How to Wire a '94 Explorer Stereo

The 1994 Ford Explorer comes standard with an AM/FM car stereo deck with built-in cassette player. Explorer owners who wish to replace the stock stereo system with an aftermarket unit will first need to remove the factory stereo. Purchase the Ford DIN removal keys directly from the Ford/Lincoln/Mercury dealer or third-party aftermarket stereo retail outlet. You can choose to have the new stereo wired by a professional car audio technician, or you can obtain the necessary tools and adapters to perform the task yourself.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Wrench
• Ford DIN removal keys
• Wiring harness adapter
• Installation cage
• Flat screwdriver

1. Lift the Explorer's hood and loosen the bolt holding the negative battery cable to the battery post. Remove the cable from the negative battery terminal and set it aside. Move to the Ford's interior.

2. Insert the two Ford DIN removal keys into the holes at either side of the Explorer's factory stereo deck. Push the tools into the openings until they lock into place.

3. Pull outward on the tools and slide the stereo unit from the dashboard stereo dock. Disconnect the two white stereo wiring connectors from the outlets on the back of the stereo. Unplug the antenna cable from the antenna input on the lower-left corner of the stereo's back panel. Set the unit aside.

4. Slide the aftermarket stereo installation cage into the vacant stereo dock. Pull the Ford's stereo wiring and antenna cable from the back of the dock to the front of the Explorer's dashboard. Bend the metal tabs inside the installation cage outward with a flat screwdriver.

5. Plug the stereo wiring connectors into the leads of the aftermarket wiring harness adapter. The leads connect one way only. Plug the wiring harness adapter lead connectors into the corresponding outlets on the rear panel of the new stereo. Insert the antenna cable lead into the FM antenna input on the back of the new head unit.

6. Slide the new deck into the stereo installation cage. Push the unit into the dashboard dock until it locks into place within the installation cage. Return to the Explorer's battery.

7. Place the negative battery cable clamp onto the negative battery terminal. Tighten the bolt on the cable with the wrench and close the Ford's hood.

References

• Crutchfield: Car Stereo Installation Guide
• "Ford Explorer (Including Mazda Navajo) Auto Repair Manual, 1991-2001"; Haynes; 2005