2002 Factory Stereo Harness Plugs

[tweak89]

I am finally getting around to upgrading the stock stereo, I have removed the stick unit and have a question about the harness. I know the black plug is the main harness, what are the two red plugs for?

This is for a 2002 Base T-Bird with the in-dash 6 disc changer. When I searched for the appropriate female plug harness for installation only one item came up, and that was for the main (black) plug.

 

[Frankie the Fink]

This is why you deal with Crutchfield, they will supply you an aftermarket quality radio, installation instructions and for a few dollars more (like $20) a prewired harness to install everything - a no brainer. They have great tech folks, vehicle specific knowledge and reasonable prices. If you are going with a unit that supports a back up camera you'll find that you need a polarity reversing relay to make it work, I found that out the hard way. Its been a while but I think you don't even use the plugs specifically for the CD changer function...

Metra 70-5519 Receiver Wiring Harness

Connect a new car stereo in select 2001-03 Ford and Lincoln vehicles

www.crutchfield.com

"Now, once this harness is connected to your new stereo, you'll be able to plug right into your car's factory radio connector. This harness makes installing your new stereo easier, and allows you to put the factory radio back when you sell your vehicle or return it at the end of the lease. A detailed instruction sheet comes with the harness."

My 2002 high end Kenwood install:

 

[tweak89]

I'm pretty familiar with Crutchfield, but that is not who I got this stereo from. I've bought systems from them in the past, but their offerings were not really what I was looking for.

 

[Frankie the Fink]

I'm pretty familiar with Crutchfield, but that is not who I got this stereo from. I've bought systems from them in the past, but their offerings were not really what I was looking for.

Got it, still could be worth a call, maybe if you have a mainstream stereo, they could still sell you the harness needed...
Can't say, I have the wiring diagrams for these cars but they are hard to read and difficult to navigate in digital form.

 

[tweak89]

I don't need a harness, I just wanted to know what the two red capped connections were for.

 

[Frankie the Fink]

OK, in my case I just wanted a new radio so I didn't care.

 

[tweak89]

So I got everything installed, the smaller red plug is for the amplifier, the larger for the CD changer. The Metra adaptor Frankie posted is the one to get (I had the Scosche one and it did not come with the amp plug, so I assumed I did not need it). Got the Metra parts this morning and added the amp plug and all is good.

Now, any tips for eliminating alternator whine through the speakers?