Is your Ford F150 radio not working? There could be several reasons the radio in your Ford F150 went dead suddenly. Maybe there is a blown-out fuse or a bad connection. Whatever the odds are, having a clear idea about where the problem lies can help you tackle it on your own.
The radio not working in Ford F150 is an indication that the underlying components of your truck demand immediate attention. Understanding and managing the problem beforehand can help you avoid extensive repairs.
I’ve compiled all the common problems causing an upheaval in your Ford F150 radio. This article will also guide you on how to resolve these issues before things get out of hand.
So, stay with me till the end!
Contents
Ford F150 Radio Not Working: 4 Possible Reasons and How to fix guide
Now, we know why the radio system is important. When all of a sudden the radio stopped working in the Ford F150, it indicated no more music and fun during your trips.
So, here I will be pointing out some common Ford F150 radio issues alongside ways to solve the problem using your little toolbox.
Reason 1: Blown fuses
If your Ford F150 radio doesn’t turn on, then blown-out fuses are the first culprit behind the problem. One or more than one fuses may have been blown out, causing Ford F150 radio problems.
Use a voltmeter to test the power state of your radio or look for torn-apart fuses. Moreover, the audio system in your F150 may not function properly because of a short circuit in the internal wires. Dismissing the problem will cause further damage to your system. Besides, with a single blown-out fuse, you won’t be able to enjoy the smooth functioning of your audio system.
So, How To Fix The Blown Out Fuses?
Fixing and replacing the blown-out fuse is your only viable solution. But first, you need to locate the fuse panel in your Ford F150. Depending on the model of your vehicle, it could be a little tricky to identify the panel box. But the user manual of your Ford can be of great help. Usually, the fuse box is located under the hood or inside the vehicle. Look for a bent-shaped box that is enclosed with a lid.
Once you have successfully located the fuse box, you must find the burnt fuse. It will look dark and will be broken into two pieces from the top. Remove the bad fuse and fix a new one in the panel to solve your Ford radio not working issue. Just remember to turn off your truck engine before detaching and installing the fuse.
Reason 2: Solder flow
Your radio stopped working on the Ford F150 and then restarted on its own without any trouble. But again, after a week, it went out without warning. This indicates that the Ford F150 radio has a disruptive solder flow that needs to be fixed.
Although the most common approach is to take out the radio, fix the minor issues, and place it back. But chances are your Ford F150 radio won’t turn on or may not function properly after a few days. So, I have an unusual trick in store for you!
Baked Method – A Trick To Improve Solder Flow
Solder is a low-melting alloy that is used to join less fusible metals. Often a low solder flow can cause minor wear and tear in the internal components of your Ford audio system.
There is a simple trick to solve this problem. Here you go:
Step 1: Take out the radio and remove the mainboard.
Step 2: Put the mainboard on a cardboard sheet and place it in a toaster oven.
Step 3: Set the temperature to 385° and adjust the timer to 6-8 minutes. Pull out the mainboard by holding the cardboard sheet.
Step 4: Place the board in the open air and let it cool down.
Step 5: Now assemble all the parts of your Ford F150 radio and fix it back.
This little hack will improve the solder flow and will fix all the minor fractures at the same time.
Please do not remove the mainboard when it is burning hot as it will destroy your entire radio system.
Reason 4: Stuck radio problem
Ford F150 radio getting stuck now and then is another issue Ford truck users face. Certain Ford models, such as the 2009 Ford F150 trims, have this problem. With a frozen radio, you will have a completely black screen and unresponsive controls.
I have one simple solution to fix the problem: reset the Ford F150 radio.
How To Reset Ford F150 Radio?
To reset the Ford F150 radio, press and hold the power button and the skip forward button simultaneously. Hold the two buttons for about 10 seconds. Leave the buttons when the screen lightens up, and the Ford logo appears on the screen.
If it still does not work and you are still facing Ford F150 radio problems, then remove the battery from the negative terminal. Assemble all the components of the audio system and start the unit.
Reason 5: Bad factory radio
What if you tried everything and still the Ford F150 radio won’t turn on?
