Introduction: How to Install an Aftermarket Radio (Android Auto / CarPlay / DVD) to a Ford Transit

By FarOutRide
About: Hello! We're Isabelle and Antoine, a couple dreaming of being on the move and ride more. We bought a Ford Transit van, converted it to a campervan and we are selling our house to make our dream a reality. We a…

The Ford Transit can be upgraded with an aftermarket radio and we’ll show you how in this instructables. We went from the basic Ford factory AM/FM radio to the Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX 6.94″ TouchScreen Multimedia Receiver: it has Android Auto & Apple CarPlay (wireless or USB), backup camera ready, DVD receiver, Bluetooth, SiriuxXM, etc. Sweet upgrade. Let’s get to work and get done with the installation!

Supplies

Supplies (link to products), lessons learned and more can be found here: faroutride.com/radio-upgrade

Step 1: Unclip the TOP Dash Panel

There are no screws; just use a plastic scraper to pull UP.

Step 2: Remove These Two Torks Screws

Step 3: Unclip the Factory Trim Panel

Step 4: Unplug the Airbag & Hazard Cables From the Factory Trim Panel

Step 5: Unplug the Right & Left Vents From the Factory Trim Panel and Keep for Re-installation

Remove one screw per side, then unclip the left & right vents. (edit: that’s the picture of the new Metra panel, but the factory panel is pretty much the same thing…)

Step 6: Unplug the Airbag & Hazard Panels and Keep for Re-installation

Step 7: Install the Left & Right Vents to the New Metra Panel

Use the screws provided in the kit.

Step 8: Snap the Airbag & Hazard Into the New Metra Panel

Step 9: Install the 4 Plastic Panel Clips (included in the Kit) to the New Metra Dash Panel

That's the white thingy in the picture below.

Step 10: Install the 12 Metal Panel Clips to the Top Metra Dash Panel

There are different types, follow the Metra instructions!

Step 11: Now, Trim the Plastic Brackets Below

A carpenter knife works well.

Step 12: Install the Left & Right Radio Brackets to the Head Unit:

This step is iterative... Install the bracket where you think make sense, then install the front dash panel to see if the head unit fit nicely into the cutout. Probably not, so make small adjustment to the bracket and check again. Repeat this until you're satisfied with the location of the radio!

Step 13: The Radio Is Secured With 4 Screws

Step 14: Install the Metra Dash Panels in Place

There are no screws, it just snaps there.

Step 15: Electrical Wiring & USB Flush Mount Installation

Good work, we're almost there!! The electrical wiring and USB Flush Mount Installation is continued here: faroutride.com/radio-upgrade

Hope that helps!