Overview of the Ford Transit Connect

The Ford Transit Connect is a handy van to have if you need to have a van. Smaller and nimbler than traditional vans, yet taller and arguably cooler than minivans, the Transit Connect made its U.S. debut in 2010 and was an immediate hit.

Gas was insanely expensive back then, but people always need to haul things, so a van that actually achieved decent fuel mileage was exactly right for the times. The fact that the Transit Connect was a well-sorted, thoroughly decent vehicle was kind of a bonus. As a result, the first-gen TC is still a popular choice for everyone from sub-contractors to motocross riders to the mobility-challenged.

Whether you use your Transit Connect for work, play, or everyday; better sound can make a pleasant drive even better. The standard stereos are adequate, at best, and with as much room as the Transit Connect has inside, there's plenty of room for audio upgrades.

You'll need four of these DIN tools to remove the 2010-11 factory radio (Crutchfield Research Photo)

The factory stereo system

The Transit Connect was designed as a work truck first and foremost, so the factory radios were pretty basic. The 2010-11 models came with a standard AM/FM/CD receiver with two speakers, while the 2012-13 models offered an AM/FM/CD/MP3 receiver with your choice of two or four speakers. They're okay, but that's about all.

In any case, you'll lose the factory AUX input when you replace the radio, but you'll have no trouble finding an aftermarket stereo that has one. A wide variety of single-DIN (2" tall) or double-DIN (4" tall) stereos will fit, so you have plenty of options. You'll need a dash kit to install a new receiver in your Transit Connect, and it's available at a deep discount along with your Crutchfield purchase.

Ford also offered an optional in-dash computer in this Transit Connect, but we haven't seen one yet, so we can’t tell you much about what it does or how to replace it. If you have one, and especially if you've replaced one, please share your experiences in the Comments section below.

The 2012-13 model is a different deal, but it's still pretty easy to work with (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the factory radio

The Transit Connect's stock radios vary a bit, but we can tell you how to remove either of them. Illustrated, step-by-step disassembly instructions can be found in the Crutchfield MasterSheet included with your order.

2010-11: The original radio was about as basic as you could find back then, but it did the job. Technology has moved on quite a bit, though, so it's time to add something new to your Transit Connect. Thankfully, the task is pretty easy.

To remove the old radio, take two pairs of DIN tools (included with your purchase), insert them into the holes on either side of the receiver until you hear a "click." Then, use the tools to loosen the radio and pull it out of the cavity.

You'll need a wiring harness adapter to connect your new stereo to the Transit Connect's factory wiring, and it's available at a nice discount with your Crutchfield purchase. 2011's wiring harness does not have a power antenna connection, so you'll need to connect the new stereo's power antenna wire directly to your vehicle's power antenna connection.

Tools needed: DIN tools (4)

Detailed stereo and speaker removal instructions

With step-by-step disassembly instructions and plenty of up-close, detailed photos, our exclusive Crutchfield MasterSheet™ takes the guesswork out of removing the factory stereo and speakers. It's free with your Crutchfield order, or you can purchase one separately for just $9.99.

2012-13: Removing this radio is a little more involved, but not much. You'll start by using a panel tool to pry out the trim panel and release four retaining clips. Be careful when you're doing this, because you don't want to break the clips. They'll come out just fine, but patience is a virtue.

Next, disconnect the defroster and hazard switch harnesses, then place the trim panel on the top of the dash. You'll want to use a shop cloth or an old t-shirt to protect the dash from scratches.

With that out of the way, remove the four 7mm screws securing the receiver to the dash, disconnect the harnesses, and remove the receiver.

Note: When you're doing the job, remember that the airbag harness is located in this neighborhood. DO NOT disconnect the airbag harness.

Tools needed: Panel tool, 7mm socket, ratchet, and extension

Read our Car Stereo Buying Guide for shopping tips and advice.

