Guide: Fitting Aftermarket Headunit Mk2.5 Focus 2008-2011

[Lenny]

This Guide is now available in PDF format to download and print if desired:

Aftermarket Headunit Focus Mk2 & Mk2.5.pdf

There are various types of aftermarket adaptor kits available on the market,

Some are not that great and look quite bad when installed such as the kits in these two images:

In my opinion neither of those installs look like a seamless upgrade ,

However Dynamic Sounds UK have came up trumps with this complete Mk2 & Mk2.5 Double Din Aftermarket Headunit fitting kit;

The silver dash plate supplied in this kit is not identical to a standard Mk2 dash panel,

Although it looks similar in picture its got the exact double din aftermarket sized cut out square in the centre for a seamless finish no additional frame,

See link: http://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/ford-focus-2006-double-din-car-stereo-fitting-kit-fascia-steering-control.html?search=focus%20double%20din

The kit also comes with a patch lead of your choice allowing the factory steering stalk control to operate seamlessly with your aftermarket headunit.

If your aftermarket headunit supports a reverse camera then you may also like this one from Dynamic Sounds replaces the boot handle incorporating the camera in to the handle.

See link: http://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/beat-cam-fd1-ford-mondeo-focus-cmos-number-plate-car-reverse-rear-view-camera.html

Now at this point id like to mention;

If you're like me and live in Ireland, your probably facing a hefty shipping charge to purchase these items from the UK,

Not anymore :)

Log on to Parcel Motel see link:

http://www.parcelmotel.com/

Sign up for free,

They give you an address in Antrim to have your parcels delivered to resulting in you getting free shipping from uk to Antrim,

You only pay 3-15EUR shipping from Antrim to your local parcel collection point depending on parcel size,

Id like to point out just how much stock items can be removed (if fitted) as you wont need them again.

Particularly if you have factory fitted bluetooth module and voice control,

Remove stock face plate and unscrew the 4 Philips head M6 screws holding the headunit in place.

Lift out headunit and unplug the aerial aswell as the ISO cable.

If you have factory fitted bluetooth you can remove the glovebox to access the module, they sell for around 80GBP on eBay ;)

Helps recuperate the money spent on the bare essentials for aftermarket install.

The bluetooth module loom cant be removed its part of the main loom when factory fitted, however if your a member whom loves all the stock extras seeking to retrofit stock Bluetooth,

your going to need to purchase the Bluetooth loom available as aftermarket part from ford,

ford didn't fit to all models,

The stock microphone also sells on eBay for 15GBP

Remove interior light surround spread clips and lift it out:

If you had factory fitted Bluetooth then you have voice control button on the steering stalk:

They sell for 15-20GBP on eBay and you can pick up one without the voice button for 1-10GBP won't ever need the voice button again no point carrying it.

Picked this one up on eBay auction for 2 GBP Win/Win

Now that's all the stock components removed and discussed

Back to aftermarket fitting:

With stereo removed i plugged in the ISO conversion loom aerial adaptor and steering stalk patch lead that came supplied with the kit:

The iso conversion loom that comes with the kit is fantastic, each cable has been printed on the cables to say what exactly it does, ideal for splicing in to cables.

Now for the replacement dash panel fitting,

Removed the two black side strips that the stock headunit screwed in to,

They pull out

Remove white clip aswell

Supplied with the kit is: two M6 bolts four washers and two serrated nuts,

Fitted the bolts with attached washer facing toward the rear of the car,

Next part is to fit the fascia plate with bolts going through fascia plate tightening the dash surround to the main skeleton of the dash.

Once the fascia plate has been bolted tight,

The double din aftermarket sized stereo cage needs to be fitted,

Here's whats in the box but no instructions i was completely like WTF!!

This part is universal not model specific although it comes with the kit,

The best video I've found that explains the building of the double din cage is below where a guy is fitting an aftermarket double din headunit to his Audi A4 most of the video is irrelevant to for but the building of the cage is 100%

See video:

Minutes 03:50 - 05:15 explains the double din aftermarket cage perfectly.

[Lenny]

[Lenny]

In our case basically the replacement fascia is thicker around the stereo opening compared to the stock fascia,

When bolted to the dash it creates a solid structure for the cage to be mounted on to.

