Removing the Radio - Diesel Forum

jsing · 07-06-2005, 08:41 PM

Picking up my `06 F-350 Tuesday. Next weekend I need to install my XM Radio. What is the trick to removing the radio? I'm getting the in dash 6-CD radio.

Maxson · 07-07-2005, 12:44 AM

The two holes on either side of the radio are for a special key. You insert the key and it unlocks the radio and you can pull it out. You can use a couple of pieces of coat hanger, or equivelant, insert into all 4 holes, then pull the radio out. It's a little hard this way, because the keys have a barb that helps you pull it out, but it can be done.

V10 man · 07-07-2005, 06:42 AM

My 05 doesn't use the holes and pins. It just uses 2 bolts on each side. You'll have to pop off the dash to access the bolts. Be carefull removing the unit. On the top of mine were directions on how to set the changer in safe mode so you won't damage the unit. I'd follow them if you want to use it again later.

Lurkin · 07-07-2005, 09:12 AM

[ QUOTE ]
My 05 doesn't use the holes and pins. It just uses 2 bolts on each side. You'll have to pop off the dash to access the bolts. Be carefull removing the unit. On the top of mine were directions on how to set the changer in safe mode so you won't damage the unit. I'd follow them if you want to use it again later.

[/ QUOTE ]

holy cow!!! after 20 some years ford finally changes the way the radio comes out? LOL

Bullrack · 07-07-2005, 09:19 PM

Man, you're crazy for touching the radio. Ford will probably void your warranty for doing this. Watch out. Just a little joke.

jsing · 07-13-2005, 09:43 AM

Any tips on removing the dash front cover? Does it just pop off? Are there any screws to remove first?

whotnow · 07-14-2005, 08:59 AM

It pops off, but set your parking brake, put the shifter in 1st, lower the tilt steering wheel. Use a towel over the steering colum to prevent scratching. Then pull the top of the dash straight out. then work your way to the bottom, the whole time you are doing this, release all the wire connectors going to the varoius buttons and switches on the dash. You will need to unhook; Headlamps and dimmer module/switch, Power pedals switch, message center buttons, 4wd switch, rear window slider button, reverse sensors switch, climate controlls, Passenger aibag disable switch, and the Power point. Half the fun is trying to figure out how to release the connectors. Once you get your hands in there you cant see the connectors any more. You might have to bend the dash slightly around the gear shifter. Good luck!!!

jsing · 07-18-2005, 02:52 PM

now that I'm done, it was not that hard. Like stated, the front just pops off. I was able to get enough room without disconnecting all of the plugs and switches. There were 4 bolts holding the radio in. There was a warning about a procedure to do if removing the radio without any CD's inserted. If the CD's are in place, this step can be skipped. It came apart and went back together very easily.

My only issue now is that the power source (I used to power the XM Radio) does not stay on when the ignition is turned off like the radio does. I need to find out which wire on the back of the radio to us so I get that same functionality.

MaverickUF · 07-19-2005, 01:00 PM

How do you have hte XM connected, do you have an adapter for the AUX button, or is it an FM Modulator?

jsing · 07-19-2005, 04:22 PM

It connects to the antenna port via an adapter. Unplug the antenna from the radio and plug it into the adapter. Then plug the adapter output into the radio antenna port. The other end of the adapter plugs into the XM radio (i guess that makes it a modulator). I tune the truck radio to FM 89.1MHz and turn on the FM radio and wallah; I have music or NASCAR.

If I traced the wiring correctly, I believe the power source I'm looking for is Fuse 42 (delayed accessory). And if I cross referenced that correctly it should be a pink wire. I'll have to test it with my circuit tester over the weekend.

MaverickUF · 07-19-2005, 10:17 PM

Thanks, yea, that's an FM modulator. In my old truck, and hopefully in this one, they make an adapter that plugs directly into the headunit via RCA cables and it makes it so when you push AUX on the headunit, it goes to the XM input. (On my old unit, it tricked it into thinking it was another CD changer, and had 3 RCA inputs). It's called a peripheral device.

Anyways, how is the sound quality with the FM modulator that you've got, is it pretty clear? Thanks!

jsing · 07-20-2005, 10:26 AM

There was only one other plug I saw on the back of the radio when I pulled it out and it was a large rectangular, multi connector port. However, there is an AUX button on the front of the radio.

I like the sound alot. I bought the XM unit 3 years ago at a NASCAR race in Dover, DE. fairly cheap. It is a Pioneer and is not made anymore.

I did not want to get a new XM radio because NASCAR sold the exclusive rights to their broadcsts to Sirius beginnig with the 2007 season. From what I've read Sirius is negotiating to buyout XM's remaing year (`06). So I may be switching to Sirius.

jsing · 07-20-2005, 11:43 AM

FYI - changed my screen name. Was jsing. Is now theBlueCrew

MaverickUF · 07-20-2005, 01:14 PM

Thanks BlueCrew. Check out www.peripheral-aamp.com They've got the kind of adapters that wire into the AUX button through a fabricated harness, but they're not available for the 2005 yet. It sounds like the modulator you've got is pretty good, as it connects into the antenna line, I'll have to check into it, as it may be my only option right now, and I'm paying for an XM subscription that is sitting in a box in my house.