#1997 f150 stereo upgrade kit install
#1997 f150 stereo upgrade kit update
#1997 f150 stereo upgrade kit full

If I were to do it again, I might have looked further into Sync 3 swap to keep the full 8' screen, but having to get the right APIM and having it coded for the truck was a big turn off.

#1997 f150 stereo upgrade kit update

Maybe a maestro update would correct this as well. It only happens once in a blue moon, so not a huge deal, but its worth mentioning. It requires shutting the truck off, opening the door (to kill the head unit), and starting the truck again. Last gripe to polish this off, sometimes have dead dash and steering wheel controls when starting the vehicle. Oh well, just have to remove the dash trim to get at it, which only takes a couple minutes to do. That or my computer was being funky, as I was unable to connect to it. Must have to disconnect the main harness to do so like you do on the bench prior to install. My thought was that I could 'remotely' update the maestro using this cable. I placed the maestro unit just behind the factory hvac controls and fished a usb cable into the cubby area at the front of the console. Haven't been able to update the module easily due to the next point. This should have been taken care of via the adapter harness included in the kit, but for some reason it has an error. The head unit pops an error for ebrake hookup not being attached. No big deal, just an added trip using a different car. Ended up taking a picture of the factory connection and went to best buy. Lastly, for some reason the antenna adapter I bought, that supposedly fit the truck, didnt. Requires removal of the center console top, so keep that in mind. Fishing the wires for the new usb connector in the center console is a PITA. Hindsight, would have preferred to not have to modify the dash. I believe crutchfield states this on their website, but i didnt read it carefully enough.

#1997 f150 stereo upgrade kit install

This can be avoided with the use of a non-DVD/CD head unit, as the it lacks the size of the full head unit and 'should' install a lot easier.

There is a support that needs to be cut out/removed. The DVD/CD drive head unit choice require some dash modification. Immediate advantage in sound, keeping all the factory mytouch menu options. I went with a pioneer head unit with wireless carplay. Thanks all!Īs an update about a year after install, i am very happy with the choice to move with the MFT1/meastro kit.

Ill likely get the sound i want from the Sync 3, but wanted to get some opinions. I am generally happy with OEM speakers/subs. I usually 'correct' bad sounding OEM stereos with a head unit swap. I even get the option to run gauges on the stereo, diagnose engine codes, and a lot of other neat functions.īut which is the best way to go? I am not an audiophile. The Maestro was designed for trucks like this one to retain all steering wheel functions, HVAC, etc. I am having a hard time getting past that, but love knowing I will have the advantage of possibly getting wireless carplay, way better sound quality, way better sound options, etc. Do my 'volume' and 'tune' ***** retain function? From what i can tell, theyll be dead with the Maestro, but im not 100% on that. I was staring at the current setup and wondering what all functionality i will be losing or what ***** will effectively become dead. Couldnt make up my mind on a head unit and got in the truck to drive someplace. I did my research and said wow, I can get all of the most modern features of a new radio with this little adapter module, but what do i lose? I read about losing the CD slot, no big deal, so I actually pulled the trigger on the install kit yesterday. Maestro + aftermarket radio - I was reading a Sync 3 thread and saw a poster say 'I dont know why anyone would bother with Sync 3 when the Maestro is available'. Do i get to keep my ambient lighting options? How is the sound quality over the Sync 2?Ģ. I get carplay, can retain nav if i choose (sucks on Sync 2, but why bother if i have carplay?), etc. Sync 3 - As an obvious OEM+ option, it retains all factory-ness about the screen, *****, etc. I am after better sound quality, carplay, and retain as many factory options/***** that i can.ġ. Ive been reading a LOT of different threads about my options and it really comes down to two, both of which i have questions about.

Ever since buying the truck, the head unit/stereo has always been a shortcoming. It is the 8' screen with factory Sony amplified system, ambient lighting, etc. Hey all, so looking to swap out the Sync 2 in my '13 Limited.