How to install an aftermarket stereo in a Ford Truck

Diy Bri show's you how to install an aftermarket stereo in a 2003 Ford Super Duty. How to budget cost,estimate time and find out the tools needed to complete this do it yourself project.
Links to car stereo install must have tools (that I use)
Automatic Wire Stripper amzn.to/2jNHeNx
Crimp Caps amzn.to/2kaMZUb
Crimping Tool amzn.to/2jNm3LE
Link to buy the stereo in this video (new updated stereo)
amzn.to/2d8sxEp
Link to the radio wire-harness
amzn.to/2cD2K0t
Link to the dash kit
amzn.to/2cDnzOk
DIY Bri videos are edited with Corel Video editing software, if you would like more info on the software I use click the link
www.jdoqocy.com...
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My personal channel: / @brianbassett5468
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My how to channel (this channel DIYBRI) / doityourselfbri
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[@JimMW1956]

Great video! 8 years old and STILL relevant. Well presented...thanks

[@HelpwithSolarinColorado]

Knowing the "why" and "how" about the function of the extra wires (from the vehicle side AND the aftermarket radio) was very important; not nearly as well addressed on other instructional video. Glad to see videos, in general, are improving by being detailed but not beind MUCH longer than necessary.

[@chrissupport]

Good video. I always have doubts when diy vids are over 5 minutes and start with music, but yours is great... no wasted time. THANK YOU!

[@mikegt514]

you don't need those Ford radio pullers. I used coat hangers. bent them in the shape. stuck them in 4 holes. then pushed outward then pulled the stereo out. took 2 seconds

[@samnelms593]

Mike Gt or you can have bad luck like me and buy the pullers then the radio be so stuck they don't work and u try to pull so hard ya break of the front of the radio so ya just dicide to just start distroying my way through the old radio haha all worked out in end and new radio is installed

[@Dray12321]

Mike Gt the thing is, the only coat hangers I have are wooden and plastic

[@scottybarger7389]

Mike Gt that's the same thing I did with a wire coathanger too

[@calebfink3542]

Mike Gt on some models like my Ford ranger 98 you can pull the whole panel off and get at the radio from behind

[@nickscarcella4392]

Right, learned that long ago when I worked at a Ford dealer

[@mrdayyumyum3712]

this is one the best step by step auto repair videos I have viewed on youtube.

[@LutherBuilds]

Can't believe how timely this video is. I am getting ready to install an after market radio in my 02 Explorer and was confused about the extra wires on the harness. I didn't even search for your video. It just showed up in my recommendations on KZbin.

[@doityourselfbri]

+Joshua Luther Nice! hope it helps

[@mikedl361]

I'm feeling pretty confident on doing my own radio now after watching your video. Thanks

[@snizzy4rl]

Easy enough to do, but always good to see someone else do it beforehand. Good video. 👍

[@TwistedStrummer]

Having the keys are nice, but if you're doing a one time install on your own vehicle, 4 nails will do. I would also recommend soldering your harness connectors "in a straight line" and using shrink wrap. I would also use a plastic coil wire management to hold the wires together instead of electrical tape. If you ever have to move your stereo to a different vehicle, you will appreciate the lack sticky residue when you re solder to a different harness, and the plastic coil is reusable.

[@Reaping_Matster]

Or do what I did and borrow a friend's key, no wrecking good hangers and no wasted money

[@georgetemes3814]

Great comment and on an excellent vid. I would also add a step before the nearly-permanent final clicking of the mounted head unit into the dash. Run the new head unit through its test paces: volume, reception, balance, fade, etc. Pulling a finish-mounted unit out of the dash for a loose connection is a real bitch.

[@rice127]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm hardly a do-it-yourselfer as I usually just have someone else do it. I was able to install the radio and everything appears to be working, so this was extremely helpful!

[@doityourselfbri]

+Erik L Thanks!

[@skulledmonte84]

Brazing rod works well for pulling the stock radio out if you dont have that tool,iv tired a metal coat hanger too with no luck i figured out it wasn't thick enough but heard that it would work

[@misterspock3561]

Great video, THANKS.. However, if there is an issue down the road how do you remove the radio again since it is "clicked" into place??

