How To: Replace the 2015 Rockford Fosgate Nav unit

meisanerd

Need Bigger Tires

Intro​

This write-up is written based on a 2015 Pro-4X with a Rockford Fosgate system that has the navigation upgrade, and a built-in backup camera. I'm sure this is likely applicable to all 2.5 dashboards, and most of it is applicable to non-nav and non-RF systems, I am open to updating upon confirmations. The goal was to make it so I didn't have to cut any of the factory wires, and to retain as many of the factory connections as possible.

Parts Needed​

Head Unit: Take your pick
Wiring Harness (RF, Nav): Metra 70-7553
Wiring Harness (Non-RF): Metra 70-7552
GPS Antenna Adapter (Nav): Fakra C Male to SMA Male
AM/FM Antenna Adapter: Metra 40-NI12
USB Cable: USB A Male to USB Mini B Female
Steering Wheel Controls: Axxess ASWC-1
Aux In + Rear Camera (Nav): Axxess AX-NIS24SWC-6V

Notes for some of the parts​

I bought both the Metra 70-7552 and 70-7553 as most of the online databases list the 2 as the correct one, it is indeed the wrong one for the RF system with the amp. However, both of them are missing the pins for the steering wheel control, so I did take 3 of the pins out of that adapter to put into the other one so I didn't have to cut vehicle wires.

The factory microphone requires 5V input in addition to the signal wires. I couldn't find an adapter that made it work, the pins would be in the secondary harness that also contains the Aux In + Rear Camera. The head unit I bought had a mic built into the front of it that works quite well, so I didn't even bother running an external mic anywhere. On my old vehicle, the mic was mounted on the top of the A pillar near the sunshade.

My Pumpkin Auto head unit that I bought natively supports steering wheel controls, so the Axxess ASWC-1 is unnecessary for it, but a lot of the more mainstream brands likely do need that.
 
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meisanerd

Need Bigger Tires

Preparing wiring harnesses​

Metra 70-7552 / 70-7553​

Match the wires from the new head unit harness to the Metra wires, and crimp/solder as necessary. If using the RF system, you will be plugging the RCA cables from the Metra into the back of the head unit, so you can leave the speaker wires disconnected.

For stealing the pins from another harness for the steering wheel controls, you will need an extraction tool (small sewing pin or a paperclip). From the back (wire side), push the pin you are going to remove forward and hold it. Then, from the front, shove the extraction tool into the slot above the pin you are removing, and pull the pin out. You will need 3 pins for the controls. The pins go into slots 6, 15, and 16. Crimp/solder them to the appropriate connections on the head unit or ASWC-1 as applicable.

Fakra C Male to SMA Male​

No preparation is needed for this.

Metra 40-NI12​

No preparation is needed for this, but you can optionally remove the power antenna wire using the instructions above for removing pins

USB A Male to USB Mini B Female​

No preparation is needed for this.

Axxess ASWC-1​

*** I Didn't need this, but if someone else can give me instructions, I can update this***

Follow the package instructions on how to set this up.

Axxess AX-NIS24SWC-6V​

*** I am waiting for this to arrive, it currently appears to be stuck in customs ***
 
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meisanerd

Need Bigger Tires

Installing in vehicle​

Dash disassembly​

Carefully pry off the top holder, there should be 5 clips holding it in place, 1 on the front (closest to you, furthest from windshield), and 2 on each side.

There are 3 black screws to remove. Careful with the top middle screw, there is a metal bracket that holds the screw in place. If that bracket falls down, good luck getting it back.

Carefully pry the stereo trim forward. This part also brings the climate controls and airbag light with it. Ensure the airbag light does not get disconnected, as that requires a system reset.

Undo the harnesses holding in the stereo and the climate controls. Unscrew the airbag light.

Head unit removal and replacement​

Unscrew the head unit carrier from the stereo trim assembly. There are 4 screws holding them together.

Remove the head unit carrier from the head unit, and assemble the carrier on the new head unit.

Re-attach the carrier to the stereo trim assembly.

Dash Reassembly​

Follow the disassembly instructions, but in reverse.
 
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meisanerd

Need Bigger Tires
Misc notes

Also, pictures will be coming, I have a few of them already taken, but I have to disassemble again to install the backup camera adapter, so will try to get what I missed the first time when I do that.
 
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