1: Ford Focus stereo removal keys to get the stock stereo out - the Ford Focus release keys make the job dead easy.
2: A wiring harness to convert your car's current stereo connection to a standard stereo ISO connector.
3: A Ford Focus fascia plate.
4: An aerial adaptor.
5: A new head unit.
6: A bit of patience, tea and some cake.

• The items used in this tutorial are available from DemonAudio. Please view the discount packs above this book.
  
• To remove the Ford Focus stereo, use the PC5-83 removal keys. They do the trick perfectly.
• Wiring harnes - the harness converts the Ford Focus wiring into the standard ISO wiring format which all big name after market head units plug into. If you do not have stalk controls (or don't wish to keep the use of them), the PC2-08-4 wiring harness is all you need. If you want to keep the stalk control functionality, you will want to use PC99-X07 and your head unit specific patch lead. The patch lead's code starts with PC99- and then ends with an abbreviation of the manufacturer - eg PC99-SON for Sony. Click here to see the full list of patch leads.
• Aerial adaptor - a PC5-27 aerial adaptor will be needed to convert the Focus's aerial into one that can plug into your new stereo.
• Ford focus fascia plate - The standard stereo is a chunky unit. The Fascia Plate fills in the gap around the new stereo - perfectly fitting in with the existing style of the Focus. The fascia plate's part number is FP-07-08 from Autoleads once again.
• Choosing your new head unit - There is a huge selection of head units on the market, I chose a Pioneer DEH-7900UB - partly because of Pioneer's reputation and also because of it's usb iPod capability. I won't suggest any unit as its a personal choice - just remember for a Focus you need a single Din sized head unit, and plan for any future changes you may wish to make such as outputs for amps.

First of all we need to remove the stereo from the Focus. Insert the ford focus release keys carefully into the corresponding slots in the head unit being careful not to scratch the bezel.

Push them firmly into position - this took a bit of a 'wiggle' to make sure! The Ford Focus release keys don't need to be pushed all the way in. You can in fact push them too far in - you can feel/hear them when they reach the right part of the catch.

Once the Ford Focus removal keys are both in place, pull the tops of the release keys away from each other (towards the doors) with even pressure, and then whilst maintaining this effort pull towards you to remove the Focus stereo.

Once you've pulled the stereo out a couple of inches, hold the stereo instead of the keys so you don't accidently drop it.

Wiggle the release keys free at this point - take care once again not to scratch the bezel with the release keys if they fly out.

Once the focus release keys are safely out of the way, pull the old stereo all the way out.

Once you've removed the stereo you'll need to unplug the cables attached to it. First of all pop the aerial adaptor off (the lead at the bottom of the picture).

The other group of three cables are clipped in place. Pinch the catch of each lead to release and pull out.

Once the Focus stereo has been removed you're left with a big gap and some untidy wires - in order to plug your better head unit in, we need to convert the Ford wiring to standard ISO. As previously stated, there are two options:

1: No steering wheel controls - all you need is an ISO adaptor, part number PC2-08-4. We use this in our tutorial.

2: Retain steering wheel controls - you need a special ISO adaptor, part number PC99-X07, and also the interface lead to suit your head unit. These product codes start with PC99- and end with the manufacturer they are desgined for. In our case because we're using a Pioneer head unit we would need a PC99-X07 and a PC99-PIO if we wanted to use the stalk controls after the upgrade.

Please note: The PC99-X07 does not work with Alpine head units manufactured after 2007.

The second picture shows the ISO lead (PC2-08-4) plugged in ready to be attached to the head unit.

Insert the fascia plate carefully - it will be a good fit, so ease it in gently... So to speak.

At this stage (although it is not pictured) fit the ISO to DIN adaptor onto the end of the vehicle's antenna lead highlighted by the orange circle - the vast majority of aftermarket stereo's have a DIN aerial input.

Insert the metal cage which came with your stereo into the fascia aperture being careful not to trap any wires whilst doing so.

Plug the ISO cable and converted aerial plugin into the matching connector on the back of your stereo. If you have steering controls you will also need to plug in the extra interface lead to the harness and the remote input of the stereo.

If you have any other wiring to the back of the stereo - RCA leads etc, do this now before the stereo is fitted properly. You can see we have put our USB cable for the iPod in place ready to hook up.

Carefully push the stereo into place - make sure there are no trapped wires as you go.

If you like you could give it a quick test at this point before pushing it all the way in.

If the stereo doesn't go all the way in, pull it out a little bit and try again. There will be a lot of wiring behind the head unit and doing this helps the wires to settle below where the head unit is. This might take a few attempts for the wiring to sort itself out.

All that remains is to add any trim that came with your stereo.

Then its time to select your favourite iPod track and give it a listen.

It's really very easy to upgrade the Ford Focus stereo to a better one. Which means you don't need your iTrip anymore and you can enjoy your music on the go at digital quality.

We hope this tutorial has helped and explained the process clearly - if you have any questions before placing your order please get in touch.

Good luck!

Any humour is intended as such and no offence is intended. The article is kept light and non technical where possible. The author does not represent views held by Demon Server Ltd. If you notice any offensive content, please contact us via the contact form.