RDS radio station information

[Ozzie]

Hi all,

 

I am a brand new user with a simple question.

 

I have a 2007 Fusion I bought before X-Mas. It came with the basic sound system and Sirius SAT radio. I tried every button and went through all the modes and settings. I read every page of the manual to figure out where to turn RDS on. RDS is the system that decodes the radio station and program information.

 

I assumed it came with it as I have a friend that has a 2007 Focus and it came standard.

 

If any one has any good ideas, please let me know.

 

Thanks,

 

Oz

[jwillum]

Hi all,

 

I am a brand new user with a simple question.

 

I have a 2007 Fusion I bought before X-Mas. It came with the basic sound system and Sirius SAT radio. I tried every button and went through all the modes and settings. I read every page of the manual to figure out where to turn RDS on. RDS is the system that decodes the radio station and program information.

 

I assumed it came with it as I have a friend that has a 2007 Focus and it came standard.

 

If any one has any good ideas, please let me know.

 

Thanks,

 

Oz

 

I wouldn't count on it being there. I have a 2007 Sport Trac and there is no RDS functionality on my radio.

[bbf2530]

Hi all,

 

I am a brand new user with a simple question.

 

I have a 2007 Fusion I bought before X-Mas. It came with the basic sound system and Sirius SAT radio. I tried every button and went through all the modes and settings. I read every page of the manual to figure out where to turn RDS on. RDS is the system that decodes the radio station and program information.

 

I assumed it came with it as I have a friend that has a 2007 Focus and it came standard.

 

If any one has any good ideas, please let me know.

 

Thanks,

 

Oz

 

Hi Oz. :D I know that this has been addressed before, and some Fusion Audio Systems have the RBDS capability, and others do not.

 

EDIT: I re-read your post and realized you did state that you have the "basic sound system" (not the "Audiophile"). If that is the case, according to your Owners Manual, you do not have the RBDS capability. The Manual states that ability is limited to the "Audiophile" system.

 

I took a quick look at the Fusion Owners Manual. According to the 2007 Owners Manual, Fusions with the "Audiophile" system have the capability, the other audio systems do not.

 

The following is copied from the 2007 Owners Manual:

RBDS (if equipped): Available only in FM mode on Audiophile systems.

This feature allows you to search RBDS-equipped stations for a certain

category of music format: CLASSIC, COUNTRY, INFORM, JAZZ/RB,

ROCK, etc.

To activate, press MENU repeatedly until RBDS (ON/OFF) appears in

the display.

 

It then goes on to explain the various features. So essentially, all you need to do is scroll through your Audio Systems "MENU" options (press the button labeled "MENU" repeatedly) to see if "RBDS" is one of the options. If it is, you have the feature. If it is not, you don't.

 

Also, you might want to give the Owners Manual a longer look, it might be helpful.

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

[Ozzie]

I guess I'm just having a hard time swallowing the fact that a shit-box base model Focus has it and my SEL Fusion doesn't. That would be CRIMINAL.

 

I have the 6-CD radio but, there are only 4 systems avaible: Base, 6-disc, Audiphile and DVD NAV. It's not like I bought a an S...which you can't get here in Canada..

 

The raido's display has the little icon for it, it shows in the sunlight.

 

Thanks for the replies,

 

Oz

[DustMagnet]

The raido's display has the little icon for it, it shows in the sunlight.

 

Typically the display panels are the same across various related models. I've seen aftermarket radios as well where the less expensive radios in a product line will still have a display element for features only found in the more expensive models in the same line.

 

From checking the 2007 and 2008 owners' manuals, it really does appear that in 2007 only Audiophile systems supported RBDS.

 

2007: "RBDS (if equipped): Available only in FM mode on Audiophile systems."

2008: "RBDS: Available only in FM mode."

 

It looks like for 2008 all available radios support it. I have an Audiophile system in mine so I can't speak for the other radios.

[FusionFanatic]

I guess I'm just having a hard time swallowing the fact that a shit-box base model Focus has it and my SEL Fusion doesn't.

lol... I wouldn't call the Focus a "shit-box". the Focus may be the cheapest Ford model, but don't forget that the Fusion is only 1 step above it (it's the second cheapest Ford model)

 

The raido's display has the little icon for it, it shows in the sunlight.

that's because it's probably the same exact radio, just programmed differently. the radios are the same, but certain features/functions are enabled/disabled depending on the model, trim level, and options. for example, the Fusion/Milan stock radio on the "S" and "SE" models display the time, but that "feature" is disabled on the "SEL" models (because they come with the analog clock).

