The following works for installing an aftermarket radio in a 3rd generation Ford Escort (1997-up) or ZX2 (1998-03).
Using a DIN adapter plate is required to install a standard head unit in the Ford Escort. Since the radio and climate controls are built in same unit, you have to replace the entire panel.
You can purchase this stereo install kit from Car Amps Online.
The unit is very easy to install and will normally take about an hour, maybe two, to complete. The following is an installation procedure and photos from performing this in a 2002 Ford ZX2.
- The factory tape deck with integrated climate controls. This entire panel will need to be replaced in order to change out the stereo.
- Remove the climate control knobs by grabbing them with your hands and pulling straight out
- Use your Ford radio removal keys that are designed to take out the factory unit. Slightly "squeeze" the the keys to fit the holes on each side of the factory radio. You should hear them "click" when you instert them and they will stop.
- Once they are secured in the radio, slowly but firmly pull the factory unit out. A towel or rag can be placed over the shifter to avoid scratching it.
- Lay the radio against the towel.
- Carefully remove the connectors from the back of the radio. The connectors on the right side control climate controls and other vacuum connections. The connectors on the left are for power, ground and speaker connections.
- Use a Torx T-20 screwdriver to remove the factory screws to remove the controls from the back of the factory unit. Some drilling needs to be done to connect the factory climate controls to your new face panel. The layout is pretty straight forward and you can use the same screws the factory used. This is preferred because they will be long enough to hold the controls w/o going all the way through the face plate.
- Using a 7/64" drill bit, carefully drill two pilot holes that are needed to attach the controls. This size is a perfect fit for the factory screws.
- Install the climate controls on the new face plate.
- Connect everything back to the car is reverse of taking it apart. Everything should plug right in. If you have the premium factory sound system you need this stereo install kit here.
- Slide the new climate control assembly into the dash opening and push it until it stops.
- While connecting the receiver's wires to the adapter harness provided with the kit, crimp on connectors were used. However it's strongly advised to solder the wires instead as crimp on adapters can degrade the audio signal.
- Install the new receiver per the unit's instructions.
