I have an 08 Expo EL with the 6 disc CD changer in the dash. It also has the factory DVD system for the rear seats and steering wheel controls? Does anyone make an aftermarket replacement radio with built in navigation and so I can still use the steering wheel controls and be able to properly operate the rear DVD entertainment system? I am particularly looking for a Pioneer but any suggestions would be great?

 

all of the aftermarket units support the steering wheel controls...if you buy the little adapter of course.

Pioneer is probably top of the line, and you get a quality product...but it will cost you a pretty penny.

I highly suggest you look at the JVC units. Run you about $800. Touchscreen, Nav, iPod/MP3, Bluetooth...fun stuff.


You need a Double Din radio to replace your current radio. Single Din will fit, but you'll need an adapter plate to fill the blank space.


isn't the rear DVD stand-alone? what functions of it do you want to maintain? 99% of the aftermarket units have audio and video RCA inputs. so you should be able to use the center DVD outputs and get sound via the Expy speakers...and video on it's screen.

just make sure to find a unit that is at least Dual Zone, and hopefully Tri zone.

 

Keep in mind the cost of updating the nav maps info. $300.00 is about the average cost of new disks. A net book running Microsoft Streets and Trips is a great alternative.

 

Upside to portable navigation unts are the upgrades are usually a free download, when you get rid of your vehicle you keep the unit. The downside is the cables.

 

I would look for an OEM unit on eBAy or in a junk yard. I had an after market (Pioneer) unit in my 07 town car, and it never worked as well as the OEM units I've had in other cars.

My 08 Navigator did not come with Navigation, and it was plug and play when I found an OEM unit on eBay. Everything instantly synced up, even the Sirius radio subscription. You don't need to install a roof mounted GPS antenna, I used a generic under the dash antenna and it works perfectly.

Good luck

 

A net-book with a $15 GPS puck antenna can also be used for internet access at WI-FI sites while traveling. Add a cellular wireless My-Fi ( Sprint: Meet the MiFi ) and you have access while moving.

 

Do I need to buy the generic under dash antenna seperate and if so where do I get it? Thanks.

 

If you put in an OEM system, Ford has a generic antenna that works with all their systems that sells for about thirty bucks. They are available from Ford or on eBay. Use 3M double stick tape (it's made for installing trim on the outside of vehicles) to stick it up under the dash. If you need help sourcing parts, PM me and I'll give you the name of the Ford Radio distributor in Chicago.

 

i run an eclipse unit in my expedition. they are usually rated higher than pioneer and don't cost as much. i have use of my steering wheel controls and my rear dvd player.

 

How many adapters did you need to retain the dvd and steering wheel controls?

 

you will have to have 2 adapters one for the steering wheel controls and one for the rear entertainment. they run around $100 each. my personal opinion is to replace the factory crap that doesnt have nearly as many features as an aftermarket unit does and install it you will be happier with that. keep your factory stuff so when you get rid of it you can take out your aftermarket stuff and install the factory stuff back in it. it may cost more but i think its worth it. if you buy off ebay you can get it cheap just make sure its not refurbished and it is new.

 

I've already got one cable for the microwave radio receiver. A second one doesn't bother me and the truck could care less!



-- Chuck