2007 Town Car Radio replacement Write Up

[autoseals]

When I first joined there seemed to be a lack of information on replacing the radio with an aftermarket head unit. I replaced the radios in my truck and SUV and it makes the car like new again with the latest and greatest technology. This write up should cover years 2003-2011.


Radio
I was going to install a Pioneer avh-w4400nex but after my wife's SUV got totaled this month I pulled her AVH-4200NEX out before releasing the car. The 4200NEX allows my phone to be connected by a USB cable and then controlled by the head unit. Apps like Waze, Google Maps, Pandora, Cast Box, Sirus XM all work on the screen using Android Auto or Apple Car play. It also provides hands free calling either by the cable or Bluetooth. In October, Pioneer runs a $150 rebate and you can get the 4200 or 4400 for around 300-350. It allows for two cameras, Front and Rear. I have the backup sensor so for now I am not going to bother installing one.
Pioneer AVH-4200NEX

Steering Wheel Controls
If you want to retain the volume and next button on the steering wheel you need the adapter by Metra (Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface). Install is pretty simple as it just plugs into the new radio with a headphone like jack, power, ground wires are connected to radio harness. Back of stock radio plug is a grey/red wire, you vampire tap into it for the steering wheel controls.

Wiring
If you have a stock 4 speaker system you only need Metra part number 70-5520. If you have a premium sound system with the stock woofer and amp, you will need 70-5521 (includes 70-5520 and 70-5522). 70-5522 provides the wiring to connect with the existing amp and sub if you want to continue using them. Otherwise, the sub will not work.

For premium systems, the amp only uses 5v, but aftermarket head units send a 12v signal. If hooked up directly a loud pop may occur when the radio is turned on. In order to prevent this, Metra has a step down component, AFDI-5V.

There is no wiring information for the amp wire with kit 70-5522. My wiring was as follows:
From new radio harness, the blue wire w/ white strip connected to step down plug, AFDI-5V, with blue with white wire. From AFDI-5V, the Blue with Red strip connected to both blue with white leads on the amp harness (70-5522) and connected to the blue wire on the 70-5520 harness.

Antenna
When I went to install the new radio, the plug for the antenna was opposite of the factory radio. Metra 44-EC12 is perfect for the extra length.

Dash Kit
You will need Metra# 95-5810 to mount your new radio to the dash space.

Radio Removal

In the tech area, Town has posted the instructions for removing the radio.

Town Car Radio head unit removal and replacement


I also referenced a video on YouTube. Radio Removal Video

 

[don-ohio]

I'd take the thing back,get my money, and pay a pro to install my choice of units. That's just me. I'd get no pleasure out of fighting an installation.

 

[alumarine]

Nice write up autoseals.
Did you originally have the 4 speaker system or the premium with sub woofer and amp?

 

[autoseals]

Nice write up autoseals.
Did you originally have the 4 speaker system or the premium with sub woofer and amp?

I had the premium with the sub woofer and amp. I just finished installing new speakers as well.

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[autoseals]

I'd take the thing back,get my money, and pay a pro to install my choice of units. That's just me. I'd get no pleasure out of fighting an installation.

I've done enough radio installs in my vehicles that it really wasn't too much of a challenge. Some things I like to hire people to so and others I prefer to do myself.

 

[raiderfan247365]

Just wanted to say thank you for posting this. I think I have worked up enough confidence now to go in on a aftermarket stereo install, it really is a game changer for an older car. Wish me luck.

 

[raiderfan247365]

So I gotta ask, how did you tap into the e-brake? I got all hooked up but realized I need to wire into my e-brake? No clue where at. I ordered the bypass but I'd rather just connect through the e-brake.

 

[Continental78]

Does this setup retain control of the CD changer?

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[autoseals]

So I gotta ask, how did you tap into the e-brake? I got all hooked up but realized I need to wire into my e-brake? No clue where at. I ordered the bypass but I'd rather just connect through the e-brake.

Search for parking brake bypass and you will see a transistor with a few leads on it. Very it works with your head unit.

 

[raiderfan247365]

Search for parking brake bypass and you will see a transistor with a few leads on it. Very it works with your head unit.

Hey thanks for the response, I eventually figured it out, I just tapped right into the wire

 

[autoseals]

Hey thanks for the response, I eventually figured it out, I just tapped right into the wire

Sorry for the late response. I’ve been off the forum for sometime Thought others would like to know for the future.

 

[autoseals]

Does this setup retain control of the CD changer?

I do not know. I’m assuming no, I believe the factor CD changer used different wiring than aftermarket.

