which stereos are an exact match

R

rosedalenative

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Jan 22, 2017
Thunderbird Year
1996
my 1996 bird stereo died, and I want to replace with the same one. I found some but the part numbers are a little different so I'm confused because they look exactly the same or just a slightly different button look. On the side of mine is part number F5SF-19B132-AA I see some that have a different first group like F4CF or F4ZF but the 19B132 is the same.... and some that look very same but the part number is very different, like F7DF-18K817-AA not sure what each group of letters and numbers means. Can you tell me what these groups of characters mean and which ones will be a direct fit for my vehicle without any harness hacking? Thanks !
 
dude they're all pretty much the same harnesses but just depends on if cd or cassette cause some of the 94's still tape player but 94 up the last year of the same styles will work out for you
 
I'm still learning, but do know that once the original parts to a car are discontinued, it's "after-market" and not going to have the same part numbers. It will be similar because it is meant to be compatible. Might even be made by the same manufacturer under a different name (Ford is Motor Craft). Regardless, for cars the age of ours, there is only one way to perfectly duplicate the original stock stereo from 20 years ago and that's gonna be a salvage yard (I think) and the unlikelihood of even finding originals. The bigger problem with that is, especially with electronic components, you may end up with something in no better condition than what you're replacing. It, too, will be 20 years old.

I took a couple of pics from my original factory service manual. Maybe it will help you a tiny bit
 

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I fit's in a 94-97 they all should work for you 89-93 will not work hope this helps
 
Or just go aftemarket but make sure th you but the correct wiring adapter or it can cause problems if you or whoever owns it down the road
 
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