This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the factory radio/head unit in a 2015-2020 Ford F-150, including disconnecting the battery, removing trim panels, and reconnecting the audio and antenna connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Replacement radio/head unit × 1 — Aftermarket or OEM SYNC system
• Radio installation harness adapter (if aftermarket) × 1 — Vehicle-specific wiring harness adapter
• Antenna adapter (if aftermarket) × 1 — Motorola to aftermarket antenna adapter
• Dash trim panel clips (replacement if damaged) × 4 — Ford dash panel retaining clips

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Verify replacement radio is compatible with vehicle year and trim level
4. If installing aftermarket unit, confirm all necessary adapters and harnesses are available
5. Gather all tools and parts before beginning work

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Open the hood and locate the battery in the engine bay. Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative terminal bolt and remove the cable from the battery post. Secure the cable away from the battery to prevent accidental reconnection. Wait at least 2 minutes for the vehicle's electrical systems to fully discharge.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove lower dash trim panel
   Using a panel trim removal tool, carefully pry out the lower dash trim panel below the radio. Start at the bottom edge and work around the perimeter, releasing the retaining clips. Pull the panel away gently and set aside. Note the location of clips for reassembly.
   ⚠Apply gentle pressure when releasing clips to avoid breaking the trim panel tabs.
3. 3

   Remove climate control/center bezel
   Carefully pry out the center stack bezel surrounding the radio and climate controls. Begin at the bottom corners and work upward, releasing all retaining clips around the perimeter. Once loose, pull the bezel forward slightly but do not remove completely yet. On models with automatic climate control, there may be an electrical connector on the back.
4. 4

   Disconnect bezel electrical connectors
   If equipped with automatic climate control or heated seat switches in the bezel, reach behind and press the locking tabs on any electrical connectors. Disconnect them and remove the bezel completely. Set the bezel aside in a safe location.
5. 5

   Remove radio mounting bolts
   Locate the four bolts securing the radio to the dash mounting bracket (two on each side). Using a 7mm socket or appropriate tool, remove all four bolts. Keep these bolts for reinstallation. The radio should now be free to pull forward from the dash opening.
   ℹ️Support the radio with one hand while removing the final bolts to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Pull radio forward and access connectors
   Carefully pull the radio unit forward approximately 4-6 inches to access the rear connections. Use a flashlight to illuminate the back of the unit. You should see the main wiring harness connector(s), antenna cable, and potentially USB, auxiliary input, and other connections depending on the trim level.
7. 7

   Disconnect all radio connections
   Disconnect the main radio harness connector by pressing the locking tab and pulling straight back. Remove the antenna cable by pulling it straight out from the radio. Disconnect any additional connectors including USB ports, auxiliary inputs, satellite radio, or amplifier connections. Note the position and routing of all connections for reinstallation.
   ℹ️Take a photo of the connector arrangement before disconnecting to ensure correct reinstallation.
8. 8

   Remove old radio unit
   With all connections disconnected, fully remove the radio unit from the dash opening. Inspect the mounting bracket and wiring for any damage. If installing an aftermarket unit, prepare the installation harness adapter and antenna adapter according to the manufacturer's instructions.
9. 9

   Prepare and connect new radio
   If installing an aftermarket radio, connect the wiring harness adapter to the new radio according to the adapter instructions. Connect the antenna adapter if required. For OEM replacement, connect the main wiring harness, antenna cable, and all auxiliary connections to the new radio unit. Ensure all connections click securely into place.
10. 10

    Test radio before final installation
    Before securing the radio in place, reconnect the battery negative terminal temporarily (torque to spec) and turn on the ignition to test the new radio. Verify all functions including AM/FM reception, display operation, steering wheel controls, and backup camera if equipped. If everything functions correctly, disconnect the battery again for final installation.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install and secure new radio
    Route all wiring connections neatly behind the radio. Carefully slide the radio into the dash opening, ensuring no wires are pinched. Align the mounting holes with the bracket. Install the four mounting bolts and tighten them evenly, starting with finger-tight, then snugging each in a cross pattern to ensure proper alignment.
12. 12

    Reinstall center bezel and trim
    If applicable, reconnect any electrical connectors to the climate control bezel. Position the bezel over the radio and center stack, aligning all clips with their mounting points. Press firmly around the perimeter until all clips snap into place. Reinstall the lower dash trim panel by aligning the clips and pressing firmly until seated.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and finalize
    Reconnect the battery negative terminal to the battery post and torque the terminal bolt to specification. Ensure the connection is secure. Close the hood.
    ⚠Do not overtighten the battery terminal bolt as this can damage the battery post or terminal clamp.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all trim panels are securely clipped in place with no gaps
2. Check that all dashboard functions and buttons operate normally
3. Ensure no rattles or loose components when pressing on the dash area

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify radio powers up and displays correctly
• Test AM and FM radio reception across multiple stations
• Verify steering wheel audio controls function properly
• Test all audio sources (Bluetooth, USB, auxiliary input if equipped)
• Confirm backup camera displays on screen when shifting into reverse (if equipped)
• Check that all climate control and other dash functions remain operational
• Verify no warning lights or messages related to radio/audio system
• Set clock and reprogram radio presets as needed

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