How to install a 2005 Ford Escape stereo head unit

This shows you how to install a custom stereo head unit in a Ford Escape

[@jakethewhale]

I have a 2005 Ford Escape, and I was able to remove the factory stereo by simply bending a hanger into the "u" shape and using it similar to the video. Simple, free solution for anyone with some metal hangers lying around the house.

[@DeliveryBoyVinny]

jakethewhale Thanks for the tip, I'm sure that will help a lot of people without the tool!

[@kiloblock4950]

I used it worked just fine for me the hangers do work you just have to find some in don't make them all long in goffy looking...

[@PhantomEAC]

Thank you so much! According to Cruchfield my '05 Escape Hybrid wouldn't support a replacement head unit. I figured to heck with it, bought one anyway at a local shop (same Kenwood as yours, I think), and installed it with confidence thanks to your detailed walkthrough. Works great! The only difference is I used shrink tube on top of wire twists instead of butt connectors.

[@leiasolo1]

I have an 01 , and I did this last year. I have the same kit and stereo as you! Wish I saw this video last year. I had to trial and error it, but it still went smoothly. Glad you did this for future installers! Great radio choice!

[@DeliveryBoyVinny]

leiasolo1 Thanks for the comment! I'm glad that it went successfully. I just traded the '05 for an '07, so I get to redo the experience!

[@kiowastew]

Thanks for posting the vid. Helped out wonderfully.

[@gmichaloski3367]

Thanks for posting this, it helped me out!

[@joeyoung1498]

Thanks for posting. I love my stock stereo in my 05 escape but the no auxiliary or USB really stinks.

[@creeboi]

thanks man! cant wait to do this to my escape :) good lookin

[@Biorider16]

Thank man is happy a lot... Now I'm going to do this to my 03 escape ..... Thanks

[@jarocho2102]

Thanks a lot Washington very helpful i have a scape 02 butacas almost the same thanks

[@DeliveryBoyVinny]

jarocho2102 you're welcome man!

[@PhotoByJojo]

Just found out my cd player in my newly-acquired Ford Escape 05 doesn't work and I think I need to do this. Thanks for your excellent tutorial- I however have no equipment as of yet. Would you mind passing along your list of the here-installed choices? Looks perfect and simple- also I am keeping the current speakers and not messing with anything else in case it matters... thanks! :)

[@jreece13]

thanks for the detailed d.i.y. been looking forward to doing this with confidence. what car kit model number was used??

[@thejcode3817]

Protip: Wire your aftermarket stereos harness to the Vehicle harness adapter in the comfort of your home. No need to do any of it in the car, as shown here. Can if you want, but no need. Can sit at the kitchen table with everything laid out, do connections, go to car and just plug stuff in.

[@DanielRichards644]

you're supposed to remove the big silver trim that holds the HVAC controls then those 2 tabs you broke off can mount to 2 screw points above the ducts and actually lock the unit into place. Also that metal cage (that is like a third thee length of the aftermarket HU has tabs that you are supposed to bend out to lock it to the dash kit then the dash kit goes in then the radio slots into the cage and gets locked in place, the way you put this in someone could jack this radio in 10 seconds.

[@DeliveryBoyVinny]

Fortunately, it was only 100 bucks. I'm not too worried. The thing functioned the life of the car and never skipped, so I'm glad I didn't waste time taking the dash apart.

[@Right3ousMan]

Great video. Well fuckin done. Just what i was lookin for. Props.

[@jonnewsom1137]

HA! I keep my spare lighter in the same spot. Very helpful video though. Appreciate the post. :)

[@backlineguy]

I've got an '03 Escape, the same install kit with a single DIN DUAL head unit...2 questions...the small 'tray' above your head unit in this video - can that be on the bottom?...and 2, how difficult is it to remove this install to replace the factory radio if I wanted to sell the vehicle with the factory unit in there? The wiring harness is self explanitory, but how to remove the head unit and the install kit? Great vodeo, thanks!

[@jordon689]

this is the only video that helps thanks a lot

[@DeliveryBoyVinny]

Jordon Climo You're quite welcome, I hope it went well for you!

[@NewxBeginnings]

I have a Ford Escape 2005 model and this helped a lot! So I just need the Ford- specific harness? (wire connector)

[@sergioperez4664]

Me too

[@jasonctekien6288]

so when reviewing any after market radio it's just matching the stock wire to the after market radio wires by using color?

[@tomcatpilot9292]

what could you use in place of those U shaped clips at the beginning or where could i get them for cheap or free

[@legendofsmoke]

What is the type of stereo unit is this? Like the model, etc...did the double din installer(one u just broke the piece of) come with it? Does it have an AUX? Did u install custom stereos on the car audio? if i do so do i need extra wiring or is it just clip and go with the new stereos? thanks!!!

