I have seen a few threads lately about guys swapping in different model years/makes of Ford radios in their trucks and all experience the same problems: Dim display during the day and speed volume not working among some of the issues. I too have these issues after swapping an '07 audiophile into my '05 and I may eventually go with one of the Shaker 500 radios.

So I know to fix the probs, the radio needs to be reprogrammed by a dealer but who has actually had this work done and did it work?!? I've ignored the dim display for too long and would like to get it working normally again.

Any feedback is appreciated! Oh and before this thread gets off track, I am not interested in going aftermarket as the '07 audiophile works great and I dont want to worry about anyone breaking into my truck.

 

i am working on one right now i will keep you updated after i finish the install

 

Yes, please post up your results when done.

 

Ok, I hope someone has actual success with this as I have updated info myself:
I contacted two local dealers and both Service Departments had never performed or even HEARD of a reprogram of different year radios into another vehicle. One service tech says that he can hook it up to their IDS system to see if the program can be performed but was doubtful it would work due to differences in PCMs and "modules" between years. An hour to test on the IDS is $130.00 to start...a new radio is just about that price.

 

I too have shaker 500 and my button that use to go between my preset radio stations doesnt work now. Also I think the dimmer doesnt work but I dont really care about that. The output of the radio is so good I dont mind the two things not working. You know they make the units for aftermarket ones to work with the steering wheel controls but even those are a hit or miss.

 

I was going to have one reprogrammed by jreed, but I looked at a Pioneer Avic x920bt and bought that instead. It looks OEM and gives me NAV, Bluetooth, XM and rear camera. And it sounds a lot better than the Shaker 500 head unit which was a dramatic upgrade over the OEM single cd head unit. Bt the way, anyone want to buy my Shaker 500? First $100 plus shipping takes it.

 

StoveTop,
This thread is very timely for me. I am attempting to installal an 07 head unit (The one with GPS,Audiophile??) in my 05 F150 as well. Except I cannot even get it to power on. I put it back in the 07 and it fires right up. My truck looks like it has the same connectors as the 07. The only wire I didn't plug in was the GPS ant. Was yours plug and play except for the dimming issues etc?

I went to 2 Ford dealers this morning asking about reprogramming and they both acted like they have never heard of doing it before. One quoted me a $85 "diagnostic" charge to look at it.

 

I believe the GPS HU's are a different animal. In my case, I have an '07 6-CD, MP3, audiophile in my '05 and it is plug-n-play. I had several different model year OEM Ford radios in my truck and they all functioned flawlessly (except the dimming issue w/ the '07). There were a couple of members on here that program the GPS radio but you'll need to do a search to track them down.

good luck!

 

I am wondering the same thing. I have a 2006 screw that had a single non mp3 head. I put in a shaker 500 but the steering wheel controls no longer work. I think I should have just picked up and aftermarket unit at this point.

 

I installed an audiophile from I believe an '08 Explorer into my '04 F150.

Im one of those that loves the stock look, and this thing sounds really good. Only problem is, it doesnt dim when the headlights are turned on, and the buttons dont illuminate. Thats the only issues I have.

Would love to find someone who can reprogram it to work properly...

 

Might try and give these guys a call: I purchased an OEM Nav unit a couple of years ago an put it in an 05 F-150, which didn't work, so I sent it to ARC -Automotive Resource Center. Quick turn around and it worked perfectly. Give them a call and see of they can work out your issues.

Call Chicago parts and sound. 630-350-1500 or Dominic and Jason @ Automotive Resource Center, in Winchester, MA. 1 (781) 721-0092

 

Any new leads on this yet?

I'd love to be able to have this thing dim..

 

i am working on one right now i will keep you updated after i finish the install

 

Wow, I forgot I started this thread! I pulled out the '07 audiophile along with the dash tray with audio jack and put an '05 radio back in. I would love to put the '07 radio back in as it has a LOT more power and makes the OEM sub hit much harder than the anemic '05 radio so keep us posted on the re-program.

 

A little late, but here is what I learned from an 05 to 07 unit. A shake or any other radio from 05 to 06 should work in all 05 and 06 vehicles that match the harness. I used a shaker 1000 HU in a 05 focus to use an older svt sub box. Now with that said I ahve an 07 shaker 500 with an almost perfect face (no issues) but I do have the dimm issue in an 05 vehicle.

I had it to the local ford dealer that did know how to reprogram it. However it did not help. No change still with the u1900 code for communication. if you want to check yours turn on to RADIO not cd and then hold 3 and 6 it will go in to system test hit 1 and it will do self test. IF it fails hit the down arrow it will give you a code a u1900 is a buss communication issue. Don't know how to work around a 07-08 radio in an 05 - 06 yet. I would also be willing to trade or sell this unit.