Need info before I start diggin into the dash...
 

OK... First off, I have an Alpine head unit that I love and want to use. The thing is I like the stock unit as well (the pioneer 290W, 5 speaker, MP3/6 disc changer system). But it does not play WMA's. The Alpine does. Now, the stock speakers are upgraded Pioneer coax's all the way around so I won't have to replace those. And the sub in the center console hits pretty descently as well. What I'm tryin to figure out is if the sub is powered by a separate amp or off the head unit. If it has a separate amp, how is it connected to the head unit (i.e. pre-amps or speaker level or some concoction that Ford came up with)? My Alpine has 3 sets of pre-amps, one set being for sub control. Would I be able to use that for the stock Sub?

Now, if I decide to go ahead and switch to the Alpine any way, will I still have a working sub? Will a regular wiring harness form Walmart/circuit city/best buy work for this particular application?

Thanks guys!!

Frank

The 290W option has a dedicated amp in the console that is used only for the factory sub. It is connected to the factory HU through the smaller 8-pin connector. That connector has 4 wires. One enable wire for the amp, one ground/shield wire and 2 others which are, presumably, the signal wires. Sorry, I can't tell you how to wire it to the Alpine.

Thanks for the info Bob... I guess its time to bust out the screw driver and multi-meter and find out whats goin on with the thing. I think I have an idea on how to do it. I'll post up here with a how to if it works. Thanks again.

Frank

This is my guess as to how to wire it based on Bobs post. Use the alpines remote turn on lead to the enable wire for the amp. Connect the ground wire to the headunit ground. Then output from your head unit's pre amps to a line level converter box. From that box you hit the signal leads to the sub. This is assuming a normal line level box will work in reverse. Thats my solution for you.
-Luke

Thats a good idea luke... Thanks!!!