How to Install a Car Radio in a 2005 Ford Explorer
The 2005 Ford Explorer comes with a wide variety of standard and optional factory-installed stereo systems. If you choose to replace or upgrade the stereo, you'll need to bridge the gap between the hardware in the Explorer and that of the new radio. There are specific adapters that'll help you install the new stereo with little previous car audio experience.
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Things You'll Need
- 10mm wrench
- Wiring harness adapter
- Phillips screwdriver
- Aftermarket stereo installation kit
- 7 mm socket
- Ratchet
Instructions
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1
Lift the hood of the Ford Explorer and disconnect the negative battery cable from the negative battery lead with a 10mm wrench.
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2
Place the faceplate adapter from the aftermarket stereo installation kit into the center dash panel assembly.
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3
Screw in the two screws on either side of the stereo mounting bracket to hold the faceplate adapter into place.
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4
Connect the stereo wiring and the stereo mounting dock to a wiring harness adapter. Connect the wiring harness adapter leads to the back of the aftermarket stereo. Connect the black antenna cable to the back of the aftermarket stereo (the only connection made on the right side of the stereo).
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5
Connect the climate control wiring to the back side of the center dash panel assembly. Three wiring groups connect to the right side and one group connects to the left side.
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6
Slide the stereo mounting bracket into the stereo mounting dock in the dashboard of the Explorer. Press the perimeter of the center dash panel assembly to re-fasten the trim panel to the dashboard.
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7
Connect the negative battery cable to the negative lead post of the battery and tighten the clamp from the cable to the post with the 10mm wrench.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Connect the wiring groups to the center console assembly with plastic wire binders. The plastic binders are labeled to indicate where the wire groups are to be connected.
