C2R-FRD1 Radio Replacement Interface

For Select 2005+ MSCAN Ford / Lincoln / Mercury Vehicles

Overview

The C2R-FRD1 is an essential installation accessory for select 2005+ Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with MSCAN databus radios. This interface enables factory features such as Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE), Rear Seat Controls (RSC), and the THXII amplifier when the original radio is removed. Additional features include data bus driven Retained Accessory Power (RAP), Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) output, illumination, reverse output, parking brake output, and a 5-volt regulated amplifier turn-on for factory-installed subwoofers.

Installation

Make necessary connections to the provided harness, independently isolating unused wires. Wire colors and descriptions are noted. The RAP output lasts for approximately 10 minutes after the key is off or until a door is opened. This output is rated at 1 amp maximum. For higher current needs, refer to Figure 1.
The Steering Wheel Control (SWC) output wire can only be connected to an optional SWC interface (SWI-xxx, sold separately). Use the vehicle-specific interface version number and follow the connection notes and programming information provided with the SWC interface.
The THXII amplifier's fade capability is lost once the factory radio is removed. The amplifier's DSP mode is set to "all seats" by the C2R-FRD1 interface.
The AUX Jack RCA cables originate from the original 3.5mm auxiliary connection (if equipped). Connecting these to the radio's auxiliary input allows use of the existing auxiliary connection location.
The RSE/RSC RCA cables come from either the overhead DVD system or the rear seat controls (if equipped). Connecting these to an auxiliary input allows the overhead DVD or RSC auxiliary source to be heard throughout the cabin when selected. The Single/Dual Play button cycles through available modes.
Most Ford/Lincoln/Mercury factory subwoofer inputs are mono; only one RCA cable may be present. Connect this to your radio's non-fading output (sub out) if available. The front or rear pre-amp output is also suitable for this connection.

Operation

Using the RSE System:

DVD Single Play: DVD audio routes to the RSE RCA cables behind the radio, and DVD video displays on the overhead LCD (default mode, resets upon engine crank).
DVD Dual Play: DVD audio routes to rear headphones (wireless and hard-wired), and DVD video displays on the overhead LCD. Rear speakers are muted (THXII subwoofer is also muted).
DVD/AUX Single Play: Auxiliary input on the overhead LCD DVD routes audio to the RSE RCA cables behind the radio. Auxiliary video displays on the overhead LCD.
DVD/AUX Dual Play: Auxiliary audio routes to rear headphones (wireless and hard-wired), and auxiliary video displays on the overhead LCD. Rear speakers are muted (THXII subwoofer is also muted).

Note: If the audio from the RSE is distorted, a SNI-1 may be required. See reverse side for diagram.

Using the Rear Seat Controls (RSC):

When active, the display reads "AUX".

AUX Single Play: Auxiliary input on rear seat controls routes to the RSC RCA cables behind the radio (default mode, resets upon engine crank).
AUX Dual Play: Auxiliary audio routes to rear headphones. Rear speakers are muted (THXII subwoofer is also muted).

Technical Bulletins

Bulletin: Rear Seat Entertainment Audio Distortion

Problem: The audio signal from the RSE in Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles is a differential output. Some auxiliary inputs on aftermarket radios have a common ground input, causing distortion in the RSE audio.

Fix: Use a ground loop isolator (PAC Part# SNI-1) between the RSE output from the C2R-FRD1 and the aftermarket radio's auxiliary input. The SNI-1 is directional and requires additional RCA adaptors. (See diagram).

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the SNI-1 Ground Loop Isolator connected between the C2R-FRD1 and RCA adaptors leading to an "AUX input on Aftermarket Deck".

Bulletin: "No Audio when using the C2R-FRD1"

Problem: When using the C2R-FRD1 in 2009 Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles with an amplified system (other than Sony or THX), audio is not present. This is due to the turn-on lead being located in a different position.

Solution:

Locate the 24-pin main power harness in the vehicle.
Locate the Yellow/Purple wire in pin 7 of the main power harness.
Connect a jumper wire from the Yellow/Purple wire in the vehicle harness to the White/Green wire that connects from the C2R-FRD1 module to the 8-pin sub connector.

Diagram Description: Diagrams show the C2R-FRD1 connector and the vehicle connector, viewed from the wire side. A White/Green wire is shown extending from the C2R-FRD1 connector towards the vehicle connector.

Bulletin: Factory Amplified System Shutting Down / Resetting

Problem: In some cases, Ford amplified systems may cause feedback to the C2R-FRD1 module, causing the radio to turn off intermittently or restart, especially at higher volumes.

Fix: Cut the White/Green wire coming from the C2R-FRD1 module and solder a 1-amp diode (Radio Shack part no. 1N4005 or equivalent) inline on the white/green wire. Ensure the diode's stripe is towards the C2R module.

Diagram Description: A diagram illustrates the fix, showing the White/Green wire being cut and a diode inserted inline. The diode's stripe is indicated as pointing towards the C2R Module.

Wiring Information

Diagram Description: A wiring diagram shows the C2R-FRD1 interface connected to various vehicle harnesses and outputs. Key connections include:

16-pin AUX Jack: For auxiliary audio input.
8-pin RSE/RSC: For Rear Seat Entertainment/Controls.
8-pin Subwoofer Input: For factory subwoofer connection.
24-pin Main Harness: Connects to the vehicle's main power and data.
Vehicle Connector Pinout: Details connections for Illumination, +12v Acc, Amp Turn-On, Reverse Light, VSS, Parking Brake, Rear Speaker outputs, Front Speaker outputs, SWC Output, Battery, Ground, and Antenna.

Figure 1 Description: Illustrates using a SPDT relay for a high-current 12v output, showing connections for 12v Acc, the interface, the relay, and a new high-current output.

Compatibility

For a complete list of compatible Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles, please visit www.pac-audio.com.