Vehicle Applications

Ford F-150 Crew Cab

• 2015-2024 (Non-Amplified)
• 2015-2017 (Amplified)

↳ Installation Time

Introduction

The following instructions will guide you through the installation process to replace the Speakers in the factory locations and add amplifiers and a subwoofer to your Ford.

TIP Before you begin, review these instructions thoroughly and ensure that all parts are present and tools are available.

WARNING Metra Electronics does not assume any responsibility for damage resulting from incorrect installation.

↳ Parts List

↳ Required Tools

• 7mm, 10mm, 18mm
• Phillips Driver
• T20 Torx
• Panel Tool
• Uni Bit (Step Bit)
• Wire Cutters
• Wire Strippers
• Wire Fishing Tool

A-Pillar Tweeters Installation

Follow the instructions below to install the A-Pillar Tweeters.

A-Pillar Removal

1. Using a panel tool, remove the two (2) covers from the handle on the A-Pillar.

2. Remove the two (2) 10mm bolts from the handle.

3. With the bolts removed, pull the handle of the trim away from the A-Pillar.

4. With a Phillips screwdriver, remove the two (2) screws securing the factory tweeter in place on the panel, and remove the factory tweeter.

Tweeter Installation

1. Remove the cup mount from the back of the new Vibe tweeter.

2. Insert the tweeter into the metal tweeter mount and press the tweeter into the mount until the teeth of the bracket rest in the groove of the tweeter.

3. Cut the tweeter bracket after the first hole on either side.

4. Bend the bracket to line up with the factory mounting holes on the A-Pillar trim panel.

5. Using the factory screws, install the new tweeter.

Follow the steps above again to complete installation on the other side of the vehicle.

NOTE On a non-amplified installation, the factory tweeter connection does not use a speaker harness. Instead, run the LD-VB-TWTDH from the tweeter location to the radio cavity. Complete this step after removing the radio.

Front Door Speaker Installation

Follow the instructions below to install the front door speakers.

Front Door Panel Removal

1. Using a panel tool, remove the panel beside the mirror.

2. Remove the 7mm screw that is now visible.

3. Using a panel tool, remove the door handle cover to expose two (2) 7mm screws.

4. Remove the two (2) 7mm screws from the handle location.

NOTE Start removing the handle cover from the side closest to the front of the vehicle. There is a tab that will break off if you begin from the rear of the vehicle.

5. Using a panel tool, remove the small cover below the door handle to expose two (2) 7mm screws.

6. Remove the two (2) 7mm screws.

7. Remove two (2) 7mm screws on the bottom of the door panel.

8. With all screws removed, use a panel tool to separate the door panel from the door.
1. The door panel is attached with clips.
2. Pull the panel to release the clips.

9. With all clips released and the door panel loose, grasp the door handle and lift the panel upward to separate from the door.

10. Unplug the harnesses for the power windows, power lock and the door panel.

11. Unclip the door handle cable to fully remove the panel.

Speaker Removal

1. Unplug the factory speaker harness from the factory speaker.

2. Remove the four (4) 7mm screws securing the speaker, and detach it.

Front Door Speaker Preparation

1. Install the IBSBF69 into the 82-5606 speaker adapter.

NOTE There is an opening in the speaker adapter that allows the passing of the speaker harness, since the connection happens outside the speaker when mounted to the door.

2. Make a cut on the IBSBF69 at the opening on the speaker adapter to allow the speaker harness to connect to the speaker.

3. Cut the ends off of terminals attached to the 72-5602 speaker harness.

4. Strip the wire to install into the speaker’s screw terminals.
5. Pass the speaker harness wires through the opening of the speaker adapter and through the cut in the baffle.

6. Connect the wires to the speaker terminals:
1. WHITE to +
2. BLACK to –

7. Install the speaker into the speaker adapter.

Front Speaker Installation

Before installing the speaker into the door, the foam sound-deadening pad must be installed. Following the instructions below to install the pad.

1. With the window rolled up, peel the paper backing off the piece of sound deadening and apply it to the inside of the door.

2. Install the new Vibe 6x9 in the speaker adapter into the door.

4. Using the four (4) OE 7mm screws, secure the speaker adapter to the door.
5. Connect the factory speaker harness to the 72-5602 speaker harness that is installed and connected in the speaker adapter.

6. Reinstall the door panel.

Follow the previous steps to complete installation on the other side of the vehicle.

Rear Door Speaker Installation

Follow the instructions below to install the rear door speakers.

