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New stereo fitted to 2002 Thunderbird works with all the systems

  • Thread starter Thread starter PhilD
  • Start date Start date
Thanks for all the comments guys, it again proves the value of the forum. After three months of use here is my update on my radio.
1. I bought inexpensive automotive relay and wired the backup camera through it by opening the harness inside the backup lamp plug, ran the wire to the battery area and mounted the relay there. Backup camera works as intended.
2. Not happy with LCD touch screen which is unreadable when the top is down (which is nearly always here in Texas)
Dont know why someone does not make a convertible radio with an e-paper screen like my e-book which is readable in almost any light. Sigh.
3. Also not happy that the advertised iphone connection capability did not provide for phone map video. Bottom line I am still looking for the perfect replacement radio.

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Thanks for these updates. I'm also looking to add a double-DIN radio, but I've had more bad experiences than good. I'm considering starting a new thread for folks to contribute ideas, brands and models of radios they've had good (or bad) luck with, etc. One gripe I've always had in particular is that most aftermarket radios have a glossy black finish on their buttons and trim, but the surrounding fascia in every car I've owned is flat, or matte black finish. They always scream aftermarket.
 
tommyc said:
Thanks for these updates. I'm also looking to add a double-DIN radio, but I've had more bad experiences than good. I'm considering starting a new thread for folks to contribute ideas, brands and models of radios they've had good (or bad) luck with, etc. One gripe I've always had in particular is that most aftermarket radios have a glossy black finish on their buttons and trim, but the surrounding fascia in every car I've owned is flat, or matte black finish. They always scream aftermarket.
Click to expand...
 
A thread on that subject is a good idea but products change so often it will be difficult to keep it current.
As to your preference of dull black vs shinny black I bet there is a person out there some where who knows how to make shinny look dull with super fine sandpaper or with that corse headlight cleaning polish we keep reading about. I will keep looking for the unit which has real volume control knobs and ability to display phone map which are my two must haves. I may even experiment with recessing the face plate 2 inches to solve the sunlight problem. (The curse of being an engineer and a product designer)
 
Tberg said:
Good evening... I was hoping to get a littleness help. Decided to replace my stereo, bought a double din touch screen, was able to hookup the subwoofer with the additiona wiring harness... my problem is that the center dash satellite speakers, I can seems to find a way to get the satellite speakers to work...
Click to expand...

.
Do you have the model number/part number for the harness you bought? The issue is that there are two out there being sold for Tbirds, one makes everything work, the other most of it works. And if that isn't it, something most likely isn't connected correctly. I bought this harness package and everything works as it should (pictures coming soon).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002BEVRK/?tag=thunderbirdforum-20

I'm using this Head Unit:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HZA6DYK/?tag=thunderbirdforum-20
 
cdbintexas said:
Thanks for all the comments guys, it again proves the value of the forum. After three months of use here is my update on my radio.
1. I bought inexpensive automotive relay and wired the backup camera through it by opening the harness inside the backup lamp plug, ran the wire to the battery area and mounted the relay there. Backup camera works as intended.
2. Not happy with LCD touch screen which is unreadable when the top is down (which is nearly always here in Texas)
Dont know why someone does not make a convertible radio with an e-paper screen like my e-book which is readable in almost any light. Sigh.
3. Also not happy that the advertised iphone connection capability did not provide for phone map video. Bottom line I am still looking for the perfect replacement radio.
Click to expand...
cdbintexas
I’m also putting in double din with backup camera. I haven’t started yet but intuitively thought it would be straight forward. After reading this thread I’m concerned about hooking up the camera to the reverse light. It sounds like the 3v bulb detection is problematic. Can you please elaborate on the relay, why it’s needed, and what I need to buy? I’m fairly capable but I’m no electrical engineer!
Thanks very much,
Don
 
Wrap23 said:
cdbintexas
I’m also putting in double din with backup camera. I haven’t started yet but intuitively thought it would be straight forward. After reading this thread I’m concerned about hooking up the camera to the reverse light. It sounds like the 3v bulb detection is problematic. Can you please elaborate on the relay, why it’s needed, and what I need to buy? I’m fairly capable but I’m no electrical engineer!
Thanks very much,
Don
Click to expand...
Think I answered my own question. Should have done a google search BEFORE posting my relay question!
If I’m understanding correctly, using a 12v relay eliminates the 3v bulb detection issue because the relay coil energizes only when it gets the full 12v from the reverse light. The coil then energizes the relay’s switch which provides 12v to the camera.
 