 

you can probably get the radio re-programmed to enable the RBDS feature. I'm not sure if dealerships have that capability. if they don't then try contacting one of the eBay sellers that program the stock Ford radios they sell and ask where they get it done.

 

good luck ;)

[Ozzie]

lol... I wouldn't call the Focus a "shit-box". the Focus may be the cheapest Ford model, but don't forget that the Fusion is only 1 step above it (it's the second cheapest Ford model)

 

Sorry for the shit-box thing. I also own a 2001 Focus and I still say it is one of the best cars I have ever owned. I'm just a little frustrated. At this point it has nothing to do with size or money, it's simply a ford thing. Put it in a base Focus but not in a top-of-the line Fusion. But through in a 6-DISC radio and SAT receiver though.

 

that's because it's probably the same exact radio, just programmed differently. the radios are the same, but certain features/functions are enabled/disabled depending on the model, trim level, and options. for example, the Fusion/Milan stock radio on the "S" and "SE" models display the time, but that "feature" is disabled on the "SEL" models (because they come with the analog clock).

 

you can probably get the radio re-programmed to enable the RBDS feature. I'm not sure if dealerships have that capability. if they don't then try contacting one of the eBay sellers that program the stock Ford radios they sell and ask where they get it done.

 

I heard that mentioned somewhere about reprogamming the radio. I'll look into it.

 

Thanks all!

 

Oz

[DustMagnet]

for example, the Fusion/Milan stock radio on the "S" and "SE" models display the time, but that "feature" is disabled on the "SEL" models (because they come with the analog clock).

 

Now there is something I'd like to see. The analog clock is nifty and all, but I miss a digital clock display.

[FusionFanatic]

OEM-auto-accessory.com sells replacement Ford radios. you could try contacting them to see if they will reprogram it for you. they probably don't offer a programming service, but it won't hurt to ask (they would rather you buy a new radio from them).

 

you could also try contacting Visteon (Visteon is the company that makes the Fusion/Milan 'standard' (single CD) and 'premium'/'audiophile' (CD6) radios. here is their website. since they don't sell factory radios directly to consumers I wouldn't expect much support from them, but again it won't hurt to ask.

 

NOTE: Pioneer makes the MKz 'THX' radio and the Fusion/Milan/MKZ factory navigation system ;)

[DustMagnet]

OEM-auto-accessory.com sells replacement Ford radios. you could try contacting them to see if they will reprogram it for you. they probably don't offer a programming service, but it won't hurt to ask (they would rather you buy a new radio from them).

 

you could also try contacting Visteon (Visteon is the company that makes the Fusion/Milan 'standard' (single CD) and 'premium'/'audiophile' (CD6) radios. here is their website. since they don't sell factory radios directly to consumers I wouldn't expect much support from them, but again it won't hurt to ask.

 

NOTE: Pioneer makes the MKz 'THX' radio and the Fusion/Milan/MKZ factory navigation system ;)

 

I just talked to United Radio (Visteon service center) and they claim that the radios installed in the models with the analog clock can't be "reprogrammed" to display the time.

 

That seems odd. I guess the tell-tale would be if there is a different part number for radios in S and SE vs. SEL models.

[FusionFanatic]

here is a thread from another Fusion forum that suggests it may be possible to enable the clock, RBDS, and other features from the radio itself by experimenting with different button combinations (after you enter the initial programming mode).

 

I replaced/upgraded my factory radio 2 weeks after I bought the car so I can't test this myself. good luck ;)

[Ozzie]

here is a thread from another Fusion forum that suggests it may be possible to enable the clock, RBDS, and other features from the radio itself by experimenting with different button combinations (after you enter the initial programming mode).

 

I replaced/upgraded my factory radio 2 weeks after I bought the car so I can't test this myself. good luck ;)

 

All I have been able to extract is version numbers, infomation and sefltests.

 

If anybody has any luck let me know.

 

Thanks,

 

Oz

[FusionFanatic]

All I have been able to extract is version numbers, infomation and sefltests.

what button-press combinations / sequences did you try?

[08Fusion]

My 08 S model has the feature... but I did do some reprograming to the PCM the day after I got the car and did play with some audio settings. Not sure if I might have turned it on then or not, because I just checked today because of this thread.

[akirby]

My 08 S model has the feature... but I did do some reprograming to the PCM the day after I got the car and did play with some audio settings. Not sure if I might have turned it on then or not, because I just checked today because of this thread.

 

How did you reprogram it and where did you find the audio settings?