Driving around Ford F-150 while listening to your heavy-bass stereo is the best thing. However, you should stop and check if the radio keeps breaking down and you cannot listen to your favorite music or podcasts.
This article will examine a few potential issues with a Ford F150 radio. We’ll give you thorough instructions on how to fix your radio and restore it to its former glory once we understand what’s wrong.
Contents
Why Is Your Ford F-150 Radio Not Working?
Your Ford F-150’s radio could be defective for the following four reasons.
- Blown fuses
- Solder flow
- Frozen screen
- Dead radio
Learn more about each of these issues and how they contribute to the malfunction of your Ford F-150 radio.
Blown Fuses
One or more blown fuses could be why the Ford F150 radio is not working. Use a voltmeter or search for blown fuses to check the power state of your radio.
Additionally, a short circuit in the internal wires of your F150’s audio system could prevent it from functioning, and the system may deteriorate if you ignore the issue.
Solder Flow
If the radio on your Ford F150 suddenly stops working but quickly resumes operation, the solder flow might be a problem.
The most typical approach, in this case, is to remove the radio, address any minor issues, and reinsert it.
However, the radio will cease operating again after some time. Read on to understand how you can fix this issue.
Frozen Radio
A frozen radio will have a completely dark screen and non-operational controls. The issue exists in some Ford vehicles, especially the 2009 Ford F150 grades.
When your F-150 radio screen freezes, the radio may get slower or cease operating altogether.
The screen of your F150 could stall for no apparent reason, requiring either a restart or an update.
Dead Radio
What if all the above issues are different from the cause of your Ford F-150 radio not working? The audio systems in Ford F150s function well but break down sooner than planned if they are mistreated or used excessively.
The only way to fix a dead radio is to replace it. You can purchase a brand-new factory audio unit or an excellent aftermarket gadget from a reliable retailer.
Possible Solutions For A Malfunctioning Ford F-150 Radio
It’s time to figure out how to solve the issue now that you know the cause of your F-150 radio not functioning correctly. Here are some of the actions you should take to fix the problem:
Fixing Fuse Blowouts
The only way to fix a blown or damaged fuse is to replace it. First, locate the fuse box in your Ford F150, which can be challenging, depending on the model of your car. T
he fuse box is often found inside or beneath the vehicle’s hood. Consult your Ford’s user handbook if you need clarification on the exact fuse box location.
Be on the lookout for a box with a bent cover. Locate the burned fuse after locating the fuse box. It will appear dark and be divided in half.
Remove the faulty fuse and replace it with a new one to resolve the issue with your Ford radio not functioning. Remember to turn off your truck before removing or replacing the fuse.
Fixing Solder Flow Issue
Solder is used to join metals that don’t melt quickly. Insufficient solder flow commonly causes mild wear and tear on the interior of your Ford audio system components. The easiest solution to this problem is as follows.
- Uninstall the radio and remove its main board.
- Place the board on cardboard and place it in an oven.
- Heat the oven to 385°F.
- Remove the board after 6 to 8 minutes and allow it to cool naturally in the air.
- Reassemble and reinstall the Ford F150 radio in the vehicle.
This straightforward modification will improve solder flow and patch any minor cracks. The entire radio system will malfunction if you attempt to remove the mainboard while it is still warm.
Unfreezing a Frozen Screen
A frozen screen is one of the most straightforward problems to address on a Ford F150. Here’s how to get your screen functional once more.
- Simultaneously depress the right search button and the power button.
- Press and hold these buttons for 10 to 15 seconds.
- The screen will go off and restart.
Please wait until the screen returns to its previous state. This ought to resolve the issue with the screen freezing and not responding to commands. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you should seek expert assistance.
Removing a Dead F-150 Stereo
Removing and replacing a dead F-150 radio is the last remedy to fixing a faulty Ford F-150 stereo.
Here is how to do it.
