How To Install An Aftermarket Radio Receiver in a 94-04 Mustang

On this episode I show you how to install a new aftermarket radio in your 94-04 Mustang. The car in question in this video has a Mach 460 sound system in it. I show you how to remove your stock receiver, wire up an adapter harness for the new radio, and how to install the aftermarket radio in the car. The wiring takes some patience but, it's not hard to do. With the correct adapter kits aftermarket radios are basically a bolt in modification. I cover the wiring of the new radio in detail in the video.
Here are some links to the parts and tools that I used in this video:
Tessa Tape: amzn.to/2Rc5HNf
Wire Connectors: amzn.to/30GtIik
Shrink tube: amzn.to/2v8rqwY
My Head Unit: amzn.to/2R3hpJ3
Cheaper Head Unit: amzn.to/2GAwf7T
Step Down Resistor: amzn.to/38i8Wsa
USB Adapter: amzn.to/3atIbTk
2001-2004 Radio Parts:
2004 wiring harness: amzn.to/3avlWMQ
2001-2003 wiring harness: amzn.to/2TKa6sm
2001-2004 Base radio: amzn.to/2GaLX6o
2001-2004 Install Kit Double Din: amzn.to/3aq1cGm
2001-2004 Install kit Single Din: amzn.to/36cSrwb
1994-2000 Radio Parts:
1994-2000 Mach 460 Harness: amzn.to/2NLi14T
1994-2004 Base Radio Harness: amzn.to/36eO97c
1994-2000 Install kit: amzn.to/2uinJnU
Help support the channel by using my Amazon links
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Questions? Shoot me an email at [e-mail]
Disclaimer:
The information, demonstration and any content contained in this video is for informational purposes only. The user Repair Geek makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the effectiveness or safety of the contents of this video. In no way should the contents of the video, including the tools used, be repeated or tried by anyone. Viewers should only seek the help of a trained professional located at a licensed auto repair shop for any fix, modification, alteration, or any change to their vehicle. Repair Geek shall not be liable for any injury, damage, or loss to any person or property that may result from use of the tools, equipment, or any content contained in this video. In addition, there is no way to guarantee that the video is not altered or modified or is not in the final form submitted by Repair Geek and therefore, Repair Geek does not warrant that the video is unaltered or not modified. The links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are an endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product. Viewers understand that anything contained in this video or linked to or from this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and in no way provides an express or implied warranty as to the safety or effectiveness of any linked tool, product, or video. Therefore, viewer agrees to release, waive, and discharge Repair Geek or anyone affiliated with Repair Geek, from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by the viewer, or to any property belonging to viewer, regardless of whether the loss is linked to the use of the contents of this video, or otherwise and regardless of whether such liability arises in tort, contract, strict liability, or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by law.

[@RepairGeek]

Here are some links to the parts and tools that I used in this video: Trim Tools: amzn.to/3jSuQIf Tessa Tape: amzn.to/2Rc5HNf Wire Connectors: amzn.to/30GtIik Shrink tube: amzn.to/2v8rqwY My Head Unit: amzn.to/2R3hpJ3 Cheaper Head Unit: amzn.to/2GAwf7T Step Down Resistor: amzn.to/38i8Wsa USB Adapter: amzn.to/3atIbTk 2001-2004 Radio Parts: 2004 wiring harness: amzn.to/3avlWMQ 2001-2003 wiring harness: amzn.to/2TKa6sm 2001-2004 Base radio: amzn.to/2GaLX6o 2001-2004 Install Kit Double Din: amzn.to/3aq1cGm 2001-2004 Install kit Single Din: amzn.to/36cSrwb 1994-2000 Radio Parts: 1994-2000 Mach 460 Harness: amzn.to/2NLi14T 1994-2004 Base Radio Harness: amzn.to/36eO97c 1994-2000 Install kit: amzn.to/2uinJnU Help support the channel by using my Amazon links As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@featstyle]

hello if you havent have a sub do you need the 12v steep down resister

[@anthonypalomba1452]

I have a 00 with Mach. I got the 5510 kit, but I still have connections that aren't being used. Is there a kit with all connections

[@carlossalgado9627]

I’m trying on a 96

[@carlosloveras7786]

The only video with a really good detailed description of what to do. Nobody else tries to explain my main problem, getting sound to my speakers. Thanks for explaining in detail about the resister and everything else, it's much appreciated. Be safe!

