Quick question about Audiophile system

P

Pantherfreak

New member
Greetings, folks. The radio in my '04 went out last year, like everybody else's. So, I've been able to locate what I THINK may be a usable Audiophile system from an '05-'07 Escape in my local salvage yard.

I used the part # I found here on the site - 6L8T-18C815-FD. The problem is that the unit in the salvage yard has the letters DD at the end instead of FD. My salvage yard guy tells me there are several dozen slightly different part #s for the Escape systems, so he isn't 100% sure if his is one that I can use.

So, can anyone tell me if that one slight difference in the Audiophile part # makes a difference? Can I still use it to replace my Marauder head unit? He only wants $75 for it, so it's a deal I'd like to jump on if I can.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
I'm not a Ford parts expert, but I have a thought.

This would be a good time to upgrade to a newer aftermarket system. Even more so if you ad better speakers and an amp that puts out clean power. Most of the aftermarket stereos have outstanding sound, and extra features like Nav, Bluetooth, running an Ipod, DVD. The Ford audiophile stereo would have to be something great to keep up with a modern $300 or $400 JVC or the like.

So many guys put big $$$ into performance parts and seldom get to drive hard. A good stereo is something you can enjoy every time you get in. I still dream about go fast parts, but my stereo was the first thing I did, and the best thing I could have done to my car.
 
The last two characters mean there was some slight change. The radio should work fine.

I'm all in favor of upgrading the headunit to an aftermarket one with more bells and whistles.
 
Thanks for the input, guys. I agree on the upgrade idea, but I've got a bunch of things on the go right now - both automotive and non-automotive. For $75 I will at least have a working radio again, plus from what I've read it's a bit of an upgrade, sound-wise. An aftermarket upgrade is definitely in the slightly longer-term plan.
 
Okay, so I picked up the Audiophile unit and I've been researching how to install it. Is that all there is to removing the original unit...inserting a rod (or nails, or coat hanger, etc.) of some sort into each of the 4 holes on the face?? I assume this releases the metal tabs on the side and allows you to pull the unit straight out so that you can access the harnesses on the back...am I correct on this?? I was getting prepared to start removing dash pieces, but if I'm reading things correctly, this should be a lot easier. Or have I missed something entirely...
 
Pantherfreak said:
Okay, so I picked up the Audiophile unit and I've been researching how to install it. Is that all there is to removing the original unit...inserting a rod (or nails, or coat hanger, etc.) of some sort into each of the 4 holes on the face?? I assume this releases the metal tabs on the side and allows you to pull the unit straight out so that you can access the harnesses on the back...am I correct on this?? I was getting prepared to start removing dash pieces, but if I'm reading things correctly, this should be a lot easier. Or have I missed something entirely...
Click to expand...

You'll need 4 rods. alot of auto parts stores sell the ford radio removal tool. it is 2 "U" shaped rods that the tips clip into place in the radio. Many have used nails, etc..it will pull straight out. no trim removal required
 
Pantherfreak said:
Okay, so I picked up the Audiophile unit and I've been researching how to install it. Is that all there is to removing the original unit...inserting a rod (or nails, or coat hanger, etc.) of some sort into each of the 4 holes on the face?? I assume this releases the metal tabs on the side and allows you to pull the unit straight out so that you can access the harnesses on the back...am I correct on this?? I was getting prepared to start removing dash pieces, but if I'm reading things correctly, this should be a lot easier. Or have I missed something entirely...
Click to expand...

You are correct.
 
Pantherfreak said:
Awesome - thanks very much for the replies. Now just to fashion 4 identical "rods"...
Click to expand...

Just go buy the tools in the help section

I made some out of metal coat hanger, fought it for longer than I wish to mention

Went and bought the tools, 5 seconds flat
 
Pleasse buy the tools...

I've tried with a coat hanger. It WILL NOT WORK and you might damage the retaining clips, possibly rendering the radio STUCK in the dash. No bueno...
 
I made my own out of a coat hanger. Ten seconds on the bench grinder and they worked flawless. I make a lot of tools, and they all work perfect.

Some people are rather good at fabrication.. [emoji6]


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justbob said:
I made my own out of a coat hanger. Ten seconds on the bench grinder and they worked flawless. I make a lot of tools, and they all work perfect.

Some people are rather good at fabrication.. [emoji6]


Sent from my iThrone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Some ford radios come out easier than others

Even with the tools, my f250 is a bear to remove
 
Well thankfully, the coat hanger-derived rods worked fine - the unit came out in 30 seconds. But now I see that the salvage yard unit I picked up (6L8T-18C815-DD, instead of FD) is not going to work. It only has 2 plugs, as opposed to 3, and they aren't the same shape or pin count. I've checked numerous threads on the site, so I see that the FD unit has the same plugs as the Marauder.

Can anyone tell me what other derivatives of the 6L8T part number are Marauder-compatible? As mentioned above, my salvage yard guy tells me there are dozens of variations on that part number, and he doesn't have one currently that matches the FD number exactly. So, if anyone can shed some light on this part number conundrum, maybe he'll have one in his inventory that will work.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
 
Third plug is for sub/amp. The other two are the typical 16&24 pin Ford set up.


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