[@rulocastaguzman6310]

There just clips so you can use a screwdriver to unclip

[@calciumchloride710]

I had a terrible time with my '99 Civic. The wiring harness wires were all different colors from the vehicle wire colors. There was a color-matching guide that came with the harness, but it mostly led to more questions than answers. I never did get it to work. I'm hoping I'll have better luck transferring that same radio to the '97 Ranger I just bought. It's well thought-out tutorials like yours that help me keep hope alive, haha.

[@doityourselfbri]

Thanks so much!

[@evanfuze]

This guy is almost a perfect combo of Seth Rogen and Will Ferrell

[@martingarcia2149]

Spot on lmao

[@jasonwhipp5721]

So what about taking the aftermarket out? Seems like it’d be pretty hard, right?

[@allencheshire9316]

Totally worked. took literally minutes. Thank you. 2008 Ford Crown Vic.

[@HeckinTeagan]

is it "better" to solder the wiring kit vs using those white cap connectors? Does it matter?

[@doityourselfbri]

This is a great question, and debated by many....However the short answer is ether is fine.. The long answer depends on your available tools, skill level, type of install etc... I have seen many people not have the best of soldering skills and actually not make a very good connection, the other down side is you need to carefully insulate/tape each connection so that it does not short out behind the dash, additionally it takes more time... The plus side to a soldered connection is if its done right its very solid and excellent at reducing power loss do to low resistance in the connection...That being said a crimped white cap connection when done correctly crimped with the correct tool and the wires twisted tight before you make the crimp are a very reliable, fast, easy, low power loss connection... The down side to the white caps is that they take up more room behind the dash and it can be hard to fit the harness with the white caps back in the dash... The only time I have ever seen a problem with a white cap connection is when someone used a poor crimp tool or tried to shove to many wires into one cap..In some cases when the wires are very short or I don't have the room to fit white caps I will solder, the other time I typically solder is on door speakers.

[@geralddunne1]

changed my stereo today. your video saved me a TON of time and trouble!

[@cactuskid1950]

Thanks for a great video. I have 2003 Ford Escape, but using the din removal tools will not catch the left side lock, so I can't get my radio out to replace the head unit. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.. Thanks again !!

[@gypsyghostgirl]

The mounting part is exactly what I needed to see, I was missing a step. Thank you so much for this video!

[@bigbrdbeats8958]

Do you have to buy the caps separate?

[@dan-k10production35]

Thanks so much I really love it. My only question is, how to get the radio out again if you want to change it in future. I don't think you can use those pins again to remove it. Please help

[@doityourselfbri]

+Dan K The aftermarket radio comes with radio removal keys, they slide in on the side of the radio...

[@benrichardson8314]

Awesome video, extremely helpful! Made putting my new radio in 100 times easier

[@GlobeM1]

Great Video Bri! I'm glad I found it, as I'm just getting ready to do my 1999 Ford F350; and I'm going with the exact same wire harness and Scosche dash kit; but I'm installing a Pioneer DEH-X6800BT head unit ...Rock On!

[@doityourselfbri]

Hey thanks! Pioneer does a great job with there radios... I actually prefer the Pioneer or the Kenwood over the Sony myself.

[@deerpark1324]

Would this tutorial work on a 1997 ford ecoline van? The video is supper informative and i hope it applies to my van.

[@doityourselfbri]

Yes its almost exactly the same! You would want to use this dash kit amzn.to/2elv0FH and this wire harness amzn.to/2evnviR

[@robskater94]

Do I have to unplug the battery before beginning the removal process?

[@Wc3ProElimZ]

Would be a good idea. No reason not to really.

[@Shanedog76]

stupid question!!!!

[@flyfshrmn09]

12 volts is not going to shock you. you can grab both terminals of a 12V battery and you will not get shocked. All the wires are dead until the key is on in Ford trucks. What is important is to ground yourself periodically so you don't pick up static electricity and conduct it to the stereo. You can blow the chips in the system if you do.