[@stevengreene8296]

This is the only video that explains well how to put in the volt reduction. Hooking up an aftermarket head in a Mustang Mach 460 is not fun. This video helped me install 12 to 5V kit correctly and helped stop the "Pop" when turning on my radio. Ultimately, it may have saved me from blowing up another amp. I installed my incorrectly the first time and blew up and amp and had a constant drain on my battery. Thank you so much for helping me with this! Excellent video....five stars!

[@QuasiDude]

Just replaced my radio the other day, this video made it an absolute breeze. I've never done any kind of wiring before so I was amazed when everything worked lol. Thanks for making this

[@babyzdog4324]

Thank you for the video, picked up a 3.9l v6 a couple months ago, I wanted to swap the stock radio out for something more modern and now I know how easy it is, much appreciated.

[@joeking2414]

Best video ive seen with explanation with everything in the description u need for all older models 🤞👍💪

[@jeffdee5]

Thank you very much! Your video was the best one I viewed for installing my Pioneer AVH-4200NEX radio into my 2004 Mustang GT convertible that also has the 460 amps. After following all your steps the HD radio came on along with the 460 subwoofers. The sound is phenomenal compared to the original Ford 6 disk cd radio output. The Ford radio display was also going dark from time to time. Your instructions were spot on and the amps don’t pop when the ignition comes on! Thanks again!

[@doriangrant7831]

Legit video bro much appreciated I can change stuff on my whip but I’m so intimidated by the wiring or electrical side but this video helps a lot

[@paulw8311]

Thanks so much for this video and for linking all of your parts and accessories! The cigarette lighter USB port adapter is going to make this install so much cleaner for me.

[@b.b1285]

I just brought a 04 mustang for my first car. Thank you, this video really help me out.

[@roushaholic5833]

This was the best how to video I have found on YT. Made my install EZ, thanks!

[@jeffreywillis3066]

Thank you so much for this video, I'm putting a single din in my 01 gt and I bought the resistor harness and watched the video to figure out how to wire it in to avoid the annoying pop wen everything powers up.

[@IknowRicky]

That was a GREAT DETAILED instruction. Thank you very much

[@onlineslacker101]

Bro! Great video! Lifesaver with that AMP circuit! 😅

[@faylonnapper3016]

Man great detailed video simple!!

[@indangerdogg637]

Thanks for the tip about 5v.. didnt realize that..!!!😎👍✔

[@fericyde]

Very well executed. Thank you for sharing and well documented work.

[@cbaumy]

Great video

[@scottie22]

Bro this Mach 460 sound system is a pain in the ass! I just want to upgrade to a new Sony touch screen head unit. Once I have the extra money to blow on new amp and subs I want to upgrade because this is not worth the trouble. I have a 97 cobra and I wired everything to what I think is correct, followed the diagram for the colors. I turned on the car to check my work. I got power and the radio is receiving info from my local stations, I just have no audio. I’m gonna keep researching to see if I can trouble shoot but there is no one on the internet that knows how to make a decent vid in 2022. This is the best one I’ve found so far so thank you for the effort put in. Your car is technically different than my system which has double single din platform. So there is an issue that I’ve run into with the older sn95 wiring that is prehistorically bad. 🙃

[@raulcedano60]

Great information thank you

[@the1spyderryder]

Nice install.

[@gerrytaylor187]

good job. THANKS

[@haldwinmorantjr8562]

love this video its not rush thru

[@wormholewest]

Great video thank you

[@genericdude6551]

Just found my original sticker for my 2002 Mustang GT and it has a premium sound system listed which explains why there were 3 multi-conductor cables plugged in to my stock radio instead of just the 2 shown in this video. I ordered the wrong cable kit! Should have ordered the Metra 70-5701 but the Red Wolf wiring kit at Amazon that should work also.

[@jonathangooding950]

Big help man!

[@christiancorona5866]

Awesome video super helpful. One question how did you push the wires from your center console to the radio. With your hand?

[@bbelitere]

Oh man I’m doing exactly what you did with usb port now😁

[@jessealvarez1410]

Great video thx

[@deloresmesser2712]

Need to hook up a pioneer in a 2004 ford mustang

[@michaelcastaneda4135]

Thank you 🎉

[@genericdude6551]

My guess is that the third OEM wiring harness is for features such as automatic audio level adjustment that is controlled by vehicle speed in order to overcome road noise. There's probably other things that the third OEM harness controls also. But, my new head doesn't use that harness.

[@zombiekiller7746]

Thank you mr

[@genericdude6551]

There's a third OEM harness for my Mach 460 system and if I'm reading the wiring diagrams correctly that third OEM harness is a speed sensor input that controls the OEM head units volume (there's a setting for it). Apparently, the aftermarket units don't have that option.

