How to Replace the Radio & Six CD Changer in a 2006 Ford Expedition

In 1997, Ford closed the door on the aging Bronco and opened a new door by releasing the all-new Expedition. The 2006 Expedition came fitted with a 300-horsepower, 5.4-liter V-8 engine and AM-Fm radio with a cassette and CD player. The 2006 Expedition also had an optional remote CD changer, which Ford mounted in the center console. Replacing the radio and CD changer in the 2006 Expedition is a straightforward task, but the radio requires you to remove a large trim panel to access its mounting hardware.

Instructions

Insert the key in the Expeditions ignition and turn it to the Run position. Apply the parking brake and shift the gear shifter into the 1 position.

Install a memory saver to the Expedition, using the memory savers instructions as your guide. Loosen the negative battery cable ends pinch bolt, using a combination wrench, and pull the negative battery cable from the battery.

Remove the two screws inside the recess where the gauges are, using a Phillips screwdriver. Pry around the perimeter of the instrument cluster finish panel with a flat-head screwdriver to release its retaining clips. Pull the finish panel away from the dashboard just far enough to access the wiring harnesses plugged into the various components on the finish panel. Unplug the wiring harness the number of harnesses depends on the options that your Expedition has. Remove the finish panel from the vehicle.

Remove the two screws securing the radio and grounding plate, if equipped, using a ratchet and socket. Pull the grounding plate from the dashboard, if equipped, and slide the radio from the dashboard just far enough to access its wiring,

Unplug the wiring harnesses and the antenna cable. Remove the radio from the SUV.

Plug the wiring harnesses and antenna cable into their respective receptacles on the radio each harness is a different size to prevent incorrect connection. Slide the radio and its wiring into the dashboard chassis. Position the ground plate in place under the radio, if equipped, and tighten the two radio-retaining screws with a ratchet and socket.

Maneuver the instrument cluster finish panel around the steering wheel and reconnect the wiring harnesses into the receptacles on the finish panel-mounted accessories.

Align the retaining clips on the rear of the instrument cluster finish panel with their slots in the dashboard. Press the instrument cluster finish panel onto the dashboard to snap these clips into place. Tighten the two finish panel-retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver.

Reconnect the negative battery cable and tighten its pinch bolt to 44 inch-pounds, using an inch-pound torque wrench and socket. Apply the brake and shift the gear shifter back into the Park position. Test the radios operation, then turn the ignition the Off position.

Remove the memory saver.

Open the center console and pull the rubber mat from the bottom of the console. Remove the four screws securing the CD changers chassis to the inside of the center console, using a ratchet and socket.

Slide the CD changer chassis rearward, then lift the CD changer and its chassis upward from the center console just far enough to access the changers wiring harness. Unplug the CD changers wiring harness.

Remove the eight CD changer-to-carrier screws, using a ratchet and socket, and pull the CD changer from its carrier, if replacing the CD changer.

Slide the CD changer into the chassis, if needed, with the protrusion on the bottom facing the front of the chassis. Tighten the eight CD changer-to-chassis screws until snug, using a ratchet and socket.

Connect the wiring harness to the rear of the CD changer, and lower the CD changer and chassis into its cavity in the center console.

Tighten the four screws securing the CD changer chassis to the center console, using a ratchet and socket. Lower the rubber mat into place into the center console. Close the center console lid.