Silly question... OEM head units compatibility...

Lizard1 · 12-30-2011, 08:59 PM

I have a 1997 E350 and want to upgrade the system, but due to all the components I just purchased from Action Van and Aluminess and wheels, etc., my budget is pretty smoked.

The thing is, I really hate the factory head unit as it is radio and cassette. I don't even know where to find any cassettes...

So, I found a 2008 factory head unit and speakers and was going to try and swap it out, but want to know if it will even work. I wasn't sure about the antenna plug in, wires that plug in the back, etc...

Any help as to what years will work with my van would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Viejo · 12-30-2011, 09:17 PM

Unless you want to keep it 'semi-stock' with all Ford parts or the unit if free, I don't see why you don't just go down to your local car stereo shop and get an inexpensive unit with exactly the features you need.

Lizard1 · 12-30-2011, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viejo

Unless you want to keep it 'semi-stock' with all Ford parts or the unit if free, I don't see why you don't just go down to your local car stereo shop and get an inexpensive unit with exactly the features you need.

Buddy has a unit from a 2008 as well as a unit from a 2001 F250...

So, free is for me! Just wanna make sure the things would fit.

Otherwise, I plan on saving the money and getting a nice DVD unit...

carringb · 12-31-2011, 05:34 AM

Won't work. Starting with '03 vans, Ford used a CAN-network, with includes radio integration (allows accessory delay, speed/volume control and other features). The CAN and non-CAN setups are not interchangeable. The plugs are not even the same.

Lizard1 · 12-31-2011, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carringb

Won't work. Starting with '03 vans, Ford used a CAN-network, with includes radio integration (allows accessory delay, speed/volume control and other features). The CAN and non-CAN setups are not interchangeable. The plugs are not even the same.

So, anything from 97 to 02 will work? That 2001 unit will work, then?

carringb · 12-31-2011, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lizard1

Quote:

Originally Posted by carringb

Won't work. Starting with '03 vans, Ford used a CAN-network, with includes radio integration (allows accessory delay, speed/volume control and other features). The CAN and non-CAN setups are not interchangeable. The plugs are not even the same.

So, anything from 97 to 02 will work? That 2001 unit will work, then?

Yup. Except some earlier vans had blue dash lighting, and by '99 all have green and you can't change the color of the radio lights. It doesn't even have to be out of a van. It was pretty much the same unit for all Fords. Only thing is you can't put a MACH or SONY XPLODE factory unit in, since they have external amps and extra wiring.