The two silver plates supplied with a series of holes; mount to the headunit itself along with the copper sections,

As saw in the video above,

A great help to have found that video and know exactly where it goes together,

There's two sponge sections supplied aswell i know they are to cushion the headunit to prevent skipping on CD's

No escaping the "Random Cat" fed him three weeks ago hasn't stopped stalking me since FFS!!

Next up for fitting was these anti vibration pads,

Designed to cushion the cage,

The light brown side peels off revealing a sticky surface for mounting,

The only place i could see them come in to use is on the sides,

So stuck one on each side between the cage and dash.

Next it was time to slide in the cage, had to press on the sponge slightly on either side while pushing the cage in to place,

This was a pain at the time but worth it forever more as with the sponge tight between cage and dash the headunit is less subject to vibrations causing CD skip/jump.

Cage now slid all the way in:

Surprised to see plenty of space left behind the cage for stereo cables etc.

Generally the space is very limited,

Tightest I've saw is the Renault kuga also known as a Nissan Kubistar extremely limited space at the rear for single din ISO anyways back on topic

With the cage fully home,

I obtained a flat head screwdriver and pressed out the fins around the lip; gripping the cage to the panel:

ISO cable fitted,

Aerial adaptor fitted,

Panel bolted,

Cage fitted,

All looks flush and factory ready for double din aftermarket headunit :)

[Lenny]

Obtain your Double Din headunit and remove factory cage if fitted.

Line up the copper plate flush with the edge of the headunit as saw below:

When lined up correctly,

Obtain the silver plate and line it up on top of the copper plate,

Notice the teeth on the copper plate will lock in to the silver plate:

Secure tight with supplied screws and repeat process on opposite side.

In car now,

Remove both centre dash vents to allow your hand reach in to the rear of the headunit and assist fitting,

To remove the vents

Obtain two flat head screwdrivers,

Insert them in to the clips inside the vent and lift screwdrivers upwards while pulling out the vent.

Slide headunit in to cage until clips catch in to place:

Attach headunit surround:

Attach headunit face plate and push vents back in to place:

Job Done :)

Stay Tuned!!

You may like to view my full list of guides can be viewed on my profile page:

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/user/14733-lenny/

Or

If your using the forum App follow this link:

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/68214-full-list-lennys-guides/

[Mudz]

Hi Lenny and all,

I was thinking of installing this head unit to replace my sony gen2

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/121444691945?nav=SEARCH

Has anyone bought this HU and what do you think?

Not looking to spend too much and this was the cheapest I could find which would be a straight swap with the gen2 without needing to change fascia etc (I think!)

Any thoughts would be very welcome!

[JC600]

Nice write up as always Lenny. :)

[Lenny]

Hi Lenny and all,

I was thinking of installing this head unit to replace my sony gen2http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/121444691945?nav=SEARCH

Has anyone bought this HU and what do you think?

Not looking to spend too much and this was the cheapest I could find which would be a straight swap with the gen2 without needing to change fascia etc (I think!)

Any thoughts would be very welcome!

there are many members whom have opted for this oval aftermarket type of unit with no problems,

Pirate versions of satnav software are also available to install via usb,

Considering your sony headunit i_ worth 80-90GBP the replacement wont cost you that much atall,

See my guide on fitting reverse camera: http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/65470-guide-fitting-reverse-camera-mk25-focus-2008-2011/

Nice write up as always Lenny. :)

Thanks mate,

Appreciate the feedback :)

[Dee_82]

id short list http://www.eonon.com/Car-GPS/Specific-Car-GPS/Ford/D5161.html

I have it and its great, well worth spending a bit more on a branded version, you know what youll get and you get support afterwards

sat nav software is available, so don't pay extra for it

[Mudz]

Thanks for that Dee, il have a look. How did you fit the mic?

What was the quality of the mic like? I had a built in mic in my previous HU in the old car and always had to shout to be heard!!

[Lenny]

Thanks for that Dee, il have a look. How did you fit the mic?

What was the quality of the mic like? I had a built in mic in my previous HU in the old car and always had to shout to be heard!!

+1 i had a JVC single DIN headunit before with built in mic. Complete scuttery 5hite,

External microphone plugs in like a headphone plug to an mp3 player,

Pull out the door seal route cable up the A pillar refit door seal.

