1991 Ford Explorer Stereo Installation

The Ford Motor Company introduced the Ford Explorer in the 1990. The first model year was 1991, ushering in the company's initial offering into the class of sport utility vehicle. The first Ford Explorer was equipped with an AM/FM stereo with cassette deck. Since 1990, Ford explorers have been fitted with more capable and more powerful stereo systems. For 1991 Ford Explorer owners who wish to replace their factory stereo, there are scores of aftermarket options. You can have your aftermarket stereo installed by a professional car audio technician, or you can do it yourself for a fraction of the cost.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench, 10 mm
• Wiring harness adapter
• Ford aftermarket stereo installation kit

Instructions

1. Lift the hood of the Ford Explorer. Remove the rubber cover over the negative lead terminal of the battery (marked with a minus sign). Loosen the bolt that holds the negative battery cable clamp to the negative lead post with a 10-mm wrench. Remove the clamp from the post and stow it away from the battery.

2. Plug the stereo wiring in the empty stereo mounting dock, into the wiring harness adapter leads. The stereo wiring is grouped together in white plastic wire binders. The binders plug into the corresponding outlets of the wiring harness adapter period. Consult the wiring harness adapter manual for diagrams that illustrate where the proper connections are to be made.

3. Slide the faceplate adapter from the Ford aftermarket stereo installation kit into the stereo mounting dock. Pull the stereo wiring, with wiring harness adapter attached, through the faceplate adapter to the front of the dashboard.

4. Plug the wiring harness adapter leads into the back of the new radio. Plug the black FM radio antenna cable (also in the stereo mounting dock, formerly connected to the factory stereo) into the antenna socket on the back of the aftermarket stereo.

5. Insert the new stereo into the opening provided by the faceplate adapter. Push the new stereo into the dashboard until it snaps into place inside the stereo mounting dock.

6. Return the negative battery cable clamp to the negative lead post of the Ford Explorer battery. Tighten the bolt with the wrench to hold the clamp around the lead post. Close the hood of the Ford Explorer.

Tips & Warnings

• Some faceplate adapters will snap into place once the new stereo is fully seated. For other adapters, the new stereo will be held in by friction; so push the new stereo into the dock until the face of the radio is level (or flush) with the trim of the faceplate adapter.

References

• Crutchfield: Car Stereo Installation Guide
• The Install Doctor: 1991 Ford Explorer stereo install PDF