I Found a Dummy Speaker & Turned it into the Best Budget Subwoofer Upgrade for Ford Bronco
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- Опубликовано: 27 авг 2023
- I had been toying with the idea of getting a subwoofer box that fits into my Bronco's panel. I was on a mission to see what box would be the best, but much to my surprise - when I decided to pop off the panels, I stumbled upon a hidden gem: a concealed subwoofer case with a dummy speaker and amp! Talk about a pleasant surprise!
In this video, I'll take you through the entire process, from ordering the sub and amp to using Forscan to reprogram the computer to make this subwoofer a functioning part of the stereo system. It's amazing how in just a few minutes, I was able to achieve the bass I'd been wanting, and all without breaking the bank - just a couple hundred bucks did the trick.
FORScan OBD Tool: amzn.to/3QK3707
Subwoofer: amzn.to/45oUrAP
Part number for the amp fp5t-18c808-ab
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The reason Ford did this is simple , to keep the line moving with as little disruption as possible. The UAW probably also had a say as to the persons job being eliminated due to the short term supply constraints of the spkr/amp assemblys. I put the 8" version of the Kicker sub along with a Kicker Key 500.1 amp in my 2dr and it surpasses the B&O in a co-workers 4dr. Installing sound deadening mat on the inside fender , rear of trim panel and polyfill inside the box is a must IMO. Actually love that they chose to include the box and wiring for me :)
most of the time if there is some component that no longer gets made, an employee gets moved to another area that needs additional headcount. Especially in a union environment. Its not a system where you can just fire someone because you stopped making the part they were assigned to build. Most of the time these types of ppl rotate jobs regularly to cross-train in different areas and prevent repetitive strain injuries.
From what i heard is that they put dummy speakers because they ran out of subs so they had a -250$ on the sticker price to compensate the short
This 110% works!!! Great video, great forscan walkthrough… it all worked and I couldn’t be happier.
Awesome!!
Had the same sub-delete dilemma two weeks ago but opted for the stinger tailgate sub and wiring kit with their amp. Your method seems easier with less panels being removed and fewer wiring harnesses/output converters. Awesome forscan tutorial. Thank you!
You’re welcome! Awesome to hear about yours, I may upgrade some more down the road :)
Great Video !! I took out all my speakers and had put in Rockford Fosgate speakers, amp and sub. ( 300 Watt ) Sounds awesome !!! Heading to Bronco Celebration (West) in Colorado hope to see lots of Broncos !!!
Completed this last night. Complete plug and play. Thank you for walking me through the entire process. Perfect amount of bass.
Did forscan work as advertised? She hasn’t let me down yet, but I’m nervous anytime I plug anything into the dash.
i got a Ford Fusion amp & put a Kicker 6.5" sub into the enclosure as well...enabled the sub in Forscan and it worked great. i also swapped out the rear pods with the ssv 6.5" pods, installed 4" Focal's in the dash and 6.5" Focal's in the kick panels and pods with a Kicker 200.4 amp. Upgrading the pods made such a big difference. all in all, a budget sound system that sounds solid, great volume even at freeway speeds with the top off.
Awesome! I’ll slowly continue upgrading the speakers :)
Does it matter what year of ford fusion? and is it specific to the sub woofer only?
@@liadyinjayarlo5739 here's the part number for the fusion amp: FP5T18C808AB .it's just for the sub.
Just the right amount of what I needed. Thank you for the walk-through of everything. Literally was a plug-and-play. Good job BuckleUpButtercup.
Thank you and glad it helped!
Awesome thanks for this video this is what I was waiting for. Thanks for all the info on the forscan stuff. Keep up the great work.👍🏼👏🏼😊❤️
Thank you, glad it was helpful
Seems like just the right amount of bass
it seems to do the trick!
Thank you for this! I was able to replace the fake sub and amp very easily after watching this video!
Awesome!!
Girl you’re awesome!!! Thank you for helping me jam out my fake ass speakers!! Sounds SO MUCH better! The only thing I had to figure out on my own was that you need a license key from Forscan, in which they offer a free (2-month) license key (if anyone get’s that error BTW) Thanks again for putting this video together!!
Glad you were able to upgrade!!
