I picked up a factory 6 disc navigation radio (from another 2008 Ford..non-F150) to swap with my factory radio.

Looking at the back of the radios, the factory radio I took out has one large plug, one small plug, and the antenna. The navigation radio has the gps antenna plug, the antenna, one large plug, one small plug, and one medium sized plug (that I obviously didn't plug into).

Once it was plugged in, I powered up the truck and the radio worked just fine except the display was so dim I had to use a flashlight to see the controls. I went into the display to change the brightness and day/night mode but that did not help. (Previous owner said he had no issues with it...no longer sure if that is the truth or it was damaged in shipping.)

Is this an issue of reprogramming or is there something wrong with the unit? Tempted to go to the stealership.

Thanks.

 

What "other" Ford model did it come from ? Makes a difference.

That third plug is for the subwoofer, without it you will be lacking the real low end stuff.

The factory NAV units need to be programmed to the vehicle. One from a 150 is setup different than one from say a Focus or Edge or Explorer......... That being said I would guess it needs to be reprogrammed. Most dealers can't and/or won't do the reprogramming so you might want to look into sending it out. Check other threads about reprogramming, I believe I just saw one for somewhere in New York for like $75. I think it was United Radio or something like that.


Matt

 

United radio is correct

 

Thanks for the help.

Went to the dealership and they are replacing the unit under warranty. Not sure if it is a software or hardware issue, but they said it is easier for them to just swap the entire thing out.

 

You got the dealer to replace something that didn't originally come with your truck ????

You're my hero. Most dealers wont warranty the stuff that didn't come factory installed.



Matt

 

The dealership swapped the unit out and everything is functioning (from what i can tell) except the backlighting for the buttons. The dealership seems to think I need to send it in to United to be reflashed/programmed to my VIN.

I called United and they said I can't just send it in to be programmed, I need to go through a dealership. What did you tell them in order to send it in for programming?

Thanks!!