Installing Sirius in my 04

[jblack58]

I have a single CD HU (4L3T-18C869-GE) in my 04 which I want to add Sirius to. I attached a sirius receiver (7R3T-18C963-EA) to it using wiring harness 6L3Z-14588-AA. When I press the AUX button on the HU, I get a message that says "no aux attached". I do have power to the receiver and I know it works because I attached it to the HU in my 05 Mustang GT without a problem.

Is it possible that the 04 HU does not accept Sirius? If I need to replace the HU, what year and model should I use?

Thanks,

John

[Shrike236]

Hi,

I'm in the same boat. Did you ever get a reply or figure out a solution?

On my install, the power supply is good, the OEM radio works, antenna is properly connected -- but, same "No AUX Attached" message.

Thanks!

[F150RYDER2K8]

I am not sure if the 04 head unit excepts Sirius. I dont know when Ford started offering Sirius. You should no have a problem with a 2007 Head unit and possibly a 2006 Headunit.

[Shrike236]

Thanks for the response. Since leaving my last post, I've received a very valuable education in FoMoCo audio electronics for F-150s.

First, while there is only one part number for Ford's AM/FM/Cassette/CD head unit, there was actually two (2) suppliers that year -- Vistron (early) later replaced by Delco. Second, while the Ford Parts sticker may have (for example) an '05 date (e.g., 5L3T-18C868-AC) you should also look to see if there is another, different part number etched/stamped into the metal housing of the head unit. In my case, the aforementioned '05 head unit was actually made in '04 by Altec Electronica (VP-4L3F-18K884-CC). Also, the stamped/etched part number tells you who made it ("VP" stands for Visteon). Last, Altec Electronica is either a subdivision of or contractor to Visteon.

Why all the fuss? Because while the Ford part number and harness connections are the same for both head units, they do not have the same capabilities. Visteon head units with this part number and equipped with an AUX button will NOT take much in the way of auxiliary items, and NOT work with any Ford's OEM satellite radio option.

Apparently, there's lots of Visteon units on the used market looking for a home at an unsuspecting buyer's garage. I strongly urge anyone reading this to verify the manufacturer of your unit before buying.

Delco units apparently WILL work with Ford OEM satellite units; Visteon will not.

[cagef15]

guys, I have an 04 lariat that had an in dash 6 cd changer. Here is how I got it to work:

buy a newer head unit - mine is from an 06, though I think most 05 will work - make sure that MP3 is printed above the cd load slot.

purchase an OEM Sirius (ford) tuner from Ebay - if you want to keep stuff OEM. If you don't - well, I did not test that out.

From there, you will need the 'jumper' harness (if it does not come with your factory tuner) to connect to the head unit.

From there, all you need is an antenna. ANY Sirius antenna will work - just ask a local stereo place and they are bound to have one. You may need to modify the plug, but that is very simple. My antenna was standard, magnetic, low profile and ith a long wire to get up to the tuner. I put it on the roof, just in front of the third brake light and favoring the passenger side. I then loosened the light, and routed the wire so it went into the cab from the BOTTOM, not the top or side, to allow weather protection. Basically, under the plastic on the right side edge of the light, then under bottom edge to the middle of the light and into the cab. Can't see the wire at all.

To reiterate - with a 2004 HU, it will not work.