Rear Door Panel Removal

1. With a panel tool, remove the door handle cover to expose two (2) 7mm screws.

NOTE Start removing the handle cover from the side closest to the front of the vehicle. There is a tab that will break off if you try to start from the side towards the rear of the truck.

2. Remove the two (2) 7mm screws from the door handle.
3. Using a panel tool, remove the small cover below the door handle to expose two (2) 7mm screws

4. Remove the two (2) 7mm screws.
5. Remove two (2) 7mm screws on the bottom of the door panel.

6. With all the screws removed, use a panel tool to separate the door panel from the door. The door panel is attached with clips, and you can pull the panel to release the clips.

7. With all the clips released and the door panel loose, grab the door handle and lift the panel upward to separate from the door.

TIP You will need to unplug the harnesses for the power windows, power lock, and the door panel harness. You can also unclip the door handle cable to fully remove the panel.

Rear Door Speaker Removal

1. Unplug the factory speaker harness from the factory speaker.

2. Remove the three (3) 7mm screws securing the speaker, and remove the speaker.

Rear Door Speaker Preparation

1. Remove the tabs on the 82-5605 Speaker Adapter to allow the installation of the Vibe 6.5.

2. Using a Uni-Bit, drill a hole into the speaker adapter to allow the passing of the speaker harness, as the connection happens outside the speaker when mounted to the door.

3. Install the IBSBF65 into the 82-5605 speaker adapter.
4. Make a cut in the IBSBF65 at the location of the opening on the speaker adapter to allow the speaker harness to connect to the speaker.
5. Pass the wires of the speaker harness through the opening of the speaker adapter and through the cut in the baffle.

6. Install the speaker into the speaker adapter.

7. Connect the wires to the speaker terminals:
1. WHITE to +
2. BLACK to –

Rear Door Speaker Installation

1. Before installing the speaker into the door, install the foam sound deadening pad.
2. With the window rolled up, peel the paper backing off the piece of sound deadening and apply to the inside of the door.

3. Install the new Vibe 6.5 in the speaker adapter into the door using the three (3) OE 7mm screws, and secure the speaker adapter to the door.

4. Connect the factory speaker harness into the 72-5602 speaker harness that is installed and connected in the speaker adapter.

5. Reinstall the door panel.

Follow the above steps to complete this installation on the other side of the vehicle.

Radio Removal

Follow the instructions below to remove the currently installed radio.

1. Remove the speaker grille from the tray above the radio with a panel tool, and expose two (2) 7 mm screws.

2. Remove the two (2) 7mm screws.
3. Pry up on the tray above the radio with a panel tool, and remove the tray.

NOTE If the truck has a center channel speaker, disconnect the speaker to remove the tray.

4. With the tray removed, two (2) 7mm screws above the radio trim are exposed. Remove the two (2) 7mm screws.

5. With the two (2) screws removed, gently pull on the top of the radio trim to release the clips.

6. Using a panel tool, release the lower panel from the dash.

7. Once the panel is free from the dash, disconnect the harnesses plugged into the HVAC and any other buttons on the panel.
8. Remove the panel and put it aside until reassembly.
9. With the panel removed you will see the radio screen and the Audio Front Control Module (ACM) below the screen.
10. Remove the four (4) 7mm screws from the ACM and pull it out of the dash.

11. Disconnect the two (2) black plugs and the two (2) coax cable connectors.

12. Put the ACM aside till time to reassembly

Tweeter Harness Installation

In a non-amplified system, you must install the Tweeter Harness to each tweeter to connect them to the Vibe amp. The harness will connect to the T-harness behind the radio.

Following the instructions below to install the tweeter harness.

Driver’s Side

1. Open the lower dash panel below the steering column by pulling the panel and releasing the clips.

2. Using a wire puller, from the radio location, pull the tweeter harness out from the center dash and route along the panel below the steering column.

NOTE There should be a factory harness present to attach the tweeter harness for wire management.

3. Route the wire puller up through the dash to the A-Pillar tweeter location.

NOTE Metra recommends using a zip tie to secure the tweeter harness to the existing factory tweeter harness to prevent the line from falling into the dash.

4. Plug the tweeter into the harness connectors.

5. Re-install the A-Pillar.

Passenger’s Side

1. Open the glove box.
2. Push in on the tabs on either side of the glove box to allow it to away from the dash.

3. Using a wire puller from the radio location, pull the tweeter harness out from the center dash and route along the factory harness toward the passenger A-Pillar.

4. Route the wire puller up through the dash to the A-Pillar tweeter location.

NOTE Metra recommends using a zip tie to secure the tweeter harness to the existing factory tweeter harness to prevent the line from falling into the dash.