[Dee_82]

Aye, that HU I linked to comes with an external mic although to be fair it was just as good without it, as Lenny said, run it up the pillar, then I removed the existing mic and positioned the new mic in that hole, you'll be in there anyway sorting out the gps receiver and for good measure you could also run the cable for a review cam, I did the lot in one go then it meant I didn't need to worry about going back in there when the cam turned up.

[shiwarrior]

Lenny, I have climate control in my car

in that link you supplied to the fitting kit 

https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/ford-focus-2006-double-din-car-stereo-fitting-kit-fascia-steering-control.html?search=focus double din

 

are we using the main plastic from that link (with the 3 holes for your a/c etc) ? if you do need to use it, is there a climate control version ?

 

Thanks

[Lenny]

11 hours ago, shiwarrior said:

Lenny, I have climate control in my car

in that link you supplied to the fitting kit 

https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/ford-focus-2006-double-din-car-stereo-fitting-kit-fascia-steering-control.html?search=focus double din

 

are we using the main plastic from that link (with the 3 holes for your a/c etc) ? if you do need to use it, is there a climate control version ?

Thanks

Hi mate, 

I've not saw a climate control version of the surround to house a double din space, 

however you could inquire at:  sales@connects2.com

they may offer the alternative kit which fills the sides of the existing oval opening as saw here👇

One alternative option would be to cut and join two halves; the double din aftermarket section to the lower climate section, it would take alot of time sanding and painting or hydro dipped carbon to finish but look completely OWN factory finish.

[shiwarrior]

ah ok, thanks Lenny,, i will email them, but i don't like those other 2 designs !!

[Lenny]

1 hour ago, shiwarrior said:

ah ok, thanks Lenny,, i will email them, but i don't like those other 2 designs !!

Unfortunately I don't manufacture any atall 😅

[Lenny]

On Friday, March 24, 2017 at 3:49 PM, shiwarrior said:

ah ok, thanks Lenny,, i will email them, but i don't like those other 2 designs !!

How about this;

It's an Android 6.0 based aftermarket headunit and it surrounds the climate control version seamlessly like a Boss 👌

not a bad price now either.

link: http://www.seicane.com/10-2-inch-hd-1024-600-android-2004-2011-ford-focus-2-bluetooth-radio-gps-navigation-car-stereo-with-touchscreen-mirror-link-usb-rds-dab-steering-wheel-control-s085692 

[Dave1981]

Gd guide man im using it myself as ive ordered that same fitting kit. Just need to decide on the headunit i want. Quick question though did the unit you bought come with DAB and if so did you need an adaptor to fit the aerial? Only ask cause the sony unit has 2 aerial connections, or so ive been told! 

[Lenny]

3 hours ago, Dave1981 said:

Good guide man im using it myself as ive ordered that same fitting kit. Just need to decide on the headunit i want. Quick question though did the unit you bought come with DAB and if so did you need an adaptor to fit the aerial? Only ask cause the sony unit has 2 aerial connections, or so ive been told! 

Hi, 

DAB is a separate aerial feed that connects in the back of the headunit along side the original AM/FM/LW aerial input.

The original headunit I had from factory was a 6000CD, I later changed to the Sony but it didn't have DAB fitted, 

My Pioneer AVH-8600BT Headunit doesn't have DAB neither but if your looking to fit it; then you will need a DAB aerial aswell.

Here's a link to an aftermarket straight swap aerial link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201792026125 

If you remove the interior light unit and surround from the roof lining this will give you easy access to the existing aerial base inside the vehicle. 

You may also like: 

Guide To fitting 10" HD Flip Down Monitor Focus Mk2 & Mk2.5 Click Here

Custom 10" Sub enclosure & Amp panel Focus Mk2 & Mk2.5Click Here

Guide Installing Reverse Camera Focus Mk2.5 2008 - 2011Click Here

Guide Fitting Dual Camera DVR System Focus Mk2 & Mk2.5Click Here 

[Dave1981]

Thanks for reply. Been looking online and the aerial does both fm/dab signals. Just need to either get a splitter cable or lose the dab.. and tbh i hardly ever listen to the radio anyway!! 

Whats the pioneer unit like you've got sound quality wise? 

[Lenny]

3 hours ago, Dave1981 said:

Thanks for reply. Been looking online and the aerial does both fm/dab signals. Just need to either get a splitter cable or lose the dab.. and tbh i hardly ever listen to the radio anyway!! 

