I currently have the mach radio system which includes the 6-cd changer and built in powered sub woofer. I am going to install a power amp and BBE EQ which has a separate sub output.
On the back of the factory mach radio there are three amp. type connectors. One for the cd, one for the radio and one for the
powered sub woofer. The powered sub woofer is a 4pin type.
The question is? does anyone have a wire harness diagram for the powered sub woofer connector. Or at least describe what wires go where?
Or how about where to get a interface connector.
Thanx in advance
djk

 

DJK-
I'm not sure what you intend to do with the amp wiring, but be careful. I assume that when you talk about amp. type plugs you are referring to the three "world" plugs that go into the hed unit and say "AMP" on them. If so, you are pretty accurate in your interpretations, but not quite. If you look at the disconnected radio from the back, the plug on the lower right is for the speaker wires and power supply to the unit (it has two rows of pins, and is relatively short and wide). There should be a dummy plug above it. The plug on the lower left is the communications plug, and like the "radio" plug it is present on all of the Ford systems. This plug actually contains the communication wires for the CD changer, which it shares with other accessories like the factory cell phone and the rear seat audio controls. This plug also has the sensor wire for the speed sensitive volume and it has line level inputs from the CD changer's audio outputs. The third plug, on the upper left, is for the Mach "extras." I believe it has the subwoofer outputs and probably the EQ ins and outs.

Depending on what you are planning to do, you may not be happy with the outcome. I assume you want to put in the new EQ to replace the Mach one, and then run your power amp to a newer, bigger subwoofer. I am not sure exactly how the Mach system is set up, but I am pretty sure the following info is accurate:

1. The Mach system uses a differential output to the subwoofer amplifier, which I think is built into the sub enclosure itself. Differential outputs are supposedly better (and more costly to produce)than single-ended outputs, but the two types are not compatible. Most aftermarket equpment is single-ended, so you may be hard pressed to get add-on stuff to work - if you don't ruin the stuff trying.

2. The Mach head unit has an internal crossover, so the door speaker outputs already have the lows taken out of them.

3. The BBE circuitry is awesome, but it modifies the audio signal across the frequency range. I cannot garauntee that full rage signals are going through the factory EQ, and even if they were I would contact BBE and find out if the Ford differential signals are compatible with it.

4. I did a lot of research on this subject shortly after I got my 1999 Expy, and I was all set to do some serious upgrades on my "premium" (non-mach) system. I came to the conclusion that I had two options - replace all of the original equipment or just upgrade the speakers and put in a sub.

If you replace the original equipment, you need a different CD changer and the rear seat controls are not operable. I opted to replace the speakers (wow-what an improvement) and hook up an aftermarket amp and sub using speaker level signals from the rear dorr speakers. It sounds great. You may not have this option, because the speaker level signals have already had the bass removed by the head unit. Unless you can find an aftermarket amp that takes a differential signal, you may be out of luck.

If you can't find a differential amp, you may want to consider trading your Mach radio for a regular one and then tap into the speaker wires for a high level input to your existing amplifier. You can also talk to the guys at radiosandmore.com or mnrelectronics.com -they know a heck of a lot more about this than I do. Good Luck and keep us posted.

Jerm

 

DJK-
I found your post hitting very close to home. I am looking at replacing my sub with the MTX FEN10A. And also will be upgrading the door speakers as well. I was curious if you had any luck with your mods and is there anything you can share with regards to the reply that Jerm had left you. What did you wind up doing? I was all gung-ho to replace everything, now I'm considering being content with just new speakers, although the sub may still be a challenge depending on what's coming back from the exsisting unit. I know this reply is a few months down the road from your initial post, however I did want to say that I was able to go directly to my local Ford dealer and they made me a copy of the wiring diagram for the entire audio system, Good Luck.

Rick