GPS radio/cd player

[yockmyer]

Hello to all,
I have the chance to pick up this gps/cd player for my 2003 Eddie Bauer Expedition. I currently have the 6 cd changer installed with no GPS. Does anybody know what else I would need to make the swap? I searched the site for info but didn't find anything. Any info would be appreciated. I really enjoy this site...I think I have spent more time reading/enjoying on here than driving "Shannon" Thank you again...

Jim

 

[yockmyer]

Here is a pic of the unit I'm thinking about buying...I am assuming it is not a 6 cd changer. Thanks.....

 

[yockmyer]

As a complete novice re car audio installation, I just want to know if this swap would be "major surgery" or pretty much plug and play. If there is a thread re this that I overlooked, please feel free to let me know. Thanks for your time....

Jim

 

[Trainmaster]

I never worked on an 03, but I did the job on my 08. Your unit, if it was offered as an option in your year should just plug in. You will need an antenna for the GPS that usually mounts on the reinforcement under the dash. Magnetic after market ones are available.

If your car doesn't have steering wheel radio controls or a sub woofer and the navigation is programmed for them, they obviously won't work. You may have to make a harness to add those features. And if the unit is programmed for a subwoofer and you don't install one, you may lose the low sound.

 

[yockmyer]

Trainmaster,
Thank you for your reply...MY 03 has the steering wheel controls and a subwoofer. The existing radio has the DSP control button which I believe makes it an "Audiophile" system as opposed to a "Premium" system. They supposedly came out an 03. I like that they are factory....Again, thank you for the reply and the info.

Jim


As an aside, my father was an engineer on the B&O, then Chessie System for 35+ years. That man lived for the railroad.

 

[Flexpedition]

That particular nav unit was OK at best in 2003. If this was 2004, I'd say go for it. Today I'm not sure I'd consider it.

You load multiple CD-ROMS of map data into the unit. These were Ford-specific and I don't know when the last was made/updated. At the time there were multiple discs, like a NE USA, SE, central, Canada, etc. Later Ford navigation discs held these 5-6 discs on one. Pretty sure this unit isn't backwards compatible. (ie: hard drive versus disc)

With this unit, audio CD's were loaded into a center console mounted 6-disc changer.

 

[Trainmaster]

Thanks for the kind words, Yock, and good to hear of your Dad's years with the B&O. Railroading indeed gets in one's blood and it's a round-the-clock career, until you retire. You probably know that.

Here on the coast we called that road "Beefsteak and Onions" back in the day. They ran into Staten Island in New York and had a small commuter operation there.

 

[yockmyer]

It wasn't only dad, but his father and 2 of his brothers were also B&O railroaders. When they got together it was "all railroad, all the time".

 

[yockmyer]

That particular nav unit was OK at best in 2003. If this was 2004, I'd say go for it. Today I'm not sure I'd consider it.

You load multiple CD-ROMS of map data into the unit. These were Ford-specific and I don't know when the last was made/updated. At the time there were multiple discs, like a NE USA, SE, central, Canada, etc. Later Ford navigation discs held these 5-6 discs on one. Pretty sure this unit isn't backwards compatible. (ie: hard drive versus disc)

With this unit, audio CD's were loaded into a center console mounted 6-disc changer.

Flexpedition,

Thank you for your reply. Based on what you're saying, I think I am going to forget about swapping these out. I appreciate your input. Seems like I won't be happy with the result.

Thanks again,

Jim

 

[Sgt Darkness]

Flexpedition,

Thank you for your reply. Based on what you're saying, I think I am going to forget about swapping these out. I appreciate your input. Seems like I won't be happy with the result.

Thanks again,

Jim

Back a few years ago I installed 8track and cassette radios for my friends.....simple then just find a hot wire and decent ground and you’re good to go.....it’s a major operation anymore and I plan on keeping the B&O as it sounds pretty dang good...

 

[marlinpruett]

Check with Crutchfield about options for your year Expedition. I got a nice Kenwood from them and a plug and play harness that allows steering wheel control.The unit has all the latest options like Apple play and several GPS programs.
Uses the OEM speakers with no new wiring.

 

[yockmyer]

marlin,
Thanks for your reply....I will take a look at what Crutchfield has to offer. Thanks for the info!

Jim

 

[Frank Swygert]

I have the Nav unit in my new to me 2005. The radio is great, CD changer (in console, as pointed out) is great. I got it from a Honda dealer and I think their detail shop removed the owners manual and nav cds when they cleaned it, sales person of course knew nothing about them. I researched the nav cds. For just under $200 you can get an updated set, but I don't know when they were last updated. You can find older ones on e-bay for $15-20 EACH, but not much good. I debated getting a new nav/stereo/CD unit, but since the CD changer works great and will play CD I burned from MP3s on my computer, I decided to just get a Garmin and leave the factory unit alone. With an SD card, USB drive or Bluetooth input the CD changer is really a moot point though. I wanted a back-up camera and got a Garmin wireless system. It's okay, relatively easy to install (I put the sending unit on top of the wiper bulge in the hatch cover), but don't expect it to be like a factory unit in a newer car. Those are better because they are tuned to the individual car, not a one-size-fits-all. definitely better than no camera, but you still use it in conjunction with your side mirrors.

 

[yockmyer]

Thank you Frank...I think I am going to leave things as they are and go the Garmin route. Thank you for your reply.

 

[marlinpruett]

Thank you Frank...I think I am going to leave things as they are and go the Garmin route. Thank you for your reply.

My Kenwood uses Garmin as its base nav . Also I have Google map, Apple map and Waze.\ as a part Apple car play.

 

[yockmyer]

Good morning and thanks for your reply...I like the look of that unit. I still haven't changed my existing set-up. We don't own a cell phone, so my uneducated concern is that most features will be useless without one. I need to do more research on it before I make the leap. Thanks again for your reply....

Jim

My Kenwood uses Garmin as its base nav . Also I have Google map, Apple map and Waze.\ as a part Apple car play.