Navigation and Sound System Installed - with Photos

[FStephenMasek]

I completed the installation yesterday. To see pictures go to

 

http://www.photobucket.com

 

and look at the album under my user name - fsmmcsi

 

Having the shop manuals was essential.

 

You will be amazed, even stunned by the difference made by replacing the factory speakers with good speakers. I started the installation by installing Cerwin-Vega IT-683 speakers:

 

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_286.html

 

I bought the Pioneer AVIC-Z1, back up camera, Bluetooth unit, and XM & XM NavTraffic units from:

 

http://www.abesofmaine.com/

 

and the installation kit and adapters from Crutchfield.

[oldracer]

Did you have the Audiophile system from the factory?

 

I do but I'm always open to better speakers.....

[NLPRacing]

I've really been considering the exact same set-up (except Sirius instead of XM). Are you able to use the steering controls with the Pioneer?

[FStephenMasek]

Everyone - I just added two more photos.

 

The Crutchfield adapter harness has an orange wire for the IP illumination connection, but the harness in the Explorer does not have a wire in the corresponding slot. The screen was very bright last night, so I realized my error, opened it up today, and connected the orange illumination wire from the AVIC-Z1 to the IP illumination wire on the HVAC controls (blue with brown stripe). Now the screen dims when the lights are on.

 

Oldracer - I had the base sound system. I specifically did not want the Audiophile system, as the big bulge on the right side of the cargo compartment would make it impossible for me to carry my ladders. It sounds fine with the four 3-way speakers and just the amplifiers built intot he AVIC-Z1. However, it would have been easy to add external amplifier(s) and a sub-woofer.

 

NLPRacing - The Eddie Bauer I bought does not have the steering wheel controls. However, you can use them with the Pioneer unit. A company named PAC makes the adapters:

 

http://www.pac-audio.com/products/products...eel%20Interface

Edited November 30, 2006 by FStephenMasek

[FStephenMasek]

You drilled a hole in your roof? You are a braver man than I.

Thanks, but it was more planning than bravery. Those troughs in the roof seem like an ideal location for those little antennas. I also drilled one in the tailgate, behind the license plate. Edited November 30, 2006 by FStephenMasek

[Lil Red]

You drilled a hole in your roof? You are a braver man than I.

 

It's not necesary to drill a hole in the roof or even mount the GPS sensor in the roof if you don't want to. Mine is located rite under the center tray area under the dashboard. There's a perfect space beneath that center dashboard tray to mount both the Bluetooth and and GPS receivers. Both work great and there are no issues with picking up the GPS satelites. No cutting, drilling or any other modification needed to get a great factory look finish.

 

I've really been considering the exact same set-up (except Sirius instead of XM). Are you able to use the steering controls with the Pioneer?

 

I can confirm that the PAC adaptor works perfectly in linking the steering wheel controls to the Pioneer AVIC-Z1. All of the audio related buttons work(Volume, seek, scan, etc.)

[NLPRacing]

How do guys like the Pioneer AVIC-Z1 versus the factory unit?

[FStephenMasek]

Yes, I know that GPS sensors will work inside of the car near the windshield. However, the XM antenna really does need to be outside of the vehicle, so I put them both there. Plus, the GPS antenna has a better chance of picking up more signals if it is up on the roof.

 

I have the Bluetooth unit behind the dashboard under the far right side HVAC vent.

 

One of the most significant features of the AVIC-Z1 is the optional XM-NavTraffic function (I just used it today for the first time to decide to avoid a lengthy stretch of clogged freeway). It also has a hard disk to store the maps and music (it will automatically load a CD to the hard disk).

Edited December 1, 2006 by FStephenMasek

[Lil Red]

How do guys like the Pioneer AVIC-Z1 versus the factory unit?

 

There is absolutely no comparison. The Z1 offers sooo many more features over the factory unit. 30Gig hard drive which eliminates the need to use DVD's for the navigation maps. 10 Gig dedicated for the maps. 20Gig storage for music which eliminates the need for a CD changer not to mention how much more music that holds compared to a a few discs in the changer. The ability to actually play DVD movies and hook up addition monitors in the rear seats for passengers to enjoy. Factory units will not play DVDs. A ton of additional features at about the same cost compared to the factory navigation system. Check out the Pioneer website for a ful set of features and then go to your nearest Ford dealership to look at the factory unit that they offer. It'll be a no brainer!

 

Check out http://www.abesofmaine.com/ for pricing specifics.