[@cliffordduzz4342]

I have an orange wire so does my 2005 ford

[@turningthejewel]

Hey Bri. I have the stereo with the factory amp in my 95 Ranger. I am all plugged in with the stereo but no sound. I saw some harnesses on ebay. They look A little strange to me. I was able to find the amp by the back window in the wall and unplug the amp. Is it really as easy as buying the little harness and plugging those little plugs from the amp into the two plugs from the harness kit? Thanks for all your work.

[@brandonc1267]

Will it still fit if you trimmed the edges for a double din? Mine got stolen and I'm going to a cheap single din.

[@SemperShock]

Alright so it looks easy to do but, Im trying this on in a Ford 02 Excursion & it has the DVD player? Will i still be able to keep that working with the new radio?

[@doityourselfbri]

If it is aftermarket It should stay working however If its factory might not work.

[@RealHankShill]

You have to have a specific set of radio removal keys, or any metal coat hanger can also work.

[@doityourselfbri]

You could use a coat hanger however you may damage the locking tabs... The correct keys are super cheap and are available at most parts stores.

[@blinkshadown]

+Do It Yourself Bri i removed the whole panel and then pressed the clips with my fingers worked properly needed a #7 to undo the screws.

[@cmdrefstathiusplacidus9003]

Agreed, this type of thing is the type of thing that could make me become a Chevy owner.

[@tomfaticone8075]

I have a 2004 GMC Sierra trying to put car kit for the radio I can't get it right do you have any tips for me thank you

[@mattuhrig]

Great video!, what size connector caps are used?

[@TraciFritzMD]

hello did u just ignore the big honking circular plugin. like for sirius xm. I ahve a kenwood deck. My original ford had a 6 dis cd changer and I dunno if your example had it

[@jacobb846]

where can I get a dash kit?I need one and also need the wiring connector just need to know where to find it

[@doityourselfbri]

I'm working on a website to sell these products... However for now Amazon is a good place to pick them up

[@AudioZealot]

do have something similar but with a 2000 ford f-150 truck or is it basically the same concept?

[@doityourselfbri]

Almost exact same process...

[@AudioZealot]

I figured it out but thanks for the reply

[@SrIeLbEeNlT]

Great video! I was thinking of installing a new radio in my truck and this covered everything I needed to know. Thanks!

[@veganofthereegan9875]

Is there any chance you can use something else beside the keys to take the deck out?

[@nathanielmontgomerysr.1227]

Thanks for the video, you made it very simple and easy. I have two different wire harnesses that came with my single din radio, I'll figure them out. The radios come with the instructions with very small print, you have to get a magnifier to read them. But thanks for the good advise, take care.

[@alejandromontalvo5257]

Figure it out?

[@forestfairyfeather6137]

What was the dash kit? I am trying to put that exact sony radio into my 2005 ford ranger and need to get a dash kit

[@doityourselfbri]

+Heather McHugh I would recommend going to metra or scosche's factory website and enter your make model etc in to determine the best kit

[@forestfairyfeather6137]

+Do It Yourself Bri www.scosche.com/checkout/cart/ this is what I found, I want to make sure it is the right one before I buy, I put in the make and model. what do you think?

[@doityourselfbri]

+Heather McHugh Hey sorry just got your message, that link is empty... I guess you probably just ordered them...Good luck on the install, that truck should be easy to do :)

[@josephcarrasco5901]

thanks for the video. question I know it was a F-250. Does this method also work for a Ford F-150 as well?

[@mystique3446]

Thank you but what about the ground connector? I have a long black wire that instructions state to "connect to metallic body or chassis of car. When I took out the factory installed radio, I do see a metallic body with nuts on it. Do I connect ground wire to that? Also, my mounting kit FMK550 for a 2004 F-150 has left and right ISO mounting brackets and a rear back support. Are these totally necessary? On a safety note, I did unplug the negative on my battery.

