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Need to Replace Headunit in 2008 SEL, Options?


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Hello, my 6 disc CD changer (no sync, no nav, no sub) crapped out when I changed my battery last month. The CD player no longer works; the display reads "Initializing" and then "CD Error." I've tried unplugging and plugging it back in a couple times but no dice. I'm way out of warranty, so I need to fix/replace.

 

I'd like to get an upgraded unit, but keep most of the existing functionality. Does a product exist that meets the following criteria?

 

1) fits double din space without dashkit.

2) supports steering wheel controls.

3) supports the aux in located in the console glove box.

4) supports sub woofer, should I choose to add one later.

 

I don't want sync or navigation. I don't really want touch screen either, but I could live with it.

 

Can any one suggest a unit that fits the above? Or am I being unrealistic with regard to steering wheel controls, aux in support?

Edited by TheWilldog
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Lots of great aftermarket headunits out there that will do everything you need and more. Most will be way better then the factory radio. Good place to do a little research is crutchfield.com. I would not hesitate to go with a single din and dash kit. You will probably need an interface module to get your steering wheel controls to function.

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Lots of great aftermarket headunits out there that will do everything you need and more. Most will be way better then the factory radio. Good place to do a little research is crutchfield.com. I would not hesitate to go with a single din and dash kit. You will probably need an interface module to get your steering wheel controls to function.

 

Thanks, taking a look at the site now. I'm notcing something right off the bat - does no one make an in-dash CD changer headunit? I was quite accustomed to the changer in the factory unit. In fact I stopped carrying around a CD case over a year ago. However, I'm not seeing any aftermarket changers on the crutchfield site. Is that something only Ford is doing?

Edited by TheWilldog
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Thanks, taking a look at the site now. I'm notcing something right off the bat - does no one make an in-dash CD changer headunit? I was quite accustomed to the changer in the factory unit. In fact I stopped carrying around a CD case over a year ago. However, I'm not seeing any aftermarket changers on the crutchfield site. Is that something only Ford is doing?

 

Dang! I just had an online chat with a Cruthcfield sales associate who told me that basically aftermarket in dash CD changers do not exist. What a beating! I do not want to fool around with an MP3 player while driving. Oh factory stereos, why do you mock me so? Every car I've ever owned has had some issues with the stock audio.

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Cd's are definitely on their way out. I still use them but burn them in MP3 format which pretty much puts all my music on one disc. If I had a USB port on my Edge, I would just listen to all my music from SD cards. I think most are listening to music from their cell phones these days with a Bluetooth or hardwired connection. I took a quick look at Crutchfield and really liked the look and specs of that double din Alpine with Bluetooth for around $200.00. Those double dins have really come down in price. I would consider burning all your regular Cds to a single Mp3 disc. Can't remember the exact number but I think a regular CD will hold about 10 hours of music in Mp3 format.

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Cd's are definitely on their way out. I still use them but burn them in MP3 format which pretty much puts all my music on one disc. If I had a USB port on my Edge, I would just listen to all my music from SD cards. I think most are listening to music from their cell phones these days with a Bluetooth or hardwired connection. I took a quick look at Crutchfield and really liked the look and specs of that double din Alpine with Bluetooth for around $200.00. Those double dins have really come down in price. I would consider burning all your regular Cds to a single Mp3 disc. Can't remember the exact number but I think a regular CD will hold about 10 hours of music in Mp3 format.
All my CDs are already Mp3 burns. I had it set so that each disc was a discography for an artist, i.e. slot one was Foo Fighters discography, slot two was Pearl Jam discography, etc. Some discs have ~130 mixed songs from a single genre, so if I'm in a country music mood I could select slot three and listen for 6 hours straight. I haven't used a regular CD for more than 5 years. I used to carry an organizer around until I bought the Edge with the in dash changer. With all six slots filled I had significant variety and quantity of audio content at my finger tips. That's why I stopped carrying a CD organizer. That's also why going back to a single disc would be a big downgrade for me.

 

However, faced with buying a replacement factory 6 disc unit at a ridiculous price vs. a single disc aftermarket unit, I'll probably go with aftermarket. First world problems, I guess...

Edited by TheWilldog
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