Missing radio connection?

[Agamemnon]

2006 Expedition (don't even know the sub-model/trim, I just bought it)

I removed the radio as part of a separate problem: replacing the blend door actuator -- which is done, and working. (By the way, be careful when ordering the blend door actuator: there are different parts with identical look and connector. And don't go by the part number of the one that you find there. The one in mine was the wrong part. Which led to its gear teeth stripping. The first actuator I bought was the same wrong part. ) Anyway, I removed the radio and fixed the blend.

Today I went to put the radio back and reassemble the dash. But the stock radio has spots for 3 connectors, plus the antenna. The 3 connection points on the back of the radio have 24, 16, and 8 pins.

The radio wiring harness has the 24 and 16 pin connectors, but not the 8-pin. Is that normal? I've searched inside the dashboard cavity for hours. I see no 8-pin connector. I did not make a note of what came off the radio, thinking it would be obvious. Alas.

When I plug in the 24 and 16, turn the key to ON, and try to turn on the radio, nothing happens. No light on radio. Seems to have no power. It was working before I took it out.

All radio-related fuses appear intact. I checked fuses 1, 4, 7, 22, and relay R02.

Could the missing 8-pin have fallen so far back that it's just impossible to see or reach?

 

[S20Workstation4]

I've had a connectors fall far back for me, especially for when I had to replace my radio a couple years back....fish around in the cavity and see if their there.

 

[Agamemnon]

Thanks. Good to know.

When you found your lost connector, did you find it down in the space below the radio, or was it way far back, behind the blend door actuator and down out of view?

If it’s back there, I can’t even imagine how to go about retrieving it.

 

[Agamemnon]

Well, I bought a boroscope—camera at the end of a 5’ cable with a hand-held monitor. I am convinced that there is no third connection. I found several peanut shells though.

So it is apparently a coincidence that the radio stopped working at this moment. Thinking I should just order a radio.

Does anyone have any other thoughts? Does this radio run with just the 24- and 16-pin connections in place?

 

[Agamemnon]

Final answer : check your fuses VERY carefully. Fuse 22 or 24 (I forget which) was blown. 10A.

Radio working with only the 24 and 16-pin connectors on. There is no 8-pin connector in this vehicle.

 

[whtbronco]

The 8 pin connector is for the optional subwoofer.

The model/trim level is or was noted on the lower left corner of the tailgate. I believe the 3 options were XLS, XLT and Eddie Bauer. XLS was mostly sold to fleets and emergency response.