Hey guys,

I need some help.
The STX we bought has a Limited Ed. package that includes P/W, P/L, Tach, P/outside mirrors, and chrome packages among other items.

The problem? The dealer offered to exchange the base CD unit with an MP3/6-CD unit, but the upgrade backlighting (scan, seek, #keys, etc.) will not work. The tech said the base unit has 1 plug on the rear, but the upgrade has 2 plugs. The dealer/parts manager/service are willing to do what is necessary to upgrade. Do we need an additional harness for the upgrade? If so, which harness? Is a download of data from the original to the upgrade the problem as in some of the 05/06 Mustangs? Any suggestions??? They are in the dark on this, as am I.

PLEASE __ if any of you can help on this, it would be greatly appreciated so they can get me all finished and fixed.

RM

 

I upgraded my single CD head unit in my '04 to an '05 model CD-6/MP3 unit. No swapping of harnesses or nothing like that necessary. Your dealer may have to configure the radio with as built data, although I thought that this didn't apply to F150s.

 

I think something else is wrong, I would put both radios back into the original trucks and check the backlighting to be sure it works, I'll bet no one checked before the swap. The second plug is just the AUX connector and has nothing to do with illumination.

 

Yep second those two. There is something wrong with that radio, or the plug. I have run five of these radios on the bench, 2 of the 6 changers, two single CD and a 2006 single with MP3. With just power and ground hooked up everything works/performs as it should.
That means with NO harness, just two wires with connectors stuffed on the pins.

You put power to the yellow, and the red and ground the black and everything works fine.
Can't hear it unless you add speaker wires, but you get the idea.
Chris

 

Ok Guys,
This was all helpful -- basically they've not swapped a Ford radio for another Ford radio like this deal before. Leave it to me to bring in a new complication into the lives of others.
The idea that the upgrade MP3/6-CD unit might be defective never even entered anyone's mind. Parts Mgr. has another upgrade unit on the way, and Friday we'll see if it works or needs help such as download, etc.
Again, thanks for helping out on my question.
RM

 

Definately should be a 1 for 1 swap. I did the same in my 04 F150 Screw

 

Hey Guys,
Your thoughts and comments were much appreciated. The tech at our dealership did have to download data to the MP3/6 Disc upgrade unit -- 3 tries before it was programmed, but the backlighting came on and he got so excited -- IT WORKS, he said. If the radio has been "programmed" for a particular vehicle use, that has to be re-flashed with the new data after clearing the existing programming. That was the key.
Thanks again to each of you for your help.
RM