- You need to loosen a handful of elements around the central audio system. The first is the screen just behind the car’s steering wheel.
- Remove the radio console’s top from the dashboard by unscrewing the 7mm screws concealed beneath the lid.
- Use a scraper to remove the audio system’s hooks after removing the side pieces.
- Remove the panel beneath the sound system, plus the USB and aux wires.
- Remove the radio from the console.
- Pull the radio box out from behind the control panel by removing the screws keeping the metal box together.
- Remove the factory-installed USB and Aux cords because you’ll attach a new radio with all the necessary wires and connectors.
- Consider changing the sound system package for your Ford F150 too. Use the instructions included with the replacement kit to disassemble the audio controls and install the new ones.
- Place your radio back in the car after connecting the aux and USB connections. Make sure to test the audio system before installing the control panel.
Where Is the Fuse for the Radio on a Ford F-150?
The radio fuse is located in a different location on several Ford F-150 models. In some models, you must check the fuse box’s engine room and passenger seat. You should also check the amplifier’s fuse, separate from the radio’s in some F-150 models.
The locations of the radio fuse on various Ford F-150 models are as follows.
Fuse Box Close to the Bottom of the Dashboard
The fuse box for the 1992 to 2003 Ford models is under the dashboard. For models from 1992 to 2003, use the number 11 fuse; for models from 1997 to 2003, use the number 15 fuse.
Fuse Box on the Front Passenger Side
The fuses for all other Ford F-150 models after 2003 are on the front passenger side. From 2004 to 2008, the radio’s power supply fuse was number 31. Fuse number 7 also protects the starter circuit for the radio, and fuse number 4 protects the power circuit for the DVD.
Look for fuses numbered 39 and 28 for the 2009 to 2014 models. Check the fuses numbered 33 and 14 for models between 2015 and 2020.
For 2021 to 2022, fuse number 28 controls the electricity to the amplifier, whereas fuse number 32 controls the radio.
How Do You Reset the Radio on a Ford F150?
The first thing you should attempt if your Ford F150 radio is frozen is to force a reset. Follow these steps to carry out the reset on a Ford F-150 stereo effectively.
- Simultaneously press the power and right to seek buttons for ten to fifteen seconds.
- The radio screen should turn on and off after this.
- If that doesn’t work, switch off the vehicle and remove the key from the ignition.
- Remove the negative terminal to remove the battery.
- Reconnect the battery after about five minutes.
- Turn on the engine to test the radio after reconnecting the battery. You might need a new radio if it still needs to be fixed.
Ford F-150 Radio Replacement Cost
In a Ford F150, changing the radio is cheap and takes one to two hours. A Ford F150’s audio system upgrade will cost between $350 and $500. All you need for the job is a new, complete audio system and basic equipment like a screwdriver, scraper, and cutter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about why your Ford F150 radio isn’t working.
Why did my Ford screen go black?
Your Ford’s screen could have turned dark for various reasons. Examples include outdated software, software glitches, and faulty components.
How do you unfreeze a Ford radio?
You can easily unfreeze a frozen Ford F-150 radio by power cycling your device, resetting everything to factory defaults, or replacing any damaged component.
Why is my Ford sync not working?
Out-of-date software, defects and malfunctions, cable issues, APIM or FDIM issues, and damaged console displays are some of the most typical Ford Sync issues.
Conclusion
It can be unpleasant if you can’t play music on the radio in your Ford F150. It is challenging to listen to music and sync your smart gadgets with your Ford F150 if the radio is not working.
Despite the excellent design of the audio systems, they occasionally experience sudden freezing.
Sometimes a problem is simple to solve; other times, it is impossible. All you need is a little knowledge to find the solution quickly. Use the advice in this article to diagnose the issue with your Ford F-150 audio system.
However, you must be aware of your technical limitations like anything car-related. They are intricate machines, so you never want to mess with them and make things worse. If you’re unsure you can fix something, don’t attempt it.