Ford F150 audio systems provide excellent performance, but at times, due to mishandling or extensive usage, the unit may wear out earlier than expected. When you reach a dead end with all the solutions on our list, it’s best to get rid of the audio system and bring a new one for your vehicle.
You can either get a new audio unit from the factory or go for a high-quality aftermarket unit purchased from a trusted supplier. But before going for the Ford F150 radio replacement option, I recommend troubleshooting using the guideline below.
Ford F150 radio troubleshooting guide
▪ There is a fuse panel underneath the steering column. Open the fuse panel box, and you will see two knobs. Turn the knobs counterclockwise.
▪ Now you need to find the fuse connected to the Ford radio. Take guidance from the diagram to locate the radio fuse.
▪ Look for a metal strip that is broken and burned. Replace the strip with a new one producing a similar wattage.
▪ Now, you can replace the problematic radio and get a new one for your Ford F150.
The following section will guide you on how to replace the radio with a few tools and basic technical skills. So, let’s quickly move on to the next part.
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Ford F150 Radio Replacement [Step-by-step guide and Cost]
Time, Cost, and Tools Required
Replacing the Ford F150 radio is a simple process. Replacing the damaged audio system and fixing a new one requires about 1-2 hours. The estimated cost of replacing the Ford F150 audio system is somewhere between $350 and $500.
To carry out the Ford F150 radio replacement process, you will need the following tools:
● Screwdriver
● Scraper
● Cutter
● New audio system complete with all the aux and cables
Step-by-step guide
To get started, follow the steps given below:
Step 1: First, you have to loosen up a few parts surrounding the audio system in the center. The first one is the screen right behind the steering wheel. Remove the screws on the top.
Step 2: Remove the lid on top of the dashboard directly on the radio console. Beneath the lid, there are two 7mm screws. Unscrew them using a screwdriver. The USB adapter for the audio system is located under it.
Step 3: After unscrewing the side parts, use a scraper to loosen the hooks on the side of the audio system.
Step 4: Next, you have to pull out the panel underneath the audio system. Unscrew the panel and remove the aux and USB cable.
Step 5: Now, it’s time to remove the radio from the console.
Step 6:To pull out the radio box under the control panel, remove the screws holding the metal box.
Step 7: Remove the factory USB and Aux cables as you will now be attaching a new radio having all those essential wires and cables inside the box.
Step 8: You can also change the kit for your Ford F150 audio system. Disassemble the audio controls and fix them into the new kit using the manual that comes with the aftermarket kit.
Step 9: Attach the aux and USB cable to your radio and screw it back inside the vehicle. Before installing the control panel, make sure to test the performance of the audio system.
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Tips and Tricks for F150 Radio Not Working
Temporary Methods You Can Try To Fix The Problem
In my experience, as an F-150 owner, specific methods may resolve the problem temporarily. For instance, you can turn off your truck for the time being and let it rest for a few seconds. Giving the vehicle a few minutes before starting it again will allow the audio system to shut down properly. Then begin your audio system again.
Or the next thing you can do is shut down the engine, lock your vehicle, and then remote start your Ford. It might also set the tones right for your Ford audio system.
3 Tips To Avoid F150 Radio Not Working In The Future
The Ford F150 audio system is a way of making all your trips memorable. To prevent it from not working issues in the future, I recommend following some simple tips below:
Tip #1: After opening the vehicle’s door, don’t ignite the engine abruptly. Let the audio system boot up and start the car after a few minutes.
Tip #2: Don’t turn off and start the vehicle too quickly.
Tip #3: This is the final tip of the day. When you want to sync the phone with your Ford F150, wait for some time, allowing the phone to complete the connection.
Final Words
With your Ford F150 radio down, listening to music and syncing your smart devices with the vehicle could become a big problem. Although the audio systems have been designed to offer outstanding performance, there are times the system may freeze suddenly. Use the tips in the guide above to find out the faults in the audio system. And if the problem continues, then it’s time your vehicle needs a new audio system.
