2017 FORD F-150

3.5L V6 EcoBoostRWDAUTOMATICgasturbo
17 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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electrical

Amplifier

for 2017 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · RWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.8 h
Tools
7
Steps
14

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the audio amplifier located behind the right rear panel in the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 crew cab and SuperCrew configurations.

Warnings

Disconnecting the battery will erase radio presets and require clock reset. Note settings before starting.
Do not force trim panels or clips. Broken clips are common on F-150 interior panels if excessive force is used.
ℹ️Amplifier location varies by cab configuration. This procedure is for crew cab/SuperCrew models where amplifier is behind right rear panel.

Tools required

Panel removal tool setEssential
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
7mm socket and ratchetEssential
Trim clip removal toolEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Electrical contact cleaner
Flashlight or work light

Parts

  • Audio amplifier × 1 — Use OEM Ford amplifier matching vehicle configuration
  • Trim panel clips (assorted) × 1 — Ford trim clip assortment

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Turn ignition off and remove key fob from vehicle
  3. Open hood and disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent electrical faults
  4. Wait 2 minutes for electrical system to fully discharge
  5. Ensure rear seat area is clear of obstructions and items
  6. Verify replacement amplifier matches original part number and configuration

Procedure

  1. 1
    Disconnect battery negative terminal
    Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative battery terminal bolt. Remove the cable from the terminal and secure it away from the battery post to prevent accidental reconnection during the repair.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
  2. 2
    Remove right rear door sill plate
    Open the right rear door. Use a panel removal tool to carefully pry up the door sill plate, starting from one end. Work along the length, releasing the retaining clips. Lift and remove the sill plate completely.
  3. 3
    Remove right rear lower B-pillar trim
    Locate the lower B-pillar trim panel adjacent to the rear door opening. Use a trim removal tool to release the retaining clips around the perimeter. Gently pull the trim panel away from the pillar and set aside. Note the position of any clips that remain in the panel for reinstallation.
  4. 4
    Remove right rear side panel
    Starting at the bottom rear corner, insert a panel removal tool between the side panel and body. Work carefully around the perimeter to release all push-pin clips. The panel is held by approximately 8-12 clips depending on configuration. Once all clips are released, pull the panel away from the body carefully to avoid breaking the clips. Disconnect any electrical connectors for speakers or lighting if equipped.
  5. 5
    Locate and access amplifier
    With the side panel removed, locate the amplifier mounted to the body panel behind the trim. It is a rectangular metal box typically measuring approximately 8x6 inches. Use a flashlight to identify all mounting bolts and electrical connectors.
  6. 6
    Disconnect amplifier electrical connectors
    Identify the main harness connector and speaker output connectors on the amplifier. Press the release tab on each connector and carefully pull straight back to disconnect. There are typically 2-3 connectors depending on audio system configuration. Note the orientation and position of each connector for reinstallation.
  7. 7
    Remove amplifier ground strap
    Locate the ground strap bolted to the amplifier body and vehicle chassis. Using a 10mm socket, remove the ground strap bolt from the chassis mount. Inspect the ground contact point and clean if corrosion is present using electrical contact cleaner.
    Torque spec
    Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Remove amplifier mounting bolts
    Using a 7mm socket, remove the amplifier mounting bolts. There are typically 2-4 mounting bolts securing the amplifier to the body panel. Support the amplifier with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Remove amplifier from vehicle
    Carefully pull the amplifier away from the mounting surface. Check that all connectors and fasteners are disconnected before fully removing. Inspect the mounting area for any debris or corrosion that should be cleaned before installing the replacement amplifier.
  10. 10
    Install replacement amplifier
    Position the new amplifier in the mounting location, aligning the mounting holes with the body panel. Install the mounting bolts finger-tight initially to allow for adjustment. Once all bolts are started, tighten them to specification using a torque wrench in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Reconnect ground strap
    Position the ground strap between the amplifier and chassis ground point. Ensure the contact surfaces are clean and free of paint or corrosion. Install the ground strap bolt and torque to specification.
    Torque spec
    Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
  12. 12
    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect each electrical connector to the amplifier in the reverse order of removal. Press each connector firmly until you hear and feel a positive click, indicating the locking tab is engaged. Gently tug on each connector to verify it is properly seated.
  13. 13
    Reinstall interior trim panels
    Reconnect any speaker or lighting electrical connectors to the side panel. Align the side panel with the body, ensuring all wiring is properly routed and not pinched. Press firmly around all clip locations to seat the panel. Reinstall the B-pillar trim and door sill plate, ensuring all clips are fully engaged.
  14. 14
    Reconnect battery
    Return to the engine bay and reconnect the negative battery terminal. Ensure the cable is fully seated on the terminal post. Tighten the terminal bolt to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Verify all trim panels are properly seated with no gaps or misalignment
  2. Check that all doors open and close properly without interference from reinstalled trim
  3. Ensure all electrical connectors at amplifier are fully engaged with no loose connections
  4. Inspect for any leftover fasteners or tools before completing the job

Verification

  • Turn ignition to accessory mode and test audio system across all speakers
  • Verify all speaker zones function correctly (front, rear, subwoofer if equipped)
  • Test all audio sources (radio, Bluetooth, USB, auxiliary) for proper amplification
  • Check that fade and balance controls adjust volume appropriately to all speakers
  • Verify no warning lights or messages appear on the instrument cluster related to audio system
  • Confirm all interior trim panels are secure with no rattles when closing doors

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