5. Plug the tweeter into the harness connectors.

6. Re-install the A-Pillar.

NOTE Both tweeter harness ends should be in the location of the Audio Control Module (ACM) to connect into the DSP t-harness.

DSP Installation

Following the instructions below to install the DSP.

1. Install the T-harness into the factory harness.
2. Plug the DSP T-harness and the DSP RCA output harness into the DSP module.

3. Included in this kit are a set of 6-channel RCAs and a set of 2-channel RCAs. Install the RCAs into the DSP output harness. (see table)

4. Connect the included remote wire to the AMP ON OUT from the DSP harness.

5. Route the speaker extension harness from the T-harness to the driver side floor board.
6. Connect the LD-VB-TYEXT to the 12-pin harness that comes off the T-harness.

7. Connect the tweeter harness into the labeled wires from the t-harness.

8. Install the included LOAD RESISTOR (RPAD-39) to the connectors on the t-harness.

9. Route the RCAs, the LD-VB-TYEXT and remote wire from the radio location, to the driver side floor board.

10. Remove the trim panels on the driver side front and rear doors to allow the running of the wire bundle.
11. Route the wires to the rear driver's side passenger seat.

12. Connect the (2) coax cables, (1) factory harness and (1) DSP t-harness into the Front Audio Control Module (ACM)

13. Manage the wiring into the dash and secure the ACM back in place with the (4) 7mm screws.

14. Reinstall the radio trim panel by connecting the HVAC harness and any other harnesses you disconnected during removal.

WARNING DO NOT secure the trim panel in place until you have completed the install and tested the full functionality of the system.

Power Kit Installation

The amplifier kit includes a 4GA Red power wire that will run from the vehicle's battery to the cab's rear and the MANL fuse holder with a 100-amp MANL fuse.

Follow the steps below to route your amplifier wiring properly.

1. Open the hood and locate the battery.
2. The amp kit comes with a short piece of 4GA wire that connects from the fuse holder to the vehicle battery terminal. Install the 4GA power wire into the fuse holder.
3. Insert the 100-amp MANL fuse into the holder using a T-20 Torx and connect the longer piece of 4-gauge power wire to the fuse holder.
4. Secure the 4-gauge power wire and fuse holder using the provided zip ties.
5. The 4GA will run:
1. Down the back of the firewall (Fig. A)

2. Along the frame (Fig. B)

3. To the grommet in the passenger side floorboard (Fig. C & Fig. D).

WARNING Be sure to avoid areas with high heat exposure.

6. Remove the trim panels on the passenger side front and rear doors to allow the running of the power wire.
7. With the trim panels removed, pull back the carpet to expose the grommet in the front passenger floorboard. Remove the grommet and cut to allow the 4GA wire to pass through it.

8. You can support the wire under the vehicle with a zip tie.
9. With the 4GA wire now in the cab of the vehicle, run the power wire to the back wall of the vehicle to the location of the amp rack.

Amplifier Rack Assembly

This kit includes a precut board and a set of determined mounting locations for the equipment. This board mounts all the audio equipment, including the power distribution block and the DSP on factory amplified systems. It is designed to mount with existing bolt locations in the vehicle.

Follow the steps below to install your audio equipment.

TIP The installation of the product onto the board can be completed outside the vehicle.

1. Attach the brackets to the amp rack with the included hardware.

2. Using the supplied screws, mount the amplifiers in place with the RCAs pointing upward.

3. Using the supplied screws (smaller heads), mount the distribution block.

NOTE The Vibe amplifiers are fused inside the amplifier case for added protection against short circuits.

4. Using the provided 8GA Red power wire, connect to the distribution block and to the respective amplifiers' +12V terminal:
1. Distribution Block Screw T-20 Torx
2. Vibe Amplifier Screw 5/32 Allen

5. Using the provided 8GA Black ground wire, connect the ring terminals to the grounding point on the amp rack bracket.

7. Run the ground wire to the respective amplifiers and cut off unnecessary lengths of the wire.

8. Install the 8GA ground wire to the GND terminal of the amplifier.

Amplifier Settings

After wiring the amps, you can set the levels before installing the amp board into the vehicle. Use a small flat blade screwdriver to make the adjustments.

↳ AMP 1

↳ AMP 2

Rear Driver’s Seat Back Release

The amp rack is designed to be installed behind the rear driver side passenger seat. These steps will explain how to gain access to the area to continue the install.

NOTE The backrest latch is only accessible when the seat cushion is raised.

