Vehicle Applications

Ford F-150 Crew Cab

• 2018-2024 (B&O 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

(IMAGES NEEDED) A-Pillar Tweeters Installation

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

A-Pillar Removal

1. Using a pick tool and a panel tool, remove the cover from the handle on the A-pillar.

NOTE There is a small hole at the base of the handle that you can use the pick tool to lift the piece up and get the panel tool inserted to remove the panel.

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. Unplug the speaker harness from the tweeter.

Tweeter Installation

1. With a Phillips screwdriver, remove the three (3) screws securing the factory tweeter in place on the panel, and remove the factory tweeter.

2. Release the factory tweeter from the factory mount by using a pick tool to release the three (3) clips holding the tweeter.

3. Remove the cup from the back of the Vibe tweeter, and then remove the trim ring from the tweeter.

4. Insert the Vibe tweeter into the factory tweeter mount.

5. With the tweeter installed in the factory bracket, mount the bracket back in the A-pillar trim, and secure with the three (3) factory screws.

6. Attach the LD-CAP-SP to the POSITIVE wire from the 72-5603 speaker harness:
1. Attach the other side of the LD-CAP-SP to the POSITIVE wire of the Vibe tweeter.
2. Connect the NEGATIVE wire of the 72-563 to the NEGATIVE wire of the Vibe tweeter.

7. Plug the speaker harness into the factory speaker harness, and reinstall the A-pillar.

Follow the above procedure to install the other tweeter.

Front Door Installation

Follow the steps below for the front door installation.

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 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. Using a pick tool, remove the reflector on the side of the door to expose one (1) 7mm screw, and remove it.

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

8. With the door panel pulled away from the door and lift up on the panel to remove it.

9. With the panel off the door, disconnect the MANUAL LOCK LEVER from the door panel.

10. Unplug the harnesses for the power windows, power lock, and the door panel harness and unclip the door handle cable to fully remove the panel.

11. To remove the door handle cable, lift UP on the tab at the base of the connector and then pull away from the door panel.

The door panel should be completely separated from the door. Put aside until it’s time to reinstall the panel. This will occur after the speakers are installed.

Speaker Removal

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

2. Remove the four (4) 7mm screws that are securing the speaker, and remove the speaker.

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 in the IBSBF69 at the location of the opening on the speaker adapter to allow the speaker harness to connect to the speaker.

3. Locate the 72-5602 speaker harness and cut off the terminals that are attached.

4. Strip the wire to install into the screw terminals of the speaker.
5. Pass the wires of the speaker harness through the opening of the speaker adapter and through the cut you made 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, you need to install the foam sound-deadening 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.

3. Using the four (4) OE 7mm screws, 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 previous steps to complete the other side of the vehicle.

Rear Doors Installation

Follow the instructions below to install in the rear doors.

Rear Door Panel Removal

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

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

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

4. Using a pick tool, remove the reflector from the door panel to expose one (1) 7mm screw.

5. Remove the screw.

6. With all the screws removed, use a panel tool to separate the door panel from the door.

NOTE 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 must unplug the harnesses for the power windows, power lock, and the door panel harness. Unclip the door handle cable to fully remove the panel.

Rear Door Speaker Removal

Follow the instruction below to remove the rear door speaker.

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

2. Remove the three three (3) 7mm screws that are 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 passage of the speaker harness. The connection occurs outside the speaker when it is 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

Before installing the speaker into the door, you need to install the foam sound deadening 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 6.5 in the speaker adapter into the door.
3. Using the three three (3) OE 7mm screws, 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 previous steps to complete the other side of the vehicle.

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 will allow the back portion of the seat to fold down and provide access to the rear wall of the truck.

OE Audio Equipment Removal

The OE amplifier and subwoofer need to be removed to make way for the new amp rack. The following step will take you through the removal of both items. Follow the instructions below to remove the OE audio equipment.

OE Amplifier Removal

1. Remove the (2) T-25 Torx from the TOP of the amp rack.

2. Remove (2) 10mm bolts on the lower support bracket.

3. Unplug the three (3) connectors from the amplifier.

4. Remove the OE Amplifier.

OE Subwoofer Removal

1. Remove the connector from the subwoofer.

2. Remove the three three (3) 10mm bolts securing the subwoofer.

Ballistic Material Installation

The B&O System uses a subwoofer enclosure that ports through a hole to the outside of the vehicle.

Metra has included a package of Ballistic material to cover the opening and help to prevent any intrusion into the vehicle.

Follow the instructions below to properly install the ballistic material.

1. Pull the back wall fabric back to allow the Ballistic to adhere to the wall.

2. Pull the backing off the Ballistic material and stick the 10x10 square to the back wall.

3. Repeat the above process for the second piece of 10x10 Ballistic material.

With the two layers of material applied, you have successfully covered the external port on the cab of the vehicle.

T-Harness & Speaker Extension Harness Installation

In the B&O amplified system, the lines for the tweeters are located at the Front Audio Control Module. (ACM). The supplied t-harness has an 8-pin connector that will connect to the Speaker Extension Harness. This will allow you to run the tweeter lines to the amp rack to connect to the amp.