[@doityourselfbri]

You should just use the ground in the factory wiring harness adapter.. If not there then you can you metal chassis

[@georgereed6735]

wow I really like your videos, I have question I have a hummer h2 my driver back window will not go up , so for the mean time I push up and hold in place until I figure it out how to do it, I try to fix it but I didn't have the tools, if you have any tips for I really appreciated thanks

[@doityourselfbri]

+George Reed Thanks! Its very hard for me to tell you exactly what is wrong on that, however I'm 90% sure if you bought a new power window motor/regulator for that door and replaced it that would take care of the problem... It takes some electrical diagnostic skills and some mechanical knowledge to correctly diagnose that problem. Based on my experience of working on GM trucks that is usually the fix. Window regulators are fairly easy to replace if you have the tools and some mechanical experience and ability. You basically remove the door panel and in some cases you remove the regulator assy with bolts and in other cases you have to drill the rivets out that hold the regulator to the door.... However I think that is a bolt in power window motor regulator assy....Hope that helps

[@wyotech56]

The power to my stereo randomly loses power is there an easy way to run an accessory or ignition wire to it?

[@MrWillfifield]

Nice video Brian. I'm going to install a stereo in my truck based on your help.

[@doityourselfbri]

Cool Thank You! I'm glad I could help!

[@Dray12321]

Thanks, the main reason I wanted this was so I could play music from my phone, this was very helpful.

[@doityourselfbri]

Thanks!

[@cooperrounsavall2798]

So i have a ground wire on both the white harness and the harness that plugs to the stereo?

[@IAG-uf7wc]

Hello and happy new year. I had a question I bought the same scosche wiring kit for my 01 Ford F-250. Everything was plug and play. After the install, I have my air bag light on now. Why could this be?

[@marcmcclinchy9774]

What are the speaker wire colors coming to the radio? They are different from the speaker to the back of the radio

[@erict2306]

Well I appreciate you showing this radio install, but I've got a 2000 Ford F150 that has 2 plug-ins from the factory radio. But I only have 1 plug in to the radio I bought what do I do with the other plug-in?

[@ditomobile1681]

Question....how would you get that new radio back out if you needed to?

[@russelllogan8198]

Where can I find a dash kit for ninety seven ford f one fifty or sony radio

[@kennethcolbert3845]

Where did you get the tool kit from look's like I would like to have on for my self here.

[@davidrafal8192]

should I install a ground wire on new radio? I noticed that the factory radio support slide on the bottom has a bolt that makes contact when it is pushed in and locked. I noticed this when I tried to pull out the factory radio, just to check. when I slid the factory radio back in it would not power up. then I removed and installed again when I pushed it in all the way it powered up?

[@JerryMiah]

great video! and t hanks a bunch for including the link to the mounting kit. I've tried several for my ford explorer from walmart and none of those are quite right. I liked the one you used that had the clips on the top of the kit. Looks like a really easy snap in fit! THANKS!

[@jdm_-mf3il]

What year model is this particular truck, I got an 03 and wondering if the same harness will work for my 03

[@tc75480]

Thanks. I was wondering about that orange wire.

[@doityourselfbri]

+Aaron Keedy Thanks

[@Elianaanu]

Hi there, nice video! I have one question tho... I have more than one connector that comes out of my truck... I have no idea what to do there. Thanks ! Martín here.

[@LegoZombieDragon]

I never really comment, but this is very valuable stuff! Good job man!

[@doityourselfbri]

+LegoZombieDragon Thanks so much!

[@BigZip8]

instead of white caps and crimping can I just electrical tape them together?

[@doityourselfbri]

+isaiah gonzalez You can, however I would recommend solder and heat shrink if you don't use white caps

[@BigZip8]

Do It Yourself Bri Thanks

[@rogerfuller7876]

Metal coat hangar did just fine in my f-150, wiggle it back and forth but make it long enough.

[@haydenmontoya7510]

Great Video very helpful, as a filmmaker I would suggest adding a little time between each cut, so you don't cut off your own words other than that thanks for the vid!

[@BlueThunder847]

Hey question just installed my Head Unit, and there is a low buzzing sound. what could cause this?

[@markspadt6291]

An open wire.

[@elliottstewart8745]

Thanks and now I can replace the radio on my 97 Ford Ranger!

[@eduardoosorio214]

Elliott Stewart you ain't shit

[@marcmcclinchy9774]

What wires are for the speakers?

[@Bulldog1Shs234567890]

What model wiring harness would you need for a 2001 Ford F-150 Lariat?

