35 replies to this topic

[LOUDnLOW]

Hey guys im looking at getting a 2011 Ford Ranger for my new Daily but it seems like the electrical systems in them do not like being messed with or drawing/using more power and apparently it damages the harness and voids the warranty so i dont know if that means i cant add speakers, subs, amps or processors? To me this is a BIG! put off if its true...

Still looking into it as we speak but if anyone knows anything please let me know!

[syd-monster]

You need to get in contact with Warren/Adam at BDL Car Audio. They've done extensive work to their Ranger... Im sure they will assist.

[blanketman]

is it the new look Ranger?

[broadz]

The latest shape has a completely different (read integrated) dash design, much like a VE Commodore or FG Falcon. The earlier PK Ranger (like BDL Car Audio's) has a simple replacement double din facia and more conventional wiring.

I think what you are talking about is just a simple CANBUS issue which is overcome by either installing a vehicle specific canbus-aftermarket wiring harness or using different power sources and tap into the speaker wires elsewhere (bypass the OEM loom plug altogether) like I had to do with my Jeep

Edited by broadz, 20 February 2012 - 10:11 AM.

[LOUDnLOW]

Yea I was talking about the new shape and haven't bought one yet just susing them out.

So if I bypass the factory Unit and have a aftermarket one run off another power source it should solve that problem?

Not sure if it would be worth it price wise but could the dash/face plate of the factory be modified to fit a aftermarket unit?

[broadz]

You would be best finding the canbus-aftermarket headunit adaptor which is available for most canbus equipped cars.

OR utilise the factory headunit and run LOC (line out convertors) or an aftermarket processor such as a bitone, PS8, MS8, 360.1/2 etc to run aftermarket amps and different speakers.

There probably isnt a facia available yet..

2011 Ranger interior


2007 PK Wildtrak


With aftermarket fascia

[LOUDnLOW]

yea i didnt think there would be one but i was thinking along the lines of customs made...

But my original plan was to go with the LOC and processor i was just worried that it might "burn it out" based on what others said(please note these were more about the trailer plugs more then the H/U).

I emailed BDL earlier and they dont think there would be any major problem if its done properly...

Plan to listen to the propaganda the Ford sales people at the local dealership rave about tomorrow.

[sphell]

We've been told you can't tap into the reverse light power for sensors or a camera or it will fry the BCM. I guess this would be the same as hooking up trailer wiring.

[LOUDnLOW]

So the h/u should be alright with going the loc direction?

[TEGBOY]

Take it to the right shop and you will be fine. Not knowing what area of QLD you are, I would still suggest Northfield Moorooka, these guys are the top of their games. Working extensively on very high-end cars which all run can-bus systems.

[The Toad]

Or just buy a Navara, much better SQ's

[LOUDnLOW]

Im in queensland yes... 6hrs from Brisbane haha! and we do have a few people in town that mess with car audio but id trust me work just that bit more....

And i do like Navara's but they are a bit costly, do they have the seprate H/U? I wonder how much space you could get in those rear king cab doors

Also walked in to talk about the new Ranger at the local dealership and got offered a job as a Car salesman half way through talking about the Ranger, ha!

Edited by LOUDnLOW, 21 February 2012 - 10:11 PM.

[syd-monster]

Sorry, hadn't realised there had been such significant model upgrade/electronics change in these cars.

[MAS Andrew]

Mazda BT50?? New model looks nice.. Like a car inside.

[LOUDnLOW]

the brand new model BT50? i dont really like the fronts on those... remind me of those Ssangyong utes.

[MAS Andrew]

I suppose Mazda are trying to differentiate themselves from the more "ruggered" look Ford ute by making it look more sedan like.
The interior is nice though, the best I reckon.

[LOUDnLOW]

yea like there past models have been similar to Fords but i like the fronts on the 2011/12 Rangers alot more seems more F Truck like...

Added Navara and F250 to my list of possibles. Yet to find out much about the 6 cylinder Turbo Diesel F250 tho... all i know is they are expensive...

[Audio Express]

amazing the amount of crap I am reading here.

I have done 3 now without issue. panel does not exist (I have been looking in thailand) and as far as adding accessories to the thing - nothing special. I have been stick UHF radios in them since they came out.

[YT1987]

See Chris, he knows his stuff hands down, wouldn't go anywhere else except him with these kinds of things about vehicles, especially Japanese vehicles, NO ONE ELSE!!!!!!!! knows them better

[LOUDnLOW]

HA! well thats awesome as then! must be only the trailer plug they were talking about! thanks alot guys...

With the Panel if we ware talking about the factory H/U face plate thingy i was talking about a costly custom job not pre built as its only just come out so i knew there wasnt gonna be one.

Local Dealership doesnt get stock in until April... so im gonna have to wait until then although starting to look at the D40 Navara...

But its good thats all been clearned up then. Thanks.

Edited by LOUDnLOW, 22 February 2012 - 10:11 PM.

[Audio Express]

to put things in a better perspective (and most of the local 12v retailers already know this.) I have turned my hand to doing OEM dash panels/integration for most vehicles in the Oz market. when these trucks came out 4-5 months back I was being asked for navi solutions/dash solutions and camera solutions. sorted most of that but no dash panel.

as such I have pulled a few of them down and have a fair idea what I can and cannot do.

[LOUDnLOW]

Ok, but my main focus was the LOC and processor.

Now I'm just trying to make up my mind what car I want...

[Audio Express]

HA! well thats awesome as then! must be only the trailer plug they were talking about! thanks alot guys...

With the Panel if we ware talking about the factory H/U face plate thingy i was talking about a costly custom job not pre built as its only just come out so i knew there wasnt gonna be one.

Local Dealership doesnt get stock in until April... so im gonna have to wait until then although starting to look at the D40 Navara...

But its good thats all been clearned up then. Thanks.

I often have panels 6-7 months BEFORE the cars are released here. japanese cars especially.

in regard to LOC. nothing special about that. Audio Control LC2 would do the trick.

if you are 6 hours north of brissy that woulg put you near fred and stacey (rocky car sound). suggest seeing them. stace knows what he's doing

Edited by Audio Express, 23 February 2012 - 07:43 PM.

[MAS Andrew]

Depending on what you mean by "processor".. You may not need a LOC..

[LOUDnLOW]

6hrs west haha but that's cool about having panels that far in advance.

No LOC ay... I shall look into that further...

[MAS Andrew]

"most" processors have up to 6ch of speaker level inputs that have music sensing turn on capabilities.

[LOUDnLOW]

Well if i stick with a Ranger im Leaning towards a black PK Wildtrak instead of a base model PX.

[broadz]

haha really? that will make 3x black PK Wildtraks (my brothers included) on MEA, each will decent installs

just take my advice and buy the 6 spd manual version.

Also, there was a recall where the original owners returned their Ranger Wildtracks to the dealership to have the cruise control REMOVED and reimbursed. so be careful if you find one still with the factory cruise control as they can be potentially dangerous

[LOUDnLOW]

Does it cost much to have the cruise control fix if its still factory? And why manual?

[broadz]

Because the manual is better, the autos aren't as strong and as I mentioned have a tendency to slip an overheat with heavy use.

I don't know for sure but I think you are meant to get an aftermarket controlled cruise control. There is one on eBay which is canbus controlled and uses the factory steering wheel switch