Audio plug ID ?

[rumblecloud]

I am thinking of replacing my stock radio, but before I go cutting wires up I was wondering what/where these two cables/wires go.

Especially the blue-covered cable. Normally I would just cut it open and find out. Or cut them both off and start connecting wires together to see what happens Which is prolly what I'll end up doing anyway - but I thought I would ask first. I assume some are for speakers, power, ground, but what's the purpose of the blue "network-looking cab;e? Yes I have perused this stereo forum and found the wiring diagrams.

Thank you.
r

 

[rubydist]

Ford Ranger Radio Wiring Diagrams - The Ranger Station

Now What? Ok, you bought a Ranger but the radio is missing. If the factory plugs are there, you should be able to pick up an installation kit from the parts store. The plugs in the kit will plug in … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

 

[rumblecloud]

Thank you but I have already read through that post and found the wiring diagrams.
If I cut the insulation off the blue grouping, I know I am going to find more wires, but why are they grouped separately? Why are they "special?"

 

[fastpakr]

Why are you cutting any wires at all?

 

[Ranger850]

+1 ^^^^They make a harness for almost every auto application. You shouldn't need cut anything. Check Crutchfield for harness'

 

[rumblecloud]

Why are you cutting any wires at all?

Cuz in my neanderthal way of thinking that's what I thought I would have to do since it's an old system. Mostly I just wanna know why they are separate. But I see Ranger850 has mentioned Crutchfield, so I'll go there first.

 

[rumblecloud]

+1 ^^^^They make a harness for almost every auto application. You shouldn't need cut anything. Check Crutchfield for harness'

Thanks., I'm heading there now...

 

[Ranger850]

Thanks., I'm heading there now...

Lots of universal stuff. Your head unit would wire to a harness and that harness should should plug into your Ranger.

 

[rumblecloud]

Ok, full disclosure:
I have an older JVC unit that I was thinking about using to replace the stock unit which is starting to go. I like the stock look and am not an audiophile - but an upgrade would be nice.

Crutchfield does not have a harness that will fit the JVC unit I have, but they do have a few JVC units that are very similar with a lot more features. Crutchfield's prices are the same as my local Best Buy and they include the required harness - that's good for me.

So thanks for the input - Crutchfield is pretty awesome.

 

[fastpakr]

You're not looking for a harness to fit a JVC - you're looking for a harness that plugs directly into the connectors on your truck. The other end of that harness is what you manually wire into the connector that plugs into the JVC radio. That way nothing on the truck wiring has to be cut.

Basically you just need to put in your truck's configuration on Crutchfield's site and then select an aftermarket radio. Take note of the accessories they'd sell you with that radio to adapt it to your truck. Those are what you'd need for the JVC radio you've already got.

 

[RonD]

Basic Radio will have 3 12v and 2 ground wires, 1 back light wire, 8 out to speakers wires usually, and an Antenna wire

Premium Radio can have a couple more and a separate amplifier

Blue wire could be antenna wire or interface wire for separate amplifier
OR
a 3rd party added system, can't say I have ever seen that blue wire before

And as said you do NOT cut any wires, you get the new radio WITH its Ford wiring kit, for your year Ranger

 

[rumblecloud]

Basic Radio will have 3 12v and 2 ground wires, 1 back light wire, 8 out to speakers wires usually, and an Antenna wire

Premium Radio can have a couple more and a separate amplifier

Blue wire could be antenna wire or interface wire for separate amplifier
OR
a 3rd party added system, can't say I have ever seen that blue wire before

And as said you do NOT cut any wires, you get the new radio WITH its Ford wiring kit, for your year Ranger

I think the blue one is for an amplifier that came stock with the radio. The way it is described in the original stereo/entertainment booklet that came with the truck, it is not a "premium" radio although it is not the basic radio. Premiums come with an amp.
That amp, if there is one, is installed in the back right near the rear speaker - I haven't had a chance to check yet.

I am the original owner, so no other stuff installed other than a CodeAlarm/remote.

Thanks for the help.
r

 

[rumblecloud]

Update...the blue-wrapped "netwotk" looking cable is for the factory amp, which is located behind the passenger side kick plate.
Crutchfield indicated it was behind the passenger side rear speaker.

ANyways...I prolly will be getting a stereo from them. Great outfit - lots of good info there. Thanks for pointing them out.

 

[rumblecloud]

Update:
First a BIG THANK YOU FOR POINTING ME TO CRUTCHFIELD!!

I did get the stereo unit from them this past Wednesday (7/13/22). Everything went smoothly. The instructions they supplied along with the connectors and wiring was spot on. I did a couple of dry runs on the wiring and install to make sure it all fit and worked - it all did - shocked the snot outta me.

They give you about 15 feet of wire for speaker hook-up, way more than you need. The connectors for the stock-side harness and the connector to bypass the stock amp were plug and play. Color coded wiring all matched. Instructions were simple and easy to follow.

Only thing left to do is route the microphone for the hands-free calling.

I couldn't be happier.