How to Change a Car Stereo in a 1992 Ford Explorer

The 1992 Ford Explorer came equipped with a standard AM/FM stereo cassette deck. Optional stereos for the Explorer included in-dash CD players and stereos capable of controlling multi-disc CD changers. Ford employs a system for extracting a factory stereo that requires the use of Ford stereo removal keys. The keys can be obtained through a Ford dealership or other aftermarket stereo outlets. Aftermarket stereos will need to be single-DIN sized decks to fit into the stereo mounting dock of the Explorer without extensive reconstruction of the dashboard.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench, 10 mm
• Ford stereo removal keys
• Wiring harness adapter
• Four to aftermarket stereo installation kit (with faceplate adapter)

Instructions

1. Loosen the bolt that holds the negative battery cable clamp around the negative lead post of the Ford Explorer battery with a 10-mm wrench. Move the cable away from the negative terminal until the new stereo has been installed.

2. Squeeze the prongs of the Ford removal keys and slide them into the vertically aligned holes on either side of the factory stereo's face.

3. Pull the removal keys in opposite directions while sliding the factory stereo away from the dashboard and out of the stereo mounting dock.

4. Remove the stereo wiring plugs from the back of the stock radio by pulling the white plastic wire binders, not the wires themselves.

5. Pull the black antenna cable from the back of the factory stereo.

6. Connect the Ford stereo wiring to a wiring harness adapter. Slide the Ford stereo installation kit faceplate adapter into the (now empty) stereo mounting dock.

7. Plug the wiring harness adapter leads into the back of the new stereo. The speaker wires and power supply cables will connect to the right side of the radio. Plug the antenna cable into the left side (on the rear panel) of the radio.

8. Slide the new radio into the opening in the dashboard of the Explorer until the face of the radio is level with the outer trim of the faceplate adapter.

9. Replace the negative battery cable onto the negative battery terminal lead post and tighten the cable clamp to the post with the wrench.

Tips & Warnings

• Single DIN is a standard size for a car stereo. The measurements are 2"x7".

References

• The Install Doctor: Ford Explorer Stereo Replacement PDF
• Crutchfield: Car Stereo Installation Guide