I need to decode the radio in a Ford Escape I bought recently. The radio is a Panasonic Model CQ.JC179AA.

SOURCE: panasonic cq-c1323nw reset button

hi there type your model number into this link and you can download the user manuall, i've tried it for your model no and it works.
http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/220239/index.html#anker_220239

SOURCE: Question for radio panasonic CQ-Vd70001U Need Sercue Code

ok i just paid some authorized panasonic dude $40 to fix this problem, it was so simple i couldnt bare to see another person ripped out of $40..... all you do is power up the unit so it comes up to the code screen, then the $40 fix is, hold down the toggle button on the bottom right side till it resets takes 10-15 seconds..... YAY!!!

SOURCE: CQ RDP162N

i can get a general wiring diagram for now need to look into it sum more

Typical Head Unit Wire Harness Function Typical Wire Colors Memory / Constant 12V(+) Yellow Switch / Accessory Red Ground Black Illumination Orange/White Antenna Remote Blue Amp Remote Blue/White Left Front (+) White Left Front (-) White/Black Right Front (+) Grey Right Front (-) Grey/Black Left Rear (+) Green Left Rear (-) Green/Black Right Rear (+) Violet Right Rear (-) Violet/Black

SOURCE: panasonic cq-dpx152u wiring diagram

Click here to download the user's guide and go to page # 28 for the wiring connections.

SOURCE: How to remove Panasonic cq-c1301u unit from car

This is an interesting question. As to the fact that you didn't mention what kind of car you have, I can't give you exact instructions, but I can give you approximate instructions. Read all Instructions b4 you do anything and detach battery b4 working on system!!!!!!
1. Most car's require you to remove a dashboard panel, of not the whole thing. (on a side note, the panel on my jeep that has to be removed just pops out).
2. Next you need to unscrew the adapter kit from the car. A lot of older cars put Double DIN headunits into their cars, These are the larger sized headunits. Most after-market systems require a plastic adapter to allow them to fit into the larger space. As long as your new unit is the same size as the older unit, this piece can be reused.
3. Then you must remove the old headunit from the adapter. Most are either screwed in or have pressure pins that hold it in place. Either unscrew or carefully push down the pressure pins until you can remove the old headunit.
4. If you have already purchased the wiring kit, if necessary, then continue onto next step, otherwise purchase appropriate wiring kit for your headunit and car. Do not open wiring kit until you are ready to hook up your new headunit!!!!
5. Find new wiring kit, detach old wiring kit, and hook up new wiring kit according to included instructions. For best reliability, I recommend using wire nuts as electrical tape isn't as relaible and can come apart after a while. If you need to save space and can't use wire nuts, I recommend liquid electrical tape. Let this dry before you go any further.
6. Attach new headunit to adapter and then attach wiring kit to back of the headunit. Make sure to attach radio cord to back of headunit. Push adapter and headunit back into place, adjusting wires as necessary. Screw adapter back into place.
7. Re-attach dash panel back to car, reattaching screws where and if necessary and reattach battery. Power up car and test system.
8. Listen away.

If you cannot get this to work, most places like Best Buys and Circuit City have professionals that have the necessary parts and expertise to exchange headunits in cars and can do this for a small fee. Just replacing a headunit should be relatively cheep. Adding other components as well would be more expensive.