The 1998 Ford Explorer was a popular SUV, and many people still own and enjoy driving them. However, over time, the wiring in the radio can become faulty and may need to be replaced. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the 98 Ford Explorer radio wiring diagram, including tables and frequently asked questions.
Introduction
Before we dive into the wiring diagram, it is important to understand the basics. The radio in the 1998 Ford Explorer is powered by two wires: the constant wire and the ignition wire. The constant wire is always hot, while the ignition wire is only hot when the ignition switch is in the ON or ACC position.
Additionally, the 98 Ford Explorer features a Premium Sound System, which includes an amplifier and subwoofer. These components require additional wiring, which we will cover in this article.
Radio Wiring Diagram
| Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|
| Yellow/Black | Constant 12V+ |
| Green/White | Switched 12V+ |
| Black | Ground |
| Orange/Black | Illumination |
| Orange/White | Illumination |
| Blue | Amp Turn-On |
| Blue/White | Amp Turn-On |
As you can see, there are six wires in total that power the radio in the 98 Ford Explorer. The yellow/black wire provides constant power, while the green/white wire provides switched power. The black wire is the ground wire, while the orange/black and orange/white wires are for illumination. Finally, the blue and blue/white wires are for the amplifier turn-on.
Constant Wire
The yellow/black wire provides constant power to the radio. This means that even when the ignition switch is turned off, the radio will still have power. As a result, the radio will be able to remember settings such as station presets and clock time.
It is important to note that the yellow/black wire should be connected directly to the battery, and should not be spliced into any other wires or circuits. This will ensure that the radio has a consistent source of power.
Switched Wire
The green/white wire provides switched power to the radio. This means that the radio will only have power when the ignition switch is in the ON or ACC position. When the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, the radio will lose power.
It is recommended to connect the green/white wire to a fuse that is switched by the ignition. This will ensure that the radio is not using unnecessary battery power when the car is not in use.
Premium Sound System Wiring Diagram
If your 98 Ford Explorer is equipped with the Premium Sound System, there will be additional wiring required. The Premium Sound System includes an amplifier and subwoofer, both of which require specific wiring.
| Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|
| White/Red | Left Front Speaker (+) |
| Brown/White | Left Front Speaker (-) |
| Green | Left Rear Speaker (+) |
| White/Green | Left Rear Speaker (-) |
| Orange | Right Rear Speaker (+) |
| Blue/Orange | Right Rear Speaker (-) |
| Red/White | Right Front Speaker (+) |
| Light Green/Red | Right Front Speaker (-) |
| Black/Red | Ground |
| Blue | Amp Turn-On |
As you can see, there are ten wires in total for the Premium Sound System. They include the speaker wires for the front and rear speakers, as well as a ground wire and an amp turn-on wire.
Speaker Wires
The white/red wire is the positive wire for the left front speaker, while the brown/white wire is the negative wire. The green wire is the positive wire for the left rear speaker, while the white/green wire is the negative wire. The orange wire is the positive wire for the right rear speaker, while the blue/orange wire is the negative wire. Finally, the red/white wire is the positive wire for the right front speaker, while the light green/red wire is the negative wire.
It is important to make sure that the positive and negative wires are connected correctly to the speakers to ensure proper sound quality.
Ground Wire
The black/red wire is the ground wire for the Premium Sound System. It is important to make sure that this wire is properly connected to a metal surface on the car’s frame to ensure a good ground connection.
Amp Turn-On Wire
The blue wire is the amp turn-on wire. This wire should be connected to the blue wire on the main radio harness. This will ensure that the amplifier turns on when the radio is turned on, and turns off when the radio is turned off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different wire color for my radio?
No. The wire colors listed in this article are specific to the 98 Ford Explorer radio wiring diagram. Using a different wire color could result in damage to your radio or other components in your car.
What happens if I splice the yellow/black wire into another circuit?
Splicing the yellow/black wire into another circuit could result in inconsistent power to your radio. This could cause your radio to lose its settings or even stop working altogether.
Do I need to use a fuse for the green/white wire?
Yes. It is recommended to use a fuse for the green/white wire to ensure that the radio is not using unnecessary battery power when the car is not in use.
What happens if I connect the positive and negative wires to my speakers incorrectly?
If the positive and negative wires are connected incorrectly, it could result in poor sound quality or even damage to your speakers.
Where should I connect the black/red ground wire?
The black/red ground wire should be connected to a metal surface on the car’s frame to ensure a good ground connection.
Can I connect the blue amp turn-on wire to a different wire on the main radio harness?
No. The blue wire on the main radio harness is specifically designed for the amp turn-on wire. Using a different wire could result in damage to your amplifier or other components in your car.
We hope that this comprehensive guide to the 98 Ford Explorer radio wiring diagram has been helpful. By following this guide, you can ensure that your radio is working properly and producing quality sound. If you have any further questions, please consult a professional mechanic or car audio technician.