Whats the pioneer unit like you've got sound quality wise? 

Most headunits have analogue equilisers built in but this model is part of the new digital range its got a self calibrating Dolby digital audio equiliser which involves plugging a microphone in to the front and attaching it to the drivers headrest, then exit the vehicle, the system puts various tones and tapping noises through each speaker to calibrate itself for optimum spectrum.

you can hear certain tones from left speaker or right speaker all working together like an orchestra.

The internal amplifier is 50w x 4 the headunit can also play a DVD and display it in the back screen with the audio via headphones while downplaying an alternative media option such as bluetooth or radio through all the car speakers👍 it also has a HDMI socket which combined with a 4G mobile router you can plug in and run an amazon Fire TV stick in the car even kodi 

 

But I don't use it as I've fitted two JL Audio Class D digital amplifiers XD400/4v2 and a JXD300/1v2 all the headunit does is send audio to the amps which process and distribute sounds to the two sets of JL Audio C3 650 Speakers

and a sealed 10" JL 10Wøv3 Sub,

I've spent 4600euro on the audio system in total and installed it myself at full volume I can't breath as it tickles my chest, all doors look factory👍

Also keeps kids happy and i can still fit the buggy👌

 

[Dave1981]

Jesus man!!! Thats a properly nice setup.. i do like that headunit. Thinking of either that or the kenwood DDX4017DAB. But then also look into replacing the Speakers and add a amp n sub.. all comes down to money though dont it!

[Lenny]

59 minutes ago, Dave1981 said:

Jesus man!!! Thats a properly nice setup.. i do like that headunit. Thinking of either that or the kenwood DDX4017DAB. But then also look into replacing the speakers and add a amp n sub.. all comes down to money though dont it!

It took me 9 or 10 months to gather everything before I took 3 days off work and stripped the car out following the Haynes manual then installed everything in two days before putting it all back together, it really isint cheap no matter how much you try it's not possible to stay under 1000 quid on a sound system but it's most definitely worth the investment more than a body kit which amounts to the same.

you could alternately fit an xtrons headunit there good quality and software is Android based, the internal amplifier quality won't matter atall if your fitting an external amplifier, 

The money is best invested in Speakers and amps, the headunit doesn't do much after that except process the media.

If You have good Speakers like one good set of 6.5" components in the front doors and a 10" Sub in the boot you can leave the rear Speakers standard for a bit of back fill and run both front speakers and sub from amplifiers.

also alot of people just take the amplifier out of the box and install it without calibrating it, 

The calibration process is quite simple using a special Audio wave CD and a multi meter 

it sets the correct band of frequency which you want to amplify which helps you get the most output with zero distortion.

so i recommend purchasing amps second hand preferably class C or class D on eBay with a cheaper xtrons headunit you won't need to replace the dash surround and pick up new speakers for around 150-200 aswell as a 10" Sub for around 100 and the custom enclosure for 90 wire the amps with 4AWG cable

I can guide you with all of this aswell if required.

[Dave1981]

Well thats given me alot to think about!! R the stock Speakers not upto job then? Prob not id imagine.

[Lenny]

18 minutes ago, Dave1981 said:

Well thats given me alot to think about!! R the stock speakers not upto job then? Prob not id imagine.

The stock Speakers are surprisingly good as far as stock systems go, if BluePeter was still on BBC Ford would get an award for the best paper mache Speakers on the production line to date in fairness 😁

 

 

but you maybe surprised to hear and see that there only 25W and don't handle high frequencies very well,

Although they will work fine with an aftermarket headunit they wont shake anything.

If amplified they would most definitely spit the magnet out the the cone.

Like all car manufacturers they throw any old thing inside the doors as the buyer can't see it and it ticks the box for list of extras that invest more of the vehicles value in more competitive factors such as emissions standards and vehicle handling. 

Unless your buying a Porsche or Audi A6 where they install Bose audio as standard and hand stitch the seats anything lower than that level of manufacture just gets the paper mache setup.

 

 

 

An aftermarket headunit then mono amplifier and sub would be a good setup aswell.

[Dave1981]

So are the JL Audio C3 650's a direct replacement for the stock Speakers or is any modification needed? 

Sorry for all questions dude..