Author: Ken Payne

This is part one in a series of articles detailing the installation and use of a Magellan Integrated Ford F-150 navigation system in our Roush F-150 project truck. We'll leave the details of this system's features and use for a later article and concentrate on the installation procedure first.

Illustration 1: The stock dash

Illustration 2: The Magellan Integrated Ford F150 Navigation System

We were informed that the installation was easy, and we can confirm that. Practically anyone with 15-30 minutes to spare and the ability to turn a wrench can install it.

Illustration 3: Pull back the top of the dash panel. It will take a little bit of pressure but once the first snap-fitting comes loose the rest is easy.

Illustration 4: Pull down along the edges until all 6 snap-fittings are undone.

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Illustration 5: Disconnect the wires at the top/right of the dash panel (note that the panel is being held upside-down in this photo). You can now move this panel back and out of the way.

Illustration 6: Remove the two bolts holting the dash tray in place.

Illustration 7: Lift up and remove the dash tray.

Illustration 8: Put the Magellan unit in place and feed the wiring behind the radio. There is plenty of space for this. The Magellan has a USB connector on it like the universal units do. Just in case we ever need to update the unit, we secured a USB cable to it and fed it behind the radio along with the Magellan wiring. Currently Magellan does not document use of this port on the F-150 unit, but for $5.00 and 30 seconds extra time its good insurance in case they make updates available.

Illustration 9: Here's the Magellan wiring behind the sound system. The wire highlighted in yellow is the USB cable. You easily drop this down to the right so it's accessible behind the passenger side center console kick panel.

Illustration 10: Disconnect the sound system wiring harness. Connect the Magellan to the vehicle harness, then connect the sound system harness into the other end of the Magellan harness.

Illustration 11: Using the two bolts you removed in step 4, secure the Magellan in place.

Illustration 12: Reconnect the wires you disconnected in step 3. Turn the ignition to the “on” position before securing the dash panel. Make sure it powers up correctly before securing the panel!

Illustration 13: Push the dash panel back in place, making sure all 6 connectors snap in place. Then enter your street address into the unit and leave the power on for 15 minutes. This will allow the unit to sync up with as many satellites as possible.

We found the installation extremely easy and unlike many universal GPS units the unit looks like it belongs on our F-150. Our initial impression of the use and features of the unit are positive and we'll be following up this article with a detailed review of the unit. Overall, we're very impressed with its features, functions, ease of installation and OEM look.

Roush F-150 Project Truck Sources:

Brand Motion
(877) 276-6456
www.brandmotion.com/products/products-magellan.html

Stealth Auto
(888) 978-3258
www.steathauto.com

Volant Performance
(909) 476-7225 (US Sales)
www.volantperformance.com

Roush Performance
800-59-ROUSH
www.roushperformance.com
store.roushperformance.com

Gwinnett Place Ford - (770) 476-2090
Craig Hooten, Sales - (678) 499-2606
www.gwinnettplaceford.com