Followed the instructions in the video. Bought a Ford Fusion Amp on Evil-Bay, did the Forscan programing and it worked great. Many thanks for the video!
Great to hear!
Definitely a huge difference 👍
I wish my 2022 OBX came with that dummy speaker setup. In my prior 2021 OBX I installed a downfacing sub box and I liked it. The sound was amazing, but I hated eating up that floor space.... This time around I went with the pull-out tailgate which has been one of my favorite upgrades since getting my latest Bronco. So this time around my options are by the Ford OEM sub box you have and build a stock-like setup OR add one to my rear door panel. But, by using that stock Sub box means you save all that interior space and you can still use your rear door panel for other mods. The fact that you have the box and speaker panel cut out straight from Ford is the IDEAL situation. If only they all came like that.
I agree, it is nice not eating up cargo space!
I have seen a couple people do this then add some dynamat type material to the box or spray truck bed liner to deaden it a bit. the more rigid the box structure the better the bass will be.
You initially made a comment about the original wiring harness; did your install work and that was the before then you updated software for after sound? TY
I have been waiting for this video (or one like this). Thanks for figuring this all out! Was it difficult getting the back panel off to access the sub?
It’s not that difficult, it’s worth it :)
Hello, Please let me know if you need to take out the bottom flooring when removing the side panel to get access to the subwoofer? Some video's are showing that as a requirement but in your video it seems you the left the flooring in-tack. Also do you have a video showing how to remove the side-panel where the subwoofer is located?
Look at that trunk space !
I have a 23 bronco with the fake sub..can I use that same wire to hook up 1500 watt pioneer amp without running in more wires. I know how to use forscan as I upgraded all speakers to kicker ks and the 6.5 mabbett pods....
I purchased the Ford Fusion amp and the kicker sub and did the Forscan "reprograming" like your video showed, and WOW that was spot on and it is amazing the difference in the sound coming from the radio now. BTW... I am coming from a Bose system in my last vehicle, so I am now enjoying the radio more now.
So just want to say thank you for the detailed information.
I would like to know though if you have any other cool mods that I can use the Forscan software on to do upgrades to my 2023 Wildtrack Bronco...
Take Care and Happy New Year!
TC
I’m so happy you found the video helpful. It does make a nice difference in sound, happy new year!
Is all this the same as if you have a factory working sub? Does the stock amp have enough power for the Kicker sub?
Would've been nice if you reviewed the removal of the side panel.
Well my 2023 Badlands has that same stuff, the difference is that mine is a real working speaker 😊
Hi There,
Please describe the interference with the Ford ProCal you mentioned. Thanks either way...
I have 2 12 inch Memphis subs in my trunk with 1000 watt amp, they're not super loud like i would have had years ago but they're perfect for me now in my late 30s and depending on what I'm listening to they can get stupid loud on occasion but i mostly listen to metal and rock these days. I'll never have a vehicle without some sort of subs, once you have them you can never go back.
I agree, I love having that bass sound and I'm "old" haha
yes, but clearly the 100w sub-woofer amp from Ford is superior... LOL. ;)
Wow!
What kind of screws would I need to buy for the install?
Great video! What was the difficulty with the tune and forescan? Is there some extra step I need? Love my tune too! And totally am also excited I got the empty sub box instead of the pocket I had in my Jan 22.
As long as you have the forscan tool above and latest software update, you should be fine as far as the tube interference. Forscan needed to update software.
Just sitting here with a pile of money waiting for y’all to produce and sell aftermarket boxes and grills.
I wish Jim would have covered the wire location on the speaker. Which goes where.
I have a 2024 Big Bend and whatever is behind there emits a knocking noise when the keys get in proximity of the vehicle and sometimes randomly while the car is off. So checking my sticker it says I have a AM/FM,7 SPKRS,SDARS so I think i have a functioning Sub in that spot.
Great video,im going to check to see if i have a box in my 23 wildtrac.BTW what kind of cargo mat is that?
Hopefully you have it! It’s my Buckle Up Offroad mat!
buckleupoffroad.com/pages/search?q=Cargo%20mat
I have GYATT to get me one of those things that go boom. And a sun enclosure while I’m at it.
If I hadn’t of seen this video I never would of thought to check my window sticker. My badlands is the same as yours with the $250 credit. I guess it’s time to take it in to get a real sub and amp installed. I’m not very tech savvy so I’ll let the pros handle this one.
