Fitting aftermarket head units to most vehicles made from 2000 onwards can often be problematic due to manufacturers integrating Audio and HVAC controls into the one assembly. Many of us choose the path of least resistance, with the primary means of connecting a smartphone is via Aux and a $15 FM transmitter purchased from K-Mart. I must admit the ICC unit (Ford speak for their Audio/HVAC unit) is excellent, simple and functional. We had been using the Aux port in the Futura, with $100 Bluetooth accessory to provide audio streaming and calls. The performance of calls was disappointing, so much so the caller couldn’t hear us. The audio streaming was better, but the volume needed to be turned up (compared to radio volume).

As I had already stripped the interior to fix a water leak, I had a pretty good idea of what trim I needed to remove.   I did replay a number of videos on YouTube to be sure. Surprisingly the old ICC unit came out very easily, 9 screws and it was out. Next task was to remove the computer from the old ICC unit and install in the new facia. It all seemed like it was going to plan, installing the new Sony unit, including the remote cable, to ensure the steering wheel controls still functioned.

I was then ready to re-install, this seemed all too quick, but in truth there’s no soldering or requirement to strip and connect cables, as the cable patch leads connect to the Sony head unit, then connect to the new facia. Getting the facia seated correctly was problematic, as there were so many cables behind, had to massage and move them around, but eventually got it installed. To my surprise everything works, but there are a few nuances, like the HVAC controls, they function fine, but there’s no indication on the head unit that the function has been enabled (like the old ICC unit). Aerpro have provided this function, but you need to go into the rear camera function, then you see a picture of the dashboard and displays where air is blowing or if AC is on.

Many will say it’s an expensive solution for an old car, but as we are giving the car to our son Jack in time, he considers an up-to-date audio system a mandatory item. We will need to reacquaint ourselves with the new HVAC controls.

Aerpro sell many different facia kits for most car models. https://aerpro.com/selector.

If you have a Mercedes-Benz, go and have a look at the kits available.

Author:  Nick Gruzevskis is a contributor to classicjalopy.com, and the custodian of a great collection of classic and modern cars.  Links to some his other articles can be found here, including more posts about the 2008 BF Futura.  

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