Radio/Nav swap

[Harry12]

I have a 2012 Expy El with just the regular radio/CD player. Is it possible to swap the radio unit with a new Ford radio that has navigation, and if the swap is possible would the install be plug and play or would there be cutting, splicing, etc? Thanks in advance for the replies.

 

[JUST4FUN]

Aftermarket is better ,the ford unit would just be a head unit other parts would be needed.

 

[Davids03Expy]

If you were to install the factory navigation unit it would require you to install new wires because it is not plug and play... Everyone goes after market because its a lot easier to install an its better then the factory navigation.. The most popular brand are pioneer and
kenwood double dins.

 

[GAINMOB]

they are correct not to mention that you would have to pay for programming of the unit which can run up to $1200...you can buy a GREAT aftermarket from $800 and up with everything...nav/BT/DVD/CD

 

[RI-Matt]

I have a 2012 Expy El with just the regular radio/CD player. Is it possible to swap the radio unit with a new Ford radio that has navigation, and if the swap is possible would the install be plug and play or would there be cutting, splicing, etc? Thanks in advance for the replies.

What level Expy do you have ? Limited, Eddie Bauer, XLT ? Does it have the subwoofer ?

The factory NAV unit should swap right in plug n play as long as its programmed to the truck ( you do need the GPS antenna too ) I did this on my 06 F150 without issue.


Matt

 

[sgtowing]

Go aftermarket. cheaper and easier to expand as well. I am partial to Pioneer/Kenwood

 

[Harry12]

Matt, mine is a XLT with Sync, single CD, and Sirus. I do not believe there is a subwoofer.

 

[RI-Matt]

Seeing as the NAV units were used primarily in the higher end versions they are usually programmed for the Audiophile ( subwoofer ) setup. You would have to ask the programmer if they can program it without that option otherwise if you dont have the subwoofer you wont have any low end.


There is a place that advertises on ebay that sells the entire setup and programs it for your vehicle, you could contact them and see what they say.




Matt

 

[Harry12]

Thank you. I will check into that.

 

[tojohnso]

Beware of the map updates. Factory cost is $200 per update and the maps are about 9 months to a year old.

 

[atmasters]

I just went threw all this and I recommend going aftermarket if you go Kenwood ask about the Idatalink and you will be able to maintain all the factory settings like Sync and all your steering wheel controls. Kenwood has Garmin nav and is 3 times the stereo than stock and cheaper to put in and I think it looks way better after installed. You will not need to do much to go stock but the cost of those units and the updates is not worth it.

 

[Bernard]

I just went threw all this and I recommend going aftermarket if you go Kenwood ask about the Idatalink and you will be able to maintain all the factory settings like Sync and all your steering wheel controls. Kenwood has Garmin nav and is 3 times the stereo than stock and cheaper to put in and I think it looks way better after installed. You will not need to do much to go stock but the cost of those units and the updates is not worth it.

Can you upload some pics?

Mine is a 2010 EL Eddie Bauer with factory nav and ceiling rear DVD.
I would like to replace my factory nav/radio but want to keep the Sync and all the other factory controls (steering wheel and, if possible, the rear DVD).
Is it even possible?
Is there a way to do that?

 

[tojohnso]

Bernard - you must have missed where atmasters mentioned the Kenwood idatalink module. It's very possible. Look at the following. If my truck didn't come with the NAV, I probably would have gone the Kenwood route.

Kenwood - ADS iData Link

 

[Bernard]

Thanks. You (me, in that case.. ..) see what you want to see..- I thought the Kennwood was one option and maybe he went with another one.

What I would like to see/find is something chipper than those prim-expensive companies…

 

[rwmorrisonjr]

The Kenwood Idatalink Maestro solution looks like the best one for our trucks. Now I want one!

 

[atmasters]

I will try to post a pic later. I did go with the Kenwood DNX 7190HD. I would recommend getting a newer Kenwood as I lost the port for my Sat Radio but the newer Kenwoods have more options and have the port to keep your Sat Radio with the Idatalink. I have been able to keep all my Sync and controls and the deck makes things a little easier then stock. I recommend aftermarket for your best experience.

 

[Harry12]

Thank you everyone for your information!

 

[Crang94]

What level Expy do you have ? Limited, Eddie Bauer, XLT ? Does it have the subwoofer ?

The factory NAV unit should swap right in plug n play as long as its programmed to the truck ( you do need the GPS antenna too ) I did this on my 06 F150 without issue.


Matt

I am new to Fords, the Expedition in general. What is meant by 'needs to be programmed?'
Is this something to do with the sync technology, or does it apply to all years? (I have a 3rd gen 2007).

I am looking to upgrade my unit as well and considering the same. My Exp. has the 'enhanced audio (sub) and I assume a seperate amp.
Also, the factory unit seems to be made by pioneer if I am not mistaken.

 

[BIGRED03]

Ford navigation unit

I have a 2012 Expy El with just the regular radio/CD player. Is it possible to swap the radio unit with a new Ford radio that has navigation, and if the swap is possible would the install be plug and play or would there be cutting, splicing, etc? Thanks in advance for the replies.

Crang94 welcome to Ford Expeditions. I think the factory unit is much better. I have an expensive Pioneer in another car and I think it is an AVIC *** model aftermarket touchscreen GPS, SAT, Bluetooth that is a great aftermarket system, but there it is it is a aftermarket unit that seems never to blend in.
The new nav radio's that Ford has are really good and do some thing's I cannot get an aftermarket to do. Ford has included the "Travel Link" with the sat radio that will get real time weather radar on screen( with hail and high wind warnings) along with gas prices from the areas nearest stations and it will get a host of other info like stock prices, movie times, ski reports ect. Yes other aftermarket radio can now get this but find out what you have to buy to do it. Ford's hard drive like other hdd based units will let you add your pics and mp3 music and it is seamless to me. The unit uses Ford SYNC as it's Bluetooth to pair phones to the system and it will download from the phone the phonebook, call list, text messages from late model phones. See syncmyride from Ford to see all capabilities. For the money and ease of blending it all in and being covered by warranty can't beat it. I cannot see how any aftermarket unit could do better.
The units are for sale on Ebay and other sites and are plug and play. If you already have Sync all the better and cheaper. Send a PM for more info if you want. If your truck is like I think it is it should be a easy upgrade. Not saying what model you have there is a chance of a problem but there are adapters available to solve any changes during the 3rd gen. I went thru this a few months ago when I was going to buy a used Expy w/o nav and got an education in Nav systems for them.

 

[RI-Matt]

I am new to Fords, the Expedition in general. What is meant by 'needs to be programmed?'
Is this something to do with the sync technology, or does it apply to all years? (I have a 3rd gen 2007).

I am looking to upgrade my unit as well and considering the same. My Exp. has the 'enhanced audio (sub) and I assume a seperate amp.
Also, the factory unit seems to be made by pioneer if I am not mistaken.

The 07-08 Expys didnt have Sync and yes the 07-08 NAV units were made by Pioneer to Fords specs.
The programming ( if needed ) would have to be done by an audio shop ( or some dealers ) and is based on the vehicle and options ( ex Expy, F150, F350, Edge etc... )
You can find ones for sale on ebay that will come programmed for you, just remember you are looking for the non-hard drive version if installing in your 07.
p.s. you need the GPS antenna too but this should be included with the NAV.


Matt