Vehicle Applications
Ford | Truck, SUV, Sedan, & Coupe
- (2006-2025) | Amplified Non-B&O & Non-Amplified Systems
↳ Installation Time
Introduction
These instructions will guide you through the sub kit installation for your vehicle.
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.
↳ Tools
- Phillips Driver
- Allen Key Set
- Ratchet
- Sockets: 7mm, 8mm, 10mm,13mm
- Panel Removal Tool
- Unibit (Step Drill Bit)
- Wire Strippers
- Soldering Equipment
- Zipties
↳ System Components
- Axxess AXSUB Interface
- Vehicle Specific T-Harness (LD-DSP-FD1, LD-DSP-FD2, LD-FD2-FD3)
- ANC Bypass Harness (ANC-FDH2, ANC-FDH3)
- Raptor R5 Pro Series 4AWG Amp Kit
- 12GA Speaker Wire (LD-12GA-6)
- Vibe Powerbox 650.1 Mini Amplifier
Safety Protocols & Preliminary Vehicle Preparation
Battery Disconnection
Before beginning any work, remove the key from the ignition and disconnect the negative battery terminal.
WARNING SRS Integrity It is mandatory that all airbag indicator lights remain connected during the installation. DO NOT cycle the vehicle's ignition if any Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components are disconnected. Failure to adhere to this will result in permanent fault codes and system errors that may require dealer intervention.
These safety measures safeguard the vehicle's Supplemental Restraint System before moving to hardware selection.
Interface Selection & Vehicle Application
Selecting the correct "Add-A-Sub" interface is critical for restoring the low-frequency response, which is often limited by factory Ford radios. These interfaces utilize patented technology to overcome factory bass roll-off, providing a clean, 2-channel 5V RMS non-fading output to ensure the aftermarket amplifier receives a high-quality signal for maximum performance.
Ford Interface Compatibility
↳ LD-DSP-FD1
Vehicle | Years | System Type | ANC |
Edge | 2007-2010 | Non-Amplified | — |
Escape | 2008-2012 | Non-Amplified | — |
Expedition | 2007-2014 | Non-Amplified | — |
F-150 | 2006-2013 | Non-Amplified | — |
Flex | 2009-2012 | Non-Amplified | — |
Focus | 2008-2011 | Non-Amplified | — |
Fusion | 2006-2012 | Non-Amplified | — |
Mustang | 2006-2014 | Non-Amplified | — |
Taurus | 2008-2011 | Non-Amplified | — |
↳ LD-DSP-FD2
Vehicle | Years | System Type | ANC |
CMAX | 2013-2017 | Non-Amplified | — |
Edge | 2019-2023 | Non-Amplified | — |
Edge | 2011-2018 | SONY or Non-Amplified | ANC-FDH2 |
Escape | 2015-2019 | Non-Amplified | — |
Expedition | 2018-2022 | All Trims | ANC-FDH2 |
Expedition | 2015-2017 | SONY or Non-Amplified | — |
Explorer | 2011-2019 | Non-Amplified | — |
F-150 | 2014-2020 | SONY or Non-Amplified | — |
F-250 Super Duty | 2019-2020 | SONY or Non-Amplified | — |
F-350 Super Duty | 2019-2020 | SONY or Non-Amplified | — |
Fiesta | 2011-2019 | Non-Amplified | — |
Flex | 2013-2019 | Non-Amplified | — |
Focus | 2012-2018 | Non-Amplified | — |
Fusion | 2013-2020 | Non-Amplified | ANC-FDH2 |
Mustang | 2015-2023 | Non-Amplified | — |
Ranger | 2019-2023 | Non-Amplified | — |
Taurus | 2013-2019 | Non-Amplified | — |
↳ LD-DSP-FD2 + LD-FD2-FD3
Vehicle | Years | System Type | ANC |
Bronco | 2021-2023 | Non-Amplified | — |
Bronco Sport | 2021-2023 | Non-Amplified | — |
E-350 Super Duty | 2021-2023 | Non-Amplified | — |
EcoSport | 2018-2023 | Non-Amplified | — |
Escape | 2020-2023 | Non-Amplified | — |
E Series | 2021-2023 | Non-Amplified | — |
Expedition | 2022-2024 | All Trims | ANC-FDH3 |
Explorer | 2020-2025 | With SYNC | ANC-FDH3 |
F-150 | 2021-2025 | With SYNC | ANC-FDH3 |
F-250 Super Duty | 2020 | Non-Amplified | — |
Mustang | 2024-2026 | Non-Amplified | — |
Ranger | 2024-2025 | Non-Amplified | — |
Dashboard Disassembly & ACM Integration
Disassembly is required to access the Audio Front Control Module (ACM) without compromising factory trim integrity. Using a panel tool is essential to prevent marring or cracking the center stack components.
NOTE For vehicle-specific disassembly instructions, refer to metraonline.com. Enter the vehicle's year, make, and model into the Vehicle Fit Guide for Radio Install Kits.
Radio Removal
- Dash Disassembly: Remove the dashboard panels to access the factory radio chassis. Visit Metraonline.com, select your vehicle in the Vehicle Fit Guide, and find a dash kit for disassembly instructions.
- ACM Removal: Locate the ACM below the radio screen. Remove the four (4) 7mm screws and pull the module forward. Disconnect the two (2) plugs before setting the ACM aside.
