Radio upgrade along with temp controls

2016 FORD FUSION
147,000 MILES • 2.5L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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DYAMONDN
I’m trying to upgrade to a 9 in screen for my radio but I’m not sure what to do to keep my temps control parts. The new radio that I bought has the screen and the openings for the buttons but they don’t match the old radio of course. The motherboard inside is one long green piece for everything including the radio, cd player controls and the air. What can I do to be able to transfer the temp controls over ?
Aug 3, 2025 at 10:37 AM
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STEVE W.
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Welcome to modern vehicles. Most of them are not designed to allow for replacements with anything other than the factory parts. In this case I would look at Crutchfield and see what they have to allow this to work other than to find an OE upgraded unit. There is no real way to just transfer pieces over as they are all integrated into each other and not individual modules. The controls for all of the items go through the body module and the rest, that is why changes are very difficult. In some cases you mount the entire old radio and controls someplace else in the vehicle just to keep the controls and memory systems.
Aug 3, 2025 at 1:08 PM
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DYAMONDN
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Oh wow ok, thanks for clarifying. I will see if they have anything.
Aug 3, 2025 at 3:29 PM
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DYAMONDN
  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
I could try an upgraded unit. Any recommendations on where I may find it ?
Aug 3, 2025 at 4:10 PM
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STEVE W.
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 15,171 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
If you opt for an OE upgrade you would likely need to get one from a salvage yard or online, BUT because it's a 2016 you will probably need to do some program work. I think FORScan can do that but have never tried it myself. You would need to activate the upgraded radio for all the functions to work properly, as such I would try to find the top of the line version and the related modules for it. You are not the first to run into this problem. The other option would be a full kit from Crutchfield, they do a really good job with them, although they are not low cost.
Aug 4, 2025 at 8:42 AM
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