Isn’t it crazy?! A nice way for a good upgrade :)
so true!!! @@BuckleUpButtercupTV
Sounds great! Only broke a clip and some other piece that don’t seem to make a difference. No need to upgrade any other speakers with this at least for me.
Glad you’re happy with it!
2ohm or 4ohm subwoofer? also where do you get the info on what to change in Forscan?
A 4 ohm subwoofer was installed… where do you get the forscan information?!? FROM THIS VIDEO OF COURSE 😂
4 ohm thank you, I am trying to find forscan info on the upfitter switches I installed , maybe you can help with that?@@BuckleUpGarage_
Did you just take off the side panel,or the floor and scuff plate and rear door edge. Thanks
I have washout flooring so I had to take the bottom floor panel off in order to remove the quarter panel
Do you know if this would work conceptually to my Lincoln Corsair that has the sub deleted?
No clue, sorry
Nice job! I would have added some fiber filling to that sub box as plastic is pretty terrible for sound quality.
I may go and do more of that, but I wanted to see if I even liked this. I will likely upgrade overall, but we will see
Yeah right like you could tell the diference in sound quality on an 8" sub inside a vehicle with a plastic box....
@@BenJamin-ou7kd She used a 6.75" sub not an 8" and yes, you can tell the difference. I've been doing this for 25 years and never have put a sub in an empty box
Did you read the bulletin SSM 51784 from the NHTSA, by chance? Not sure what year yours is, but, that might be it?
Thank you! This is the first official thing I have read. Everyone has their speculations or said they had the proof with no result! You win!!
SSM 51784
2023 Bronco - 6-Speaker Audio System - Non-Operational Subwoofer -
Built On Or Before 11-Jul-2023
Due to a supplier chip-shortage, 2023 Bronco vehicles built on or before 11-Jul-2023 and equipped
with a 6-speaker sound system come with a non-operational rear amplifier. This non-operational
amplifier (service part number N2DZ-18C804-B) will not produce sound (by design) from the rear
subwoofer. The non-operational rear amplifier and subwoofer assembly will appear identical to a
working system. Customers have been notified and compensated appropriately for this change to
the vehicle. For more details, refer to the Electronic Field Communication titled Product Offering
Changes: Ford Bronco Audio System published on 09-Dec-2022. Vehicles that meet these criteria
should not be diagnosed for a symptom related to poor/no performance from the rear subwoofer.
Thanks - mystery (sort of) solved - now why did the Ford plant do this?
Did you read the bulletin SSM 51784 from the NHTSA, by chance?
Someone just commented about it!! So happy to have an “official answer” 👏🏼👏🏼
Will this void warranty?
You should at least went with a 8" subwoofer at a minimum for your bass but i understand your restricted to fit a 6 3/4" sub to go into the factory oem sub enclosure. That is crazy that it came with a oem factory sub enclosure and top of that Ford put a dummy amp and speaker into it. They usually don't do that if the vehicle was bought as a base model with the minimal options on it.
random question, what do you have on the b-pillar, the exterior black panel?
good eye! This is something I am getting ready to offer on the website. It's a protection panel.
@@BuckleUpButtercupTV awesome, yes that section seems like a very scratch a fade prone area!
PLEASE HELP! I’ve been looking for the Ford Fusion amp and don’t know where to buy it from a reputable company. Do you have any suggestions as to where to purchase the amp?
I recommend a junk yard or eBay/Amazon used.
Thank you so much for your help! Keep up the GREAT work :)@@BuckleUpButtercupTV
Put the fusion amp in and kicker speaker, no sound,do i have to change the forescan for it to work. Thanks
Did you watch the video?
@@BuckleUpButtercupTV yes I did , and the next day you got the new cable and you did the forscan, today I ordered the same cable from Amazon and am going to use my sister in laws laptop, hopefully that will fix the problem.
Sorry silly question. Can I avoid Forscan? I don’t feel comfortable about messing with software. Thanks!
No, you’ll have to do forscan
@@BuckleUpButtercupTV thanks!
Where did you buy the fusion amp from, and is there a year the amp is. Thanks
I put part number in description.
