Background:

The base/shaker stereo in the 2010-2014 Mustangs is old, first appearing in 2009 for the 2010 model year Ford Taurus, Mustang, and Freestyle. The radio is entirely controlled through the body control module, which receives commands for the A/C and radio from the faceplate we all know and hate. The basic display does little else but frustrate with only the outside temp, radio/media status, and heading being displayed. The upgraded navigation option is even older than that, with early versions first appearing in 2008 M.Y. vehicles, and the system couldn't be swapped as the controls relied on the oem nav display to work. There are many aftermarket options, the best being Metra, then the iDatalink, and lastly, Scosche. However, they're all priced super high, as they require an entirely custom installation, and usually leave the nav screen on the bottom of the instrument panel, which isn't optional. I tried modifying a schosche kit, with little success.


What I did:

I found an Android based radio with a detachable touchscreen, and with that concept, began trying to fit it into the car. I took the factory radio out, bought an adapter for the plugs, and soldered the Android's harness in the correct location - I then wrapped it in wire loom for factory appearance. Next, I disassembled the faceplate - the gray painted part is attached to the buttons with 8 torx screws. Once removed, the metal cover on the back that protects the PCB can be removed with 6? Phillips screws. The PCB then pops out of the black button housing. I used a Dremel to remove the top 2 sections of buttons, as I wouldn't be using them! I reassembled the PCB and buttons, and set to work on the painted bezel. I grabbed the screen, traced it on to the faceplate, and then dremeled out the plastic to a rough shape. I used a hasp and the Dremel sander to get the corners and edges close, and then test fitted the screen - the connector sat just above the buttons/PCB, which reduced the work I needed to do. I wedged the screen in placed, silliconed the back, and then screwed the button/PCB combo back on, plugged in my connectors, and viola! The head unit had a wired mic, which I attached in the stock Sync mic location - I also placed the USB port from the unit in the factory USB location (the oem part unplug and leaves a blank spot). See the photos, but everything works! I'll be installing a steering wheel control adapter to read the signals from the radio faceplate and steering wheel soon.

[USB Location](https://i.imgur.com/4h4lkdi.jpg)

[Android Auto Homescreen](https://i.imgur.com/ra5MROM.jpg)

[Google Maps](https://i.imgur.com/vn4Tc5L.jpg)

[Google Play Music](https://i.imgur.com/CX4KKlY.jpg)

[https://i.imgur.com/MLCS20d.jpg](https://i.imgur.com/MLCS20d.jpg)


The unit runs android 6.0 natively, but has the ability to act as a host device for Apple carplay and Android Auto, which gives a nice modern appearance and easy controls. Along with the premium instrument cluster/track apps, the added bonus of having a built in diagnostic device is awesome!

 

Nice!

 

Thanks! Quite a bit of work, but the installation works great!

 

We need a lot of pics!!!! This sound great

 

What all would you like to see? I can show you the modifications to the button panel and whatnot? Maybe a YouTube video? Whatever works best.

 

I have the Raxiom navi and not too happy with it. The Raxiom screen isn't what I thought it was going to be.

What radio did you go with and yes, pics and maybe a video would help a LOT. Any additional info you want to share would be great.

 

How's the glare(if there is any) on the screen?

 

Sorry I haven't gotten back here! It's pretty good - the screen amps up the brightness a bunch! The dash overhang keeps it pretty shaded. I may explore a Matt screen protector.

 

I had the raxiom Navi for a while, bought it for $60 on eBay, fixed it and had it for a week - sold for $350. I then bought a Joying 8 inch single DIN radio, they go for $300 or so. Find one with at least 2 gigabytes of RAM, which is needed. The radio has the capability of decoding CAN messages, but requires an extra $90 box designed for a different car. Otherwise, it has inputs for radar sensors (backup), camera (front and rear), and output for all the speakers, amp switch, powered antenna output, and input for the parking break. It has 2 USB ports, and an external GPS I mounted in the factory location. It has a mic input, I placed the microphone in the overhead sync microphone location, hidden and factory looking. You're essentially removing the APIM, and replacing it with another one. You could probably use a raxiom bezel and swap out the screen, honestly... If I'd been able to find another bezel, I would have tried that instead.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'll definitely check into this. I guess the OEM volume **** is non-functional?

 

For now. It works exactly like the steering wheel controls, however. All you need to unlock them is a way to read the signals they send to the body control module, and have them translated into a signal understood by the new stereo. It seems like a steering wheel control interface meant for the car might do the trick, but I'm out of money at the moment to try it with that, you'd be able to map all of the buttons to a function on the new radio, which would basically be total integration.

 

2005_Redstang, are you by any chance close to Virginia/ North Carolina?

 

I'm in northern Florida/south Georgia.

 

Anyone have any tips on what interface to buy? I've got some extra cash.

 

Great attention to detail. I plan to do the same to my 2012. Just shopping for the right head unit.

 

How about also introducing yourself in the introductions sub-forum section while you're at it

 

I searched for that and couldn't find it.

 

Obviously you didn't search quite well enough lol... Anyhow, all you do is highlight the forums drop down menu on the upper left hand corner of the home page, then highlight Ford Mustang Chat, then highlight and left click on "Introductions" After clicking Introductions, you will then come across all threads in the Introductions section... You can either choose from any of the existing threads or submit a new thread in the Introductions sub-forums and introduce yourself from there...

In the meantime, I've went ahead and attached a direct link for the Introductions sub-forum section below...

https://themustangsource.com/forums/f650/