Used Truck Stereo Hack Job

[DillonTX91]

I bought my truck used (17,000 Miles) from a local dealer late last year. After a day or two, I noticed the audio had very little bass even after turning it all the way up in the Sync tone settings, so I started digging around. I found an amp rack behind the seat with a JL Audio VX600/6i still on it and a bare spot/loose wiring where a second amp was mounted before. Now it made sense why the underseat folding storage box wasn't there. I figured the guy that traded it in took the subs and amp for his new ride. No big deal, I will just replace the missing stuff and roll on.

After researching it and realizing what it takes to upgrade the original B&O 8-speaker setup and the price of the amp that was left, I knew the previous owner didn't skimp on the components. Now, I was very interested in finding out the exact setup they used. I ended up contacting him. He was super nice and sent me the invoice from the audio shop that supplied all of the components and did the install.

He also said everything was still in it when he traded it in. I assume a guy in the service department has the missing subs and amp in his truck now. No worries. It sucks, but I'm not worried about it.

What I am worried about though: where is the Zen A2B module, how was it all wired in originally, what components are needed but missing, and what is the condition of the setup now that it has been messed with....

Then, I unscrewed the amp rack to check behind it and this is what I found... It was just crammed in there all tangled up.

It is what it is, but I'd like to get all of this crap cleaned up and have some questions.

1. Is there anything I can do to fix the hacked-up harness? Is it worth it at this point? What issues could this cause in its current state?

2. How would you go about tackling this? I have already saved the JLA TuN project configuration the amp is currently running.

3. Looking at the invoice, they charged for "Install AP4". Is an AP4 AND a NAV-TV normally used together or did they just charge 3 hours to install the NAV-TV and label it AP4? If it is a required component, would it be in the dash? I get the chimes through the speakers most of the time, but it does revert back to the dash module randomly.

4. It lists a DRC-205 control knob was installed but the one that’s currently installed looks more like the RBC-1. A phone-line type cord is connected to the VXi amp but there is no noticeable difference when adjusting the knob at the dash. Any ideas here? Initially, I was hoping I could avoid pulling any dash panels off to I.D. this stuff but that’s probably out the window now.

I appreciate any insight or recommendations you may have.

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[rugedraw]

This sounds like a job for @SoundsGoodStereo . I would message them if they don't see this and respond.

 

[SoundsGoodStereo]

Wow.... I think they need to remove the word "Expert" from the invoice..

Positive news, you have some components with
To Answer your questions..

1. Is there anything I can do to fix the hacked-up harness? Is it worth it at this point? What issues could this cause in its current state?

You can buy the PAC Audio APH-FD02 harness and use that to fix the factory plugs/connections.
https://soundsgoodstereo.com/produc...-2019-ford-vehicles-with-b-o-amplified-system

2. How would you go about tackling this? I have already saved the JLA TuN project configuration the amp is currently running.

Purchase an amplifier rack, wire outside of the truck, and then reinstall.
https://soundsgoodstereo.com/products/2015-ford-f-series-custom-made-amplifier-rack-plate

3. Looking at the invoice, they charged for "Install AP4". Is an AP4 AND a NAV-TV normally used together or did they just charge 3 hours to install the NAV-TV and label it AP4? If it is a required component, would it be in the dash? I get the chimes through the speakers most of the time, but it does revert back to the dash module randomly.

You only have a ZEN. Chances are they assumed they needed an AP4 or they had issues with the AP4, so they used a ZEN.
Just make sure that the ZEN power + ground are connected to the power/ground from the battery, not from the power/ground in the factory harness.

4. It lists a DRC-205 control knob was installed but the one that’s currently installed looks more like the RBC-1. A phone-line type cord is connected to the VXi amp but there is no noticeable difference when adjusting the knob at the dash. Any ideas here? Initially, I was hoping I could avoid pulling any dash panels off to I.D. this stuff but that’s probably out the window now.

Might be a setting in the DSP itself on what that knob actually adjusts. I think it can do multiple functions.

 

[DillonTX91]

@SoundsGoodStereo - Thank you very much for answering my questions.

One I forgot to add earlier. Is it normal for the ZEN to be hot?
It wasn't just warm. On a scale of 1-10, 1=No heat at all / 10=Too hot to hold in your hand, I'd say it was at a 6 or 7 after everything was powered on for 30 minutes.

 

[SoundsGoodStereo]

@SoundsGoodStereo - Thank you very much for answering my questions.

One I forgot to add earlier. Is it normal for the ZEN to be hot?
It wasn't just warm. On a scale of 1-10, 1=No heat at all / 10=Too hot to hold in your hand, I'd say it was at a 6 or 7 after everything was powered on for 30 minutes.

Uhmm... It's ok if it's a 6, that's somewhat normal. But if they used the factory ground for the ZEN, it could cause it to be hotter than it needs to be and shorten its lifespan. So I would get it re-wired as soon as you can.

 

[rugedraw]

Wow.... I think they need to remove the word "Expert" from the invoice..

Cold-blooded.

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