[@horkthegreen]

What about the rear support that was attached to the back of the original unit? (The triangle shaped thing?) My kit has one, and I'm wondering if I need to use it with my Escape, and how to install it and adjust it?

[@terriknox9156]

we had a cd stuck and got it out. Now we have problems putting one in. The clips on the inside won't go down and ej err comes up any help?

[@davevail]

Hi, I have a 2005 Ford Escape that already had a Kenwood installed - I need to slide it out to change the cable for IPOD AUX input. Do I need these "Ford DIN TOOLS" to slide the unit out, even though it is not factory? Thanks!

[@puffnstuff12]

Tomorrow the stock unit in my 05 escape gets replaced by a JVC single din unit. I've already soldered the adapter harness to the radio so its just a matter of plug and play using the same Metra single din adapter you did. I kept the stock door speakers but added tweeters to the front for 12khz to 20khz which the factory units cannot reproduce for $8 rather than spending a ton of money.

[@monera9675]

did you have to shave the sub brace? to get the iso adaptor to fit?!

[@Msenjoli28]

I have a 2003 Ford Escape and I wanted to know what type of radio system did you now and where did you purchase it from. Because the one in there now which is the factor radio CD overheated and stop playing.

[@seantambling1171]

I was wondering the same thing... mine is a tad too big to go in

[@DrTeppe]

was the aftermarket radio a little lose? it looked like you could move it around a little

[@stereomann83]

looks like you forgot to cap off the orange wires for the Lights/Dimmer it may short something out

[@beesonice3878]

Hi I have a question, I have the same make and model car Someone who claimed to know what they were doing cut the black small box off the wires coming out our the car, is there anyway to reconnect a new piece onto the wires?

[@hollisthevillain607]

Mine comes with the stock amp. Bought a wiring kit and single den set up for it but can't match the amp wires up. What color are the cables?

[@XXXCompAssesXXX]

Do I need to buy the adapter for a ford. I have one on there already but it was for a Pontiac but I noticed that it plugs in so do I? Thanks. Also where did you buy that extra part to make the head unit go on. The top section with the extra compartment? Thanks

[@xk1llaseasonx]

Did you install the kenwood kdc x494 radio?

[@MultiMatt2009]

Okay, Thanks!

[@NicholasGrove19]

I noticed that too

[@kd4019]

Ok so I have an 04 escape.. i bought the removal tools but the one on the right side just slides right in without snaping into place. Is there another way to remove it or am I just screwed

[@ThaThizzZKid]

Wait so what do you do with the 3 power cables?

[@XXXCompAssesXXX]

So I have the dash installation kit, the adapter wired, everything but I'm pissing one thing. I need that box thing that goes on top of aftermarket head unit. The piece that goes under the dash installation kit. What is it called?

[@whiteywhite7001]

my freind has a 05 ford escape ,full power to the radio but no sound to the speakers, does it have a factory amp? if so where? mabe a inline fuse blown ! he tryed another radio same thing no sound.

[@OutsideIsRainy]

What about the AMP connection for the factory amp. I have the harness for the amp which has two blue white wires for "remote on" to turn on the amp but aftermarket stereo has one blue white wire. Should I connect both wires to one wire from stereo or just one wire is good enough? and if one is good then which one. ;)

[@xMidgetFuryx1]

This is the same question I have.

[@robbiedevaladares9073]

bro how do you not get your bic stuck in that little compartment all the time. I stopped putting it there because I'd be driving and the lighter would stick so perfectly in there it would be near impossible to get out hahaha

[@XXXCompAssesXXX]

Alright, thanks a lot. Do you know by some chance where I can get the removal tool for the stock radio? Thanks.

[@MC-hs4mf]

Auto zone

[@joshuarivera3617]

I noticed you didn't plug in the orange wires what are those for

[@DumbAzzPranks]

pretty sure they're for illumination or something, not necessary to operate the the stereo

[@MultiMatt2009]

Could this be the same as a 2006 Ford Escape? I am really wanting a new Stereo in my car.

[@tlogsdon12]

I have a 2005 Ford escape, we took the stock stereo out and the dash completely stopped working, the odometer and everything is not functioning, do you have any ideas on what it may be? I checked the fuses and haven't figured anything else out yet, we left the stock stereo in there until we get it fixed.

[@vandammefan34]

I think I speak for everyone when I say what CD did you test it with?

[@pontiachotshot]

I have a 06 tribute with the premium sound.I am curious did you think the speakers still needed to be upgraded after this ? Or did they sound much better with a new head unit ? The factory deck has hardly any sound adjustments.Juts bass treble and mid and thats not enough.

[@DeliveryBoyVinny]

pontiachotshot Hello, the speakers did not need to be upgraded. They sound much better with a new head unit! Both in terms of volume output and the adjustments you can make on the head unit. The video was shared on my brother's account, but he has stopped supporting comments which is why I am replying from this account name.

