2003 Lincoln in Navigation add-on for Satellite radio

Hello!

I am the proud owner of a 2003 Lincoln Town Car. Very late the model year (4/2003) Lincoln announced the late availability of 2nd generation radio/GPS/navigation system in the town car. This would be an all new DVD based system that would also replace the trunk mounted remote CD player with a 6-CD in dash unit. The word at the dealer was that this was the Nav system to be used in ALL Lincoln's starting in 2004. My 2003 has this Radio/Navigation system. I have been told (unconfirmed) that the unit is made by 'Denso'. At that time the dealership mentioned, and I believe I even saw in print somewhere, that this same unit would have a factory add-on Satellite receiver (Since it's a Ford, it will be Sirius). For 2004, Lincoln has advertised this fact everywhere. Having carefully looked and played with the 2004, I can find no differences at all with mine. I would like to get this upgrade. The bad news is that Dealerships in my area have proven completely unable to help.

I think I have found the add on kit at "Radios & More". Part Number: 4047452 http:// www.radiosandmore.com/prod_detail.asp?pn=4047452 Talking to a very nice gentleman there, it seem that Ford sells this for 2004s. However there is another complication. It seems that the existing unit must have the proper software level, and he can not upgrade the radio SW.

Does anyone on this forum have any experience with this situation?

How can I tell if the 2004 will work for sure?

What SW is required in the radio, and how does one get and apply the updates?

Thanks,
evan

no me gusta.

[gary712]

as of now if your radio does not have a "SAT" button it is not satelite ready. now for the good news, ford says they will have a software update for the dvd based nav units in the very near future. stay tuned for further news.

Any news on this software update?

[gary712]

yes the updates are available for these systems. the sirius satelite tuner has to be installed before the software update. the software update is on dvd's that download updates to your system thru the dvd rom (this is where you put your nav dvd). when the update is complete your FM2 button will change to SAT1. check w/your ford dealer or ask them who does their radio warantee work or take a ride to NY

[gary712]

by the way that link is correct. that is the sirius add on unit for your radio, you will need the harness and the update

Sorry for such a late reply, but THANK YOU very much Gary.

Evan, how did you make out with the tuner installation and the software upgrade. I too have a 2004 "Ultimate" along with a non-cooperative Lincoln dealer who professes total ignorance about the satellite upgrade and won't even make a call for me. Exactly what equipment do I need to but from Radios and More and do you have a Lincoln part number for the software upgrade? Thanks for the info.

Hi Bill D,

I had ZERO luck. I encourage you to call the folks at Radios & More. You need the kit AND possibly the 'firmware' upgrade to the existing head unit to support the Sirius add-on hardware. They ONLY sell the kit and not the firmware upgrade. The only way that Radios & More could confirm the need for the upgrade was to look for a sticker on the head unit itself that is not externally visible. (And I don't recall the specifics) With any luck at all, they know more about when the upgraded firmware is needed, and how to do it. At the time they suggested that I find out where the dealership sends their radio work to and deal with them directly. I do think you will have much better luck then me, as most don't beleive that Nav unit was even an option in 03. Sorry I could not be of more help, maybe this post bump will encourage new data from others.

[gary712]

if you are having trouble with this issue from your dealer, go find a ford or lincoln-mercury that is willing to help you. this a common add-on unit that a dealer should be able to help you with.if no dealer wants to help you call ford direct and complain.