Replacing a Stock Radio in a Ford Taurus 2002 SEL

So my friend and I are somewhat into car audioOn top of that, the aftermarket dash kit we
visual (it's a lot of fun) and decided to change outbought didn't have any knobs - they expected us
my stock Ford radio for an aftermarket one.to supply ones from the last heating system -
We didn't really know what we were gettingand nothing to plug the knobs into. We could order
ourselves into until we got out the old deck. Thethe knobs - $12 each - order the switches - etc.
'ol junker (well not really a junker, since it's anThe wiring harness was $80, the switches were
EATC temperature control module coupled with aaround $100 for all three...so the total cost for
CD player) was one big circuit board. This thingfixing this heating system would be getting close
looked so out-of-date that man could have wentto $500 when you incorporate the cost of the
to the moon with it (produced in 1974).aftermarket dash kit as well.
We got the deck out, bought an aftermarketI don't think I'll ever replace the stock radio in a
dash kit from the local car audio dealer, andFord again. At least if I do, it would have to be a
connected the new deck. THAT part was easy -model that Ford RECOGNIZES and actually has
but wiring the EATC back up (electronic automatichelp regarding the model. Buying replacement
temperature control) was worse then stickingparts at Canadian Tire just dosen't cut it - they
yourself in the eye with a hot poker.never work or fit - and when a Ford dealership
Here's a tip to anyone who wants to replace theircan barely help you, you really wonder who can.
stock car radios - NEVER cut the wiringLong story short - with winter fast approaching
harnesses. That being said, finding another wiringwe fused two wires together to turn the heat on
harness for the beast that actually works hasfor the winter. Simple solution. Likely when
been almost impossible. None of the wiringsummer rolls around, we'll fuse a couple together
diagrams off any website were of merit - andto turn on the AC.
Ford has none themselves that could be of helpOnly thing that bothers me is I can't turn the heat
to us.up or down. But it's on - so scrue it.