[@x_Artius_x]

DeliveryBoyVinny What did you do with the orange wires? just leave them like that? Doing this next week with my 04

[@S1lverspike]

i did this exactly the same but now my car radio wont work the new one and old one. also the Key fab will not open and close the doors remotely.Did i blow a fuse??? any help is much appreciated

[@kindahunt]

yes you did . as your suppose to unhook your negative end of your battery terminal to not have that happen check your center dash fuses . the ones inside your vehicle

[@658hazza658]

Where did you get that stereo surround with pocket from?

[@DeliveryBoyVinny]

Harry Ramsden Could you clarify the question? Everything used in this video was purchased from Best Buy.

[@ZHud]

how do you take it back out to access to AV Cable so I can install subs please respond.

[@DeliveryBoyVinny]

Zac Hudson In the case of this unit, you can use a screwdriver on the plastic tabs to remove the bezel. If it is a ford stereo unit, you use the DIN removal tools. I hope this answers your question. I apologize for the delay.

[@HawtStuff686]

so how do u remove the deck?? that is my issue..... like the whole thing, would i do the same way i did the factory........ im lost. lmao

[@mytuvarussell5351]

What's the gray piece that you slid over the stereo? I'm trying to install my kit but my stereo is falling through that main opening.

[@beehollinger8520]

mytuva brown that is a stereo bracket. it fills the extra space from the factory stereo

[@AllUNeedMotors]

No, the Ford DIN tools are to remove radios for Fords only.

[@patrickvalle546]

Hello ComputerVermont! Might I ask. Where did you buy the adapter for the escape???

[@DeliveryBoyVinny]

Best Buy!

[@purpledabs972]

@@DeliveryBoyVinny mind giving a link as i can't find one anywhere.other than long skinny connectors that will not fit. would be mighty helpful.

[@DeliveryBoyVinny]

@@purpledabs972 www.bestbuy.com/site/questions/metra-wiring-harness-for-select-1998-2008-ford-vehicles-multicolored/347137?searchText=escape&sort=BEST_MATCH this might be the one. It looks it for the picture and the comments indicate it workks for the 2006 and 2008. Not sure what you're driving. Anyway, when I went, it was written on the back of the best buy package what vehicles it fit...

[@jaimel4740]

Nice job, ofcourse I got everything from Walmart and nothing fits. Bestbuy had all the right stuff.

[@TheJhaley12]

I've got a 07 Escape and it has a cd jammed in it. When I turn it on it says no disc, how do I fix this problem, anyone? thanks forgot to mention it is the audiophile model 6 cd version.

[@LunaAlthea]

I have an 04 escape which had a factory 6 cd changer in it... I had to take the stereo out and basically destroy the cd player to get all 6 of my cd's out. I just bought a new JVC stereo and the install kit... trying to figure out how to properly install it. Good luck! You might have to destroy your cd player....

[@TheJhaley12]

My girl friend actually got the cd's out, it did take some work though but now it won't let me load them, it says "select slot" when I do and try to let the cd go in it won't pull it in the way it did before. What I don't understand is my cd/radio was fine (radio still is) before I removed the negative cable from my battery to install a new one.

[@xMidgetFuryx1]

Try unplugging the battery next time

[@TheJhaley12]

Do you mean when I try to load the cd's into it? if so I'll give that a try. Thanks, I'll let you know how it turns out.

[@carsonredick]

will you sell me your old unit. the factory model please

[@robertbrown1736]

Ford escape speakers

[@kevinkeefer3050]

Always always always ALWAYS solder your wires and cover with shrink tube do not use but connectors wire nuts or even just plain electrical I promise you that will end up with a short in the wiring always

[@DeliveryBoyVinny]

We didn't for the 5 years it was operational in that vehicle or the 2007 I put it in afterwards, but thanks for the tip!

[@spetersen3308]

Did I miss where you put the ground wire to frame?

[@spetersen3308]

Also does the after market head unit bounce when car is running? Just noticed that the Metra 99-5802 was upside down and had not have the rear support installed.

[@DeliveryBoyVinny]

Steve Petersen I don't claim to be a car stereo installation professional- Just an avid DIY enthusiast. But I can tell you that I live in Vermont where the roads are quite bumpy compared to other places and the rear support is pretty much useless. I never had any issues with this stereo install or with CDs skipping in the three years that the unit was in the vehicle.

[@spetersen3308]

Was just asking because that rear support is a pain to gut in :P

[@Wizzleballer]

lol got the same car (07 escape xlt), same headunit (kenwood 248u), same dash kit. get some polk audio subs and were even

[@leonardlimon2645]

tryin to find facter. sub conneter

[@ismaelcampos8356]

hey

[@leonardlimon2645]

tryin to find facter. sub conneter