How to Install a New Stereo in a 1998 Ford F-150

The unexpected success of the F-150, which Ford released in 1975, brought about the demise of the slightly smaller F-100 pickup in 1984. The 1997 model year introduced the fifth generation for the F-150, which changed the way Ford buyers looked at truck. Gone was the rugged and bulky appearance typical of most pickups. A rounder and sleeker design took over, opening the doors for the modernization of all pickup trucks. The 1998 F-150 came standard with an AM-FM, four-speaker audio system and had a CD player, as well as a cassette player, as available options. Installing a new stereo in the 1998 F-150 requires a special tool, but is not overly difficult.

Instructions

Removal

1

Wrap a thin layer of duct tape around the blade end of a flat-head screwdriver. This helps prevent the screwdriver from damaging the F-150s trim while prying.

2

Insert the blade of the flat-head screwdriver between the radio bezel the trim surrounding the radio and the F-150s dashboard. Pry outward around the perimeter of the bezel to release its retaining clips. Pull the bezel off the dashboard.

3

Look on the far-right and left of the stereo unit and notice the two holes on either side of the radio these are the locator holes for the Ford radio removal tools.

4

Insert the straight ends of the Ford radio removal tools about an inch into the holes. Push and hold the curved ends of the radio removal tools away from each other to disengage the radios locking tabs. While holding pressure on the radio removal tools, pull the curved ends of the tools outward to slide the radio out of the dashboard chassis. You may need to repeat this step a few times, as the tools can lose their grip and slide out of the locator holes.

5

Release pressure on the radio removal tools and remove them from the radio once you can see the radios retaining tabs cleared the dashboard. Slide the radio out of the dash by hand until you can access the wiring harnesses on the rear of the radio. Take note there is a plastic guide on the top-rear of the radio that slides along a track inside the dash chassis.

6

Press and hold the unlocking button on each wiring harness on the rear of the radio, and pull each harness from the Fords radio. Pull the antenna cable from the rear of the radio with a slight twisting motion. Remove the radio from the F-150.

Installation

7

Plug the wiring harnesses into the rear of the radio listen for each one to click into place. Press the antenna wire into the rear of the radio.

8

Line the plastic guide on the top-rear of the radio up with the metal track on the top of the radio chassis and slide the radio into its chassis until the locking tabs click into place.

9

Set the radio bezel on the dashboard, lining up the metal clips on its rear with the slots in the dashboard. Press the bezel toward the dashboard until the clips snap into place.