it external and I could wire the aftermarket to it?

The sound from the sat unit is ....ok. But I would like better. It tends to get some interference here and there.

I don't have the clips to remove the stereo so I was hoping to find out without having to run to the local Car Toys store to borrow their clips.

Thanks all!

 

Your kinda sol on the stock HU, as far as hooking the sirrus unit into it.

On most factory rigs, the HU is directly driving the speakers, i.e. no factory amp. Now that all changes when you get into the upper trim levels or you add the premium sound package. (it has an external amp that gets to be a headache for aftermarket conversion)

Here's my reccomendation:

Run down to your local BestBuy, (audioshop, whatever) and pick up the following:

1. Sirrus ready HU.
2. A 97-03 F-150 mounting kit
3. A wire connecting clip that allows you to use the stock wiring.
4. Din removal tools (some plain ole wire works too)

To remove the stock HU:

Remove the trim around the radio and heat controls using a flat blade and gently prying it away.

Un-clip the 4x4 control wire.

Insert the Radio tool and push in a good bit, pull out radio.

Unhook 2 electrical connectors and the antenna.

Install new radio:

Solder the wire converter to the new HU (match all the wires, they are all labled, any that don't match, you don't use)

Install the new radio box to the installation kit (bend enough tabs so that it stays put), and then put the kit into the the vehicle using the directions provided. On mine I added 2 extra screws fro stability.

Connect the HU to the stock wiring (one of the 2 connectors that you pulled from the stock HU is not used) and hook up your sirrus and the antenna wires.

Put the HU into the dash, and make sure it works. If all is good, re-install the trim.

Of cousre Best Buy will do all this for a small fee....

 

Yea I was afraid of that. I used to install sound systems a few years ago for a living but never paid attention to the factory units when I removed them. Didn't know if there have been any changes to the factory ones in the last 15 years. Ah well....time to go SHOPPING FOR TOYS!!! Oh gawd...here goes my American Express bill. That and I will need to kiss up to the wife. Just got a FIPK system for the truck at the tune of $350, and new tires for $950. Hmmm maybe a weekend getaway will work.

Thanks Rangerman!

 

Quick note,
When you remove the OEM radio, there will be two harnesses connected to the radio. When you get the harness adapter, it is only one. One of the factory connectors goes unused, tape it off and leave it in the dash. Most of the dash install kits come with a "pocket" to take up the extra space in the hole. This pocket must be on top for most aftermarket units to fit since they hit if you try to put the head unit in top and the pocket at the bottom, been there, done that. If the head unit comes with a remote, this is a great place to put it when not being used!

Also, when removing the trim piece that surrounds the radio, turn your A/C vents towards the center, grab (with yout fingers) the inside of this opening (where the A/C vents are) and gently pull (well, a bit more then gently). The cover will come right off. Just be careful not to pull two far as there are either one or two wire harnesses that connect to the airbag disconnect and the 4wd switch, if so equipped on your truck.

Just some life experience there for ya.....

Better start planning that weekend getaway quick and make sure you bring home some lovely flowers too!!!! You're gonna need it!!!!

 

John makes my part about the harness adapter a little more clearer. I really reccomend using a adapter.

Removing the trim jonhs way is also the best.

Heres a few pics of a $~150 Kenwood Xm ready HU (I hope that these pictures aren't too much..)

Notice how the radio's jacket goes into the radio kit, I also added the two screws on the bottom left and right.

 

Great pics! Thanks! Like I said...it has been 15 years since I have really dug into a lot of vehicles putting in new head units. I would say things have changed a bit. I did some snooping around and I found an indash DVD player that also does CDs, MP3s and receives TV for $850. I have never been big on Panasonic, but for the price...I may try it out.

Thanks for the tips guys!

 

In Dash DVD player????!!!!!

Ohhhhhh, that is gonna cost you more than just flowers and a weekend getaway!!!!!

 

No kidding!!

If you really want to get cool, you could replace your head rests with head rests that have lcd screens in the back of them and then hook them up to the hu for the little ones.

 

Maybe just a weekend getaway. She likes the car toys just as much as I do. Besides....she is getting a new cell phone today with all the bells and whistles plus an installed handsfree kit for her jeep. So we will see what I can get away with. hehe

Our little ones are 17 and 18. It is "uncool" to go cruising with mom and dad. Maybe the dogs will like to watch a little tv on the road. hehe

 

I went a little diff. route with my system.

I put a MTX amp in the back, behind the small storage panel behind the back seat. Kept the factory head unit. Then I bought a freq. modulator (available from Circuit City for $50). Wired that in place, added a stereo jack on the dash with a nice factory looking switch. Plug in a short cable, and the iPod works great.

Added a component speaker system in the front and 3-way speakers in the back, sounds great.

My system kicks pretty well for a 39 yr old who like the factory look.

 

i had a Alpine head unit that was xm ready. It ws a lot cheaper than hooking it up to my factory cd player, and alpine has great sound as well , so go with aftermarket HU!

 

That's true but he is after a sirrus ready HU.

Essentially they hook up the same..

 

Well looks like my prayers have been answered. She wants new dirt bikes....So I went and bought a new Alpine in dash DVD player and switching to XM. hehe Looks like even I can enjoy the weekend outtings too!

 

Congrats on the purchase!

Hey, at least you now catch your favorite football team in action while on the road!

Just remember to watch the road!

 

Cruising down the interstate with the new LCD head unit carrying two new dirt bikes in the bed.

I have now decided, I am up for adoption!!!!