Shop for car stereos that fit your Ford Transit Connect

Removing the factory speakers

The front doors house 5-1/4" factory speakers (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Front door speakers

The Transit Connect's front doors changed a bit from 2010-2013, but 5-1/4" speakers remained a constant.

You'll start by using a pry tool to pry out the screw cover behind the door release handle. A hook tool will be really useful here. Remove the exposed Torx T-20 screw, then pull out the release handle trim. Next, pry off the door pull handle cover and remove two exposed Torx T-20 screws.

Now it's time to deal with the door panels. Remove three Phillips screws (or Torx T-20 screws) apiece from the panel, then lift up the top edge of the panel. Next you'll need to pry out one clip in the center of the panel (and the power mirror switch, if equipped) before disconnecting the harnesses and carefully removing the panel.

With the speakers exposed, all you need to do is remove the four Phillips screws securing the speaker to the door, disconnect the harness, and remove the old speaker. Your new 5-1/4" speaker will fit under the factory speaker grilles.

Tools needed: right-angle Phillips screwdriver, Torx T-20 driver, small flat blade screwdriver

The optional rear speakers have an awful lot of space to fill, so choose quality aftermarket models (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Rear roof speakers

The rear roof speakers, available on the 2012-13 models, are pretty easy to remove and replace.

To start, use a hook too to carefully pry off the speaker grille, then grab your Torx T-20 driver and remove the screws securing the grille to the factory bracket. Remove the grille ring, then remove four more Torx screws that secure the speaker to the grille.

Disconnect the harness, remove the old speaker, and get ready to install something that can do a much better job of filling the space with sound. A variety of 5-1/4" speakers will fit into the stock cavity, so you have plenty of options.

Read our Car Speakers Buying Guide for more information.

Shop for speakers that fit your Ford Transit Connect

There's plenty of room for a subwoofer box like this SPL Boxes SB212SV

Bass in your Transit Connect

If you want to add a subwoofer (or two or four) to your Transit Connect cargo van, you have acres of space to work with. Okay, maybe not acres, but you get the idea. We haven't had an opportunity to crawl around a passenger van and measure things, but we imagine that there's still plenty of room for a sub enclosure behind that extra row of seats.

Learn more about building a bass system in our Car Subwoofer Buying Guide.

The Accele RVCLPMBS rear view camera is a great choice for your van

Other upgrade options for your Transit Connect

A discussion of "other options" for a van can get pretty broad in a hurry. Depending on what you're starting with and what you're trying to do, we could be talking about, well, almost anything. We'll stick to things you can actually buy at Crutchfield.

Add an amplifier for better sound

To further improve the sound quality, consider installing a 4-channel amplifier for your speakers. That will give you the best sound from your music and really fill up the van's cabin. You can power all four speakers or power the doors with two channels and use the other two to power your subwoofer. That's a great way to get the power you need without buying multiple amps. Learn more about adding amps to your system in our Car Amplifier Buying Guide.

Rear-view cameras

Visibility in the Transit Connect is better than you'd find in more traditional vans, but maneuvering in a crowded parking lot can still be challenging, especially with a cargo van. We offer rear-view cameras from Kenwood, Alpine, Sony, Pioneer, and more. Some are designed to work with same-brand DVD/nav receivers only, but others come with a composite video connector and will work with almost any video receiver. Rear-view cams can also work with a dash monitor or rear-view mirror monitor.

Noise damping

The Transit Connect is a smaller hauler, but it's still a van, and there are some acoustic challenges to deal with. Installing Dynamat in the doors when you're replacing the speakers can really reduce annoying road and wind noise. If you're all about sound, you might want to line the floors, as well.

You can also install a set of foam speaker baffles behind your new speakers. In addition to helping with performance, they'll also provide extra protection against moisture and dust.

Security

Installing a security system in your Transit Connect isn't easy (security systems rarely are), but it's less complicated than it could be. Our Crutchfield Advisors can help figure out what you need to get the job done, but we usually recommend taking your car and new gear to a professional installer when it comes to security systems.

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