How to Determine Which Radio Unit Came Installed

[Augster]

I bought a 2004 Eddie Bauer that had it's original radio replaced with a horrible (IMO) aftermarket head unit, and I think this is the reason the overhead DVD player doesn't work (I discovered several disconnected connectors behind the aftermarket radio so I assume that these are probably for the rear entertainment system).

How can I determine which radio it originally came with: the "Premium" or the "Audiophile" satellite-ready version? Will the VIN provide that level of detail?

Or can I just install a factory Audiophile satellite-ready version, regardless if the original was not the Audiophile satellite-ready version, and get Sirius without having to add any other satellite supporting equipment, such as antenna and/or satellite receiver (I am assuming the factory satellite-ready radio has the satellite receiver built-in)?

 

[Bedrck47]

Go to Ford etis and enter you vin number you will get the information of what all was on the expy when built

 

[Augster]

Go to Ford etis and enter you vin number you will get the information of what all was on the expy when built

Fantastic!

And according to the Ford ETIS website (assuming the VIN lookup info is accurate), it appears my Expy originally had the factory Navigation system:

•*AM/FM Str/CD/Clk/Navig System
•*With Audiophile Sound System

Maybe that could explain why it was replaced: either it broke and the owner felt it was too expensive to replace by Ford, or they decided to sell it and stick in a cheap aftermarket.

 

[Augster]

I also found out that it's an ultra-rare Eddie Bauer "Premier" edition, as it has the "Monochromatic Appearance Package." It even has the rare (for 2003-2006 as far as I can tell) 2nd row Captain's Chairs.

I had always believed that the all-black exterior had the usual "beige" accent custom painted over (my previous 2003 Eddie Bauer was black with the typical lower-body beige accent). But now I've discovered that Ford reintroduced this rare option in 2004.

 

[GAINMOB]

Fantastic!

And according to the Ford ETIS website (assuming the VIN lookup info is accurate), it appears my Expy originally had the factory Navigation system:

•*AM/FM Str/CD/Clk/Navig System
•*With Audiophile Sound System

Maybe that could explain why it was replaced: either it broke and the owner felt it was too expensive to replace by Ford, or they decided to sell it and stick in a cheap aftermarket.

or decided they wanted aftermarket for other reasons

 

[GAINMOB]

I also found out that it's an ultra-rare Eddie Bauer "Premier" edition, as it has the "Monochromatic Appearance Package." It even has the rare (for 2003-2006 as far as I can tell) 2nd row Captain's Chairs.

I had always believed that the all-black exterior had the usual "beige" accent custom painted over (my previous 2003 Eddie Bauer was black with the typical lower-body beige accent). But now I've discovered that Ford reintroduced this rare option in 2004.

I wouldn't say the captain chairs are rare...it was an option...some were made from the factory but still an option...and the monochromatic wasn't an option/package until 05

 

[Augster]

I wouldn't say the captain chairs are rare...it was an option...some were made from the factory but still an option...and the monochromatic wasn't an option/package until 05

I have to disagree with both your assertions. Yes, Captain Chairs were an option, but I've looked at hundreds of 2003-2006 Expeditions for sale and I've never seen any 2nd row Captains Chairs until I bought the one I have. Just because its an option doesn't mean it was a popular or common option; ergo, Captains Chairs are a rare option for the 2003-2006 generation.

I've also seen hundreds of 2007+ over the past couple years and noticed Captain Chairs are much more common in that generation over the previous generation. Having to carpool a lot of my friends, I've come to prefer the Captains Chairs as it allows easy entry/egress to the 3rd row without having to tilt back a 2nd row seat, even though I do lose at least one seating position.

Regarding Monochromatic option, you are just wrong. All the research I've come across indicates it was available in 2004. The Ford ETIS website even lists that option on my 2004 Expy (build date 10/4/2004) when I plug in my VIN; I've got the blacked out headlights, blacked out grills, painted running boards (the smooth outer trim part, not the step-on tread), so it absolutely corroborates the options listed through VIN decoding:

Primary Features
Paint: Ebony (Solid C/C)

Minor Features
Monochromatic Appearance Package

PS: I've attached a representative picture of what my '04 Eddie Bauer looks like (left), and what my '03 Eddie Bauer looked like (right).

 

[Bedrck47]

Based on your build date it appears that you have a very late build in the model year
Normally the model build year starts in Oct of the previous year Example would be a build date of 10/2003 So its very possible that with a build date of 10/4/2004 you have options that were originally for the 2005 model year.