Wrap23 said:
cdbintexas
I’m also putting in double din with backup camera. I haven’t started yet but intuitively thought it would be straight forward. After reading this thread I’m concerned about hooking up the camera to the reverse light. It sounds like the 3v bulb detection is problematic. Can you please elaborate on the relay, why it’s needed, and what I need to buy? I’m fairly capable but I’m no electrical engineer!
Thanks very much,
Don
Click to expand...
It has been a day or two, s0 my memory is streached here as I have worked on about 30 things since then, but as I recall, the camera needs to be switched on by the backup light. The camera is already grounded by the video shield cable. Ford applies power to the backup light all the time and only switches the ground to the bulb. So without the relay the camera stays on. The one inch cube automotive relay ~$3.95 can be selected from what ever is available at the Auto Parts house. Wire the coil across the backup bulb in parallel with the bulb. Connect the +12v side of the coil to the center of the three relay contacts and connect the camera to the side of the contacts which become 12v when the car is in reverse. Hint the relay has tabs for contacts, buy the mating crim on spade connectors and some shrink tubing so you can prevent corrosion and or accidental shorts.
 
I have a 2003 T-Bird and am trying to install a reverse camera. I'm having trouble with the wiring on the reverse camera. When I draw power form the reverse light at the back of the car, the camera shows continuously. you mentioned wiring up a relay to power it. Can you give me some directions on how to wire the relay and where in the line it should go? Evidently the 2003 T-Bird has 5V constant power to the reverse light and that's what's causing the cmaera to come on no matter what gear it's in. Thanks for any help you can provide.
 
I went the easier, if more expensive route. I went to Crutchfield.com and bought a Pioneer AVIC-5201NEX, a Clarion backup camera (because it looked to be the most discrete, smallest, quality one), and custom cables to connect to the steering wheel controls and factory subwoofer and amp. Had Best Buy do the installation, cost $266.00. Works perfectly.

One of the benefits over the older model I have in my smart fortwo is that the bluetooth streaming from my iPhone is seamless. Don't need a cable to connect it, and the phone connectivity is wonderful for calls.
 
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Does the 2002 Thunderbird, or any T-Bird for that matter, use external amplifiers outside of the head unit? I want to use the Alpine and may want to add the Power Pack Amplifier to boost up output. If there is an external amplifier then I would need to run new wires directly to the speakers.
Thanks
 
I recently had the Alpine unit installed in my T-Bird but I did not buy the Power Pack option. The place that installed it wired it so that it uses the standard Ford amp which is external to the head unit and so it is bypassing the stock Alpine amp. I'm thinking of doing a speaker upgrade soon and if I do, I'll have that remedied and go direct from the Alpine unit to the speakers.
 
MikeyB said:
I went the easier, if more expensive route. I went to Crutchfield.com and bought a Pioneer AVIC-5201NEX, a Clarion backup camera (because it looked to be the most discrete, smallest, quality one), and custom cables to connect to the steering wheel controls and factory subwoofer and amp. Had Best Buy do the installation, cost $266.00. Works perfectly.

One of the benefits over the older model I have in my smart fortwo is that the bluetooth streaming from my iPhone is seamless. Don't need a cable to connect it, and the phone connectivity is wonderful for calls.
Click to expand...
Having installed my own top-of-the-line system, I can tell you that that price is a bargain....
Its a big PITA routing the wires to the rear to install the backup camera while avoiding all the power top moving parts and then the install requires a relay to "flip" the reverse light trigger signal... Half the trim panels in the car have to be removed and re-installed..
 
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