[@matthewschwarz9484]

Thanks so much, I spent so much time trying to get this damn thing in any your video helped me out a lot!

[@_fox_gang_1326]

will this work for a 2002 f150 xlt if it would can u provide me with a website i need to find all of the parts

[@doityourselfbri]

This video is very close to yours, you should be able to figure it out with this video and here are the links for your truck.. Thanks and good luck with your project! Dash kit needed amzn.to/2h0buBR Wiring harness needed amzn.to/2h9B7yS

[@j5892000]

nice video man. im planning on getting and doing my own install in a few days. just needed to know how and what to expect and this did just that. thank you

[@lucasschobert8233]

What kind of dash kit is that? And where could I buy one of those at?

[@doityourselfbri]

+Lucas Schobert www.scosche.com/1999-up-select-ford-pocket-installation-kit

[@TheChanTheMan1]

I did everything step by step and it worked at first, but when I put the radio back in the dash, it wouldn't turn on and took out my dash lights too. Any idea what I did?

[@OfficialSnazzMC]

Great video, is the total cost around $130 including your radio? Or did you not include that in the over all price? Thanks

[@crazyguy8172]

Could this setup work on a 2000 f250?.

[@spoken209]

Will that harness fit on a 99 Ford F-250 ?

[@doityourselfbri]

+CivilizedSouls that is right on the border between years, however I'm thinking it is the same harness. You could check scosche's website just to be safe

[@doityourselfbri]

+CivilizedSouls www.scosche.com/car-stereo-connector-for-1973-2003-ford-vehicles

[@carlaweems72]

Damn.. that was a cool video, very EASY AND PLEASANTLY presented - made it appear effortless. Thank you DIY Bri - just subscribed. Thanks again, Carolyn.

[@doityourselfbri]

+Carla Weems Thanks!

[@pinmarkretrievers7117]

My 2003 ford f150 lariet has two "plugs" coming out of the vehicle that plugs into the replacement stereo. However, the new stereo only uses one of the plugs (harness) I'm a bit confused as to why there is two plugs coming out of the vehicle which plugged into the stock stereo but the new stereo only uses one. Excuse my ignorance on this one....

[@NoJudgement3]

That second small one is for the CD changer option in the factory head unit if you have it on your truck, Ford decided it would be cheaper to just use one standard harness across all of its vehicles.

[@doityourselfbri]

+Ted Robinson Yours may have a premium system with an amplifier.

[@doityourselfbri]

+Mr.Destructo Yes I have seen that before too.

[@pinmarkretrievers7117]

Thanks for the information. Which one goes to which? Just disregard whichever one is not being used?? Not sure which harness to buy.

[@pinmarkretrievers7117]

Just saw this...sorry. So the rectangular one I should just not use? Buy a harness that firs the square one??

[@jacobylowe4182]

Where can I get the wiring harness?

[@doityourselfbri]

+Jacoby Lowe Amazon, Crutchfield, Walmart

[@MrDblock1844]

Awesome video, I now know exactly how to replace my radio like the Pros! Great job!

[@Anthony-dw3jb]

how do i find out what kind of wire harness i need?

[@doityourselfbri]

www.metraonline.com/ This is a good place to look up that kind of stuff.

[@tinawilson8827]

how do you remove the same stereo from the truck

[@motorbikerrrr]

looks like the new stereo and bracket latches itself in place.. You'll need a crowbar to get it out

[@tylerholman3518]

What do you do when it shorts out your lights cause it happen too me and my gauges don't work

[@jp9860]

I’ve got a 03 f250 super duty and someone cut my stock plug so idk what wire goes to what and I’m needing to get one to wire back in so I can get adapter to put a aftermarket radio in

[@criticalpunk301]

Does this setup work with any ford? I got a 2000 ford f150. Will this setup work for my truck?

[@ernestomartinez858]

Hi Mr. Brian! You are super helpful thank you! Your video helped Me and a buddy install a boss stereo in a 99 ford f150 thanks again

[@JonEstle]

I just got a 2000 F150 with an aftermarket cd player already put in it. I have to manually turn it off every time I stop the truck because it doesn't automatically turn off. Is there a way to change this. I'd actually like to put a newer aftermarket radio in it. How do I remove an aftermarket cd player already installed?