[@David-qu3ro]

I have the Scosche equivalent harness, and the same resistor. But I followed the scosche harness guidelines. So I used the factory amp ground for the resistor and amp wires. (3 wires; 2 amp and resistor: into 1, factory amp ground on the harness side.). I kept the chassis ground coming out of the harness running to the head unit ground. But my stereo still pops. Did i go wrong somewhere? It appears you combined all the grounds. Would that make a difference?

[@silvanovela9347]

I need the same conectors to my GT Mustang, do you have the part numbers?

[@Justin-nt4dh]

My question is if you only have the two rca wire plugs where would they connect on the back of my radio? Pioneer Radio AWH-211EX Double Din My rca are as followed. Red-white Fr- FL RR-RL SWR-SWL

[@Gorillainacoupee]

Would this b the same for the Mach 1000?

[@patrickmoser4543]

As far as the grounds go, do you just connect the aftermarket radio harness ground to the Metra harness ground,and then just join the wire from the 5 volt resistor to the two black and whites from the subwoofer harness together? Or do you somehow join all 5 grounds together? Excellent video except its not really clear how you toe the grounds together exactly.

[@WolfKing-xt1te]

Where or which wire did u use to wire the violet and white wire to the reverse back up lamp?

[@wizardfromwh96]

I am having to fix a botched aftermarket radio install. I finally removed the aftermarket radio harness and the toggle switches and the volt meter but when I unplugged the aftermarket harness my speedometer stopped working. So I plugged it back in so id have my speedometer but the exposed wires sparked and now I don't have my speedometer at all replaced fuse but I think the grounds were messed up on install. Do you have a video showing where the grounds are inside the radio compartment?

[@miguelmaza3049]

Where exactly do these capacitors go when putting the car back together?

[@refinedautodesigns]

Is the wiring the same for mach 1000? Thx

[@gilzskillz]

Hey I'm installing a pioneer AVH 2500 NEX but I want to put Subs in do I still wire everything the same way

[@dragonstone20042004]

Well this work on a 98 base model I have the am/fm radio and cd player in mine. I believe it the premium style unit.

[@ReivaxThe1st]

Do all head units need the step down resistor?

[@davidsanderson1500]

What color are the power wires when you have to hard wire the radio

[@SVTsteww]

Do i really have to solder the wires together? Bc i dont want to spend any extra money that i dont have to

[@manrajkalirai7507]

can you do this without using solder?

[@INFAMOUSCAREP]

What is the 1999-2000 base radio harness for? @repairgeek

[@TheSharkman2k]

Great video, Question about the E brake. You said to wire it to the ground side of the radio. Wouldn't the ground of the radio then be connected to the ground harness going to the car?

[@RepairGeek]

That is correct. If you ground out the e-brake wire on a Kenwood unit you can play videos while driving.

[@michaeladdison3879]

Great video, thanks. I have a 1996 Mustang with the premium 460 sound system. What size resistor did you use? My adapter [Metra 70-5512] does not have the white/blue wire, radio turns on, but, no sound. I plan to splice the resistor with white/blue wire directly to the factory blue/red wire to power the amplifier. Is that the right fix?

[@sportscardbusters]

Did u figure it out?

[@scottie22]

How did you get audio

[@joshkhayes]

I installed in a 03 mustang with Mach 460. The sound was a lot better with the factory receiver. I’ve played with the EQ settings and still nothing. Any help please?

[@josemiguelflautero1109]

Did you have to mess with the s send wire?

[@claysexton3126]

Is the second smaller harness with the two rca plug ins for stock amp or aftermarket?

[@marcomontano6584]

Hey man for the double din it says 2001-2004, would it not work for a 1996 mustang?

[@chadkremer3050]

i had removed the mess of wires from who ever installed the last radio, issue nbow is now brake lights, turn signals and hazards, i do have light in tail lights when headlights are on, cant figure out

[@konner8766]

What size stereo is compatible?

[@genericdude6551]

Too bad my CD player quit working. Anyway, I was thinking of using Waco lever connectors instead of soldering. I might install a 7805 voltage regulator instead of using the resistor.

[@miked52]

Thank you for the walkthrough on the wiring harness and step down resistor. I’m doing the same USB replacement in the center console like you did. My question is, how did you remove the stock cigarette lighter without having to remove the console?

[@RepairGeek]

The inside of the console comes out and will expose the floor. The 12v outlet has a release tab on it. Unplug the wire, release the clip, and install the outlet.