 

[Bedrck47]

Not sure if this will work
Try the attached link

Use your VIN number to get Ford Window Sticker

 

[Augster]

Based on your build date it appears that you have a very late build in the model year
Normally the model build year starts in Oct of the previous year Example would be a build date of 10/2003 So its very possible that with a build date of 10/4/2004 you have options that were originally for the 2005 model year.

Or it could be that I have the Eddie Bauer Premier model, which incorporates the Monochromatic Appearance Package, but the Monochromatic Appearance Package itself may not have been a separately available option for customers to select:

Sauce: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Expedition#2004

According to the Wiki, the Eddie Bauer Premier model was only available in 2004 and then was replaced by the Limited line 2005. Perhaps this is when the Monochromatic Appearance Package became a separately available line-item option.

I can't find any information if the Eddie Bauer Premier has any special markings, nor does the Ford ETIS VIN lookup specially state that mine is the "Premier" version of the Eddie Bauer, but my Expy seems to have all the high-end options, such as Navigation, Power Tilt/Slide Sun Roof, 2nd Row Dual Captain Chairs (leather), Automatic Adjustable Suspension (I always wonder why my '04 seemed to ride so much better than my '03), Reverse Proximity Sensors, and Heated and Cooled front seats (which, unfortunately, don't appear to be working), in addition to the Monochromatic package.

Not sure if this will work
Try the attached link

Use your VIN number to get Ford Window Sticker

Unfortunately, it appears Ford discontinued providing Window Stickers for older vehicles, so mine isn't available.

 

[GAINMOB]

Based on your build date it appears that you have a very late build in the model year
Normally the model build year starts in Oct of the previous year Example would be a build date of 10/2003 So its very possible that with a build date of 10/4/2004 you have options that were originally for the 2005 model year.

agreed...build dates that late are normally for the next year seeing the auto industry works on fiscal year...not calendar year...my build date is 03/2004...they do make changes within the same year of vehicles...

to say he looked at hundreds doesn't say that its uncommon being that they made thousands of 03-06...so a small sample is conclusive unless there's something that says "out of the 120K expeditions built...only 12K had captain chairs as it was an option that most buyers didn't opt for"

 

[Augster]

to say he looked at hundreds doesn't say that its uncommon being that they made thousands of 03-06...so a small sample is conclusive unless there's something that says "out of the 120K expeditions built...only 12K had captain chairs as it was an option that most buyers didn't opt for"

Wow. At least I have personal empirical data to provide some basis for my conclusion, but you, now you have absolute NO clue, NO evidence, NO statistics whatsoever to support your point of view that a specific option is NOT uncommon, yet you will NOT stop imposing your unsubstatianted claims of your opinion, and have the unmitigated gall to fall back on the argument of statistical insignificant sampling to "prove" your belief, spewing completely arbitrary numbers without basis or merit to convince yourself and anyone else who has the remotest of interest in this thread that your position is without fault and beyond questioning.

I just read over all your responses, and it really is simply to refute everything I've mentioned, from why the radio may have been replaced and now to what constitutes "rare."

Just. Simply. Amazing.

 

[Bedrck47]

Augster

Sent you a PM

 

[GAINMOB]

Wow. At least I have personal empirical data to provide some basis for my conclusion, but you, now you have absolute NO clue, NO evidence, NO statistics whatsoever to support your point of view that a specific option is NOT uncommon, yet you will NOT stop imposing your unsubstatianted claims of your opinion, and have the unmitigated gall to fall back on the argument of statistical insignificant sampling to "prove" your belief, spewing completely arbitrary numbers without basis or merit to convince yourself and anyone else who has the remotest of interest in this thread that your position is without fault and beyond questioning.

I just read over all your responses, and it really is simply to refute everything I've mentioned, from why the radio may have been replaced and now to what constitutes "rare."

Just. Simply. Amazing.

1st...im not discrediting ur statements...but the mere fact that u looked at hundreds doesn't say much either...its a fact that I don't have statistics by the numbers...so therefore I was saying if there isn't proof I was suggesting it should be found...2nd...I'm not convincing anyone nor am I convincing myself cuz it doesn't influence me on anything...I have my expedition...words have meaning and based on your words ur suggesting that it's fact from your sample...not Ford's...so u can take it like a grain of salt or look past it...whatever is clever for u...but remember that threads and post aren't just for solving probs...there is and will be other discussion that go on in a thread as well...for me...its nothing but discussion but ur getting butt hurt over nothing and for no reason...so what if I think ur hundreds of looking at expeditions isn't uncommon or rare to me...guess you'll be contesting everything someone will ever say in the future about a statement that u make from this encounter...