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[DadOf6]

I replaced the head unit in my 2003 today as part of upgrading to a reverse camera (I now have a completely functional original Alpine headunit I am debating what to do with). Ordering the whole kit through Crutchfield I got essentially the same parts list as the OP. Installation went well, and everything appears to work fine except the new headunit doesn't have the retained power after I turn off the ignition. Windows and sunroof still work on retained power, just not the aftermarket headunit.

Is this normal? I thought the accessory line would simply stay active until the door opened so the radio wouldn't know the difference. Instead is it triggered by a signal in the module comm network?

 

[alumarine]

I replaced the head unit in my 2003 today as part of upgrading to a reverse camera (I now have a completely functional original Alpine headunit I am debating what to do with). Ordering the whole kit through Crutchfield I got essentially the same parts list as the OP. Installation went well, and everything appears to work fine except the new headunit doesn't have the retained power after I turn off the ignition. Windows and sunroof still work on retained power, just not the aftermarket headunit.

Is this normal? I thought the accessory line would simply stay active until the door opened so the radio wouldn't know the difference. Instead is it triggered by a signal in the module comm network?

You have to connect the Memory wire which might be yellow, to a constant 12 volts.
Off the top of my head I can recommend the cigarette lighter.

 

[DadOf6]

You have to connect the Memory wire which might be yellow, to a constant 12 volts.
Off the top of my head I can recommend the cigarette lighter.

The yellow constant power is connected and working. If it didn’t it would forget the time and settings and wouldn’t be able to do it’s own 3 second shutdown delay.

 

[etinpa]

The wiring diagrams don't show any connection to the radio from the "Accessory Delay Relay" so you're probably right about the network connection.

That being said, fuse F2.32 (2 = interior fuse box, 32 = fuse number) is hot only when the accessory delay relay is on (it supplies the Electronic Hidden Antenna Module but only in "Early Production"). It's only a 10 Amp fuse and I have no idea how you could connect that to your new radio but it might bear further investigation.

There's also a lead after the Accessory Delay Relay to the "Roof opening panel module" that you might be able to access and, of course, the power to the windows but that's fused at 40 Amps and would likely require additional fusing.

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[raiderfan247365]

I replaced the head unit in my 2003 today as part of upgrading to a reverse camera (I now have a completely functional original Alpine headunit I am debating what to do with). Ordering the whole kit through Crutchfield I got essentially the same parts list as the OP. Installation went well, and everything appears to work fine except the new headunit doesn't have the retained power after I turn off the ignition. Windows and sunroof still work on retained power, just not the aftermarket headunit.

Is this normal? I thought the accessory line would simply stay active until the door opened so the radio wouldn't know the difference. Instead is it triggered by a signal in the module comm network?

So, my 09' has the feature where the radio would stay on until you opened the door but my 05' does not. I installed the same head unit in both. Of course it's possible I did something different during the installs and I can't recall if the harnesses were the same, just thought I would share.

 

[DadOf6]

So, my 09' has the feature where the radio would stay on until you opened the door but my 05' does not. I installed the same head unit in both. Of course it's possible I did something different during the installs and I can't recall if the harnesses were the same, just thought I would share.

Interesting information. Looking up the harnesses, it looks like they are different. It might be a different function between the years. Sure would be obnoxious if Ford made it function in the simpler and more straight forward way only in the later years.

I am planning to have the radio out for connecting the backup camera this weekend. While I am doing that I will probe the electrical connectors and see if I can find anything that resembles the retained power feature. I will update if I find something.

 

[etinpa]

Sure would be obnoxious if Ford made it function in the simpler and more straight forward way only in the later years.

From the wiring diagrams I have it appears that's exactly what happened. The "Accessory Delay" wiring to the radio first appears in "Late Production" 2005. It is not there earlier (from 2003) and is always there later (thru 2010).

If you have a 2005 and need to know if it's Early or Late Production look at connector C290A on the radio.

All of 2005 has a RD-BK wire on pin 15 of C290A which is hot only in the Start position. In Early Production Pin 2 of C290A has a WH-VT wire that is hot only in Run & Acc. In Late Production Pin 2 of C290A has a PK-LG wire that is hot from the Accessory Delay Relay.

 

[wolf_walker]

I spent a day pouring over the latest offerings from the aftermarket yet again for my 04 and still can't find one that both meets all my requirements and manages to not clash badly with the interior aesthetic. Unfortunately, I have the factory navigation system and other than its dead CD player and the limitations of FM hijacking for Bluetooth that I've used for years, it's a hard act to follow.