Fletch

You can upgrade a 99-02 Lightning AM/FM Cassett player to the 03/04 6 Disk indash player.

...and your factory behind the seat 6 Disk changer will still work and be controlled by the new head unit.

Stereo removal tool. You can use these wire hooks to remove the OEM unit from the dash.

...or bend two pieces if coat-hanger to fit the holes in the unit.

Push the tools in until they click and push outwards (spread) as you pull on them to remove the head unit.


Using the tools works better because the hooks grab the clips and helps when you slide it out.


The rear of the 6 Disk changer is larger than the original and that will require some trimming inside the dash.


There is a place in the back for both OEM harness plugs. Plug in both and your OEM CD Changer behind the seat will work with the updated unit.


I highlighted the area (pink) that needs to be trimmed in this picture.


The weapon of choice for this operation was my Dremel with a saw bit.


You will remove this amount of plastic...


resulting in a new opening that looks like this.



Plug in the antenna, and both harnesses, slide in unit into the dash and your done.


Normally this would be a happy ending except the clown that sold me this 6 disk changer sent a broken one. The changer in the head doesn't work but I finished the install for the pictures.

v8venomgt

i have a dumb question. when ya say both can be used (in dash and behind the seat) does that mean you can have 12 cds total to choose from, or is it an either or thing

bgstew6

ding ding ding


you got it V8... you get 12 disks! been doing this on the Harleys for a while now....good write up by Fletch

v8venomgt

thats pretty cool, how do you toggle between the 2 also these are still mp3 compatible right?

bgstew6

when you hit the CD button it will toggle between CD and CD DJ....

The Harley 03 in dash 6 is not MP3 capable not sure on 03/04 in dash 6 lightnings HUs

Fletch

No stock Lightning head unit that I know of will play mp3's. The single disk mp3 player from a Mustang will fit in the lightning and control the behind the seat CD changer. If your looking for ipod type compatibility see this thread

The $6 Man

I'm stirring up an old thread....will the single disc units from the trucks control the behind the seat cd changer?

WickedSVT

yes it'll control the CD changer behind the seat. One of the plugs on the back is for the other one. Push the CD button on the radio and it'll show DJ, that switches to the back seat one.

__________________
2002 Lightning Silver #2315 of 4726 TOTALED RIP
69 Coronet Superbee (project car)
2005 Mustang GT (wifes)
13.78@ 103 stock

Red Mustang Gt

Does anyone know if the head unit the 03/04 L self powered or does it have an external amp? Just curious because I'm lookin to replace the unit with a Ford MP3 unit...just want to know if I need fabricate a harness for an amp.

Fletch

PWR_WHLS has the Ford MP3 player in his. I believe it was plug and play, contact him to be sure.

MorpheusGPR

Sweet never saw this thread before. Looks good to me. I might look at doing this, I never go behind the seat anymore its just a pain. I would likely just take that unit out and sell it.

svtmoonshine

Thanks for starting this thread again.

So does the new 05/06 in dash CD changer in the focus and others fit into the lightning now? Are the plugs the same?

stylin99

Great article! I'm now looking for an 03/04 replacement model to fit my 02.

Is there a satellite radio option on the 03/04 model by chance? I'm looking for a head unit with built-in satellite capability to run XM without an external tuner...

dino

hmmm...will a in dash 6 disc unit from an 01 mustang fit? mach 460...

Quickmystic

TTT for newbies