How to Install a Radio in a 1996 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition

Installing a radio in a 1996 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition may become necessary if the old radio malfunctions in any of a number of ways. These radios often contain integrated systems such as a compact disc or cassette player and a clock, and the failure of any one of these components means you must replace the entire radio. If you have basic automotive repair skills and around 30 minutes of free time on your hands, you can install a new radio in your 1996 Ford Explorer. If you don’t possess such skills, have this performed by a professional.

Things You'll Need

• 2 Ford radio removal tools
• Pocket screwdriver

Instructions

1. Aim the dash vents, located just above the radio, towards the ceiling. Reach into the vents, grabbing the upper lip of the dashboard bezel that surrounds the radio with your fingertips and gently pull outward until the bezels top retaining plugs pull out of the anchor holes on the dashboard.

2. Move to the sides of the bezel and slip your fingers between the bezel and the dash and pull out again until all the bezel retaining plugs pull out of their anchor holes on the dashboard. Set the bezel aside when done.

3. Insert the Ford radio removal tools into the holes on the faceplate of the radio. The holes are on the outer side edges of the radio faceplate. You can purchase the radio removal tools at most auto parts stores or through a professional tool vendor.

4. Pull the ends of the radio removal tools outward and then pull back towards the rear of the vehicle until the radio is out of the dashboard where you can grab the body of the radio with your hands.

5. Unclip the wiring harness from the rear of the radio using the pocket screwdriver to depress the harness retaining clip prior to pulling the harness away from the rear of the radio. Pull the antenna plug out by hand.

6. Set the old radio aside and take the new radio, plug the wiring harness and antenna into the back of it by hand.

7. Slide the new radio into the dashboard until you hear a click as it pops into the lock. The faceplate should now be flush with the dashboard.

8. Line the retaining plugs on the back of the dashboard bezel you removed in Step 2 with the anchor holes in the dashboard and firmly push in towards the dash on the bezel until they click into place.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use care when removing interior trim as it breaks easily and is often very expensive to replace.

References

• "Ford Explorer 1991 Thru 2001: Haynes Manual"; Ken Freund; 2001