[@miked52]

Got it. Thank you, I was able to remove it and installed the new USB plug. My new challenge now is to try and figure out why my device is not charging or reading my phone when it is plugged in after connecting the plug to the USB ports of the receiver. Research and trouble shooting continues. Thank you for replying.

[@miked52]

Following up from my USB port troubleshooting. Turns out that the USB cords and connection was ok, the issue was that I wasn’t using Kenwood’s proprietary lightning cable that is required to connect to the Kenwood unit. One proprietary cord later and all is good.

[@maggsdog1]

What happens if you don’t splice the blue and white wires?

[@supernt100]

This works for single din too?

[@fiestasiphil]

Great video, how did you wire the USB cables to the usb socket?

[@RepairGeek]

The cables come with the USB socket. The USB cables plug right into the back of the radio.

[@chaostrancy6740]

Do i have to solder or can i just tied them up , for the resistor

[@WeRanyone714]

It’s detail but idk why mine has a older plug it’s different from this I installation although similar it helped with knowing about the kick down to 5v but not much elso for my 2000 ford mustang application

[@delwinortiz4815]

Would the resistor be needed if running stock audio gt audio. (No Mach 460)

[@bbelitere]

So which slots do I put my rca cables?

[@anthonypalomba1452]

Used the 5510 harness but subs not working

[@AFKGamingQueen]

Hey! So I got a Pioneer in my 06 Mustang, and one day, as my phone was connected to it, I got a phone call; which then made it turn off and come back on as a white screen and buzzing sounds. Now with that being said; it doesn't work anymore; well at least once in a blue moon it will actually work. I was wondering if it's just a wire issue?

[@solowstang9821]

Will not having that resistor cause my speakers to sound like something’s touching a wire and then dead the whole system but I still have power to the headbunitn

[@donnymarks9842]

What dash kit did you use

[@yogisage7157]

i have a 2000 mustang with mach 460 sound system. Is there no RCA harness i can use? The red and white cable that plugs into the back of the radio for subs and base. I tried looking on amazon but they are all 01 and up, i have a 2000. I have the wire harness and 12v to 5v reduction but i cant find the RCA harness for years below 2001. HELP!

[@ikeward1868]

Hey my cars door speakers don't work. Only the tweeters and rear. What do I do?

[@twitchiergore]

Radio sounds like it’s under water or muffled any ideas?

[@sporting244]

I installed a pioneer double din, everything is fine except for the radio signal. It’s spotty until I put the hand brake, any ideas?

[@IScammedYourGrandmaLol]

Does it matter what brand radio it is as long as it’s double din?

[@goonzyt2468]

ordered harness kit in description for 2004 mustang gt and the metra kit for the amplifier didn’t include the two black/white cords for ground only blue/white for on off and the yellow and red outputs. i have everything wired as you have done with the step down resistor as well. any idea on how to get the amps working for my new radio

[@Boogie322]

I’m having the same issue. Got sound but not a lot of bass like the original radio.

[@genericdude6551]

What jacks did you plug the RCA red and white audio cables into? Some places say they should be plugged into the subwoofer jacks while others say they should be plugged into the Front L/R audio jacks. I experimented and found that I get a lot more bass when using the standard audio jacks than the subwoofer jacks.

[@brenthill5596]

I think I'll just order the custom ready harness from Crutchfield for $20. Plug n play.

[@genericdude6551]

Looks like they splice the 2 connectors together instead of a seamless connector to connector wiring. I'll just do it myself.

[@bryanzamora4559]

do they really sell plug n play one?

[@brenthill5596]

@@bryanzamora4559 I ordered from Crutchfield and they had a custom wiring harness for my 94 Mustang that plugged right in. Made it easy.

[@banditpsycho3573]

Which one is that??

[@michaeladdison3879]

Greate

[@daveking4246]

I have a 2004 with the mach 1000 system....im confused a bit with the resistor u mentioned....is this necessary to the operation of the system with new radio head unit....i want factory amps and subs to still function after install

[@socalex]

Did you ever figure it out I have no clue what he meant by the resistor either

[@daveking4246]

@@socalex yes there is a resistor that has to be installed between the amp and radio ....there should be a amp remote wire off back of your radio...I bought a multi switch resistor at a mickey shore car audio but best buy also has them..I believe I have mine set at the 5v setting and it all works fine....I had 2 different installers tell me that the system will work without it but you will get a loud and annoying amp pop through the speakers if you don't put it in....like when someone plugs in an electric guitar to an amp thats already on....aftermarket is all 12v Ford for some dumb reason used a much less voltage

[@genericdude6551]

If I understand correctly, the stock Mach amps have high and low pass filters for feeding the tweeters and woofers, respectively, so the crossover settings aren't necessary?