@@BuckleUpButtercupTV thank you
Great job.. Where's the Bass 🔊
Im curious as to how your loctite works as it disintegrates ABS plastic. It turns it into jelly.
No problems here
@@BuckleUpButtercupTV Until you try to or next owner attempts to remove the screws and realize they won't budge. Loc-Tite is for metal on metal security.
I did exactly what you did, but I felt like the bass for the subwoofer using the Ford amp was mediocre at best.
You said you used an amp out of a fusion. Do you have a part number for that?? Thanks
Part number for the amp fp5t-18c808-ab
FoMoCo FP5T-18C808-AB Audio High Performance Sound System Amplifier for Ford Fusion FP5T18C808AB
Ford had many complaints about the sound system and planned to add the 7th speaker included on all 2023 Broncos, but not announce it, just an attempt at surprise and delight for their Bronco owners. Because of supply constraints, they didn’t have the speaker and amp inventory to get them off the line. Knowing they had kept it under wraps they just did the 7 speaker delete when they ran out of parts and added a dummy that could be switched out later on a service visit. There ARE non B&O 2023 Broncos produced early on that have all 7 functioning speakers. Just depends on when it was produced and from what factory. I looked at a few that had all 7 speakers and was sad the one I bought didn’t
Foreskin...foreskin..foreskin.
You kept hearing it toooo😂..
Well, I sure can't seem to find that part anywhere. Give us a hint to where to find. Couldn't find using Google for hours, nor on eBay.
Nevermind, I searched on Bronco 6g and found a source TeamEquip, right away. Order the amp. Ordered the speaker you suggested from Amazon. Also, ordered some Kilmat to put in the box. At least I think that it is were it goes. I'm an audio noob.
Ordered your recommended OBD adapter as well.
looks like you're going in the right direction :)
Did you have to take the top off to get that panel out?
No
@@BuckleUpButtercupTV sweet, ty.
The jury is still out on that issue. 😂
So far the only official thing I found was this. Nothing about crash test… all I found was hearsay about it. static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2023/MC-10239478-0001.pdf
i have a feeling my 2024 ford everest sport might have a dummy, after seeing this.. im not home for another week, but im ripping the back pannel off to check, will keep you all posted
Let me know!
So has a factory amp and sub, and it was connected, but sounds so quiet, bought amp and sub, going to use this as a signal to the new amp, will let ya know how that goes... weird though the factory sub has 4 wires connected to it, from the factory amp.. that's confusing me
Do they make for scan for Mac
No
@@BuckleUpButtercupTV thank you that sucks lol
They did that during Covid when they were having problems getting parts.
Pull it back out and put pieces of sound deadener on and in the box and reinstall for a better sound
I likely will, but I may upgrade the amp first
The MY2023 added the sub standard but eventually was deleted for constant reasons. But ya weird to put dummies in
🎶
Buckle Up Buttercup makes the best videos ever :)
Thanks 😊
@@BuckleUpButtercupTV You’re welcome 😊
The reason its there is this. It was a 6 speaker system with a sub the inclosures were installed but ford ran out of subs, look on your window sticker .if you have a $250 credit .you got thr dummy goods
A B&O license is only 2 bytes.
You’re very lucky bc that speaker housing is $250 to buy, so you got off lucky. I am getting a 2023 that has the sun delete, so it is being said that I won’t have anything you have?
That’s a bummer! It’s so hard to keep up with all the changes!
@@BuckleUpButtercupTV it’s okay I am getting a kicker 10 in aftermarket one
Do you have a video how to install the jbl basspro go? Thanks, your video was helpful
2021 Ford Bronco Speaker Sound Quality Install Update | Is LUX worth it? JBL Bass Pro Go Upgrade
ruclips.net/video/-cPVCQDR0aU/видео.html
Great find ( fake speaker by FORD ) and Super Upgrade …. 🎉
Thanks!
Have others found this in their bronco?
yes
Yes. Exact same thing. Pulled it out and looked at in the driveway thinking to myself… ford paid somebody to put this thing in there. Imagine that person’s sense of purpose. Hopefully they have a bronco and at least drive happy.
Anyways. Got the fusion amp, all installed, Waiting for my forscan chord to come in so I can attempt to activate it.