1. Raise the rear seat cushion.
2. While the seat is folded up, reach behind the seat to release the rear seat back latch.

NOTE This allows the back portion of the seat to fold down, providing access to the rear wall of the truck.

Amplifier Rack Installation

With all the equipment mounted to the amp rack, you can move the amp rack to the truck to proceed with the installation of the REMOTE WIRE, RCAs, and SPEAKER WIRES.

TIP Metra recommends making the wire connections to the amp rack before mounting it in the vehicle.

1. Connect the speaker wires from the LD-VB-TYEXT to the respective amps.

NOTE All wires are labeled for polarity and amp channel assignment.

↳↳ Amp 1 Speakers

↳↳ Amp 2 Speakers

NOTE To prevent potential damage, ensure that you properly connect your speaker wires to the correct channels of the Vibe amplifier. Damage caused by improper connection will not be covered under warranty.

2. Connect the REMOTE WIRE to Amp 1 and Amp 2.

3. Connect the RCAs to Amp 1 and Amp 2

↳↳ Amp 1 RCA Settings

↳↳ Amp 2 RCA Settings

Follow the instructions below to install the amp rack brackets:

1. Remove the (1) 18mm nut from the center seatbelt anchor point. (Fig A)
2. Remove (1) 18mm nut from the seat frame by the door. (Fig B)

3. With the nuts removed, place the amp rack brackets over the studs and re-secure the 18mm nuts.

4. With the amp rack secured, install the 4GA power wire into the distribution block using a T-20 Torx.

5. Install the 4GA power wire to the battery connection under the hood.

6. Verify all connections are secure and proceed to load the tune file on the DSP

Subwoofer Installation

After connecting the speaker wires to the amplifier, they must be connected to the terminal of the subwoofer. Follow the steps below to install the subwoofer.

1. Run the subwoofer speaker from the amp to under the driver's side rear seat.

2. Place the enclosure under the seat and connect the speaker wires.
1. Remove the speaker terminal connector from the enclosure.
2. Strip the subwoofer speaker wire from the amp so that ¾” of copper wire is showing.
3. A jumper wire needs to be inserted into the terminal bridging VC1+ and VC2- (Fig A).

4. Connect the positive wire from the amp to VC2+ (Fig B).
5. Connect the negative wire from the amp to VC1- (Fig B).

6. Insert the wired terminal connector into the terminal on the subwoofer enclosure.

7. Place the enclosure under the rear seat (PHOTO NEEDED)

AXXESS DSP Setup

Once the audio system installation is complete, loading a vehicle-specific tune can begin. Proper setup ensures the amplifier is installed correctly, allowing optimal audio performance.

The instructions below will guide you through the step-by-step process of connecting the amplifier to the software to load the vehicle-specific tune.

Once the inputs, outputs, and power harness are correctly connected, the final step in the setup process is connecting the software to the amplifier's processor.

To complete your installation, you must download the AXXESS AX-DSP App and your vehicle-specific tune.

Follow the instructions below to complete this critical step.

TIP Metra recommends plugging in the Axxess DSP to a Windows PC with the Axxess Updater Program installed to confirm the current firmware version of the DSP software.

NOTE Loading the downloaded tune to the Axxess DSP is currently only possible with an Android device.

1. Download the tune file for the Axxess DSP to the desktop on a Windows PC

DOWNLOAD FILE

[FILE EMBED FOR TUNE DOWNLOAD]

NOTE This tune includes preset settings features like time alignment, crossovers settings, and equalizer adjustments. These settings allow a personalized audio experience in your vehicle.

Tune File Transfer

2. Connect your Android tablet to the Windows PC with the tune file. Your tablet should show in the device menu.

3. With the tablet connected, locate it from the connected devices list, and open the Internal storage folder.

4. Open the Documents folder.

↳ Android 9.0-10

1. Drag the downloaded tune file from your Desktop into the AX-DSP XL folder.

↳ Android 11.0 & Up

1. Drag the downloaded tune file from your Desktop into the IMPORT folder.

When the transfer is complete, disconnect the tablet from the Windows PC.

Loading the DSP

Connect to the DSP

To log into the DSP, the audio system must be turned on. Turn the radio volume down until the DSP programming is complete.

