2003 F-150 Radio Install

[pv74]

I have a 2003 F-150 with the factory 6 disk in dash changer..

I bought an Alpine radio with the Ipod interface ( have to connect the Ipod)...

I do not really wish to install a new gigawat amp and speakers...

What I want to do is use the factory speakers and amplifiers (are there any factory amplifiers outside of the radio?)

Well, I bought the factory harness adaptor...no worky...it doesnt fit //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif

There are two conectors that go to the back of the radio (besides the antenna)...

Does anyone have the color code for these wires? I am half temtped to say the hell with buying the harness adapter, cutt of the plugs and solder my new radio in...

Have installed radios in the past, but I have always bypassed the factory wiring...

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[pv74]

Went to Chiltondiy.com and bought the service manual subscription...

The wiring diagrams do not indicate any factory installed amplifiers.

The Alpine head unit that I bought (CDE-9852) indicates 16 watts RMS output per channel.

I wonder if this thing is going to sound the same... hopefully just as good as the factory head unit???

 

[KaeZoo 10+ year member]

There aren't any external amplifiers in your system. Take your factory radio to a car audio shop or electronics store; there is a wire harness available for your vehicle. Typically only one of the two plugs on that radio has to be used for the aftermarket installation.

 

[pv74]

There aren't any external amplifiers in your system. Take your factory radio to a car audio shop or electronics store; there is a wire harness available for your vehicle. Typically only one of the two plugs on that radio has to be used for the aftermarket installation.

Thanks for the info..

I am beginning to wonder if I should buy a small amp..say 40 watts/channel continuous..

Are the factory speakers 8 ohm ?

 

[KaeZoo 10+ year member]

The factory speakers are 4-ohm. The new head unit should have at least as much power as the factory system; you can certainly put an amp in if you want, but you'll get a more noticeable improvement if you upgrade your front speakers.

 

[pv74]

Pep boys had the correct wiring harness. You were right, only one of the plugs is used. Soldered and heat shrinked the wires...

The mounting kit provides a little tray underneath of the head unit. I drilled a hole in the back and routed the ipod cable through it. I put the ipod in the little tray.

Everything worked out great. This little radio actually sounds a bit better than the factory head unit.

In time, I may purchase an amp and upgrade the front speakers, but for now I am very pleased with the setup. This turned out to be a smooth install.

The only thing that is irritating is the typical Ford AM alternator whine. I have owned 6 Fords over the years, and EVERY one of them has had the whining issue.

I will have to build a noise filter to get rid of this, as I listen to AM stations ocasionally.