I have a 95 Ranger that I use for maintenance. It has been a Great truck, and is still running great with over 300000 mls. My problem is the radio stopped working, so I went to the auto yard and got the same radio working, I had them play it to make sure. But when I hooked it up in the truck, It plays but has no volume. I mean you can hear it when your parked, but it won't play loud enough to hear while driving. Behind the passenger seat there is a black box that has something to do with the sound, perhaps a power booster? Could that have quit working when the original radio stopped, and is causing my volume problem? If anyone can point me in the right direction, that would be a great help. Thanks Phil.

 

Have a look here at the wiring diagrams: Ford Ranger Radio Wiring Diagram

There were 2 different sound systems used in '95.

If there is a separate amp, premium system, then yes that could be the problem, but I would expect 0 volume not a little volume.

 

On the old radio I had no sound, but on the new radio I have some. The radios look the same, but I didn't remove this radio, I purchased off the shelf at the local bone yard, but I hade them show me that it played, and loud. I never checked the numbers to be sure it was the same radio, if that matters. I have also been told that you can bypass the amp? Do you know anything about that? Any help would be good. Thanks Phil.

 

Just look at the wiring diagrams, if that is a remote amp then wire colors will match and you can remove amp and cross connect wires.
But are you sure that is an amplifier?

The head unit(Radio) is different on each type of system.

If radio has internal amp then it has higher voltage output(10-50volts) to run the speakers directly.

For use with an external amp the radio will have "line level" output(1-2volts), like a CD player or headphone jack on iPod/smartphone.

Generally if you see the word "Premium" on the front of the Ford radio it will have "line level" out and needs an external amplifier.

If you have a Premium system then the head unit could have failed and in the process took out the amp, or visa versa.

First step is to ID what system you have, Regular or Premium

 

Thanks this will help.