If the stereo in your 2003 Ford F-150 doesn’t work at all, check the fuses in the passenger compartment fuse panel first. The blue 15A fuse in slot No. 1 and the tan 5A fuse in slot No. 8 provide power to the stereo. The entertainment system in your F-150 has an AM-FM stereo cassette, a stereo with a single CD player, a stereo cassette and CD player, or a premium six-CD sound system.
Open the hood and install a memory-saver device as per the manufacturer's instructions. Loosen the negative battery cable terminal bolt, using an open-end wrench. Gently twist the terminal on the post to remove it.
Locate the central instrument panel vents next to the stereo. Rotate the inboard edges of the vent grill forward to expose the edges of the finish panel. Grasp the edges of the finish panel and pull it off the instrument panel.
Push the radio removal tools into the pair of holes on each side of the stereo face to release the radio from the instrument panel. Slide the stereo unit out of the instrument panel just far enough to access the cables at the back. Disconnect the antenna lead and the electrical connectors from the back of the stereo.
Position the stereo for reinstallation. Plug in the antenna lead and the electrical connectors. Insert the radio removal tools into the holes in the face, then slide the stereo unit into the instrument panel. Hold the radio in firmly while removing the tools, and ensure that the stereo locks in place. Position the finish panel over the stereo and snap it into place.
Install the negative battery cable terminal on its post. Tighten the terminal bolt securely. Remove the memory-saver device.