She may not care why this happened BUT OH MY GOD I NEED TO KNOW. Working as a tier 3 supplier to Ford, GM and others. I cannot fathom them adding components they don't need to or that don't do anything for the vehicle. It feels like this missed installing some components or something. CRAZY. I NEED to know
So far I heard it was because the original crash tests were done with one in place. Who knows if it’s the case, I haven’t found any “official” announcement
@@BuckleUpButtercupTV man that's just tough to understand as they didn't install the driver for the speaker, so if that's okay , then why install the amp still? I can understand leaving the box itself but idk...so strange. Any other broncos u know have same thing?
@@BuckleUpButtercupTV If the fake speaker and fake amp is about the same weight as the real one, then yes it might be. It can change the weight distribution, which affect how everything react. My guess is that they ran out of time or money to do all the tests required, so they played it safe by adding the dummy. Or maybe the crash test failed without it. In that case they would have done some modifications and redone the tests. Those modifications might not be visible as it can be a simple thicker weld, or weaker one. A recall is very expensive and damage the reputation of the compagny. And is a massive pain in the butt!
@@MarkTrades__ We immediately checked ours after this video. Fake! So we upgraded lol
@@lindseycason5768 so so strange!
Dang... Did everything as shown on my wifes '23 and still no sound outta the sub. Anyone else's not work at first and needed something else?
Just to confirm you did get an amp? Maybe the amp you bought doesn’t work properly?
@@BuckleUpButtercupTV yes, i bought a focus amp from one of the vendors listed on one of the threads online. I'm taking out a 12" sub I already installed so she can have more trunk space and probably just going to run one of those soundstream mico amps hooked up to the rca+power wires i already ran
Whoever ordered your Bronco ordered it with the Subwoofer delete. That means it came with 6 speakers instead of 7. Ford installed the Dummy Speaker on purpose.
static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2023/MC-10239478-0001.pdf
yeah so the Bass dosent back the screws out and rattle.. good job..so millennial not old philco ford mono sound.
Someone needs to look up what happens when you mix loctite and plastic... little hint, its not good. The plastic that touches the loctite will become brittle and break apart within a year.
I’ll take my chances
Idk if it was me I could not hear a change
hard to put bass sounds in on a video
This is old news. Every 2023 has this setup.
Actually, any ‘23 Bronco produced on or after 12/21/2022 has this fake sub.
Actually not every 23
static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2023/MC-10239478-0001.pdf
My '23 has a working factory sub. I'm replacing the woofer with the kicker to see if it helps a bit. Might just do the Kicker amp too, but we'll see how the woofer sounds. The stock one is very weak.
In some ways its smart, others a decent waste. If you wanted a dummy filler to sit in its place you would generally need to manufacture some sort of blank. So obviously ford decided to just use the housing of a speaker without the driver to fill the space, its one less thing to make. My guess is they use factory defect pieces that never go through final assembly. And having an intact front resonator means they don't need to worry about some sort of rattle or it throwing off the sound system balance (it'll just act as a passive resonance chamber). Nor is there just some open hole for dirt and insects to just sit in a cavity behind the mesh faceplate.
The thing that throws me is the wiring harness and amplifier housing. That effectively does nothing. Excluding it wouldn't have any impact on much of anything and the extruded aluminum covers are not zero cost wise.
Although maybe its 100% automated assembly. A robot arm was designed to pick up a component and screw in the speaker and amp assembly into a place on the line. And in the overall scheme of the car assembly line its cheaper to not reprogram the assembly robot then to just give it nearly identical filler components to put in that place (maybe they are all QA reject components). If this is true then it costs ford almost nothing to put the upgraded sound system in every vehicle. That item code is just a 100% profit component. And they cannot do a software lockout of subwoofer because they know someone would come along and hack it to work.
you have the best legs ever!! hehe
If you want to thump on the base, get a JL audio speaker and a precision power amp
My guess is, it's a mistake.
Eventually there will be a run on these weak sauce Ford sub-woofer amps.
😳🎂🤤🫠
Your short brought me here. Just crazy that Ford did this. Even crazier that you couldn’t get an answer as to why!
Great work.
I am so boggled as to how you found this video and was able to comment as I haven’t released this video public yet! Haha so strange, either way glad you liked it. Your view one ☝🏼