1. Open the Axxess AX-DSP-XL app on your Android device.

AX-DSP-XL - Apps on Google Play

Application for controlling Metra Electronics' AX-DSP-X and AX-DSP-L DSP's.

play.google.com

2. When the Home Page loads, click BLUETOOTH CONNECTION.

3. Click SCAN to locate your DSP.

4. Click on the DSP under Available Devices to connect.

Loading Tune to DSP

↳ Android 9.0-10

1. When the DSP connects to the tablet, click CONFIGURATION.

2. On the CONFIGURATION page, click RECALL CONFIG. A list of available saved files on the device will display on the following screen.

3. Click on the file that you downloaded and transferred to the tablet.

4. The DSP will load the settings in the selected file.

↳ Android 11.0 & Up

1. On the CONFIGURATION page, click IMPORT CONFIG. A list of available saved files on the device will display on the following screen.

2. Click on the file that you downloaded and transferred to the tablet.
3. Click on the tune file.

4. The tune will be brought into the DSP software to load onto the Axxess DSP

4. On the CONFIGURATION page, click RECALL CONFIG.

5. The DSP will load all the settings from the selected file.

6. Once loading is complete, the DSP is loaded and ready to view:
1. The settings include the setup of all crossovers under the CROSSOVER ADJUST tab (Fig. A).

2. The time alignment (Fig. B) for the specific vehicle into which you are installing the DSP under the DELAY ADJUST tab.

Settings Lockdown

Once you confirm that the tune has loaded, you must lock down the DSP settings.

1. Click the CONFIGURATION tab.
2. Click LOCKDOWN.

This lockdown process finalizes the installation of the settings to the DSP.

NOTE This Vibe Audio Kit was tuned on an RTA by a professional audio engineer.

WARNING

Metra does not recommend adjusting any of the preset settings in the programmed DSP tune. Any changes made could affect the audio quality of the system or could cause damage to the system.

Testing The System

1. Turn the vehicle ignition on.

NOTE Ensure the volume is low, but you should hear sound.

2. Select the fade and balance options on the radio. The system should fade and balance as normal.
1. Fade to FRONT and REAR.
2. Balance LEFT and RIGHT.
3. Turn the ignition off, exit the vehicle, and make sure all doors and the hood are shut.

Lock the vehicle with the key fob and let it sit for 10 minutes.

TIP The key fob should be 15+ feet from the vehicle.

4. After 10 minutes, unlock the vehicle.
5. Turn the vehicle ignition on.

Ensure audio is playing audibly and clearly.

Reassembly

After testing the system and confirming all components are functioning:

1. Reinstall the radio trim panel (reverse steps from removal earlier in install).
2. Reinstall any remaining trim panels.

Technical Support

TIP If you encounter any difficulties during installation please carefully review the instructions and ensure that the installation was performed exactly as instructed.

Our dedicated team is here to provide you with expert assistance and guidance. Whether you're troubleshooting an installation, seeking product information, or looking for technical advice, we're committed to ensuring your experience with Metra Electronics products is seamless and satisfying.

WARNING Before contacting Metra Technical Support, ensure the vehicle is in a ready state to perform troubleshooting steps.

Contact

Email

Submit a Support Ticket

(386) 257-1187

Vehicle Fit Guide

Hours (EST)

Monday-Friday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

On this page

• Vehicle Applications
• Ford F-150 Crew Cab
• ↳ Installation Time
• Introduction
• ↳ Parts List
• ↳ Required Tools
• A-Pillar Tweeters Installation
• A-Pillar Removal
• Tweeter Installation
• Front Door Speaker Installation
• Front Door Panel Removal
• Speaker Removal
• Front Door Speaker Preparation
• Front Speaker Installation
• Rear Door Speaker Installation
• Rear Door Panel Removal
• Rear Door Speaker Removal
• Rear Door Speaker Preparation
• Rear Door Speaker Installation
• Radio Removal
• Tweeter Harness Installation
• Driver’s Side
• Passenger’s Side
• DSP Installation
• Power Kit Installation
• Amplifier Rack Assembly
• Amplifier Settings
• ↳ AMP 1
• ↳ AMP 2
• Rear Driver’s Seat Back Release
• Amplifier Rack Installation
• ↳↳ Amp 1 Speakers
• ↳↳ Amp 2 Speakers
• ↳↳ Amp 1 RCA Settings
• ↳↳ Amp 2 RCA Settings
• Subwoofer Installation
• AXXESS DSP Setup
• Tune File Transfer
• ↳ Android 9.0-10
• ↳ Android 11.0 & Up
• Loading the DSP
• Connect to the DSP
• Loading Tune to DSP
• ↳ Android 9.0-10
• ↳ Android 11.0 & Up
• Settings Lockdown
• Testing The System
• Reassembly
• Technical Support
• Contact
• Hours (EST)