Car Stereos: 2002 Ford Taurus Stock Amplifier, steering linkage, ford taurus

Question
I just replaced the stock stereo with a 30W cassette/AUX by Dual (XC4100) using a Scosche Installation Kit (FD1380). Right now I have the Dual plugged directly into the speakers as the connections do not allow me to use the stock amplifier. Can this be rectified? On a similar note; how do I hide the wires from the stereo to the trunk?

Answer
Hi Scott,

It's not possible to retain the stock amplifier in a 2002 Taurus.  This is because the factory amp has no audio inputs, as such; the factory radio tuner is integrated into the stock amp, and the stock head unit up front is just a controller with a set of fixed audio outputs from the integrated CD player or cassette player.   The correct way of installing an after-market head unit is to bypass the factory amp, and connect the speakers directly to the new deck (using the harness that should have been included with the Scosche installation kit).

When I'm doing these cars, I generally remove the rear seat cushion by pushing it back while lifting on the front edge.  Then you can pull off the plastic sill panels that run along the lower edge of the door openings on the driver's side.  The wire run can then be pushed under the carpet along the edge of the door, and the plastic panels replaced.  Run the wiring under the rear seat to the trunk, and under the side trunk liner to the stock amp location.

Be careful when routing the wire under the driver's side dash--make sure it can't get caught up in the steering linkage.

Hope this helps!

Brian