Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Installing another factory head unit

I want to install a CD factory head unit and take out my cassette factory head unit.

The Ford Service Manual I have on CD for the 98 Contour says that I have to enter a radio key code into the new unit for it to work. I don't have the code.

Is this for real? If so, where can I get the code? Bought both car (with cassette unit) and CD factory head unit used.

I realize most install aftermarket head units, but I want to spend my money on speakers first, and I don't really need high power (however, I bet many of you on this forum will disagree with me on that statement... )

I have a question that will make you feel worse. Does the CD player include an amp? My factory CD player was hooked up to an external factory amp located behind the glovebox.

Tommy, you're right. I feel worse because I don't know. Not that I'm ignorant, but I'm trying to do a quick'n'dirty swap.

Down the road, I plan on adding speakers, and evaluating the power of the unit based on what kind of speakers I want to drive.

For now, I bought the CD head unit from someone on this board, and just assumed it would swap right in. I assumed that it would use or have whatever low-power amp already was onboard (used by the cassette head unit). Could have been a bad assumption. I wonder if the behind-the-glovebox amp is standard (i.e. used for either cassette or CD units). I sure hope so.

The manual says there is a "key code" and I'm trying to see if anyone has any clue about that issue. The power issue, I haven't thought about. Maybe I'd better take the thing down to Radioman (local car stereo guy who certainly knows). Radioman, great name, what?

If you know anything about the standard power of these factory units (probably all lo-power units) OR about the keycode, please let me know.

Amps are only on vehicles with "premium sound" (premium my ass). If your doorpanels say "premium sound" on the speaker grilles, then you have it. If not, look behind the glovebox anyway. If you already have cassette with premium sound, what you could do, depending on your car, is add the dealer installed CD player w/o radio in the 2nd slot (pre-98) or install the dealer installed trunk-mounted 6-CD changer (98+) but since you already have your radio...nevermind...

the cd player option gives you an have amp too.

CD players are Premium Sound

Originally posted by Cool Blue Mystique:

---

CD players are Premium Sound

---

I don't know why people have to waste space on the forum and other peoples time by posting something like this. You didn't help answer his question by making that remark.

Don't get on CBM in this forum. Half the posts made here are just made to be fun. I don't think his response hurt anything. He has yet to post his normal bait in this forum and until he does, he is welcome.

Can I still post my absolute horsepoo too?

P.S. Boobies are fun to play with, even if they are your own!