[@JuanVargas-ze6lv]

if you still have this problem you aftermarket stereo removal keys that usually come with a new head unit

[@CaLLMeRisKTakER]

how do i take the cd out if its stuck in the drive ? and if all the lights don't work and its stuck on a radio channel that i cant change the channel or the volume is it he deck

[@brianmoats]

My current radio fried sending smoke in the cabin. When I hook up my aftermarket radio it will not power up. I changed the fuse but with no luck. What else do I need to do.

[@TeudyTrinidad]

Hi, how can l get the harness or adapter

[@grayeagle1000]

I guess if you are replacing an older non-working stereo that is in your ford truck dash with a new brand new Sony stereo, you will be able to REUSE the Ford truck harness plug. Hopefully, you can do so by: As you remove the old stereo, you can also remove the trucks harness plug that fits right in to your ford truck by unplugging it from the truck right along with the old stereo and its harness plug. You ditch the old stereo and its harness plug BUT you can RE-USE the trucks harness plug that was plugged into your truck before you just removed it by 1) cutting it away from the old stereo harness plug, 2) rewiring it to the new stereos harness plug via matching the wires by color code then, 3) plug the original trucks harness plug you removed with the old stereo and simply plug it right back in where you removed it from. I hope this is the case. I will find out tomorrow morning. Oh yea don't forget to plug the new stereos antenna wire into the trucks antenna input port. Stick er in and button it up.

[@emiliorodriguez3303]

What size white caps are those

[@joepedroza4707]

Thanks brian im going to hook up an aftermath on my 97 explorer. You made it look easy.

[@doityourselfbri]

+Joe Pedroza Go for it, it's not to bad...The only thing that you may have a problem with is on those older Explorers they had factory amps in some of them with premium systems...Let me know if you have any questions or trouble.

[@izackcampbell3187]

Do It Yourself Bri I need help I have a 2001 explorer sport trac and my amp turn on but no nice from subs it's driving me nuts

[@crystalmansley8877]

izack Campbell and the

[@JeffTheHokie]

Rather than using the removal tool, and trying to snap everything into place from the front, why not just remove the bezel? On a ranger, it is held on by 2 7mm screws. If you can access both sides of the hole you can get a MUCH more secure fit.

[@thecoviestockton6545]

Would this work on a 99 f150?

[@doityourselfbri]

Yes basically the same concepts!

[@hustleman5030]

I used a wire harness for the deck I used a wire harness for the factory plug I disconnect the negative battery prior to hooking up the new stereo. When I went to do my test run for power to the new stereo my truck won't start the relay is clicking it's the starter relay any idea why??z

[@theoldfred]

1984 mercury cougar original radio wiring harness for radio speakers NOT working. The 9 volt battery trick does not work. its like the wires are not connected to the speakers.

[@piggyjones6667]

I have a 01 ford and I bought that same adapter and I cannot find the one that plugs in

[@galaxyguy9873]

im haveing allot of trouble doing this. i can match up all the speaker wires but have simply no idea how to hook up the power. practically 0 technical skills. what should i do? i can match yellow to yellow bit after that none of the power wires match.

[@doityourselfbri]

What brand of radio are you installing?

[@galaxyguy9873]

thanks for replying but i dont even have the truck anymore.

[@matthewjones8004]

I just bought a 99 7.3 and my aftermarket radio is and no power any tips ???

[@edlightman]

i removed the radio from my 2001ranger i was going to replace the speedometer bulbs i put the radio back in pluged all plugs now the radio will not power up there is power at the plug .is there a code i need to program the radio ? it is a am fm cd mach mp3

[@daisybadilla4513]

Hi need help my stereo won't turn back on!! It works but it keeps turning off and on do you know what that means?

[@gwrace]

My 2004 Ford Excursion had two plugs in the back of the radio in addition to the antenna wire

[@connerjones7640]

This was the only helpful video I've found

[@doityourselfbri]

+Conner Jones Thanks man, I'm glad I could help!

[@sinceregrant3765]

🔥🔥💯i wanna get a flip out screen radio for my 1997 ford f-150 short bed