The radio/navigation units that came with a Lincoln may have had these other options already turned on, such as DVD capability to the overhead console screen for the rear passengers, and/or hands free (Bluetooth) capability to sync with your cell phone, so they will work in your F150. The radio/navigation units with the F150's were primarily just that: radio and navigation, however, there were additional options that could be enabled, and these are what folks talk about that require that the radio be "flashed" to enable them.
The screen may show "F150", or the Ford oval logo, or possibly other model names such as "Lincoln", but this does not effect the units operation at all, just the momentary screen on power up.Īlso, the options that came with the unit may or may not be "turned on", and if wanted, may need to be flashed to enable. The difference is going to be what shows up on the screen as the unit powers up. I've bought navigation units from an F150, and from a Lincoln. If you have a 2004 to early 2006 F150 and buy a radio or radio/navigation unit from a late 2006 and up F150, you'll need this radio antenna adaptor, easily available at any stereo installation shop or online store for about 12 bucks.Īs to the reprogramming that some posts have mentioned about with these factory navigation units, there's lots of confusion here.
It requires the head unit (radio/navigation system), the GPS antenna, and possibly a radio antenna adaptor, as the 2006 and up radios changed the antenna plug that's used. You can also go crazy and spend thousands of dollars on higher-quality speakers, DSP processing and calibration, and bigger subs-but for now, I think this has everything I need.Buying a stock radio/navigation unit from an 06 to 08 F150 (or other Ford vehicle) and installing into your 04 to 07 F150 is an easy swap. Whether to take on the aftermarket truck upgrade, replacing that old 4-inch system with a full-fledged AV powerhouse made for the most satisfying result I could have hoped for. Everything connects automatically.Īs far as upgrading the stereo in a Ford F-150, the best way might involve a custom installer. Now, Apple CarPlay lets me do everything hands-free and use apps like Google Maps, Amazon Music, and Spotify without even having to take my phone out of my pocket. Combined with the flagship AVIC-W8500NEX AV receiver, I not only dramatically increased the sound quality of the system, I added features as well.īefore, I was able to use Ford Sync2 and Bluetooth to make and receive calls. Now, we upgraded all of the speakers to Pioneer.
I had added a Kicker subwoofer which gave me a lot more bass. The audio system sounded remarkably decent for an almost-OEM rig. Continuing up to the front of the vehicle, it then connected into the AV harness for the Pioneer head unit. Next, they carefully ran the camera wiring alongside the chassis underneath the truck and into the cable trough.