T-Harness Installation

1. Using a panel tool, pry the trim around the radio to release the (8) clips and remove the trim.

2. Remove the tray insert from the pocket above the radio screen.

3. Remove the center speaker grille cover using a panel tool.

4. With the panel removed the central speaker is exposed as well as two (2) 7mm screws.

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

6. With the screws removed, using a panel tool, lift up on the panel by the radio and release the clips.

7. Disconnect the center channel speaker and remove the panel.

8. Removal of the top panel exposes the ACM.
9. Remove the four (4) 7mm bolts that are securing the bracket above the ACM.

10. Remove (4) 7mm bolts that secure the ACM in the dash.

11. Unplug the harness from the ACM and plug into the t-harness.

↳ 2018-2020

↳ 2021-2024

12. Connect the 15’ SPEAKER EXTENSION HARNESS (Fig A) to the 8-pin connector from the t-harness (Fig B).

13. Route the harness down to the driver side kick panel and then to the amp rack that will be located on the back wall of the vehicle. (Fig C)

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. Remove the trim panels on the passenger side front and rear doors to allow the running of the power wire.

NOTE The amp kit includes 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.

2. 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.

3. Open the hood and locate the battery. Secure the 4-gauge power wire and fuse holder using the provided zip ties.

4. Run the 4GA to the back of the firewall (Fig. A).

5. Bring the 4GA wire under the vehicle to run along the frame. (Fig B).

6. Run along the frame to the grommet in the passenger side floorboard (Fig. C & Fig. D).

TIP Be cautious to avoid areas with high heat exposure.

7. With the trim panels removed, pull back the carpet to expose the grommet in the front passenger floorboard. 

8. Remove the grommet and cut to allow the 4GA wire to pass through it.

9. Feed the 4GA power wire through the grommet from under the vehicle to inside the vehicle at the passenger floorboard.

10. Support the wire under the vehicle with a zip tie.

11. 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

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 SPEAKER WIRES.

It's recommended to make the wire connections to the amp rack before mounting in the vehicle.

1. Connect the speaker wires from the SPEAKER EXTENSION HARNESS and the LD-VB-DSP-FDA2B2 harnesses to the respective amps based on the charts below.

Amp Rack Wiring Connection Tables

↳ Ford F-150 (2018-2020) B&O Amplified System - 10 Speaker

↳ Ford F-150 (2021-2024) B&O Amplified System - 8 Speaker

↳ Ford F-150 (2021-2024) B&O Amplified System - 18 Speaker

Subwoofer Wiring

Connect the speaker wire for the subwoofer to the amp before mounting the amp rack into the vehicle.

1. Connect the 12GA RED and BLACK speaker wire to AMP 2 on CH3 + CH4 - BRIDGED
1. RED to CH3 +
2. BLACK to CH4 -

NOTE To avoid potential damage, you must 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 LD-VB-ETHOUT RCA harness to Amp 1 and Amp 2. The RCAs will plug directly into the DSP output port and are labeled for the correct input and are sized to length to fit perfectly into the amplifiers.

4. Connect the REMOTE OUT from the DSP harness to the REMOTE WIRE you installed on the amps.

5. Attach the included velcro to the back of the DSP.

6. Mount the DSP on the amp rack in the marked location. Make sure the connections for the DSP are facing the TOP of the amp rack.

7. Plug the LD-VB-ETHOUT into the DSP.

8. Plug the 18-pin connector from the LD-VB-DSP-FDA2B harness into the DSP

9. Plug the LD-A2B-EXT30 into the DSP

10. To install the amp rack brackets:
1. Remove one (1) 18mm nut from the center seatbelt anchor point. (Fig A)
2. Remove one (1) 18mm nut from the seat frame by the door. (Fig B)

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

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

13. Plug in the LD-VB-DSP-FDA2B and the LD-A2B-EXT30 harnesses into the matching factory harnesses.

14. Verify all the connections are secure on the completed amp rack.

15. Connect the 4GA power wire to the POSITIVE battery connection under the hood.

Subwoofer Enclosure Installation

After connecting the speaker wires to the amplifier, the speaker wires must be connected to the terminal of the subwoofer.

1. Run the subwoofer speaker wire from the amp to under the driver 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.

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.

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

5. 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 a successful testing of the system, you can reassemble any remaining areas of the vehicle that need reassembly.

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
• (IMAGES NEEDED) A-Pillar Tweeters Installation
• A-Pillar Removal
• Tweeter Installation
• Front Door Installation
• Front Door Panel Removal
• Speaker Removal
• Front Door Speaker Preparation
• Front Speaker Installation
• Rear Doors Installation
• Rear Door Panel Removal
• Rear Door Speaker Removal
• Rear Door Speaker Preparation
• Rear Door Speaker Installation
• Rear Driver’s Seat Back Release
• OE Audio Equipment Removal
• OE Amplifier Removal
• OE Subwoofer Removal
• Ballistic Material Installation
• T-Harness & Speaker Extension Harness Installation
• T-Harness Installation
• ↳ 2018-2020
• ↳ 2021-2024
• Power Kit Installation
• Amplifier Rack Assembly
• Amplifier Settings
• ↳ AMP 1
• ↳ AMP 2
• Amplifier Rack Installation
• Amp Rack Wiring Connection Tables
• ↳ Ford F-150 (2018-2020) B&O Amplified System - 10 Speaker
• ↳ Ford F-150 (2021-2024) B&O Amplified System - 8 Speaker
• ↳ Ford F-150 (2021-2024) B&O Amplified System - 18 Speaker
• Subwoofer Wiring
• Subwoofer Enclosure 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)