upgrading radio questions

[rocco russo]

i was thinking about upgrading the radio on my 2007 Sport Trac to a full color screen sat/nav system (I really haven't looked in to exactly which one yet) which takes me to my first question:



are there better brands that work with Ford than others?



what about the menu commands for the interior that are currently controlled through the built in radio?



what about the steering wheel commands, can they be rewired to control a new system?



thanks in advance for any help/tips



-rocco

 

[rocco russo]

i guess to make it simpler....



is it possible to upgrade my 2007 Sport Trac to use a newer dvd/nav system from Ford with the Sync stuff?



how is the Sync stuff btw? i'm a Mac guy and instinctively mistrust M$ (Vista anyone)... but curious as to how Sync is doing in the real world



thanks again!

 

[Roger Batts]

You also need to make sure your vehicle CAN use a different radio. On some of the newer vehicles, Ford is doing like GM (Visteon makes Ford's radios, too) and integrating other vehicle components into the radio. For example, the headlamp controller for the newer F-150's is supposed to be part of the radio head unit.









----------EDIT-------------

I just called our radio repair facility, Omicron Electronics. The electrical systems now use a CAN-BUS system and if an aftermarket head unit is installed, it MUST be done by a professional. Parts of the electrical system will have to be rerouted. For example, the headlamps would have to be wired directly to the fuse panel.

 

[rocco russo]

thanks for the follow up Roger....



i think i will swing by a dealership this weekend and see what options i have

 

[Robert Thomas]

I have a pioneer avic d3, in a 07. It hooked up easy with the adapter harness. I really like it. The only thing I lost was the radio staying on after the key is turned off.

 

[scott degroot]

You can get a nav unit out of another Ford vehicle (like another Explorer or a truck) and it should just slide right in, however you will need to get the radio reprogrammed to work with your vehicle/accessories.