T-Harness Integration
- T-Harness Connection: Seat the vehicle-specific T-Harness between the radio and the factory wiring. (FIG A, above)
- 8-Pin Molex Requirement: The harness features an 8-pin Molex male-to-female connector. These must be connected to each other to maintain the factory speaker circuit. Failure to do so will result in a total loss of sound from factory speakers. (FIG B, above)
- Remote Turn-On Wire: Connect the Brown Remote Turn-On wire from the interface to the Blue Remote Wire from the amp kit. wire. (FIG C, above)
- Signal Routing: Route the RCAs and the extended remote wire toward the driver-side floorboard. At this time, Metra recommends running the PB650.1D bass knob wire (FIG D) from the preferred mounting location in the dash with the RCA’s and remote turn on wire to the amplifier location.
- Door Trim Removal: Remove the trim panels on the driver side front and rear doors to properly route the wire bundle to the rear passenger area.
Power Wire Installation
A high-performance amplifier requires stable power. Using 4 AWG Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) ensures the system remains stable under heavy transient loads without voltage drops that could trigger protection modes.
Power Wire Routing
- Battery Connection: Attach the 4 AWG power cable to an available lug on the battery.
- Circuit Protection: Install the 100-amp MANL fuse holder near the battery. Do not insert the fuse yet.
Chassis-to-Cabin Routing
- Path: Route the 4GA power wire down the firewall and along the frame rail. Secure the wire with zip ties, keeping it away from heat sources and moving suspension parts.
- Entry: Route the power wire into the vehicle cab through an unused grommet in the firewall. Secure the cable with zip ties, keeping it away from high-heat sources like the exhaust.
- Remove the grommet, cut a small access point for the wire, and reinstall.
- Use a Unibit if a new hole is required, ensuring the edge is protected.
Grounding Best Practices
- Keep the ground cable length to a maximum of 3 feet.
- Sand the chassis contact point down to bare steel to ensure maximum conductivity.
A robust ground prevents electrical protection faults before addressing the subwoofer configuration.
Amplifier Calibration & Thermal Management
Technical Specifications
VIBE Powerbox 650.1
- Max power: 1200 W
- Power output @ 4 ohms: 325 W
- Power output @ 2 ohms: 475 W
- Power output @ 1 ohm: 650 W
- Class D
"Gain" is a process of input sensitivity matching rather than a volume control. Setting the gain incorrectly is the primary cause of hardware failure in high-performance systems.
Baseline Settings Matrix: Vibe Powerbox 650.1
Setting | Recommended Position |
REMOTE | 4-Pin cable input from Vibe Remote Bass Knob |
LPF (Low Pass Filter) | 120Hz (1 o'clock) |
Subsonic Filter | 25Hz (11 o'clock) |
Bass Boost | 0dB (Fully Counter-Clockwise) |
Gain | 12 o'clock (STRICT LIMIT) |
Input | RCA input |
MODE Switch | Slide to the LEFT for REM ON |
System Programming
The AXSUB interface requires a signal-sensing handshake with the Ford factory radio to synchronize data and turn-on protocols.
Programming Checklist
- Insert the 100-amp MANL fuse and reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Turn the ignition ON. Set the radio audio volume all the way down and the Vibe remote bass knob to 1/4 volume.
- Gradually increase the radio to a normal listening level.
- Wait 15 seconds for the interface to sense the audio signal and auto-program.
- Verify that muting the radio or turning the volume to zero deactivates the amplifier.
Perform a final inspection of all wire routing to ensure no cables are pinched before permanent reassembly.
Subwoofer Options
The Vibe 650.1 is capable of handling up to a 1 Ohm load. If you are using an existing enclosure, consult the manufacturer's recommended wiring setup. If you are looking to add an enclosure, see the best paired options mentioned below.
↳ FD-F150-10
- OEM-Fit Sub Enclosure
- Ford F-150 SuperCrew 2015-2025
↳ SLICKMIT12-V3
- 12” 1500 Watts Passive Bass Enclosure
- SUV / SEDAN / COUPE
Troubleshooting
If the system does not perform as expected, use the following matrix for systematic verification.
Symptom | Probable Cause | Solution | Verification |
No Factory Speaker Sound | 8-Pin Molex | Ensure the 8-pin male/female Molex on the T-Harness is connected. | Audio restored to doors. |
No Amp Power | Remote/Amp Turn-on circuit | Check Vibe Remote Knob position; verify Brown to Blue/White shows 12 volts when the ignition is on. | The power LED on Amp is illuminated. |
Amp in Protection | Faulty Load/Ground | Sand ground to bare steel; verify 4-ohm series wiring. | LED turns from Red to Green. |
RPM-Dependent Drone | ANC Interference | Verify the vehicle has ANC and install an ANC bypass harness. | Silence from sub when radio is off. |
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
(386) 257-1187
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 | Truck, SUV, Sedan, & Coupe
- ↳ Installation Time
- Introduction
- ↳ Tools
- ↳ System Components
- Safety Protocols & Preliminary Vehicle Preparation
- Battery Disconnection
- Interface Selection & Vehicle Application
- Ford Interface Compatibility
- ↳ LD-DSP-FD1
- ↳ LD-DSP-FD2
- ↳ LD-DSP-FD2 + LD-FD2-FD3
- Dashboard Disassembly & ACM Integration
- Radio Removal
- T-Harness Integration
- Power Wire Installation
- Power Wire Routing
- Chassis-to-Cabin Routing
- Grounding Best Practices
- Amplifier Calibration & Thermal Management
- Technical Specifications
- System Programming
- Programming Checklist
- Subwoofer Options
- ↳ FD-F150-10
- ↳ SLICKMIT12-V3
- Troubleshooting
- Technical Support
- Contact
- Hours (EST)