i just bought a 2002 lariat.it has the in dash cd player.does anyone know if this head unit can control a changer and if so where does the wireing plug into the hu?
thanks in advance.

 

It can be done, but if you want to keep your stock HU you are somewhat limited in options. You need a special cable for the changer that will allow the HU functions (changer controls) to be compatible. I know that Kenwood has such a setup and I think Alpine offers the same. If you call Crutchfield I know they can tell you.

 

All you need to do is go to www.radiosandmore.com and get a standard Ford changer and harness. Press the CD button once for internal CD and twice for changer. You will have complete control. Aftermarket units will not work without modifications or extra devices.

Check out:

http://www.radiosandmore.com/prod_detail.asp?pn=ST-6

and harness:

http://www.radiosandmore.com/prod_de...=XU3F-14588-DA

and current special deal with both parts:

http://www.radiosandmore.com/prod_de...arness-special

 

Sorry Norm, that's not true. I know for a fact that Kenwood IS compatible. Uses a changer and the same connection that the factory uses. It is considerably cheaper than the factory system link that you supplied.

 

Have you seen radiosandmore prices for OE stuff?? Holy rip-off batman!

I guess they think they have the market cornered or something.

 

Visteon head units will not talk to Kenwood changers unless modifications are done to the changers. Crutchfield used to sell adaptors that worked with Kenwood and some others but they no longer carry them. If Kenwood now makes a Visteon compatible changer I stand corrected. Please give us the model number so that people have a cheaper alternative.

Radios and More prices are high but not as high as the Ford dealers prices.

 

Just searched Kenwoods website and they do not make any models compatible with Ford/Visteon head units. They say in their FAQ that you must use a FM modulated model. These come with their own controller and are not controlled by the head unit.

 

I just got off the phone with a sales rep at Crutchfield and this is what he said: The Kenwood KDC-C667 IS compatible with the stock hu in my '01 Super Cab. ( And to the best of my knowledge they didn't change for '02.)
The cost of the changer is $179 and I think the cost of the cable is another $60. Absolutely no modifications needed, simply plug and play. If anyone wants to call for themselves, the phone # is: 1-800-955-3000.

This isn't a FM modulated model either.

 

According to Kenwood it is not. Don't get me wrong I am not trying to start an arguement or flamewar. I am all for finding a cheaper alternative. It would be great if this were true. But Kenwood themselves say this unit can only be controlled by Kenwood head units or the standalone controller that they offer as an optional item. If anyone is willing to try it and find out let us know. Crutchfield does have a very good return policy (especially if they say it will work and it doesn't). I already have the factory one in my truck.

 

Here is Crutchfield's real answer. It is a bit of good news because you can make a Kenwood work with a protocol adapter if your Factory head unit meets the description given.

Hello Norm,

Thanks for your e-mail, and for shopping the Crutchfield web site.

In answer to your question about adding an aftermarket CD changer to the
factory system in your 2001 Ford pickup, I'll be happy to help. If the
factory radio has "COMP" printed on one of the preset buttons and
"SHUFFLE" printed on another preset button, it will control a Kenwood 6
or 10-disc changer when used with the correct adapter. One end of the
adaptor cable plugs into the back of the factory radio, and the other
end needs to be run to the location where the CD changer will be
mounted. Here's what is available:

Item Description
Price
469FRDNKNW OEM adapter necessary for either CD changer
$ 99.95($79.9w/changer)
113KDCC667 Kenwood 6-Disc CD changer
$179.95
113KDCC717 Kenwood 10-Disc CD changer
$199.95

I hope that helps. When you're ready to make a purchase, just visit our
web site at www.crutchfield.com. Virtually all in stock items, unless
otherwise noted, are delivered to all 50 states in 2-3 business days.

Thanks again, and please let us know whenever you need anything else.

Andy
Crutchfield Advisor
advisors@crutchfield.com
www.crutchfield.com
1-888-474-7138

So with the addition of a $79.95 adapter (99.95 if purchased alone) you can use one of the 2 Kenwood models listed above.
Hope this helps anyone looking for a solution other than the Ford model. It is a little cheaper but not much.

 

This link explains the protocol adapter:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-zUNRHWP...469FRDNKNW&s=0

 

So, are you standing corrected Norm?

 

Yes there is an alternative. But as I said it requires adapters or modifications. The Kenwood does not speak Visteon, it is not plug and play as you stated. The Kenwood will not work unless you buy the adapter which is what I stated in the beginning. The adapter is not made by Kenwood.

I also stated that I was not flaming anyone or trying to start an arguement but I guess you did not read that part.

So to answer your question "Do I stand corrected" the answer is no because I was right from the start. If you re-read the above posts you will see that what I said is true.

Quote: "If Kenwood now makes a Visteon compatible changer I stand corrected."

They do not.

What I did get wrong is where I said Crutchfield no longer carries the adapters. I stand corrected on that. My apologies for the misleading statement. They had discontinued them according to their website but they now have them again. Good news for all.

 

For the cost of a changer + adapter or adding an OE changer you might as well spent another $100 and replace everything with aftermarket pieces and improve your sound quality 100%. Then you also have RCA outputs for future amplifiers.

Every vehicle I've ever bought gets the OE radio pulled ASAP.

My 98 Ford AM/FM Cassette is shrink wrapped. Anyone want it?

 

Great point, I actually tabulated it out for what I wanted and have saved money by going with a total aftermarket system versus just getting my truck a CD changer, etc! New head unit/deck, 12 CD changer and some speakers... I still came out in the black!