Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Switching radios

I am switching radios between two contours. Pulled aftermarket JVC out of 1996 and put it in the 1995...no problems with that. I am putting the stock unit from 1995 into the 1996 contour. It does not seem to work. Can get power but no sound from speakers.

The DIN removal tool that I used to pull stock unit has a note that says "some vehicles may have code protected radio...". Is the ford stock radio w/cassette code protected? If so how do I get the code?

If it is not code protected...any other ideas on what might be problem?

If code protected and you are original owner you would have been given code, alternately you would have to contact your dealer.

Are wiring harnesses the same or did one of the cars have the behind-the-glove-box amp?

I am not original owner.

The harness for power was same and had not been cut an adapter was used to put in the jvc unit. The one for speakers had been cut in out the '96...I spliced the speaker connector which I cut from the '95 in there.

Don't think there is a separate amp in either car. But the speaker wiring in the 1996 (the one that had JVC radio) was different from the 1995...I thought that was strange. Since the JVC radio is working after the switch I don't think the different wiring is related to amp or anything...I just figure someone rewired speakers for some reason.

I read a post here the other day with spkr wire colours, you could review topics. I could assist in later post but I'm signing off.

No that is not the issue. I did find the list of what color wires are for which speakers. I have those connected correctly, and also tried other combinations...got nothing not even static.

The issue is whether there is a security code for the stadard radio/cassette. The idea is that prevents it from operating if it is stolen.

Apparently if there is a code I'll have to contact dealer. So I guess at this point all I am looking for is someone who knows if there is a security code with the standard Ford radio/cassette unit.

Well maybe there was/is an amp in the 1996. This site http://www.installdr.com/Harnesses/Ford-Wiring.pdf says:

"Premium or amplified wire harness connectors: these connectors are used with JBL, Mach, and other Ford amplified radio systems. One connector has all wires contained inside a gray data cable and these wires should never be cut."

That is what the (speaker) wires are like in the 96...they were already cut though. There is a gray outer insulator with sheilding. This contains 8 wires. Where would I find the separate amp, if there is/was one?

I found the amp...up behind glove box.

Yep must be separate amp thing because when I hooked a speaker up directly to the radio it worked. Now what do I do...bypass that amp somehow?

OK I'm back. We gotta stop you typing to yourself.

I'm going to study your posts and will repost or edit this one.

Edit @8:10pm:
Amp if there is one is behind glovebox and spkr wiring changes if there is amp versus no amp. We better start by finding out what you have or had OEM wise.

What is the '95 head unit; AM,FM,cass,CD,CD player?
Does the '95 have "stereo" on front spkrs?
Does the '96 have "stereo" on front spkrs?
If yes to Stereo does '96 have amp behind glovebox?

Coding you initially raised was a "red herring"; not available to the best of my knowledge on Contiques. This rumour may have started by section in Haynes manual, no such section in Ford manual.

Sorry, I am sure this got confusing. I kept finding my own answers...

Yes there is apparently an amp in the 1996. I had figured out that is the issue. I started a new topic regarding that because, as you indicate, there is no code issue.

In other post I was looking for ideas on bypassing the amp. After thinking about it for a while, I am now leaning toward just cutting the speaker wires at the amp and cutting the amp input wires and splicing them together. I figure since the previous owner already cut the wires up by the radio, it is no big deal to cut 'em by the amp since they are a little easier to get to there anyway.

In answer to your questions:

What is the '95 head unit; AM,FM,cass,CD,CD player?

AM/FM/cassette

Does the '95 have "stereo" on front spkrs? Yes

Does the '96 have "stereo" on front spkrs? Yes

If yes to Stereo does '96 have amp behind glovebox? Yes.

My understanding was that "stereo" indicated premium sound, therefore amp, so the '95 should have had an amp. However, you indicated that you were able to connect '95 radio to spkrs directly which would indicate no amp in '95. Confusing. yes?

Seems you have hu that doesn't need amp and you are putting in car that has amp. An interface plug/cable/plug would be nice. Unfortunately amp speaker connections are different than hu only connections.
Power connector to HU (w/o amp) while different from hu w/amp they seem compatible (some functions won't be used but no shorts will be created).
I can list connector functions and wiring if you wish, but not until tomorrow a.m.