The 2005 F550 I drive has a stock AM/FM that I'd like to upgrade to a used stock 6-CD changer unit. Swapping it out looks easy enough, but once I install the replacement, will it be necessary for me to take it to the local dealership for reprogramming? Thanks for any help....

 

I swapped out the basic stock AM/FM radio (no tape or CD player) from my 2005 F150 XL work truck, with a 6-CD/MP3 non-Audiophile radio out of a 2009 Fusion. Only had to change the mounting brackets on the side, add FM radio antenna adapter, and plug in the stock connector. The unit works flawlessly, all options seem to work including the speed volume control and the switch/button lighting. Didn't have to take it to dealer for any reprogramming, just worked correctly as soon as plugged in.

However, when researching this upgrade, I learned others had not had the same luck in getting all the functions to work, but I believe they had started with a better stock radio (single CD or tape) and not the barebones AM/FM radio.

Good luck,
Joe

 

Hey Joe,
Thanks for taking the time to respond, today I took the original am/fm unit out just to see the plugs at the back. I only have the one long rectangular plug and the older-style antenna jack. The replacement 2005 basic 6-CD unit I've seen available online has those, but with one additional square plug in the center, I wonder if I should be concerned with that? I checked and the radio wire harness under the dash doesn't have anything like that hanging loose. Anyways, thanks for your info!
Ron

 

Hey joe,
I just did the same install on a 2006 F150 XL. I had the same issues with the mounting brackets. The only issue i am having now is the head unit buttons will not illuminate. Did you have problems with this? Thanks.