Facia panel removal to change radio

There are three ways to get the radio code Ellen, two are free. I wrote this tip to save me typing 3 times a week :>)

https://www.fixya.com/support/r29874205-need_vehicle_radio_code

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You may need the Factory Setup data (codes) to unlock the radio. That should be in your manual.

I had the same problem. jumped the battery and then the radio didn't work, just said "ford fusion" on the display. you need to locate the fuse box down by the brake pedal to the left, very difficult to get at. once you find it remove the plastic cover and then remove the radio fuse (look in your owners manual for the fuse number and location). using a needle nose pliers works the best. once you remove the radio fuse look at it, the small metal wire inside should be broken. replace it with an identical fuse. my fuse box had spare fuse slots with same color and number on them so I just used one of those.

1. Remove the NEGATIVE battery cable (to avoid accidently causing vehicle damage due to shorting out electrical circuits)

2. Remove the ash tray

3. Remove the screws securing the center facia panel

4. Remove the center facia panel by gently prying rearward to release clips

5. Remove screws securing audio unit

6. Remove audio unit from the mounting bracket.

7. Installation is the reverse of removal.

2008 Ford Fusion Car Stereo Wiring Diagram
Car Radio Battery Constant 12v+ Wire: Blue/Red
Car Radio Accessory Switched 12v+ Wire: Green
Car Radio Ground Wire: Black/Blue
Car Stereo Antenna Trigger Wire: Purple/Black
Left Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): White
Left Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): White/Brown
Right Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): White/Purple
Right Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): White/Orange
Left Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Brown/Green
Left Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Brown/Yellow
Right Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Brown/White
Right Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Brown/Blue

This device is the Generic Electronic Module (GEM) and can be accessed by removing the radio.

You can take out the radio with a pair of special tools that fit into the four small holes you will find on the face of the radio unit. Or, if you take out the two screws at the bottom of the whole dash facia (the black framing around the radio, A/C controls and two top A/C vents, you can carefully remove the entire unit. Behind this facia are the connections to various electronic controls (depending on the options your Explorer has). Behind this radio and facia, look behind and to the left (driver's side) and you will see a small black box (cigarette size) with wires connecting to it. It can be removed by simply sliding the unit up and off its bracket. No screws are holding the GEM to the inside dash. Be sure you have disconnected the battery before attempting any repair or removal for your safety.

Theres two bolts on the top of the back which removes the two large harnesses, also there is 3 small harnesses on the drivers side of the fusse block. You also can remove all the relays to help with clearance issues.. Its in there tight.. Might have to push a little.

The GEM module can be found on eBay for a very reasonable price, around US$ 150.00 more or less. They are brand new with stickers and all still in place juust overstocked items. Just type in GEM module in the search reference of eBay

Also, keep in mind that when replacing the GEM module in a Ford, is it necessary to "Program" or Re-program that unit, can't a direct swap out be left at just that, without doing this previouslly.

Hope this helps; also keep in mind that your feedback is important and I`ll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer.

Thank you for using FixYa, have a nice day.

Disconnect the battery ground lead.

1. Remove the radio/cassette player and CD player (if fitted
2. Remove the bezel with the heater/air conditioning control panel.
3. Remove bezel with heater/air conditioning control panel .

Remove the heater/air conditioning control panel from the bezel




you will need this tool shown below to remove the factory radio

http://www.fitaudio.com/index.php?CategoryID=13

it is very easy, but u need a special tool kit to release the spring clips that retain the radio in the dash, most autop parts stores like NAPA and Carquest have this tool kit, about $5

Yes, you have to remove the instrument panel center bezel to get to the mounting screws in the radio.