GMC stereo in a Ford ??

[Minion]

Hi Guys , Ive got a 1999 ford windstar that has a crappy and slowly failing Radio/Tape deck in it , A Friend gave me a Radio/CD Player from a 2007 GMC , Now I want to install the GMC stereo in my Ford Van but I can"t get a straight answer from the guys at the car audio place on how I would go about doing this ....

I was told at one place that I just needed a Wireing Harness that converts from my Ford to the GMC , But no Place I look has anything like this ....

I went to another Place and the guy told me that there is no way to put the GMC in my Ford because the Newer GMC"s stereo"s are digitaly controlled and my Older ford don"t have the Hardware to controll the Stereo .....

Can any of you folks help me here ??


Thanx

[tsmith1315]

I don't know about the "digital control", maybe someone else can speak up for that.

A picture (front and rear w/connectors) would probably be helpful.

If there's nothing external needed for the GMC unit to work, first make sure it actually fits into the dash of the Windstar (Quest?). You may find that mounting it securely is more of a pain than it's worth.

I'd be completely amazed if there was a pre-made GM-to-Ford adapter harness anywhere.

You'll need the plugs that fit into the GMC unit. And it will be much easier if you have a wiring harness adapter that plugs into the factory Ford harness. Both of these are available if you don't have them. Aftermarket plugs may actually be color coded the same to make connecting them together easier.

I don't know if Ford used standard Motorola plugs for the antenna in 99, but GM used a miniature jack. You may need an mini female to Motorola male adapter to connect the antenna.

It may well be more trouble than it's worth. As an installer, I was approached on a few occasions with such an OEM/OEM install, and always turned it down to avoid the headaches.

If you'd like, send me a PM and I'll send you an ebay seller's name who usually has a variety of factory decks, tested. If he has one for your van, it may end up being as cheap as purchasing the required accessories for a conversion.

[Glowbug]

Used aftermarket decks can be found very cheaply, as well

[Minion]

Well the reason why I accepted this free deck was because it was the exact same size as the one in my ford so I wouldn"t need a mounting kit , I"ll do a bit more research and see what i can come up with .....


Thanx

[I Am An Idiot]

The 07 GMC radio is turned on and off via a data-bus wire. There is no switched voltage to turn it on. The radio looks for a digital signal from the vehicles computer. There are manufacturers that build a box to watch for the data and then give you a switched voltage, this is used to install an aftermarket deck into the GMC vehicle. I highly doubt that there is enough money in it for them to build the reverse application.

[mavric]

I have done car audio for 18 years, i am not bragging by any means. It is just that as posted there is no ignition to the radio, there is no interface as the GM radio is data controlled and the radio has the VIN# off the car it came out of imprinted to the radio itself, in other words you cannot take take a factory gm radio and put it in another gm car, the data bus scans the radio, thus the security light that flashes, better off getting an after market H/U and call it a day, either way, the gm radio will not fit a ford, sorry, but I hope this helps. Mavric

[I Am An Idiot]

The dealership can program the radio to allow it to work in another GM vehicle. But without a GM vehicle, it is a paperweight.

[mavric]

That is true, a paper weight. sorry , wish I had better news. Like mentioned, just pick up a new deck, get a dash kit and wire harness and have agood new year! You can do it yourself for under 100USD, easy, ford radio installs takes me about 15 min. Very easy to install. The GM will not work, you cannot even use the features after reprograming it, the VIN # is locked into that radio, so paper weight is all it is good.. best of luck and sorry to give you bad news, however, have a great new year!!!