[@georgecortes6139]

How long did it take you to do ?

[@johnj1807]

If I’m installing just a single din Pioneer stereo do I need that extra resistor part ?

[@RepairGeek]

If your car has a stock amplifier then, yes. Otherwise it's going to pop when the system is powered on.

[@johnj1807]

Repair Geek I’m going to install an aftermarket 400 watt amp with a 10” sub so does this mean my stock amp won’t be used any more and I don’t have to use the resistor since I’m installing a separate amp ? Sorry kind of new to this

[@jimmymaupin4762]

Just a 2004 mustang convertible what's the three black buttons for anybody know thank you

[@bryanketels1]

What did you plug the red and white rca wires into? About to install an aftermarket stereo into a 2001 mustang Mach 460 without sub. I’ve got all the wires connected. Just not sure about the rca. On the back of the stereo there’s 2 sets. Front and back sub.🤷‍♂️

[@michaelklover9113]

Still trying to figure this out, what did you end up with Bryan?

[@bryanketels1]

@@michaelklover9113 I basically had everything connected and plugged in except for the rca wires. Obviously before putting the stereo on seated I had the radio on with music playing and plugged the rca wires in each one until the sound sounded really good. There’s a big difference. You’ll definitely notice the difference. And that’s it.

[@ElectricPulse100]

Is that resistor necessary? Trying to figure this thing out lol

[@bullitt3839]

If you don’t use it you’ll get a loud pop when you turn it on.

[@louisb.6149]

Do you know of a way to wire in the 3 bottom switches differently? I want to install a bunch of other stuff, like a small light bar behind the grill, and some others. Realistically I don’t really want the cigarette lighter, and I could find a new deal for the charger in the center console too. I’m just an idiot stumbling his way through rebuilding my favorite car. Bought it the week I graduated and refuse to let it go

[@RepairGeek]

I mean, you can wire up anything if you have a basic understanding of electricity and how the switches work. Can it be done, absolutely! Can I give a detailed explanation of how to do it in a KZbin comment? Absolutely not haha.

[@chaostrancy6740]

Can you send the link for the USB kit you use to extend all the way to the middle console lighter

[@RepairGeek]

amzn.to/3uXcIZ2

[@JTaylorProductions]

I’m confused because the metra harness for the 2000 mach460 does not have the extra wires for the amp it’s only the rca cables. What am I supposed to wire the 12v step down into if this harness doesn’t have those wires?

[@tevoowdg8493]

did u find out?

[@brentroyal5815]

I have an 01 mustang with the Mach 460 system and my door subs didn’t work when I installed a touchscreen double din radio. Would doing this make them work?

[@meking3258]

This is not wiring for mach 460

[@cbaumy]

The base radio harness says it does not fit a 2000. Order anyway? Looks the same as your video

[@RepairGeek]

Double check the # on metra's website to be certain.

[@robertrella1518]

Where did you put the rca cables?

[@RepairGeek]

Just stuff them inside the dash.

[@codcade]

Do you need the 5v step down for a 94-00? Also what about bass blockers?

[@yogisage7157]

Idk, I’m about to put a radio in I’m thinking the same thing. I think I’m just gonna order the resister just incase I need it

[@codcade]

@@yogisage7157 so I didn’t do bass blockers, but I recommend running line level converters out of the new head unit, otherwise you will be running an amplified signal from the new head unit, into the factory amps in the trunk, I had to cut all my bass and half of my mids and treble and I still can’t turn it up past 3/4 or so without making the speakers sound like crap lol

[@codcade]

@@yogisage7157 you will need a 5v step down

[@Jsmooth1hoe]

my trim piece absolutely wont come off any reason why?

[@cjscoots521]

I have a 02 mustang gt with the Mach speakers, it says the wiring harness will not work with mine on Amazon is that wrong ?

[@genericdude6551]

I wish I could afford the Kenwood DNX996XR.

[@daltonjeffers2864]

Didn't help me with my issue, but solid video

[@nfsundrcvr13]

No wonder my speakers sound like they are crackling.i left the two black/white wires from the Metra subwoofer kit dangling.they are supposed to go with the other 3 black wires 😂😂

[@zae0424]

This car is my main target when i get my L’s

[@Mitchelskater]

you can disassemble this car with your bare hands

[@RepairGeek]

Buy a GM from this vintage. You don't even need your hands, it falls apart on its own. 🤣

[@talknheadz]

@@RepairGeek lmao. Yes they do