Stereo base 4.3" head unit upgrade: Ideas? Plans?***

[aggieStang]

Look at a base system's sync module. That is where you will find the matching plugs

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[dfrost]

Yeah, just found that thanks. A little different plugs. Definitely going to need a wire schematic. Hunting one now.

 

[zackmd1]

Yeah, just found that thanks. A little different plugs. Definitely going to need a wire schematic. Hunting one now.

Main sync connector should be the same no? :shrug:

The question is whether or not the base model sync connector is missing the wires that are routed to the 4.3" screen.

 

[dfrost]

Looks close.
So far the schematics only found for premium model. Can't find 2015 base...

 

[aggieStang]

Ive got the service manual. I will be hunting all of it down tonight

 

[zackmd1]

Ive got the service manual. I will be hunting all of it down tonight

Awesome!

 

[dfrost]

The back of the mustang is the same as escape. Same plugs etc.. Both wire schematics are the same also as to pin placement. Difference that I've seen is with amps or without. Still looking and tracing wires though. I'm starting to think if you got the screen with module its plug and play, leaving only a new bezel required. And I'm not sure the factory one can't be modified.

 

[zackmd1]

The back of the mustang is the same as escape. Same plugs etc.. Both wire schematics are the same also as to pin placement. Difference that I've seen is with amps or without. Still looking and tracing wires though. I'm starting to think if you got the screen with module its plug and play, leaving only a new bezel required. And I'm not sure the factory one can't be modified.

If it is only the bezel then I can fix that! I can make a bezel that will cover the top half that the screen can mount to. On the outside it will look just like the ebay bezel. You will have to cut your OEM plastic though... Circuit board should not need to be modified.

 

[dfrost]

I thought of that as well. Cutting the stock one and adding an 8' bezel. Made one out of alum and covered in leather...didn't like it. Thought about carbon fiber also.
I want one that looks pretty stock so I'll wait... Perhaps, sure you will, will come up with one. I'd get a premium one but they are hard to find and best price I've been quoted was $200. May pull the trigger.
I've only been messing with the stereo for a week or so, I'll have it figured out within a week or two, even if I have to rewire the entire car. Calling LKQ in the morning to get a screen with module to test my theory.

Edit: I've been telling ya bezel and button cover...lol.
Ready for what's next..?

 

[Tristar]

Base Radio

I actually like the base radio, well, when I say like I mean the screen does what I need it to do, and my Sync works perfect everytime?

I do wish it had more power, but I don't need the larger touch screen, and I don't miss the fingerprints all over it either.

If it was an easier job to upgrade and you gained some power too, then maybe. But it looks like a nightmare to install and is there some issue with the included Navigation with the one promising looking screen.

Just my two cents.

Chris

I'll get you a pic of the base radio in the am.... I really like my car, with the exceptions of the radio and the exhaust. Once I upgrade the exhaust I won't be able to tell the radio is even on except to look at the screen!

 

[zackmd1]

I thought of that as well. Cutting the stock one and adding an 8' bezel. Made one out of alum and covered in leather...didn't like it. Thought about carbon fiber also.
I want one that looks pretty stock so I'll wait... Perhaps, sure you will, will come up with one. I'd get a premium one but they are hard to find and best price I've been quoted was $200. May pull the trigger.
I've only been messing with the stereo for a week or so, I'll have it figured out within a week or two, even if I have to rewire the entire car. Calling LKQ in the morning to get a screen with module to test my theory.

Edit: I've been telling ya bezel and button cover...lol.
Ready for what's next..?

I am thinking of a bezel made on shapeways... It can then be painted (already found some paint that should match the base bezel) to look like one seamless unit.

 

[dfrost]

I actually like the base radio, well, when I say like I mean the screen does what I need it to do, and my Sync works perfect everytime?

I do wish it had more power, but I don't need the larger touch screen, and I don't miss the fingerprints all over it either.

If it was an easier job to upgrade and you gained some power too, then maybe. But it looks like a nightmare to install and is there some issue with the included Navigation with the one promising looking screen.

Just my two cents.

Chris

I agree, it does what it should and works well. I got the base models because I don't like leather and only wanted the 8" Nav and the toggles. Took care of those week one and put off the radio. Although Zack's toggles are a better design. I believe it will be an easy upgrade in the end.
If I'd know about NOT being able to just "add" the toggles and 8" Nav screen, cars were new, no one really knew much about them, I'd bought the premium model for my DD and changed the seats...now its the fact people say I can't do it! Adapt, improvise and over come...

 

[zackmd1]

I have just compared the main sync harness connector on the sync module side. Both MFT sync and base model sync have the exact same connector module side. If there is a difference it will be on the harness side in the form of missing pins/wiring. For those that have the wiring harness diagrams, focus your attention on the sync connector.

 

[aggieStang]

I have just compared the main sync harness connector on the sync module side. Both MFT sync and base model sync have the exact same connector module side. If there is a difference it will be on the harness side in the form of missing pins/wiring. For those that have the wiring harness diagrams, focus your attention on the sync connector.

Im waiting til i can get home. My work comp wont pull up the svg files to view the diagrams

 

[zackmd1]

Im waiting til i can get home. My work comp wont pull up the svg files to view the diagrams

Understood! Just posting my findings! The more and more this is shaping up it might actually be a plug and play install!

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