Factory Radio questions - Diesel Forum

**NorCalDiesel** · 05-06-2008, 01:47 PM

Aside from removal using a DIN tool. What else should one know/understand when removing the factory radio. Mine is a 6 CD that is permanently jammed. I was ejecting a CD and it somehow jammed in the unit. All I get now is CD error when trying to use/eject/load CD's. I am looking to remove, possibly un-jam the unit or most likely replace with the same style unit.

I have read on this forum that I might find a 6 CD factory radio that would allow Sirius hook up direct, w/o the FM modulator. Or possibly an iPod hook up like an AUX input.

Also, is there a anti-theft code that I would need when reinstalling or installing a different factory radio I may find.

Thanks in advance,
Pat

Zaphod · 05-06-2008, 01:59 PM

I don't believe our radios have a theft code --- at least mine doesn't.

Anyways... aftermarket radios are far superior to Ford's radio and they're cheap. I went with a nice unit that offers bluetooth, mp3's (both CD and USB) and digital broadcast radio (XM HD-something or other). No looking back. It even has a front panel AUX IN.

**NorCalDiesel** · 05-06-2008, 02:10 PM

Yeah, I looked into all that over the last year because I was looking for NAV. However, I like the factory look as it matches the rest of the interior. Also I have a DVD player and steering wheel controls. None of which would work with an aftermarket head unit.

Thanks for the bit of info on the anti-theft code

WAMPAKU · 05-06-2008, 11:27 PM

when you try to eject the cds try banging on the dash right above the radio.

**NorCalDiesel** · 05-07-2008, 12:14 AM

Thanks for the insight. However that trick did not work for me this time. I have had them stick on their way out of the CD slot and delivering a nice blow to the dash did the trick. This time it is straight up jammed inside the deck. I have tried banging and anything else I could try. I am thinking once I get it out I will try to fix it if I can. If I can't I will just replace the HU.

I went out and looked at aftermarket HU's with NAV and other "new" features, I may just go that route. I would really like the newer "Audiophile" HU from '03 and later Ford vehicles. That has an Aux jack as well as a Sat radio jack etc. and is the factory look and feel.

I was waiting for the CD changer to jam, it seems to have come close before. You would think there would be a manual release mechanism.

Pat

WAMPAKU · 05-07-2008, 12:55 AM

if you want the cds you now have to take the radio apart to do it. it sucks but at least you get your cds

. the pioneers fit pretty good. let me know if you need one.

rjs82vette · 05-09-2008, 06:05 AM

I know my cd was jammed for around two months..... when I replaced the batteries and alternator it reset itself and now works fine. I guess when the truck lost power(or had power returned) it jared it loose.

If you ever unplugged the radio you will see that it seems to cycle through all the posistions when you hook the power back up.

**NorCalDiesel** · 05-13-2008, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjs82vette

I guess when the truck lost power(or had power returned) it jared it loose.

If you ever unplugged the radio you will see that it seems to cycle through all the posistions when you hook the power back up.

I think what happened with yours was that it electronically reset itself. Evident by the initialization that it performed when you reconnected your power. Your head unit must have "lost" itself and could not find the right CD. I have had that happen

Mine is mechanically jammed. I pulled the HU to get the s/n off the back and double check the connector locations. When I plugged it back in it did attempt to initialize the CD player, but went straight to "CD Error". It is done. When I get a new HU to replace this one with I will pull the case apart to retrieve my 6 CD's

Thanks for the reply.
Pat

ponyboychris · 05-16-2008, 04:18 PM

Try Ebay and use the keywords "Ford Radio". You might find a good factory replacement or take-out unit to replace yours.

Seven3Smoke · 05-20-2008, 02:00 PM

You can also search the mustang forms they had good radios that use the wheel controls ect.. Most of them had aux jacks, sat radio & cd changers. They also had line out jacks so you could run a nice amp and keep it hidden.

sd267 · 05-20-2008, 02:31 PM

While on the topic... I have an '05 F350 Dually Crew w/ the factory in dash 6 disc changer. The unit has an aux. button but there is nowhere in the truck to hook anything up. Any suggestions or explanations? Local dealer has no info...

TwiceStroked · 05-21-2008, 07:33 PM

Look in the back of the head unit, you'll find the aux socket, at least that's where my xm's are connected to on both of mine.
Mike

Zaphod · 05-27-2008, 05:37 PM

Note that you can keep your steering wheel controls. As long as your new radio has an IR remote, there is a device that will detect the steering wheel presses and translate them into codes for your new radio.

(one cool side effect is that you don't have to keep the literal meaning of the buttons --- they can be linked to whatever you like on the new unit)

Btravelen · 05-29-2008, 06:21 PM

I bought a Ford (Visteon) satellite capable single CD/MP3 replacement for the 6CD unit mine came with. +/- 200 mp3's on ea. CD. There is a 6 disc CD/MP3 available that would hold TONS of MP3 music, but the price was right on mine. (Ebay)

There is a Sirius satellite unit that plugs in (mounted under dash) and plays through the head. Haven't pulled the trigger on that yet.

Take Care

2002X · 06-04-2008, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCalDiesel

Aside from removal using a DIN tool. What else should one know/understand when removing the factory radio. Mine is a 6 CD that is permanently jammed. I was ejecting a CD and it somehow jammed in the unit. All I get now is CD error when trying to use/eject/load CD's. I am looking to remove, possibly un-jam the unit or most likely replace with the same style unit.

I have read on this forum that I might find a 6 CD factory radio that would allow Sirius hook up direct, w/o the FM modulator. Or possibly an iPod hook up like an AUX input.

Also, is there a anti-theft code that I would need when reinstalling or installing a different factory radio I may find.

Thanks in advance,
Pat

I have the same factory setup as you. After you get your CD unjammed (same thing happened to me and I used a small screwdriver to pry it out. The cause of the jam was the stick on labels applied to the CD) connect your Sirius to the inputs of your DVD player. It will play when the radio is on DVD. Then get yourself a dual input controller so you can switch between the Sirius and Ipod of Iphone. I can also talk hands free with my Iphone and hear the other party loudly thru the speakers.
BTW once you get an ipod or iphone with itunes, who needs CDs anymore. I have 6 gigs of albums copied in my iphone.