1995 Explorer new sound system help

Hello Everyone,

I have had my car for about six months or so now, bought it used. I am trying to install an aftermarket stereo and add subs and an aftermarket amplifier to power them. Now, I have a few questions:

1) How do I know if I have this JBL or Premium sound system? I have an 'autoset' button on the factory radio, but other than that I don't see anything special about it.

2) If for some reason I do have this system and there is some kind of factory amplifier sitting in the back of my car somewhere, what does it do and do I need it in any way to power any thing in my car?

3) If there is an amp installed by the factory, I assume it would be powering the door speakers. Wouldn't the 25 watts or so from the aftermarket stereo going to the door speakers be more than enough to power them? I don't see why they would have an external amp powering the receiever itself so I can't really see a problem with this.

4) Is there anything tricky about wiring the remote starter on most amps to the accessory start wire in the dash to turn the amp on when the car starts?


Thanks for all your help people, I look forward to hearing from you.

1995 Ford Explorer

1) most do not have the JBL system. You'll know it when you take out the OEM radio and see the plug. If you do, you should have a factory sub in the rear side panel.
2) you need to disable it for aftermarket
3)Yes, and I suggest to bypass it and use the aftermarket radio's amp.
4) you should never take short cuts. Run the main power straight to the battery and have it properly fused. Then, make sure you have the ground properly grounded and have as short of a ground as you can. Then, run the turn on lead to the radio.

thank you very much

i think you misunderstood my last question though

4) you should never take short cuts. Run the main power straight to the battery and have it properly fused. Then, make sure you have the ground properly grounded and have as short of a ground as you can. Then, run the turn on lead to the radio.

What I meant to ask was how one connects the turn on lead. Is that wire already connected the the factory stereo and will it just be transfered to the new one if i get a wire harness, how does that work?

also, about a wiring harness, will that include the power cable for the new stereo, or will I actually have to run a wire from the battery to it (like I will have to do for the new amp)

The turn on lead goes straight from the aftermarket stereo to the aftermarket amplifier or anything you want "on" when you turn the stereo on. Yes, the aftermarket harness will have everything you need. Take a look. www.metraonline.com